"Ten Steps to a Healthy Weight"

Submitted by Kelly Evans

(1) Identify your feelings. Several times a day evaluate how you are feeling at that moment and try to discern why.

(2) Ask for support. You don't have to do this life by yourself. Allow others to help and assist you in achieving your goals.

(3) Be fair to yourself. Each day ask yourself "What am I expecting of me?" Do you have unrealistic expectations for yourself? Are you letting yourself get by without much effort? Positively challenge yourself daily.

(4) Give your body a break. Recognize that your body truly is a temple. If there are repairs that need to be done then start making them. But no matter the shape, it is still a temple for a sacred spirit.

(5) Fake it until you make it. Act as you wish you were and you will soon see you are as you wished to be. You can become whatever you desire. Never give up improving on you.

(6) Take charge of your health. Make some form of exercise an integral part of your everyday life. Get medical checks at appropriate times. Take responsibility for your eating behaviors. Choose to do good things.

(7) Don't deprive yourself. Make sure you eat lots of good foods: grains, fruits, vegetables. If you crave something sweet, ask yourself- "Do I really want this?" If the answer is yes-- enjoy every morsel. As you consciously eat good foods and allow the occasional indulgence you will find that you naturally make better food choices.

(8) Discover movement you love. Exercise should be enjoyable. If it is not, you need to make changes. Anything that has you using your body will be beneficial. Look for opportunities.

(9) Take time for restoration. Maybe it will be 20 minutes reading, or taking a nap. Don't neglect you.

(10) Find meaning every day. Make sure life is filled with things more meaningful than food. Volunteer, read to a child/grandchild, do genealogy, attend the temple, become involved in community betterment.

Faculty/Staff Bulletin--April 9, 1998