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Feb 5, 2010

How Bad Do You Want It?

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Whether it’s fat loss, muscle gain or better health…HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT???

Do you ever get sick of hearing yourself  talk and talk about all the things you plan to do, and then never do? Or maybe you know someone like that. I am working on a big project right now, and one thing that came up at a meeting yesterday, was that gap that so many people suffer from. It’s the gap between, what we know and what we do. You probably know how to eat healthy, what to eat, what exercises to do. I mean, I know some of the most unfit people, who know what to do but just don’t do it. What’s up with this? If you know what to do, why aren’t you doing it? You must not really want to do those things or to reap the benefits from doing those things. That’s sure what it seems like right???

So the million dollar question…HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT??? I have found in my experience, that when I really want something, I am willing to go to ANY lengths to get it. Are you willing to go to any lengths to live in a body you love, so you can feel fully expressed as your true self?

I have a client that kept saying she wanted to lose weight. She lost over 50 lbs a couple years ago, but she’d been hanging around the same weight for about a year, and so obviously she’d hit a plateau. As her trainer, it is my job to get inside of her head and figure out what is blocking her. I asked her why she was not making the choices that are in alignment with her goals. What we finally figured out was that she had a conflicting intention. She wanted to lose weight, but she was also in fear of loosing weight. She fears that if she looses the next bunch of weight, her skin will sag, her breasts will droop, and she will look old. I said to her, well how do you expect to lose weight, if you have these conflicting intentions going on. She was sending out mixed signals to the universe and the universe was not able to bring her back anything except more of where she already was, hence the plateau.

Secretly, my client was happy enough where she was to risk loosing her beautiful skin and perky breasts for the next 30 lbs of weight loss. So, therefore, she wanted to lose weight but she didn’t. That’s why she just stayed exactly the same for a whole year!!! Once we were able to dig this up and bring her awareness to it, she could make a conscious choice about what it is she really wants. I told her to just get the weight off, and then go from there, because most likely none of her fears will even happen, and meanwhile she is living in a body that could be MUCH healthier. So now that she has been able to clear that up, she is clear about what she wants and unafraid of losing the weight. I have never seen her so motivated!

It all comes down to HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT??? If you aren’t doing what it takes, then some part of you doesn’t want it and you should take a new look at things. I would love to hear from you if you relate to this at all. Are you struggling with conflicting intentions? Please share with me here on the blog! Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Jan 17, 2010

Motivation- “Biggest Loser Home Challenge”

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Well, it is a pleasure for me to tell you guys a little story that just may inspire the fat right off your body:-) Recently, I was sought out by a woman at the gym. Her name is Caren Day, and she was looking for someone to teach her about self myofascial release, or “rolling out,” and my good friend Jo Jo, at the front desk, introduced us and gave her my number. I heard from Caren about 2 days later. We talked a little bit about where she was in her life and all the pain she is feeling in her body. She’s been hitting the gym really hard, and I’ll tell you why, but she was suffering with aches and feeling beat up. She has recently decided to shape up after a long run of hardships and tragedies that manifested themselves in her own personal weight gain.

In our “getting to know each other” phone call, I learned Caren was actually competing with The Biggest Loser TV show, in her very own home. Caren actually applied to be on the show, and when she wasn’t selected, she got really serious anyway, and decided if she can’t go to the ranch, then she’ll make her own ranch. What a great idea! So Caren weighs in with the contestants every week! Please visit her blog at http://thebiggestloserhomechallenge.wordpress.com/, and follow her each day as she shares the trials and tribulations of being her own personal trainer, nutritionist, and motivator. Show her some support as she weighs in each week and compares her weight loss and progression each week, to that of the actual TV contestants!!!

I decided to interview Caren about her journey thus far, and here are some of the things I asked her:

ME: What was your motivation behind the blog?

