Why Diets Don’t Work
I recently read an article about weighing yourself. Correction, it was about why you shouldn’t weigh yourself.
Apparently, there are people who obsess over the scale.
I get it.
And if you’re obsessing over a scale, you probably have bigger problems than being overweight. Other issues that may be causing you to overeat.
Don’t blame it on the scale.
I weigh myself every morning. Just once a day. About the same time every morning. Before I eat or drink anything. Just to keep myself in check. “They” say, it doesn’t matter. It’s just water weight. It takes days to lose actual fat. Blah, blah blah. Whatever.
It works for me.
The reason it works for me is that I look at it positively either way. Whether it’s tipping high.
Or weighing in low.
If it’s low, I feel good. But it doesn’t mean I head for the bacon, eat a burger and fries for lunch, then eat candy bars and chips all day. I look at what I did right and try to do it again.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat?
Eat healthy. Exercise. Everything in moderation.
Rules I live by. We all have times when we gain weight. Most of us average folks, anyway. My weight has fluctuated many times throughout my life. People look at me and assume that I am naturally thin. If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I would have a heck of a lot more money.
I don’t believe in “naturally thin.”
I believe in being healthy. There is a reason that I don’t have health issues. Even at my age. To prove that even I have struggled with weight over the years, I pulled out a book that a friend lent me back in my twenties. No, I never returned it.
My bad?
I’m pretty sure she told me to keep it. I must have put on a few pounds at the time and wanted to lose it. Since I am of the proactive nature and I keep myself in check. Before things get out of control, I read the book. It’s called Diets Still Don’t Work by Bob Schwartz. There are two main reasons I like the book: One I agree that diets don’t work. And two because a key element to success is “mindset.”
The mind is a powerful thing.
We cannot change the things that happen to us. Of course, we can make choices about what we do and where we go. That might increase our risk for danger. I certainly wouldn’t walk alone at night in a high crime part of town. But we cannot control everything. Death is inevitable. Challenges arise. The only thing we can control is how we react.
It’s not always easy.
We were born with emotions and we can’t change that. What we can change is how we take care of ourselves. It isn’t rocket science that when you are healthy and feel good, that everything in life is better. It helps us deal with whatever challenges get thrown our way. If you want to be proactive, take better control of your life and deal with challenges a little bit better…
Read a good book.
One that might actually help you. Like “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” It is not a diet. And the absolute first thing I teach is “mindset.”
The down side? You gotta do the work. And you gotta want it. If you don’t, don’t waste your money. Buying the book won’t do you any good.
Unless you read it, devour it and implement it.
Just like a gym membership does you no good. Unless you go to the gym and exercise. Anyway, don’t take it from me.
Here’s what Jocelyn Jones says:
“Thank You Irene, this is a very helpful tool for all the ladies out there that need to lose weight fast for a special occasion or just because. The tips are simple to follow and implement. I HIGHLY Recommend this book! :)”
And this Amazon customer:
“I lost 8 lbs that was driving me crazy.” –LS
When you are ready to be proactive just zip on over here:
For a little more guidance check out the Zipping It Up meal planning guide. It is *exactly* that – a guide. The meal planner for folks who want to lose weight but hate meal planning. Here is the link: Your guide to success.
The Ketogenic Diet
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The Ketogenic diet commonly known as Keto, is a low carbohydrate high-fat diet used for rapid weight loss. Success stories of weight loss are growing in numbers. With people toting all over social media about their weight loss success. The diet is spreading rapidly as one of the hottest weight loss trends.
The diet creates a low blood sugar effect which puts your body into a state of ketosis. This causes the body to burn excess fat quickly. Although it is recognized for weigh loss success, the diet consists of mostly fat and very little protein which causes some concern.
The Ketogenic diet was developed in 1924 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the mayo clinic. It was originally developed to help treat children with epilepsy. It has since been widely used by doctors and patients as a treatment for epilepsy. Although Dr. Wilder is recognized for coining the phrase Ketogenic, the diet may have been around longer. His studies were based on fasting and similar diets used to treat epilepsy since as early as 500 BC.
