~CoachCher~

2008-11-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

2009 National LAP-BAND Conference

When:
March 20-21, 2009
Friday Meet & Greet 6pm-9pm EST
Saturday Conference 8am-5pm EST

Where:
The Marriott LaGuardia Airport
102-05 Ditmars Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11369
www.marriott.com/lgaap

Lodging:
The Marriott LaGuardia Airport
102-05 Ditmars Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11369 www.marriott.com/lgaap

We have a special rate of $139 for guest rooms at this lovely hotel. Be sure to book early,as the room block will sell out.

There is a Friday reception, so come stay with us for the weekend!

Speakers:
Dr. Matthew Schulman-Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Duc Vuong-Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Brian Jacob- Bariatric Surgeon
Mary Jo Rapini-LPC
Connie Stapleton- PHD
Coach Cher- LAP-BAND Lifestyle Coach

For more information visit: https://www.bandedtogether.net/Events.php

2008-10-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Too Tight or Just Right

Okay I’m sure each one of you has a fickle band like me. It is enough to drive you insane, one day you’re wide open and the next your band is so tight you can only take two or three bites and your done. I know, I know, I’ve been there done that, it actually happened to me last week. I was eating a ham steak; took three bites and I could feel the tightness in my chest. At lunch I had chicken tacos and was able to eat just fine. How can that be? It boils down to the actual food we are eating, some foods are more dense than others so it makes it harder or easier to get full, depending on how you look at it.

Take what I ate for example. The ham steak was much thicker than the cubed chicken I had at lunch. I waited too long to eat and basically tried to scarf my food. I should have taken the time to chew the ham much more than I did the chicken cubes. Had I taken the time to really chew the ham I could have had more than three bites. We are all guilty of this, we eat too fast and don’t chew well enough then we get frustrated because we want to eat more but we can’t. Don’t get upset if you take a couple of bites and you’re full, it’s one meal. I hear this all time “I only had three bites and I couldn’t eat anymore”. I know how it feels it still happens to me even four years out.

When this happens to some band patients; they automatically think that’s it “I’m too tight and I need an un- fill”. Look at what you ate and how fast you ate; it can be as easy as slowing down and paying attention to how you are eating. We have to be aware of what we are doing as patients and not be so quick to blame our fill amount.

I have stated this before and it’s worth repeating, if you are stressed or eat too fast this can cause premature fullness. If this is happening to you from time to time, start paying attention to your eating patterns.

A. Are you waiting until you are starving to eat, then you try to scarf down your food? Don’t let yourself get to this point, eat well before you reach starvation mode.

B. Do you test your band to see if you can eat something? If you do that’s fine just make sure you are chewing to liquid before you swallow. This will help you avoid PB’s.

C. Are you getting stuck every time you eat, no matter what the food is? If this is happening you could be too tight and need to schedule an appointment with your surgeon.

D. Do you choose band friendly meals because you know you can eat it? It’s okay to eat softer foods if you are going out or will be with a big group. However don’t make it a common food choice just because you know you can get it down.

I know it can get frustrating from time to time. Try to be patient and honest with yourself before you decide if you’re too tight or just right.

2008-05-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

20 Worst Foods in America

**Warning reading this article could cause weight gain or a upset stomach**

#20. Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal
Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) with creamy ranch sauce
830 calories55g fat (4.5g trans fat)48 g carbs

#19. Worst Drink
Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie(30 fl oz)
900 calories10 g fat 183 g carbs (166 g sugars)

#18. Worst Supermarket Meal
Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie(whole pie)
1,020 calories 64 g fat 86 g carbs

#17 Worst "Healthy" Burger
Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger
1,145 calories 71 g fat 56 g carbs

#16 Worst Mexican Entree
Chipotle Mexican Grilled Chicken Burrito
1,179 calories 47 g fat 125 g carbs 2,656 mg sodium

#15 Worst Kids' Meal
Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese
1,210 calories 62 g fat 3,450 mg sodium

#14 Worst Sandwich
Quizno's Classic Italian (large)
1,510 calories 82 g fat 3,750 mg sodium 106 g carbs

#13 Worst Salad
On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef
1,450 calories 102 g fat 78 g carbs 2,410 mg sodium

#12 Worst Burger
Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger
1,520 calories 111 g fat

#11 Worst Steak
Lonestar 20 oz T-bone
1,540 calories 124 g fat

#10 Worst Breakfast
Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes
1,540 calories 77 g fat (9 g trans fat) 198 g carbs(109 g sugars)

#09 Worst Dessert
Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
1,600 calories 78 g fat 215 g carbs

#08 Worst Chinese Entree
P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein
1,820 calories 127 g fat 95 g carbs

#07 Worst Chicken Entree
Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce
2,040 calories 99 g fat 240 g carbs

#06 Worst Fish Entree
On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans
2,100 calories 130 g fat 169 g carbs 4,750 mg sodium

#05 Worst Pizza
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza
2,310 calories 162 g fat 123 g carbs 4,470 mg sodium

#04 Worst Pasta
Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce
2,430 calories 128 g fat 207 g carbs 5,290 mg sodium

#03 Worst Nachos
On the Border Stacked Border Nachos
2,740 calories 166 g fat 191 g carbs 5,280 mg sodium

#02 Worst Starter
Chili's Awesome Blossom
2,710 calories 203 g fat 194 g carbs 6,360 mg sodium

And the #1 Worst Food in America is....

#01 The Worst Food in America
Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing
2,900 calories 182 g fat 240 g carbs

This artery clogging, heart attack waiting to happen article was provided by Men's Health check out the full story at http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/20-Worst-Foods/1_The_Worst_Food_in_America.php

2008-05-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bandster Bash 2008

2008 National LAP-BAND Convention- LIVE and In Person
For Pre-ops, Post-ops, Family, and Friends... Dallas Texas, October 3-5, 2008tentative date) still working with hotels for availability

We'll Focus on Key Strategies so your Transformation to “The New You” Gives You More Results, Support, and Success:

Mary Jo Rapini- Body Image and Sexuality

Cher Ewing- Is your band failing you or are you failing your band? (My Story)

Dr. Sina Matin- Educating your support system

Chef Leslie Moore- Will share band friendly recipes

We will also have people volunteer to receive a make-over and then we will choose three people via random draw to receive a make-over after the Saturday event and before the Fall Fling (should be fun).

This live event is going to be life changing; you will meet people who are taking the same journey you are, meet professionals who want you to be successful and you will leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, empowered to embrace every change you are going to experience during your LAP-BAND journey.

Please check back often to see what speakers and vendors have been added to the venue.

You won't want to miss Sunday's closing as we have successful post-ops share their story.

Succesful Post Op- Robin McCoy

2008-05-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Join Cher and Jeff as they welcome ObesityHelp monthly as part of their successful Internet Radio Show. Obesity Help will be represented, this month, by three different staff members to share with us "What's new at ObesityHelp".

Special guests include...
Nikki Johnson – Editor in Chief, OH Magazine
Cathy Wilson – Director of Support Groups
Joanna Fee – Events Manager

"ObesityHelp is dedicated to the education, empowerment and support of all individuals affected by obesity, along with their families, friend, employers, surgeons and physicians".

They are the most popular Bulletin Board for the Weight Loss Surgery Community and have an incredibly successful magazine. The first issue of OH Magazine, then called ObesityHelp Magazine, was released in July 2003. The magazine was launched to expand the ability of ObesityHelp.com to reach out and provide education and support to the millions of people worldwide who suffer from obesity. OH Magazine is like an ongoing support group, full of hope, inspiration, and information.