CAREN: A friend and I were watching it last season and my friend mentioned how great I’d be on the show. That planted a seed in my head and from that day forward I decided I was going to lose weight. I auditioned for the show, but was not selected, and not long after that, I hurt my back pretty severely. After about 6 weeks of little to no movement and lots of depression, I began working with a physical therapist and finally got myself back into the gym. Something hit me and I said to myself, “I can do this on my own!” I narrowed down my priorities in order to get some focus in my life and since I’m a writer, I found that writing and loosing weight were at the top of my list, and there you have it! That’s how this all came to be.

ME: Wow, that’s truly amazing Caren, you are an inspiration. What is one thing you’d really like to share with people about your experience thus far?

CAREN: Well it looks so easy when you are watching the show because the contestants are able to completely focus on just their food and exercise and they have their own trainer. But what I’ve realized is that this is a lifestyle change, and in order to make it work, and keep the weight off forever, it takes ME. It’s all up to the individual, whether or not he or she is succesful in the long-term. There isn’t always going to be a trainer around. Buddha says it like this: “99% of the battle is a private battle inside yourself.”  It takes real commitment, and that word, COMMITMENT, has taken on  a whole new meaning to me.

ME: Incredible! I am so happy for you and really want to acknowledge you for such drive and passion. What would you say has been the hardest thing for you so far?

CAREN: Well, sugar is my weakness, so keeping that under control has been a real challenge. I also have this deeply rooted fear that has a voice, and it is constantly telling me that “no matter what I do, nothing will ever change.”  I am working through it one day at a time. However, I have learned to stop using the word “try,” because I am either doing something or I’m not. There’s no in between. To me, the word “try” is just a cop-out or an excuse to under-achieve.

ME: I think you made a brilliant point there Caren, I definitely can agree with you. I think you are doing amazing! Would you say that it is helping your process, to write the blog? And if so, how?

CAREN: I have always expressed myself through words, so the blog definitely enables me to look at each day as a mini life lesson. I am finding inspiration in even the smallest things. I have put myself out there, which is scary, because now I really have to wake up each day and just DO! However, I am really making much more conscious choices and the awareness inside of me is growing rapidly. I do run into negative influences sometimes, or those who unconsciously or consciously want to sabatoge me, but I feel that having the blog holds me accountable and makes it easier to stay on track. I am not perfect and there are times that I indulge a little. However, I believe the splurges are minimized greatly because I have people who are supporting me and tuning in to my every day experiences. Most importantly, I do it all for myself, and that feels really good.

 ME: Congratulations Caren, you have already won so much as far as I’m concerned. I always tell my clients that the best part of the getting fit journey, is the journey within. Thanks for sharing your story with me.

To get to know Caren better and to follow her each day, please check out her blog! If you’d like to contact me, please leave all your questions and comments here for me on the blog! Until next time, Here’s To Your Health!!!!! MWAH!

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Sep 30, 2009

Workout Wednesday- “The Pain/Pleasure Dynamic”

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I know I know…this was the title of yesterday’s post too. However, I talked about the profound Pain/Pleasure dynamic as it applies to Nutrition yesterday, and today I want to talk about how it applies to exercise. Now, the first I ever heard of this in this way, was in the book “Awaken the Giant Within,” by Tony Robbins, who is a brilliant man. He helped me put into words, something I have been describing to clients for a long time. That’s why I am sharing this with you…because it’s awesome!

So, if you haven’t already, please read yesterday’s post. As I explained in it, everything we do is based on pain or pleasure and how we associate things with both. For example, I know some people who HATE to exercise. They associate more pain with working out, than they do with feeling overweight and unhealthy. What they are typically doing is choosing what actions they take based on short-term pleasure rather than long-term pleasure. It may feel better in the moment for them to sit on their couch eating chips rather than go to the gym, but in a month when they have a reunion or a wedding to attend, they will suffer a lot of pain when they feel bad about themselves. So, ultimately, it comes down to what causes you more pain in the long run, unless you are fulfilled by the quick fix. I find most of us are never fulfilled by the quick fix. It just leaves us more and more empty and farther from what we truly desire. So, WHAT DO YOU WANT? Do you want short-term pleasure or long-term pleasure??? Personally I want long-term pleasure because I am seeking long-term happiness, not a quick fix.