It’s not clear exactly when Keto became a popular weight loss trend. However, as with most diets, there are already many cases where the weight is gained back after going off the diet.
Pros and Cons of the Ketogenic Diet
The positive effects of the Ketogenic diet are rapid and significant weight loss. Making it appealing to those wishing to lose weight. However, there are drawbacks. Negative side effects have been reported as low energy, constipation and dangerously low blood sugar levels from the lack of carbohydrates. The biggest negative effect is weight gain after going off the diet.
Often times you gain even more weight back. Yet, remaining on the diet can be equally dangerous. The high fat food you consume while on the diet can put you at risk for stroke, heart disease and heart attacks.
A healthy lifestyle change with increased exercise and eating a well balanced diet is a safer way to lose weight and keep the weight off for longevity.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making healthy lifestyle choices has always been and will always be the safest and healthiest way to lose weight. And keep it off for good. Eating a well balanced diet filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and lean protein is not only safe but effective.
One of the downfalls of any diet is not incorporating a healthy exercise routine into your weight loss plan. Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It relieves stress, keeps your metabolism going giving you energy, it burns calories and releases endorphins that make you feel good. It also increases your stamina. For more productivity, better sex and happiness.
To learn more about weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices watch this video: Vital to Your Weight Loss Success
This post may include affiliate links. Which means I may earn some money if you click on one. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.
How to Build Your Confidence
Everyone should walk the red carpet at least once in their life.
Discover the confidence it takes to walk the red carpet.
What would you do if suddenly you were going to a fancy event, black tie dinner, or…
You are finally about to take the long anticipated walk down the red carpet?
And you need to get red carpet ready – FAST!
Don’t think it could happen to you?
Don’t be so sure.
Big dreams can turn into realities.
Look at Channing Tatum. Stripper turned famous actor.
Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling book and blockbuster hit movie Wild. She became famous after sharing her true story of overcoming drug addiction and walking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Jack Canfield, famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times before a publisher agreed to publish his best-selling book. Now with over 40 million copies sold.
Living proof that it could happen to you.
Even if you never walk down the red carpet. You can walk with the same confidence at any event. A wedding, a formal dinner, a hot date. Or strutting your stuff on the beach.
All you need to walk the red carpet is confidence.
The kind of confidence that only comes with feeling good about yourself. Like when you lose a few pounds. Your clothes fit better and you can even fit back into some of your favorite dresses.
But losing weight doesn’t just change your dress size…
It can change your life.
After I had my second child, I was 20 pounds heavier than I like to be. I was miserable. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way I felt.
After I lost the weight, my whole life changed. I felt happy again.
I ended a bad relationship, changed my hairstyle and started a new career. I eventually went on to start my own business and published my first book.
If I can do it, so can you.
You can accomplish anything your heart desires.
Taking care of your body and your health can give you the confidence you need to change your life. Giving you the confidence to go after your dreams, reach your goals and create a life of happiness.
Like my friend Charlotte did.
Here is what Charlotte said after going through the Zipping It Up weight loss program: “I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back to a size 6 again!”
Don’t wait! Start now.
Every small step you take will lead you in the right direction. You can start now by learning everything Charlotte did. The system that helped her drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
You will discover *exactly* how to build the confidence you need to succeed.
Get red carpet ready for any occasion.
Follow your path to success. Discover how it feels to be confident and ready.
You can begin your walk down the red carpet here:
I want to be red carpet ready!
This One Thing is Vital to Your Success
Discover the one thing that is vital to your weight loss success…
Are you ready to crush your weight loss goals?
Exercise and healthy eating are the a big part of reaching your goals. Old school methods that have worked for decades. The methods I teach in “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
Methods like:
*Drinking lots of water
*Squeezing in exercise to burn extra calories
*Eating your vegetables
*Reducing carbs and sugar
These things are all essential to living a healthy lifestyle. But there is one thing that is vital to your success.