Date: 05/07/08
Time: 8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT, and 5:00 pm PT
Where: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches
Request Line: 646-716-9413

2008-05-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Most WLS Patients are missing these 4 key ingredients in their WLS Journey

1. Confidence

The ability to believe you deserve to see results you want need and deserve. I want to encourage each of you to not beat yourself up for your past failures, because that's exactly where they are in the "PAST". You can't change the past or your past choices, however you certainly can learn from your past.

2. Motivation

Is your lack of motivation getting in the way of eating right, exercise, and adopting a new healthy lifestyle? When life throw's you a curve ball do you reach for food or do you adopt your new lifestyle and forge through? Life is going to come at you from all angles; you can't let your "Moments in time" define who you are.

3. Results

Are you doing the same things you did prior to "WLS" and expecting different results? If you are; then you are setting yourself up for frustration. As a "WLS" patient you should change your way of doing things to achieve the results you desire. By adjusting how you diet, exercise and think; you will have peace of mind every month.

4. Accountability

Are you taking your "WLS" journey by yourself, or do you have a built in support system? Accountability can really kick you into high gear, especially if you have others accountable to you. If you are in need of accountability join me for "Accountabilty Tuesdays" This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us every Tuesday at 8:00 pm CST.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2008-05-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Beyonce: Making People Sick!

Wow….is she serious?! This is a photo of Beyonce…trying to be attractive. And..I just threw up a little in my mouth. Girlfriend tries so hard. This is NOT a good outfit….for anyone…especially chunky ass Beyonce! Looks like she is wearing two pairs of pantyhose (excuse me…shiny tights). Why does she always try to show her damn legs?! I mean damn….she should cover up those fat knees and big thunder thighs. The back of her leg is probably just a mountain of cottage cheese! YUCK!

Now I realize that some people might think Beyonce is in good shape…okay…fine! But if you think that, then more than likely, you are over weight as well! She just needs to cover up…that’s all! Not everyone wants to see that chunk! OKAY-feel free to throw up on your computer screens now!!

HYPE IT UP!

Ok I found this article and I am "Shocked and Aww'd" by the comments of the poster. Has it really come to this?!? Do we no longer appreciate someone for their curves? SHE is FAR from fat, as long as you LOOK HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL ..how can she be considered fat? Remember Marilyn Monroe, she is the exact same size as what our society calls "FAT" and yet she was an "Icon" in her day.

Let me know how this article makes you feel. Are you as outraged as I am?

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2008-04-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hit a Roadblock, take a detour...

Ahh the dreaded plateau, what to do? Well actually there are several things you can be doing to get the scale moving again. First and foremost you have to be “Honest” with yourself are you following a diet, exercise plan which you actually enjoy.

Let’s be real here, if we are not eating foods we enjoy or participating in a workout program we love (yes I said the “L” word) chances are we are not going to stick with it.

Try journaling for a week to see if you’re really getting in enough calories and enough movement to actually have an impact on the scale. If you’re not getting enough calories this can be cause for the scale to stop moving. This will also give you a clear idea of what you’re doing well and where you’re missing the mark.

Our bodies know us better than we know ourselves. If we listen to what our body needs-wants we can work with it rather than against it. I know I hate this saying as much as the next guy but it is true “Calories in-Calories out”. If you want the scale to move; you yourself have to move as well.

This is not Rocket Science, if you follow just one rule you have ever learned about diet and exercise you will have results. Remember you had surgery on your stomach not your brain. Don’t let that little voice tell you its okay to eat “Junk” and expect to see results.

This is my weekly routine. I eat very well (follow the rules) 6 days a week and I workout 6 days a week. The workout I follow is by Gunnar Peterson “Core Secrets”. Then on the 7th day I give myself a free day and I don’t follow any rules.

Seriously no matter what program you choose to follow, you have to find the right balance. If you have the mind set you’re never going to eat your favorite foods again then you are setting yourself up for failure. If you follow your program for 6days then give yourself a “Free Day” you are not depriving yourself and you will see the results you want and deserve.

So I challenge you to follow this routine and watch the results. You will be blown away at how easy it is to stick to your program once you start.

Drop me and email and let me know how you’re doing.

Cher@divinetransformation.net

Live, Love, and Laugh

~CoachCher~

2008-04-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dr. Trace Curry

Please join us as we welcome Dr. Trace Curry to our show.

Trace W. Curry, M.D. is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive weight loss surgery. He is a Cincinnati native and trained at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Dr. Curry has done more LAP BANDS and REALIZE BANDS than any other bariatric surgeon in Ohio, and he is the only Lap Band faculty surgeon in the region who has been chosen by Inamed/Allergan (the manufacturer of the Lap Band) as well as Ethicon Endo-Surgery (the manufacturer of the Realize Band) to be a proctor to teach other surgeons to do the procedure. He is also a sleeve gastrectomy proctor for W.L. Gore.

Dr. Curry is also well-known for his accessibility, and he frequently has patients from all over the country contacting him for advice and guidance. He makes himself freely available by email so if you have any questions just write to him!

Date: 04/30/08
Time: 8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT, and 5:00 pm PT
Where: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches

Request Line: 646-716-9413

Be sure to mark your calenders you will not want to miss this opportunity to speak with Dr. Curry. Especially if you are still considering the Lap-Band you can call in and ask Dr. Curry any question you would like to ask.

We hope to "Hear" you there.

Thanks,
~Cher & Jeff~
The WLS Coaches

2008-04-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Is your band failing you or Are you failing your band?

I wrote this article last year and felt it was worth reposting...

Okay I’m going to be very real and honest here. I’m going to tell you about my year two band journey. But before I do that, let me tell you about year one. Year one I was very motivated and committed to my band journey. I watched what I ate (too an extent) and workout on a semi regular basis. Semi being the key word here, I was about as committed as I could be at the time. I mean come on, I had surgery and that was supposed to be the end of the road right. No additional commitment on my end, the surgery was going to do everything for me (yeah I know good thought process going into this journey). Now don’t get me wrong I did try to be the best band patient I could, considering I had to give up what I most wanted “FOOD”.

I consider my 1st year successful; I lost sixty pounds without a lot of effort on my part. It was great, the weight was coming off, I was discovering a new me. My life in general was going great on all accounts, and then something awful happened. I gave up on my band. I became complacent; I was enjoying my weight loss and the new found me.

So here we are now at my year two journey. I basically focused on every aspect of my life except for my weight loss. I didn’t work out for a year, I didn’t visit my surgeon, and I didn’t weigh myself. I completed my certification to become a Certified Life and Wellness Coach, so I could help others taking the same journey I was taking. I put all of my focus into building a business, and I placed my weight loss on the back burner. So basically year two of my band journey can be considered a failure, no weight loss in year how is that possible?

I’ll tell you how it’s possible, I was happy with the new me. I liked the new clothes I was wearing, I liked being able to get around and do the things I wanted to do, I was enjoying life like I had never enjoyed life before. So I really don’t consider year two a failure, I consider it a learning experience. I mean “Come on” I didn’t lose one pound in a year’s time, however I didn’t gain one pound in a year’s time either. How many other diets/programs do you know of where you stay stable for that amount of time?

My light bulb moment came when I was coaching with my coach (business coach of all coaches). She asked me what my goals were, and where I saw myself in 5 years. What came out of my mouth next was unexpected. I said I wanted to reach my weight loss goal (what do you mean you want to reach your weight loss goal, you’re happy with the new you, you don’t need to do anymore, your fine how you are now) then I proceeded to say I signed up for 120 pound weight loss and I’ve lost 60 of those pounds and now I want the rest to come off. By reaching this goal, I can be an inspiration to others and most importantly I will have accomplished something I set out to complete the first time in my whole life.