So next time you are on the fence about working out, ask yourself these questions. “In the short-term, will it cause me more pain to work out or to sit here and watch TV?”  ”In the long-term what will be more painful, to be fit, feeling great, and ready to show up for anything, or to be overweight, unhealthy and feeling embarrassed about my body?” “Which do I prefer, short-term pleasure or long-term pleasure?” Once you have answered these questions HONESTLY to yourself, you will know what to do.

So any questions for me? Please leave them here. Here’s To your Health!!!

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Sep 29, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “The Pain/Pleasure Dynamic”

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Everything we do, all the choices that we make, are all based on whether or not something causes us pain or pleasure. Tony Robbins talks a lot about this in his book, “Awaken the Giant Within.” For example, those who procrastinate put things off because the doing of them registers as more painful than the not doing of them. It is only when putting things off becomes more painful than taking action, that a procrastinator finally decides to take care of business. This is the same for everyone and everything.

When it comes to diet, some people associate pushing desert away with pain, while others feel complete pleasure by saying no to dessert. The person who gets more pleasure out of eating the cookie, is choosing short term pleasure, and will most likely suffer later when they are over weight and frustrated with their health, where the one who resists dessert is choosing long term pleasure, even though they must pass on the delicious cookie in the moment. This is not to say that eating a cookie is always long-term pain, but if you are wanting to lose body fat, most likely it is not the best choice, unless it’s your cheat for the week.

What I am saying is that all it takes is a simple shift in our thinking about what causes us pain or pleasure. Being aware of this can act as a guide to making healthier, wiser decisions. If I want to maintain a lean, healthy body, then I understand there are certain things I just shouldn’t eat most of the time or ever. Therefore, if I find myself reaching for a brownie or a piece of pizza, I ask myself, “Will this cause me long-term pleasure or long-term pain?” My goal is to always choose long-term pleasure over short-term pleasure the majority of the time because I prefer long-term happiness.  Ultimately, for me,  no food tastes as good as thin feels. Even if something tastes amazing in the moment, after it’s gone, or when I wake up the next morning, I will not feel as good if I ate junk than I will if I ate clean. I know this as a fact now, so I have been able to link bad eating habits with pain instead of pleasure. This is a very helpful tool I suggest trying. First of all, set your goals and your intentions for what you want to achieve. Then, based on those goals and intentions ask yourself before each decision you make if what you are about to do is going to cause you long-term pleasure or long-term pain and you’ll then know what to do. Usually if it leads to short-term pleasure or instant gratification, that typically means you will pay for it later!!! Keep me posted on how this works for you in your life! Please post all questions and comments here for me on the blog. Here’s To Your Health!!!

See this video below to help make new pain/pleasure associations. It’s gross though, so beware!

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Sep 23, 2009

Workout Wednesday- “Changing with the Seasons”

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As the seasons change, be aware of how you feel and change with them. We too, change with the seasons.

Hey everyone. How are you doing this week? I know I’ve been hearing a lot of people say they are a little low energy or feeling a bit off emotionally. I am experiencing something similar, but I do believe it’s all a part of the Summer ending and the Fall beginning. As the seasons change, so do we, and I think many of us are feeling the shift internally. Instead of sitting around moping, I think it’s a good time to get even more active. Throw yourself into your workout routine and really push the envelope.

For example, I have been really craving the gym lately, even more than usual, so I am going to capitalize on that. I am also eating quite a bit more, so I have some extra calories I need to burn, LOL. They have actually turned out to be a great source of fuel for my workouts. However, today it hit me. I’ve been doing the same amount of sets of my full body circuit, for about 4 months now. Even when I make the exercises harder, it only challenges me a little bit more. So in order for me to really crank it up, and make the most of where I am internally, I am going to add an extra set or two of my full body circuit. So on the days I do 2 sets, I’ll do 3 and on the days I do 3 sets, I’ll do 4!!! Yep, this should be interesting to see what happens. My body, mind and spirit seem to be really craving more of everything, so I am just going to trust that and go with it.