This one thing can work wonders for your weight loss success.
It is so potent that it can also work wonders for everything in your life.
Including changing your career, relationships, financial freedom, finally publishing your first book, or anything else you are trying to achieve in life.
Discover the one vital thing that can help you succeed in everything you do. Watch the video now:
https://youtu.be/mqbdmIku7LY
Discover more ways to lose weight fast here.
Are Angels Real?
One morning, I was walking to my car from the grocery store. I was feeling a little discouraged and sad about some challenges I am facing. As I was getting into my car, I heard a woman’s voice.
She said, “I was looking at your cute little figure and I started to feel a little bad about myself.”
I turned to see a beautiful woman sitting in the car parked next to mine. The window was open, so I could see her clearly.
My first thought was “Angels are real.”
Admittedly she looked overweight. I personally see beauty from within. As it goes far beneath the surface of our skin.
I responded by telling her that she was beautiful.
And that I truly believe sometimes Angels are put in our paths. Often when we need them the most. She asked me to share my sorrows and offered to help by listening.
But her kindness was enough.
We chatted for a bit longer and she told me a story about the tragic loss of her young daughter. It immediately made me realize how minimal my problems were. In comparison anyway.
Wanting to thank her for her kindness, I asked for her email address. I wanted to give her a free copy of one of my books. “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” Not to insult her in any way. But Because she was telling me how she wanted to lose weight. I felt it was the least I could do.
I’ll soon be giving her a copy of yet another book I am writing. She will be in this book. As a key character and as my inspiration to begin writing the new book. It’s about angels in our path. The real life Angels we meet in our day to day lives.
Angels are real.
Incidentally, my heart wasn’t the only thing hurting that morning. My whole body was sore from exercising. Not in a bad way. It was the good kind of muscle ache that makes you proud of your accomplishments. I have been working out really hard lately.
It’s hard work getting (and keeping) your body in shape. It takes time and dedication.
If you have the desire to turn heads and get noticed, all my secrets are packed into 12 little chapters. Of the same book I offered my beautiful Angel that morning.
If you want a cute little body that turns heads, gets you noticed and has perfect strangers dishing out compliments – out of the clear blue…
Discover *exactly* how I do it.
You can find my little black book (black, white and red to be exact) on Amazon in Kindle and in print. Just click the link below:
The Best Abs Workout
Discover the best abs workout to get strong sexy abs fast.
When you are on the beach or lounging by the pool, you want to feel good about yourself. You want to feel confident in everything you wear. Your bikini, your favorite sundress and even nothing at all.
Read on to learn the best abs workout for a lean, mean tight core. Ab exercises that will give you toned, tighter, stronger and even flatter abs. These are the best ab exercises I have found to get flat abs fast. If you follow this quick 6 day ab exercise routine, you will have a stronger leaner mid section. This is the exact method I use to get beach body ready.
Cardio for Abs
Adding more cardio and other exercises to your workout routine will help you get there faster. And following a healthy eating plan. Even if you exercise for 10 minutes each day. It will improve your health. Even better try doing at least 2 to 3 10-minute workouts every day. It makes no difference if you exercise for 30 minutes all at once, or in three 10-minute intervals. Start now. Begin today.
If you start today and use the method I am about to share with you for 6 days straight, I guarantee you will have a stronger, tighter core. And it is absolutely 100% FREE to use. Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor who created Blogilates. A YouTube channel that has literally hundreds of FREE YouTube videos to help you get the toned, tight body you desire. The body you deserve.
I have been doing Blogilates for a several of years now and I absolutely love it. The best part is that she has a variety of short videos you can squeeze in. Even on busy days.
6 Days to Flatter Abs
This is by far my favorite ab workout routine. It is simple, easy to follow and best of all – it works! Find YouTube on your Smart TV, on Roku, your computer, iPad or even your phone. Look up these 3 videos and do them every day for 6 consecutive days, in sequence:
Day one: Extreme Abs
Day two: Extreme Abs 2
Day three: Extreme Abs 3
Repeat in sequence 3 more days.