Being morbidly obese you have a built in excuse as to why you don’t achieve your goals. I’m too fat to exercise, it’s too hard, and you feel defeated before you even start whatever project is you want to work on. Well now I’m not morbidly obese; I don’t have the built in excuse. How can I inspire others to reach goal if I’m not at goal myself? Oh trust me; that one tiny little question opened up a flood gate of emotions, thoughts, and feelings I didn’t even know resided in me. So I really had to take a hard look at myself and re-evaluate my game plan. A plan is exactly what I came up with.
I made an appointment to go see my surgeon. When I got there I was weighed and yep sure enough the exact same weight I was from my last visit, fourteen months earlier. Dr. Veninga comes into the room, looks at my chart and too my surprise the last time I saw him was for a un-fill. I haven’t had a fill in over a year, are you kidding me? I was shocked I haven’t had a fill in over a year.

So Dr. Veninga asked me what I wanted to do, I said give me a fill and let’s get this band doing what it was designed to do; help me lose weight. That was two months ago and 20 pounds later I can honestly say, “I was failing my band”. I became comfortable with the new me, I lost my focus on my goal, and I just became downright lazy in my weight loss efforts.

Now I am working out 6 days a week, eating good healthy food and really reaping the benefits by following my band rules. I know I’m a food addict always have been always will be. By accepting this fact, doesn’t mean I’m a terrible person; it means I’m a realistic person. I follow a food program and workout program 6 days a week and then on Saturday (or whatever day you choose) I give myself a “Free Day” I can eat what I want without guilt or regret.

I am a complete believer of everything in moderation, if you deprive yourself of everything you want, you only set yourself up for failure. I’m a complete chocoholic, and now with my plan I know on Saturday’s I can have my chocolate completely guilt free.

So I ask each of you to do what I did and ask yourself the hard question. “Is your band failing you or are you failing your band”? If you’re not following up with your surgeon and getting the support you need. Unfortunately you are not going to see the results you want to see, should see and most of all deserve to see. If you’re not losing a minimum of six pounds a month you might need a fill or a un-fill. Yes you can be too tight and that serves no good purpose, you will not see weight loss being too tight. Keep in touch with surgeon, he/she wants to help you and they can’t help you if they don’t know what is going on.

I wish each one of you a successful, fun filled (no pun intended) band journey.
__________________

2008-04-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

"Getting the support you need and deserve"

Please join this Wednesday as Connie Cox, RD returns to discuss the importance of support and how to get the support you need and deserve.

Connie's role at Obesity Surgery Specialists in Dallas, Texas, includes providing education and support for both preoperative and postoperative patients. Her personal experience as a formerly morbidly obese individual who was transformed by gastric bypass surgery gives her a passion for helping others enjoy long-term success and realize significantly improved health and fitness in their own lives.

Date: 04/23/08
Time: 8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CT, 6:00 MT and 5:00pm PT
Where: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches
Request Line: 646-716-9413

We hope to "Hear" you there.

Thanks,
~Cher & Jeff~
The WLS Coaches

2008-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Who you are makes a difference....

When we hide from ourselves, we don't
allow the full appreciation of who
we really are to be revealed.

We give in to our fears, which aren't
real, and we stop ourselves.

No one else stops us....

Yet, we will create every excuse for
stopping ourselves and blame others.

We become excuseaholics so that we
keep hiding.

It's like wherever we go, the STOP
sign is right there in front of us.

We have the STOP sign in hand ready
to bring it up just in case we are
presented with an opportunity to step
into our light of who we really are.

It gets very heavy to keep carrying
around, doesn't it?

You make a difference in lives of
others, and you are here, right now,
to demonstrate that difference.

There is a sun burst within you just
waiting for you to put down the STOP
sign.

I see your sun burst.....

Because I KNOW you make a difference,
please sit back, relax and enjoy
this movie from Mary Robinson Reynolds.

www.BlueRibbonMovie.com

I love and appreciate who you are!

2008-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

"Help, I've broken my tool and don't know what to do"

Please join us this Wednesday as we speak with Dr. Michael Snyder from Denver Bariatric Surgical Center. Dr. Snyder is passionate about his role in saving the lives of his many patients.

Dr. Snyder is going to share with us; how we can get our tool to work to it's maximum performance.

Dr. Snyder is a board-certified, general surgeon in Denver, CO. He has found that in his patients the results are dramatic—ranging from life-changing to life-saving. He appreciates and is humbled by the honor and responsibility of caring for his patients struggling with this most debilitating condition.

We hope to "hear" you there.

When: Wednesday Jan 23, 2008
Where: www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches
Time: 8:00PM EST, 7:00PM CST, 6:00PM MST, 5:00PM PST

Thanks,
~Cher & Jeff~
The WLS Coaches

2008-01-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

In order to Create the "Best Life" you want, need and desire embracing change might be just the ticket your looking for.

Take inventory using the assessment below to see how "Your Best Life" is shaping up.

Create Your Best Life
Embrace Change

1. What three things, practices, or routines are essential to you?

These might include major life activities, but they might also be simple rituals like your morning cup of coffee, your walk with the dog, or reviewing your day with your partner. They are three things that balance you or help center you in your day and in your life. Once you've defined them, ask yourself what you do or what you can do to guarantee that the three things you noted occur consistently?

Do you need to schedule them, create a reminder of some sort, to create more opportunity? If possible, put that structure into place now.

2. What do you want more of in your life?

Big or small, what do you want more of? What small step can you take in the next week to move you closer (even a little) to having more of whatever you answered in your life? What can you do in the next month? The next ninety days? Write it down.

3. What is the thing, practice, activity or relationship that you most dislike spending time and energy on?

Be honest here and write it down. Look at what you wrote. Absorb it. Take three deep breaths. Now, write down three things, even if they seem outrageous that you might do to spend less time or energy on this thing. What would happen if you didn't do it at all? Could someone else do it? Alternative: if this is something that you MUST do, what would diminish the negative feeling you have about it? I challenge you to take one small step towards expending less energy in this area.

I'd love to hear any actions or thoughts these questions inspire.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2007-12-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

*Body for Life* Challenge

I am going to take the "Body for Life" challenge beginning January 06, 2008. Please sign up to join me for the "Body for Life" 12 week body transformation challenge. I have taken this challenge twice and look forward to obtaining my goal weight with this challenge.

I am going to set up a special "Newsletter" for us to stay in touch with everyone who signs up, so we can see how everyone is doing.

I look forward to watching everyone transform their bodies, minds and souls during this challenge.

So don't miss the "Body for Life" challenge, sign up today.

Click on the link below to sign up.

"Body for Life"

2007-10-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Recognize and Stop Emotional Eating

· When you think you're hungry, you need to stop yourself right off the bat as you're going for the fridge. Just learn to stop yourself and ask yourself in that moment, "Am I even hungry?"

· Evaluate: Is your stomach growling? Do you feel weak? Are you tired? When was the last time you ate? Was it three or four hours ago? Ask yourself those questions. The first thing to do is write down, "Okay, I'm hungry." On a scale of 1 to 10, I want you to ask yourself, "How hungry am I?" Are you a 5, are you a 1, are you a 10 (10 being the hungriest)?