Where are you internally? Do you feel the shift of the seasons inside of you? Are you feeling a bit like you need to shift things in your life as a result? If so, let me know! I’d love to help you figure out a good way to compliment your life with a few good fitness tips. Please leave your questions and comments here for me on the blog! Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Sep 9, 2009

NutritionTuesday- “Eating to Feel Good”

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WHAT’S YOUR BASKET FULL OF???

Well, hope you had a great Labor Day weekend and wore all the white in your closet just one last time LOL :) I actually got confused by the holiday yesterday and was thinking today was Monday, and therefore am just now getting this post up at 7:45 pm Tuesday. Sorry, I’m a bit late but at least it’s up!

Lately I have been researching all different kinds of diets, and philosophies because I have been very aware of the importance in eating the right foods for my individual body. One persons food is another persons poison. Also, certain diets such as Macrobiotic or Raw, as amazing as they are and as much as I recommend them, are just not good to do year round, for most people. I find that cycling these different theories based on bio-individuality, is the best solution for health and vigor.

For me, I am intuitively able to tell when my body needs me to be eating more protein, or when I am requiring lots of fruit or none at all. I go through phases of being really hungry all the time, and then there are times when I barely think of food. So it has been very helpful for me to learn how to keep a healthy diet throughout every phase my body’s cycle is in.

I am also becoming more and more aware of the quality of food I put into my system, and the energetic difference it makes on my daily life. Whole and/or Organic foods have a lasting effect on how good I feel overall, where foods that are somewhat processed can make me feel good for a little while, but eventually begin to drain me of my positive energy. For the most part I avoid eating meat because it is hard on the digestive system and it is a very low energy food. Let’s face it, meat is something that is DEAD, so you take on that DEAD ENERGY when you eat it. It’s not that I never eat it, just rarely. I choose to eat fish for my animal protein when I do, because it’s a little easier to process, but it tends to be high in mercury. It’s best to eat as much live foods (from sprouted grains, raw fruit, veggies, nuts, etc) as you can each meal, and we all need a certain amount of protein to sustain our strength, but again, the combination of these foods considered to be beneficial, vary for the individual. Every body has different needs.

I still eat a big steak every now and then, when my body tells me to. I have gotten my instrument so clean, that I am able to tell what my body needs and when, based on the cravings I am having. I also have learned to pay close attention to my cravings in order to differentiate from the things I think I’m craving vs. what I am actually craving.

The bottom line is, eat food to feel good. If you want to feel good for a few minutes or and hour or so, and that’s it…well, then go for the foods that do that for you. I personally like to feel good all day every day, and therefore choose to eat the foods that do that for me. Of course I am not perfect and therefore basically stick to a 90/10 rule, eating good energy foods 90% of the time and whatever I want for the other 10% :) Luckily for me I typically WANT to eat what make me feel good!

I know learning how to eat better can feel very overwhelming, but if you want a better life, you gotta start somewhere. Why not start with what you eat??? Eating clean will lead to an overall better life! I am happy to help you on your journey. Please leave all your questions and comments here for me on the blog. Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Sep 2, 2009

Workout Wednesday-”Fitness for Fun”

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I am always telling my clients how important it is to make fitness fun. If you don’t have fun with what you are doing, you won’t do it as much, or get as good of results. Whenever I start to get bored with things, I start exploring and experimenting with new things. Last week, I was kind of sick of the gym and just not feeling it…very unmotivated to lift a single weight, and therefore, I decided to just go with my own flow. Instead of my usual routine, I did a lot of long runs, a day of martial arts, and I took a hip-hop dance class!!! It was awesome!!!