That’s it. If you’re a beginner and you can’t do the entire workout without resting, that’s okay. Take little rest breaks and then pick up again when you can. Or pause the video and grab a drink of water. Then pick up where you left off. Believe me, if you hang in there and keep doing these ab exercises every day (or most days) you will be able to complete the entire workout before you know it. And you will feel great!
The videos are short and extremely effective. But like Cassey Ho says in Extreme Abs, “You want that body. You want that life. Then you have to work for it.”
For an even faster way to show off your flat abs and tight, toned body try shedding just a couple of pounds. It will help you accentuate your hot bod physique that you’ve been working so hard for. Check out “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
It’s available in select stores and on Amazon in Kindle and print. But don’t buy the book if you’re not going to read it. And do the work. If you want to lose weight, get more fit and have a sexy bikini beach body, you have to do the work.
Like my friend Charlotte did after doing all the things in my book. Here’s what she told me:
“I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back in a size six again.” Charlotte S.
If you want that body and you want that life learn more here: I want that body and I want that life!
For even flatter, beach body abs, prevent bloating by drinking tons of water. Check out my yummy recipe for Delicious Detox Water to reduce bloating fast.
How to Relieve PMS Symptoms Fast
Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a common condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle. Common symptoms are bloating, hunger cravings and rapidly changing mood swings which may lead to crying or lashing out in bursts of anger.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PMS. However, there are many ways to prevent and relieve PMS symptoms. Here are just a few ways to relieve symptoms fast.
Eat Chocolate to Relieve PMS
Eat chocolate. Chocolate contains natural ingredients that release endorphins which instantly make you feel better. The caffeine in chocolate also provides a quick boost of energy. The combination of caffeine with the “feel good” endorphins makes for a calming effect along with the deliciousness of the taste. Don’t overindulge, as chocolate is high in sugar and calories which can cause excess weight gain. Enjoy treats in moderation.
Exercise. Sweating it out with any exercise, running, yoga, Pilates or walking in the fresh air will make you feel better. If you don’t have much time, try doing at least 10 minutes of any exercise that gets you moving and your heart pumping faster.
Call a friend. Hearing the voice of someone you love can instantly make you feel better. Feel free to share the story that made you cry or have them share a funny story with you. Listening to joyful stories or stories filled with success should make you happy. Especially if it involves a personal friend or family member.
Make healthy food choices. Select foods high in fiber, protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You will feel better knowing you won’t put on excess weight. There is nothing worse than devouring a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream, then regretting it afterwards. Or the next day when you step on the scale.
Drink lots of water. A common symptom of PMS is bloating. Staying hydrated will reduce the bloating, make you feel better, and look better improving your morale. Adding citrus to your water and other natural detoxifiers will help reduce the bloating more quickly. Try this Delicious Detox Water Recipe for faster relief.
To sum up, eat chocolate for instant relief. Exercise regularly and for a quick fix to reduce PMS symptoms immediately. Make healthy eating choices and use the “everything in moderation” rule. Don’t overindulge. It will negate what you are trying to accomplish. If you do indulge, don’t beat yourself up over it. Your mental well being is as important to combating stress and PMS systems as your physical health. Get support from friends and family when needed. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and use natural detoxifiers to beat the bloat for faster relief. Download your FREE Detox Water Recipe here.
He Was Tied to a Trash Can
This morning I went for a run in the park.
The park has a lovely wooded area, a giant hill where kids go sledding in the wintertime and a big field lined with benches and trash cans. It’s a perfect place to run or walk your dog. Which many folks do.
As I was approaching the wooded area I saw a beautiful golden retriever. He was lying in the shade smiling at me as I approached.
It was strange because he was all alone.
I looked around and there was no one in sight. The first thing I thought was that maybe he had run away. But as I got closer I realized his leash was tied to the trash can.