· Now, next step, I want you to write down ‑- if, in fact, you're not hungry, and you've eaten an hour or two ago ‑- what's going on for you emotionally. Take a look ‑- explore yourself and your feelings. What's going on? "Well, you know what, I'm anxious, man." "We have layoffs at the office." "I'm going through a breakup." Identify the emotion and what's going on inside of you.

· The next step is, now that you've recognized it, you need to face it in order to conquer it. So now you've got to look at this and ask yourself, "Can this issue be resolved in the now?" Do you have the ability to deal with it? Did you have a fight with your mom? Can you call her and rectify it? Yet sometimes life just sucks, man. Maybe, you know, your dog died. Who knows, sometimes things just suck.

· If you're at that point where you can't resolve the issue, you need to find ways of nurturing yourself and pampering yourself that are not food related. Know yourself. Do you collect stuff? Do you like to go on eBay and thrift shop? What are your hobbies? Put together a family album. Write your memoirs. Do stuff that's incompatible with self-destruction and that will help. That's why a lot of the contestants on the ranch ‑-, when they were working out so hard and taking such good care of themselves ‑- often, I think, didn't eat enough because they begin to associate eating with being self-destructive.

· At the end of the day, here's also what I would say: Sometimes, you know what, sometimes it just doesn't work. Make a healthier choice. Have air-popped popcorn, not Cheetos. Have sugar-free Popsicles for 25 calories instead of Ben and Jerry's. When all else fails, make a healthier choice.

I know you have a "Big Game" to win and I want to help you hit home runs all day long. Please contact me today to set up a "Complimentary" coaching session.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2007-09-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

For all my best Girlfriends

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best
friend, and then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God
would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your
mom.

Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your
children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share,
heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together," another, "Let's
fight
together," another, "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season
of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind
beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion,
on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their
gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a
complete fool of yourself... those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up
in several... one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from
the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your
mother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters,
and on some days, your daughters.

So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years, AND
ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO, pass this on to the women that God has placed
in your life to make a difference.

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

2007-09-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Motivation vs Determination

Starting October 2nd 2007 "The New You" radio show has a new time. Jeff and I will now be hosting our show during the primetime hours. Our new showtime will be 8:00pm EST, 7:00pm CST and 5:00pm PST. Jeff and I couldn't be more thrilled about the time change, we feel this is going to allow us to reach out to more of you who want to listen to our show live.

This weeks "Hot Topic" is going to be on "Motivation vs Determination", be sure to tune in to hear the difference and how struggling to reach a goal will empower you to greatness.

The phone lines will be open, give us a call to share your views 646.716.9413

We hope to "Hear" you there!

Thanks for your support,
~CoachCher~
~CoachJeff~

2007-09-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

"The New You" Internet Radio Show

Jeff and I hope you are enjoying our "New You" Internet Radio Show. As a reminder our next show will be September 11, 2007 at 5:00 CST. This weeks "Hot Topic" will be about "Getting the Support You Deserve". We will also be discussing "The Walk from Obesity" an event very near and dear to all of us.

We look forward to your questions and imput about the show; please send us your questions via email or on the show live. You can email your questions to info@thewlscoaches.com

Here is the link to the radio show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches

The call in number is 646.716.9413

We are excited about this weeks show, we hope to "Hear" you there :)

Thanks,
~CoachJeff~
~CoachCher~

Psst..You don't want to miss this weeks show a little birdy told me Cher is going to be giving away a "Free" month worth of Coaching. So be sure to tune in!!

2007-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

"The New You" Internet Radio Show

Don't forget to tune in Tuesday Sept.04,07 at 5:00pm CST for "The New You" Internet Radio Show. This is going to be a fun show our "Hot Topic" this week will be about "The Absurbity regarding The dispute between RNY (Gastric Bypass) and Lap-band Communitites". Also we will be discussing the "Walk from Obesity", this is a cause that is very near and dear to all of our hearts.

So click on the link to listen. Please send us your questions via email or on the show live. You can email your questions to info@thewlscoaches.com

Here is the link to the radio show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches

The Call in number is 646.716.9413

We are excited about tomorrows show, we hope to "Hear" you there :)

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

Psst..You don't want to miss this weeks show a little birdy told me Jeff is going to be giving away a "Free" months worth of Coaching. So be sure to tune in!!

2007-09-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

In September and October in cities all across America, obesity sufferers and survivors alike join forces and walk to raise money for research, education, prevention and treatment of the life-threatening disease of obesity.

This walk is very near and dear to my heart. I have donated 4 one hour "Coaching" sessions for both the Dallas and Houston walk. If you have not signed up yet, please do so here

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-08-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

Radio Show...

Yeah I finally made the big time. I will be co-hosting a "Internet Radio Show" with Jeff Cadwell. Jeff is a Life coach who works primarily with Gastric By-Pass Patients.

I believe this is going to be great show, because it will show it doesn't matter what your surgery of choice is/was. The bottom line is we made a decision to get healthy through surgery tools available to us.

Our first show will air this Tuesday 8/28/07 at 5:00 pm CST. This show will be a get to know the "Coaches" myself and Jeff. So if you have any questions you would like us to address please feel free to email me and I will try to make sure we answer all of your questions.

Also if you have a topic you would like for us to touch on in future shows; please let us know so we can get working on it.

The link to the radio show is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TheWLSCoaches

The number to call in is 646.716.9413

If your not able to listen to the show live, don't worry we will be recording it and posting it to our blogs. So be sure to check out my blog after the show to hear the recording.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net
cher@divinetransformation.net

2007-08-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Liquid Calories To count or not to count

TODAY nutritionist and diet editor Joy Bauer shares the sugar and calorie content in your favorite beverages and offers three tips to avoid packing on the pounds.

Obesity rates are staggering — it’s estimated 66% of Americans are overweight and liquid calories are part of the problem. Guzzle a 20-ounce bottle of Pepsi (or two 20-ounce bottles of Vitamin Water or Gatorade) and it will cost you 250 calories. Order that Starbucks Venti Caramel Macchiato and you’re looking at 340 calories.

Although, loaded beverages can be a delicious occasional splurge (I admit it!), when it comes to managing your weight, remember to account for those calories and moderate your intake.

Consider this: Trim 500 liquid calories from your daily diet and you’ll save 3,500 calories a week. That’s potentially ONE pound lost per week and more than FIFTY pounds lost at the end of the year!

Follow these three tips to avoid packing on the pounds:
1. Think before you drink
Be mindful of beverages loaded with caloric ingredients — sugar, corn syrup, fructose, milk, cream, syrup, special flavoring and even fruit juice. When it comes to managing your weight, calorie-free water will always be your best bet.

2. Calculate the “total calories” you’ll be drinking — not just one serving.
Many beverages list calories per serving, but pack 2 or more servings into each bottle. Make sure you look at the serving size… and calculate how many servings (and total calories) are included in one container.

3. Healthy drinks can also pack on the pounds
Just because a product claims to be “all natural,” or contain “no refined/added sugars,” doesn’t mean it’s caloric-free. For example, 100% fruit juice and fruit smoothies are filled with nutrition but also often high in calories. If you’re watching your weight you are better off eating fruit versus drinking it.