I have been wanting to to some boxing and get back into dancing for a few years now, and have just found every excuse in the book not to do either of them, lol. However, EXCUSES BE GONE!!! I just went for it. It was my 2 nd week of boxing actually, and that is such a nice change from weights! Also, the hip-hop class was so fun and I worked my butt off…literally. We were popping, and locking, and dipping and sweating like crazy. I woke up the next day feeling lean, and fulfilled. There is something to be said about moving your body in different ways. It really helped me to connect my mind and body in new and improved ways and I am appreciating what it did for me mentally, spiritually, emotionally, AND physically. I felt like I was re-awakened into action. I plan to do that dance class again tomorrow night, and I cannot wait!!! I will be attending Millenium Dance Complex this week as well, which is a very hip and edgy place to go, and can be a bit intimidating at first. However, the instructor was great last week and really did a good job moving slowly and explaining everything smoothly so the entire class could follow along and shake their bodies to the beat:)

Are you wanting to try something new? How long have you been feeling demotivated by your same old routine??? Let’s have a chat. Leave all your questions and comments for me here on the blog! Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Aug 20, 2009

Holistic Thursday- “Holistic Hotties”

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Yes, that’s right…you can be holistic AND hot!!! In fact, Devon Crabtree and myself live very holistic lives. We approach our work in this way as well. I have always focused on manifesting hotness from both, the outside-in,  AND the inside-out! What it comes down to is… HEALTH. Yeah, don’t seem so bored, lol. Believe it or not, if you do what is healthy, and live by certain standards, the hotness will just follow.

However, I know we all wanna be healthy and hot , so obviously we work towards having both of them simultaneously. There are four main key points that nutrition and exercise should address.

1) Prevention

2) Stress Relief

3) Energy

4) Fat loss and/or building lean muscle

Devon and I are currently planning our first talk, as a team, and we are planning to be giving this talk in late October in West Hollywood. We will be speaking about these four topics, listed above. We will also be addressing the “how to” on finding your hotness holistically, and the importance of looking and feeling good if you want to be successful in your business. We are both very excited about this and each of us have lots of amazing information to bring to you. For those of you in L.A., we look forward to having you in the audience and will be sending out all the info soon. We will most likely be posting our lecture on-line afterwards for those of you who cannot make it, whether it be you live elsewhere or have other engagements.

Please leave your email and phone number for me at ErinLanahanMethod@gmail.comif you are interested in attending, and we will send you all the info in a couple of weeks:). You can also leave your questions and comments here for me on the blog. Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Aug 19, 2009

Workout Wednesday- “Help Me Help YOU!”

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Back in my fitness competition days. But It wasn't always this way. I've seen and done it all!

Back in my fitness competition days. But It wasn't always this way. I've seen and done it all!

 

Ok my readers, help me help you please! I started this blog so I can be of service to as many people as possible. My goal is to have as much audience participation as possible, so I can answer any questions you have or assist you with any problems or challenges you are having on the journey to getting more fit. I believe in the power of helping others and sharing experiences with others. These are great tools for personal growth and raising awareness, as well as the fitness consciousness. I do not claim to be an expert on anything. I am simplysomeone who has been on this journey for a very long time and who has tried pretty much everything. I have been through my ups and downs, my bigs and smalls, and many trials and errors. Experience, in my opinion, is the best teacher, regardless of what the books say.

If you would like some support, or just someone to bounce ideas off of, I am here for you. What is it that you would like to ask or know? I will offer you my suggestions if you are someone who wants them. Please let me know what you want for yourself and I will do my best to help you. Here’s To Your Health!!!

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Aug 18, 2009

Nutrition Tuesday- “What’s on the Menu??”

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Let’s get creative!!! Let Devon and Myself help you find yummy, healthy versions for your favorite cheats!!!

Ok so sitting here, thinking about what to write to you all, I had an idea. I think it would be fun for you guys to submit to me, here on the comment section of course, what your favorite foods and recipes are. They can be as unhealthy and fattening as you want. This is because I will take your recipes, and favorite foods, and between myself, and my friend and graduate of New York’s Institute of Integrative Nutrition,  Devon Crabtree, we will blog back to you soon after, with healthier versions of your favorites!!! What do you think?

I am very excited about this people, so I expect you to participate please! Send me your favorite snacks, meals, recipes, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), etc!! Devon and I will come up with awesome, yummy, healthy alternatives to satisfy the same cravings. Yay! Let me know if you have any questions!!! Here’s To your Health!!!

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