He looked happy. He certainly wasn’t malnourished, and he even had his toy tennis ball which he promptly showed me hoping to play.
I called out thinking maybe his owner stepped into the woods or something. But why would they leave their dog?
He had tags on. Now it’s really strange. I wasn’t sure what to do. I began to look at my phone thinking I should call someone but the thought of this poor animal being caged up at the animal shelter was too unpleasant.
I was just trying to read his tags when I see a man running towards us.
He looked at me like I was hurting the dog or something.
Seriously?
You leave your dog tied up to a trash can. Then run out of his sight and you’re looking at me like I did something wrong. I explained that I was concerned.
I mean c’mon. You hear stories about missing dogs, kittens found in plastic bags. Stories too gruesome to repeat…
He thanked me as he untied his dog explaining that the dog doesn’t like to run. Then why the f*ck did you bring your dog???
Anyway, I hope the fear of my possibly stealing his dog will make him think twice next time. I could have been long gone with his dog had I wanted to take him.
And he never would have seen his dog again.
Anyway, this has nothing to do with health & wellness. Except to remind you NEVER to leave your dog tied up alone in a park.
If you want “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that in that little black dress!” It’s filled with even more actionable advice about weight loss, exercise and healthy eating.
Plus…
It helps folks lose weight…. Fast
Here’s the link:
Sometimes you have to lie…
When I was a young girl in my early twenties my dad gave me some advice. I didn’t agree with him at the time but sometimes when you get older, you realize that your parent is right. And that maybe you should have listened to them.
He said to me, “Sometimes you have to lie.”
This was before I knew that he lied after WW II. If he had told the truth that he was born in Ukraine he would have been sent back to Russia.
So he lied.
He said that he was Polish and his papers from Ellis Island prove it. They say he was born in Poland. When I asked him about he explained.
It makes perfect sense.
If he had told the truth, he wouldn’t have been able to come to the United States. He wouldn’t have met my mother and I wouldn’t be here.
One thing that is NOT a lie is that my friend Charlotte lost 8 pounds using the methods in my book. “Zipping It up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
Not only did she lose weight.
She dropped 2 dress sizes and is HAPPY being thinner!
So there you go. If you do decide to lie…
Make sure it’s for a good reason and that you won’t be hurting someone you care about while doing it.
For the raw TRUTH go here:
Sometimes you have to lose a few pounds…
From the depths of my soul…
Shhhh
I’m going to share a secret with you.
This might be a mistake. Since it’s coming from the depths of soul. I’ve decided to take that chance.
I’m not one to talk religion in most cases but lately I’ve been praying.
A lot.
Ooooh. Do tell…
I’ve been praying to be more kind. Yes. It’s true.
You see, when you go through difficult times, it changes you. It changes your mindset, affects your health, your relationships and overall well being.
Especially, when you see evil coming from people you thought to be kind.
It can be SHOCKING.
To say the least.
Greed, envy, jealousy, anger, frustration, regret and revenge are all feelings that are very real. They can manifest in even the kindest people on earth.
So I pray. Every time an evil thought enters my mind about the people who have hurt me. I pray that my good side wins and that I will always be kind. Regardless of how hurt I am.
What I have learned over the years is that when we take care of ourselves we react more positively in situations. Even the worst situations imaginable. By eating healthy, exercising, taking vacations and taking time to enjoy life.
Which is why I wrote “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
To help more people be kind.
It’s NOT just about losing weight.
It’s about a lifestyle change that creates positive change in all aspects of your life.
Do you want to be kind?
Or evil?
I don’t believe in “The Devil made me do it.”
We make our own choices. It’s time to end the excuses.
Back in February, I told someone that I want to help people live healthier lives. To avoid death and diseases like heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure and cancer. He told me “You’ll never do it. You won’t get them off the couch.”
Ha! The devil in me will not stop. I am determined to rise from the depths of disease and death to help save those who cannot save themselves!
You can fight too!
Do you want to be evil or kind?
What are you waiting for???
Here’s the evil link:
I want to be kind!