Total calories in popular beverages:
Soda
• Soda (20-oz bottle) = 250 calories
• 7/11 Big Gulp (32-oz) = 400 calories
• Large movie theatre soda (44-oz) = 550 calories
• 7/11 Double Big Gulp (64-oz) = 800 calories
Tea and Coffee Drinks
• Snapple Peach Iced Tea (16-oz bottle) = 200 calories
• Arizona Lemon Iced Tea (20-oz bottle) = 225 calories
• Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino:
- Tall (12-oz) = 200 calories
- Grande (16-oz) = 260 calories
- Venti (24-oz) = 380 calories
• Starbucks Caramel Macchiato = Grande (16-oz) = 270 calories
• Starbucks Chai Iced Tea Latte = Grande (16-oz) 260 calories
• Duncan Donuts, Coffee Coolata (16-oz w/2% milk) = 190 calories
Fruit Beverages
• Jamba Juice: Banana Berry (classic smoothie):
- 16-oz = 280 calories
- 24-oz original = 450 calories
- 30-oz power = 600 calories
• POM Pomegranate Juice (16-oz bottle) = 320 calories
• Orange Juice (pint container, 16-oz) = 220 calories
• Orange Juice (one cup) = 110 calories
• Naked Juice-Orange Mango Motion (16-oz container) = 240 calories
• Odwalla Citrus C Monster (16-oz container) = 300 calories
• Country Time lemonade (12-oz can) = 130 calories
• Minute Maid lemonade (20-oz bottle) = 260 calories
Flavored Waters and Sports Drinks
• Vitamin Water (20-oz bottle) = 125 calories
• Life Water (20-oz bottle) = 125 calories
• Gatorade (20-oz bottle) = 125 calories

Just some "Drink" for thought :))

2007-08-12T20:44:00.001-07:00

2007-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about Passion

When I'm coaching my clients I like to talk about what drives them, inspires them and what they are passionate about. I want to know what gets them up in the morning. If they could live their dream life what would it "Look like"? The reason I do this is because once they know what drives them; it no longer feels like work it is actually something they look forward to.

I am a firm believer in living a "Balanced Life". By following your passion you are now focusing on something other than your weight loss, diet and exercise. Stay with me here I am going somewhere with this, I promise.

If you can find what drives you, inspires you and you really start working at it. Your day is going to look different; you are going to be excited to get up in the morning to start working on your project. Your creative juices will start flowing and the ideas will be coming at you like rapid fire. You are now energized and focused you feel so alive. Guess what happens when you're in this state of mind; the other areas of your life start to fall into place.

You will start looking at your life differently you will find yourself dreaming bigger, wanting more, and finding ways to make it happen. Once you get one area of your life where you want it; you will want the same for the areas you might be struggling in. You now see yourself in a completely different role. You have experienced "Success" you know what it looks like and how to obtain it.

This is a natural flow because it doesn't feel like work to you. You can actually envision yourself losing weight, eating right and yep you guessed it working out. You're on auto-pilot there is no stopping you.

If you don't know what your "Passion" is, let's schedule a "Complimentary Coaching" session and explore your options. My clients love going through this process, it's fun, easy and most of all it's exciting to see their passion come into focus. I get fired up when they are fired up and together we make amazing strides to turn their passion into reality.

((Hugs))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-07-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

Accountability Tuesday...

Accountability Tuesday: This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us every Tuesday at 6:00 pm CST.

If you were not able to join us on the call today, please leave your "Accountability goals" on the blog so we can help each other stay accountable.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-07-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have found the most amazing book I think we can all relate to "What Stops You? overcome self-sabotage" by Darlene Braden. This is an amazing book, I couldn't put it down. The best part about this book is it gives pratical ready to put into place advice. If you are looking for a way to change your self-sabotaging behavior then go out a grab a copy of this book!

I will putting together a seminar following the principles of this book. Once I get it all put together I will let you guys know.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-06-23T21:18:00.001-07:00

This is Gregg from Bravo's "Workout". I love to exercise with my stability ball, so when I saw Gregg's Ab workout he did with his stability ball I had to share it with you guys.

2007-06-19T15:49:00.001-07:00

Accountability Tuesday...

Accountability Tuesday: This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us every Tuesday at 6:00 pm CST.

If you were not able to join us on the call today, please leave your "Accountability goals" on the blog so we can help each other stay accountable.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-06-17T09:45:00.001-07:00

I have a Sweet Tooth...

These are the best thing on the market in my book. I have one nightly to help with my sweet tooth cravings. I'm always looking for new ideas, so if you guys have any please share with the group.

2007-06-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Accountability Tuesday's...

Accountability Tuesday: This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us every Tuesday at 6:00 pm CST.

If you were not able to join us on the call today, please leave your "Accountability goals" on the blog so we can help each other stay accountable.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-06-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Is your Band failing you or Are you failing your Band...

Okay I’m going to be very real and honest here. I’m going to tell you about my year two band journey. But before I do that, let me tell you about year one. Year one I was very motivated and committed to my band journey. I watched what I ate (too an extent) and workout on a semi regular basis. Semi being the key word here, I was about as committed as I could be at the time. I mean come on, I had surgery and that was supposed to be the end of the road right. No additional commitment on my end, the surgery was going to do everything for me( yeah I know good thought process going into this journey). Now don’t get me wrong I did try to be the best band patient I could, considering I had to give up what I most wanted “FOOD”.

I consider my 1st year successful, I lost 60 pounds without a lot of effort on my part. It was great, the weight was coming off, I was discovering a new me. My life in general was going great on all accounts, and then something awful happened. I gave up on my band. I became complacent; I was enjoying my weight loss and the new found me.

So here we are now at my year two journey. I basically focused on every aspect of my life except for my weight loss. I didn’t work out for a year, I didn’t visit my surgeon, and I didn’t weigh myself. I went to school to become a “Certified Life Coach”, so I could help others taking the same journey I was taking. I put all of my focus into building a business, and I placed my weight loss on the back burner. So basically year two of my band journey can be considered a failure, no weight loss in year how is that possible?

I’ll tell you how it’s possible, I was happy with the new me. I liked the new clothes I was wearing, I liked being able to get around and do the things I wanted to do, I was enjoying life like I had never enjoyed life before. So I really don’t consider year two a failure I consider it a learning experience. I mean come on I didn’t lose one pound in a year’s time, however I didn’t gain one pound in a year’s time either. How many other diets/programs do you know of where you stay stable for that amount of time?

My light bulb moment came when I was coaching w/my coach (business coach of all coaches). She asked me what my goals were, and where I saw myself in 5 years. What came out of my mouth next was unexpected. I said I wanted to reach my weight loss goal (what do you mean you want to reach your weight loss goal, your happy with the new you, you don’t need to do anymore, your fine how you are now) then I proceeded to say I signed up for 120 pound weight loss and I’ve lost 60 of those pounds and now I want the rest to come off. By reaching this goal, I can be an inspiration to others and most importantly I will have accomplished something I set out to complete the first time in my whole life.

Being morbidly obese you have a built in excuse as to why you don’t achieve your goals. I’m too fat to exercise, it’s too hard, and you feel defeated before you even start whatever project is you want to work on. Well now I’m not morbidly obese; I don’t have the built in excuse. How can I inspire others to reach goal if I’m not at goal myself? Oh trust me; that one tiny little question opened up a flood gate of emotions, thoughts, and feelings I didn’t even know resided in me. So I really had to take a hard look at myself and re-evaluate my game plan. A plan is exactly what I came up with.

I made an appointment to go see my surgeon. When I got there I was weighed and yep sure enough the exact same weight I was from my last visit, 14 months earlier. Dr. V comes into the room, looks at my chart and too my surprise the last time I saw him was for a un-fill. I haven’t had a fill in over a year, are you kidding me? I was shocked I haven’t had a fill in over a year.
So Dr. V asked me what I wanted to do, I said give me a fill and let’s get this band doing what it was designed to do; help me lose weight. That was two months ago and 20 pounds later I can honestly say, “I was failing my band”. I became comfortable with the new me, I lost my focus on my goal, and I just became down right lazy in my weight loss efforts.

Now I am working out 6 days a week, eating good healthy food and really reaping the benefits by following my band rules. I know I’m a food addict always have been always will be. By accepting this fact, doesn’t mean I’m a terrible person; it means I’m a realistic person. I follow a food program and workout program 6 days a week and then on Saturday I give myself a “Free Day” I can eat what I want without guilt or regret.

I am a complete believer of everything in moderation, if you deprive yourself of everything you want, you only set yourself up for failure. I’m a complete choco-olic, I love me some chocolate and now with my plan I know on Saturday’s I can have it completely guilt free.

So I ask each of you to do what I did and ask yourself the hard question. “Is your band failing you or Are you failing your band?” If your not following up with your surgeon and getting the support you need, you are not going to see the results you want to see, should see and most of all deserve to see. If your not losing a minimum of 4 pounds a month you might need a fill or an un-fill. Yes we can be too tight and that serves no good purpose, you will not see weight loss being too tight. Keep in touch with surgeon, he/she wants to help you and they can’t help you if they don’t know what is going on.

I wish each one of you a successful, fun filled (no pun intended) band.

Please let me know how I can support you!!

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-05-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Accountability Tuesday's...

I wanted to let everyone know I am bringing back "Accountability Tuesday's".

Accountability Tuesday: This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us every Tuesday at 6:00 pm CST.

This is a weekly "No Cost" round table for you to join. The rewards and benefits are priceless.

Please contact me to become a part of this dynamic group and I'll send you the information.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
cher@divinetransformation.net
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-05-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

WLS Struggles Research and Development...

I am looking to conduct a WLS Struggles Research and Development Workshop. I want to know exactly what struggles each one of you face as a Post-Op WLS patient.

I want to discuss what you feel has been your biggest adjustment. Do you feel like your surgeon explained to you "The Emotional Journey" you would experience as well as the Weight Loss Factor? What are the positive/negative changes you have experienced through out your journey? This is going to be an open round table so anything you want to discuss can be discussed during our workshop.

I am looking for at least 10-20 individuals who can participate one hour, one evening a week for 4 weeks.

Please send me an email to sign up for this dynamic workshop. Once I get enough participants signed up I will send everyone who signed up the dates and time for this workshop. I would like for us to start this workshop in June.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
cher@divinetransformation.net
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-05-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good Day Everyone !!

If you're a newly post op WLS patient or a Veteran WLS patient I want you to join me on one of these three complimentary teleseminars:
1. Monday, May 14th, 2007 at 9:00pm Eastern / 6:00pm Pacific; or
2. Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 8:00pm Eastern / 5:00pm Pacific or
3. Wednesday May 16th, 2007 at 7:00pm Eastern/4:00pm Pacific

On these calls, we explore some strategies for creating Life Balance during your WLS journey. I'll also share with you some of my early struggles and how I overcame them.

You will learn to create a vision for yourself, the joy of journaling and the importance of support.

You will learn how to create balance with your WLS, which will bring you great rewards, success and a sense of accomplishment.

Just give me 60 minutes and you will be on your way to creating Life Balance, for the rest of your life.

Oh, and here are some goodie’s just for you…

I'll be giving away a “Free Month” to the “Transformation Caravan” Coaching Clinic, one for each call. You have to be on the call to win, so don’t miss this opportunity. This is a $297.00 value.

I'll open the lines and answer any questions you might have about how creating balance in your WLS journey will enhance your overall life.

1. Monday, May 14th, 9:00pm Eastern / 6:00pm Pacific time; or
2. Tuesday, May 15th, 8:00pm Eastern / 5:00pm Pacific time
3. Wednesday, May 16th, 7:pm Eastern/4:00pm Pacific time

Please use the link below to sign up.
http://www.divinetransformation.net/account.html

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2007-04-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Website...

Hello everyone I hope you are all doing well. I want to let everyone know if you have visited my website you will notice it's down for the moment. The hosting company are in the process of updating their servers, so my website is shut down temporarily. I have been assured my website will be up and running very soon. If you need to contact me please do so at cherblues@verizon.net

I want to "Thank You" for your patience and support during this time.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~

2007-03-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Tip of the Day...

I found this article at WebMD it has some great tips about healthy foods that will help us lose weight (Now you gotta love that).

Foods to Help You Lose Weight
Looking for foods to help you lose weight? These five tips will help you zero in on the foods that make you thin.
By Susan Seliger WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Charlotte Grayson Mathis, MD

Wouldn’t it be nice if every pound of chocolate you ate would make you lose a pound of flab? Well, perhaps chocolate won’t do the trick, but new research is showing that there are certain foods that can help make you thin and actually can help you drop pounds.
“A pound of carrots will fill you up, with only a smattering of calories -- or you can have a pound of cheeseburger, and you’ll gain weight faster than you can jump on a scale,” says Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet and Age-Proof Your Body. “People don’t gain weight on carrots and blueberries; it would be almost impossible to eat enough of them,” Somers says. “We fill up on the volume of food.”

But fear not, you are not destined to a steady diet of carrot sticks and bird food. In fact, a wide assortment of the right “thin” foods can help you lose weight. The key things to look for: Foods with high water content, high-fiber foods, and calcium. All of these will help you feel full longer and thus eat fewer calories in the long run. Sorry, until Godiva starts filling their truffles with water instead of chocolate cream, they don’t make the list. But lots of other luscious foods do.

A good rule to bear in mind is to avoid processed foods, which tend to be higher in fat and salt. “If you eat real food, minimally processed, for instance plain nuts instead of those processed with fat, or 100% whole-wheat bread instead of white bread, that alone will help you manage your weight,” Somer says.

Here are other tips on foods to help you lose weight.

Eat Your Water – Drink Your Meals
It’s important to stay well hydrated on a diet. People often mistake hunger for thirst. So next time you get a pang, drink a glass of water first to make sure you’re really hungry.
But that’s not the only way water can help you lose weight. “If water is incorporated into food, it tends to fill us up,” Somer says. Most fruits and vegetables are 80% to 90% water.

Another tip: Try a bowl of soup before each meal. “Make sure it’s broth-based, not cream-based,” Somer says. She also suggests, “a thick beverage like V8 before a meal so you’re less likely to overeat. You’re likely to consume fewer calories. Brown rice or oatmeal, which have incorporated the water into them, also work.”

Load the Fiber – Fill Up Before You Fill Out
“People who eat whole grains have an easier time managing their weight,” Somer says. “Fiber fills you up before it fills you out.” Whole grains have the added benefit of generally being lower in calories than refined (think white flour) grains and carbohydrates.
Most Americans get less than half the 30 to 35 grams of fiber most health organizations recommend for adults. The high fiber content of most fruits and vegetables makes them good sources of foods that make you thin – in addition, they are comparatively low in calories. What else can you do?

Look for breads that say 100% whole wheat to make sure you getting the real deal. Ann Kulze, MD, of Charleston, S.C., author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet, A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality, also recommends incorporating beans such as soy, lentil, chickpeas, and black beans into your diet. “They are high in fiber and protein so they’ll keep you full longer,” Kulze says.

Got Milk? Calcium Fights Fat
“Preliminary evidence suggests that if someone is already eating a low-fat, portion-controlled diet and then they get three servings of nonfat milk a day, they lose more weight than someone who eats the same number of calories but doesn’t have the milk,” Somer says. The theory is that calcium may inhibit the storage of fat, and it seems that the weight loss comes largely from the midsection.
Though Somer says the research is not yet conclusive, she points out, “You need the milk anyway for your bones, so it certainly won’t hurt.” The research has been strictly on food, not supplements, so even if you take calcium supplements, you need to drink up, too.
Women who got the largest amount of calcium from dairy foods lost the most weight and body fat over two years, even if they didn’t change their exercise habits, according to a study in the December 2000 Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Although the recommended calcium level for young women is 1,200-1,500 milligrams daily, the study showed that the average woman's daily intake of calcium was under 800 milligrams per day.

Here are the calcium levels recommended for adults by the USDA:
Ages 9 to 18: 1,300 mg
Ages 19 to 50: 1,000 mg
Ages 51 and over: 1,200 mg
Soy Good – The Other Calcium Source
Not a milk lover? You may be able to get similar benefits from soy (and no, we’re not talking soy sauce here.) An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in December 2002 says soy contains many of the same properties as calcium. Stay tuned for further studies. In the meantime, eat your tofu!

Go Nuts – Good Fat, Fiber and Protein
Yes, nuts are high in calories, but they are also a great source of protein, fiber, and the “good” (monounsaturated) fat -- all of which can help in weight loss. A small handful (10-to-12 nuts) of walnuts or almonds can actually help you “lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes,” says Somer. Try some in your salad, with a piece of fruit, or sprinkled in your cereal – oatmeal, of course.

I know what I'll be changing in my diet, not only for the added weight loss factor but also for the health factor as well. "Let them eat "Nuts", whoa it's a good thing I love nuts :)).

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-03-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Tip of the Week...

Body Confidence:
How to like what you see in the mirror

From childhood we are sold on an ideal image of beauty, one few of us ever see reflected when we look in the mirror.

This article will show you how you can look in the mirror and despite the ideal, see only a beautiful you.

When you look in the mirror, what’s the first thing you notice, and how does it make you feel?

If you’re like most people, the first thing that catches your eye is probably your least favorite asset. If so, don’t worry you’re not alone. Here’s why.

Can you guess how much money is spent in just one year by advertisers to sell us on the concept of the “ideal” image of beauty?

Well, I can’t either but I do know this—it’s a lot of money, certainly somewhere in the billions of dollars!

So, technically, you can consider yourself brainwashed.

From your earliest childhood days—whether you played with Action Man or Barbie—you’ve been receiving constant, consistent images telling you what beauty are supposed to look like.

Never mind that these images are for the most part, anatomically impossible!

And, would you really want to look like Fabio anyway? Or Pam Anderson, Honestly?

I’m guessing probably not.

So, here’s how you can build your confidence with the body God gave you:

1. Look in the mirror

2. This time, really look at yourself.

Reflect on the compliments you have received.

Do people tell you how great your hair is?

How beautiful your eyes are?

That you have a nice smile? Try to see what they see.

3. Stand far enough away from the mirror so that you can take it all in. What do you see? Find at least three positive things.

4. Now, get up close.

Really close.

Look at your eyes—the irises.

What color are they?

Are they all one color or are there flecks of various colors?

How would you describe those using positive analogies or adjectives?

5. Now, smile. What does your smile convey? Warmth? Happiness?

6. Find at least three characteristics you like best about yourself, and then accentuate them as you dress to go out.

§ If you love your eyes, make sure your hair doesn’t cover them up

§ Love your lips? Make sure to keep them soft and moisturized

§ Your hair? Get a flattering cut and condition it regularly to keep it shiny and healthy

In short, amplify what you like, and don’t worry about the parts you don’t.

Here are some ways to do just that:

§ Go shopping and bring a good friend. Ask them to help you pick out colors and clothes they think flatter you. Don’t worry if your first reaction is “that’s not me!” Experiment!

§ Feel better about whatever it is you don’t like about yourself by picturing the absolute worst-case scenario. Exaggerate whatever it is you’re hung up on and blow it up in you mind until it’s comical. Then look in the mirror—not so bad anymore is it?

Accept yourself for who you are, how you look, and focus on what really matters—the things about you that can’t be seen—your heart, mind and soul!

§ What do you want people to praise you for? Is it really how you look? Probably not. You probably want people to think you’re funny, smart, nice, or generous—something along those lines right?

§ Make a list of your positive personal qualities and characteristics. Then ask yourself, what’s more important? Get involved in activities that build on your personal characteristics—volunteer, join a club, and take a class to sharpen a talent. These will help you emphasize and focus more on the more important qualities that get you through life successfully and with more fun.

Live life, love fully and laugh often!

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-03-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tip of the week...

As I reflect on my weight loss surgery these are some of the key changes I noticed in myself. I embraced everyone of these changes head on and "WOW" what a difference they made in my life. My hope for each one of you, is you too will embrace these changes head on and enjoy the ride.

Self Esteem- As you embark on this journey you will discover something you have not had in a long time- Self Esteem. Obesity has robbed each and every one of us of our Self Esteem. Its nice getting to know yourself again, it's as if you have run into an old friend you've really missed and its fun getting to know this person again. I like my new friend and I'm very glad she is in my life. I really missed her, and I'm thankful she's still intact, and ready to pick up the pieces and move forward. So embrace your friend and get to know this person, I think you really will like this person a lot!

Self Image- The further you get along in your journey you will discover a new self image you have of yourself. There will be times when you still see yourself as being obese, even though everyone is telling you differently. Don't look at yourself and see a fat person, look at yourself and see your skinny friend is waiting there for you to catch up to her/him. We all know diets fail and don't do what they promise to do, so that's why I think we've never seen our skinny friend waiting there for us, we are already defeated before we even make the effort. Not this time around he/she is there and will wait for you as long as it takes you to catch up.

Attitude- It will amaze you at how your attitude will change towards so many things. Food, Relationships, and even your Career. You will see things so differently than you did when you were obese. My attitude is all about “Standing Up for Myself” no matter what the situation is. I take chances, and have learned to step outside of my comfort zone. It’s not so scary once you do it!

Comparison- Don't compare yourself to others. They might be choosing the fast lane, and you’re in the slow lane. It's okay. The key is to recognize what lane you want to be in. If you want the fast lane then that's how you will modify your eating and exercise, if you want the slow lane then modify your eating and exercise to that lane. If you want to change lanes every now then, just look before you change lanes then set it on cruise control and enjoy the ride. Rejoice in each and every pound you've lost and know you never have to walk in your old shoes again. This really is a self paced journey. You can go as fast or as slow as you want.

This really is an amazing journey, I hope everyone of you enjoy it to the fullest!!

((HUGS))

~CoachCher~

www.divinetransformation.net

2007-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Week...

Weight-loss setbacks can be overcome. Here's how to get back on track. From MayoClinic.com

It's not unusual to occasionally lose track of your weight-loss program and slip back into old patterns of unhealthy eating and minimal exercise. In fact, you can expect it to happen and have a plan in place to recover when it does. It takes time and regular reinforcement for your new healthy behaviors to become habits.
Use these tips to help you deal with occasional weight-loss setbacks: · Take charge. Accept responsibility for your own behavior. Remember that ultimately only you can help yourself lose weight.

· Avoid risky situations. If all-you-can-eat buffets are just too much temptation, avoid them, at least until you feel more in control of your new eating behavior.
· Buy time. If you're tempted to indulge in an old favorite food, first ask yourself if you're really hungry. Chances are, it's a craving and you may talk yourself out of it. If not, wait a few minutes and see if the desire passes. Or try distracting yourself from your urge to eat — call a friend or take the dog for a walk. If the craving still doesn't pass, have a glass of water or a piece of fruit instead.
· Be gentle with yourself. Practice self-forgiveness. Don't let negative self-talk — "I've blown it now!" — get in your way of getting back on track with your eating and exercise goals. Try not to think of your slip-up as a catastrophe. Remember that mistakes happen and that each day is a chance to start anew.
· Ask for and accept help. Accepting help from others isn't a sign of weakness, nor does it mean that you're failing. Asking for help is a sign of good judgment, not weakness. You need support from others to keep you on track when you have difficult days.
· Work out your guilt and frustration with exercise. Take a walk or go for a swim. But keep your exercise and activity upbeat. Never use it as punishment for a lapse.
· Plan your strategy. Clearly identify the problem, and then create a list of possible solutions. Try a solution. If it works, you've got a strategy for preventing another lapse. If it doesn't, try the next solution and keep trying until you find one that works.
· Recommit to your goals. Review your weight-loss goals and make certain they're still realistic. Remember, healthy weight loss comes slowly — 1 or 2 pounds a week.

What if you do experience a weight-loss setback? Although relapses are disappointing, they can help you learn to keep your goals realistic, what high-risk situations to avoid, or that certain strategies don't work for you. Above all, realize that you're not a failure. Reverting to old behaviors doesn't mean that all hope is lost. It just means that you need to recharge your motivation, recommit to your program and return to healthy behaviors.

I hope these are tips each one of you can live by, I know I can.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Cher's Rant of the day

How Much Weight have you lost?

Can you eat that?

What size do you wear now?

How much do you want to weigh?

Oh my gosh enough with the questions already. I know this is what you want to say to people when they ask you a barrage of questions.

Why do they care what I weigh, yes I can eat this. It seems to go on and on.

Remember back to when you were excited about your upcoming surgery. All you could talk about is your surgery and all the changes that were going to take place in your body, mind and soul.

Well now your friends and family want to see you be successful, so they are going to ask you these questions.

Yes I believe some secretly want to see you fail, especially if you were their eating partner. They have lost more than you have (no pun intended). They no longer have someone to join in on their self indulgent behavior. I know it's hard, but please be patient with them. They are making adjustments they might not be ready to make.

Then you have the friends and family who really do want to see you succeed. They are going to ask these questions, yes this might make you feel like your under the microscope.

You signed up for this journey and some will come along willingly and others will come along screaming and kicking.

Don't be afraid to speak your feelings and let everyone know you appreciate their support. However you have to create your boundaries and let everyone know what they are. I know this might be new to some of you. If you do this, you will "Thank" yourself later.

Now go out and make a stand for yourself, so you have an amazing journey both you and your friends and family can enjoy.

((HUGS))
~Coach Cher~

2007-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Tip of the week...

I love these workout tips from the pros!

Lose your extra pounds with these easy pro tips

1. TIME YOUR PRE-MEAL SNACK- Eating a low-carbohydrate protein bar 90 minutes before you work out will enable you to exercise longer and harder (and burn more calories) than you normally would, says Steve Zim, author of Hot Point Fitness. However, that 90-minute mark is crucial. Eat any closer to your workout, and blood will rush to your stomach, actually diminishing your performance.

2. BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE- Inhaling and exhaling through your nose, rather than your mouth, helps stabilize your heart rate and (like the pre-workout snack) increase your endurance. The result? You work out longer and burn more calories. But don't get discouraged if it feels unnatural at first -- it takes about six to eight workouts to perfect.

3. DO CARDIO LAST- Strength-train before doing any cardiovascular work, says Ken Fitzgerald, owner of Lift Gym in New York. Why? It takes the body about 15 minutes to warm up and start burning fat. So, a 30-minute bike ride is really only burning fat for the last 15 minutes of your workout. But, if you lift weights first, your body is warmed up by the time you hit the bike, and you'll burn fat throughout the entire ride.

4. VALUE VARIETY- Do the exact same workout every time you hit the gym, and your body will start to adapt to it -- and eventually stop burning as many calories, says Zim. So if you jog one day, try biking or swimming the next. Or, if you weight-train from the shoulders down one day, next time, begin with your legs and work up. The important thing, Zim says, is to keep your body guessing.

5. DON'T SLOUCH- Slumping over the handlebars on a stationary bike inhibits the amount of oxygen your body can take in -- and slows your fat-burning process, says Fitzgerald. The bars and handles are there to help you balance, not to support you. If you can't move without holding on, slow down.

6. TRAIN IN INTERVALS- The best way to burn fat is to work out as hard as you can for as long as you can, says Malick Diop, a trainer at Equinox Gyms in New York. But, if you're just starting to exercise, interval training's your ticket. Two minutes on the treadmill at, say, 7 mph, followed by two minutes at 5 mph, then back to 7 mph (and so on) for 20 to 45 minutes will whittle away pounds and build your endurance. Eventually, you'll be able to extend the high-intensity periods (and decrease the low ones) until your whole workout is done at top speed.

7. ADD LIGHT WEIGHTS- It's a fact: The more muscle tone you have, the more calories you burn -- even when you're sitting still. So, if you can't seem to find time to weight-train and do your cardio, Zim suggests doing bicep curls and overhead presses holding two- to three-pound weights while you're fast-walking or stair-climbing. This will build muscle tone, helping you shed more fat during your cardio workout than you would without the weights.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
www.divinetransformation.net

2007-02-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Tip of the week...

Hey Gang,

I'm always on the look out for great tips, each one of us can use to make our WLS journey more enjoyable. I have found some great "Snacking Tips" while we are at work. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

It's not so easy to eat right, if you're at the mercy of your workplace vending machines or snack shops. Most offer mostly high-sugar, high-fat snacks with little nutritional value. And few meet Tallmadge's snack guideline of 200 calories or less. For example, typical offerings include potato chips, with 303 calories and 19.6 fat grams in a 2-ounce bag; and chocolate chip cookies, with 277 calories and 16 fat grams in a 2-ounce package. Your best snacking strategy is to plan ahead.

Keep some healthy options in your desk or office for those times when you don't have time to get lunch, or when you need a little nutritional boost during the day. You can also bring fresh snack food with you every day from home, providing your workplace has a refrigerator.

Here are some examples of snacks that are good to keep handy in your desk:
Trail mix and/or dried fruits and nuts Breakfast cereal (choose a higher-fiber, lower-sugar type)
Cans of higher-fiber, lower-fat, and lower-sodium soup (don't forget the can opener)
Instant oatmeal packets (look for less-sugar options)
Tuna salad kit (includes a small can of water-packed tuna, a relish packet, and crackers)
Higher-fiber, lower-fat crackers (like reduced-fat Triscuits)
Natural-style peanut butter with crackers, bagels, and/or fruit
Packets of low-calorie hot chocolate.

Here are some simple perishable snacks you can bring for the day:
Low-fat yogurt with fruit
Low-fat cottage cheese with fruit Reduced-fat cheese with lower-fat, higher-fiber crackers
A small portion of leftovers from last night's meal that you warm up in the lunchroom microwave.

Now get up off the couch and plan your work week snacks, so you feel in control of your WLS journey.

((HUGS))
~CoachCher~
http://www.divinetransformation.net/

2007-01-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

Accountability Wednesday: This is a fun dynamic group. Here is your chance to connect with others who want to be accountable. Now you have the opportunity to be connected to a group of like minded people who are traveling the same road you are. Bring your curiosity and your questions and join us the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm CST.

If your not able to make the calls, please leave your goals on the blog so your still connected to the group.

Contact me today to become a part of this dynamic group.

cher@divinetransformation.net