"Purge, Organize, Beautify"

That is my mantra when I am stuck in some area of my life.  It is a simple formula for moving forward and making progress, but in the case of this being about making fitness (and lets face facts, appearance) changes, this mantra is especially effective!  Don't believe me?  Just try it!  All you have to do is repeat the mantra when you are feeling like you are not making progress.  Then actually do as you say!

First word is purge and it is one of the most important of the three, really.  The word has gotten some bad rap lately, but the truth is, in order to bring in something "new" in your life, you must make room for it.  Because of the very nature of weight loss, losing those energy blocking piles of stuff we accumulate over time, is powerful medicine!

To purge the piles of dated offers, correspondence and magazines, whose presence only seems to stress you, not comfort you, is cathartic and transformational!  Finish preparing or paying bills that have sat unopened on your desk.  Get rid of those things around you that only take up valuable space and feel your energy flow!  Start slow, but continue throughout your life to make room for the new!  (I could write an entire book on this subject.  And will continue to touch on it throughout my life as a blogger, but for now I am just going to outline this strategy for body changing success.)

Second word is organize and for those that know me know I use this word a lot when discussing strategies for weight loss and fitness increases.  You are your best when you have organized even the most basic areas of your life.  So, after purging, organize the valuable and important stuff left in your domain.  You don't have to be Suzy Secretary, just give it your best shot and leave it alone!

The areas that most affect our moods when we are working on body changes is:  the kitchen, office, bedroom, closet, bathroom and car.  Get these areas updated and easy to maneuver around and within them and you will be more empowered to persevere and stay the course.

The third word is beautify and let me tell you, life is about beauty so you have no choice but to create it whenever you can.  Revamp your bookcase and store the extra books, placing one or two interesting objects in the open space.  Hang your art in new locations.  Indulge in new bedding or candles for a softer more relaxed bedroom.

But nothing beats what happens to you when you beautify YOU!  Taking the time for your appearance is by and large the single most powerful strategy of all.  To take care to put yourself together, even if it just clean skin and a pony tail with jeans and a t-shirt, you can take the extra time to be polished and feel your value and confidence exude!

It was time to beautify!  Help, Karen!!  I need to feel young and fresh again.  Can yo help me?

I needed a little pick-me-up last week and saw my Esthetician friend and owner of Hello Beautiful Skin Clinic, who thought I'd be a good candidate for an Opulence Infusion treatment.  all I can say is I am hooked!  After the first treatment my husband said immediately after seeing me, "OMG! Your skin looks amazing!"  Seriously, he said this, like that.  That is my before photo of my face.  Next week you will get the after and let me know what you think!

Stay tuned!!

O stands for: Organize your world!

Now that you have begun the BODECI method, it’s time to organize your world. It will take some time to get used to new habits and ways of thinking, and by preparing well, you will find these transitions comfortable and even enjoyable.

Organize your kitchen to serve your new body.  Get rid of those items that will tempt you to old ways.  Plan ahead with a shopping list of foods you enjoy and nurture a healthy lifestyle.   Prepare your foods so that you will be able to make good choices.  Make sure you clean and properly store your vegetables, have hardboiled eggs, unsalted almonds, apples, berries, sliced turkey, Bodeci negative calorie soup and meatloaf, and plenty of water and water type beverages on hand at all times.  Keep a list of your personal basics to use for future shopping trips.  

Some of todays fridge and pantry items.  I am trying to use up the items I have before stocking up again.

Stocking a weeks worth of groceries is best for success!  Plan!

Organize your car so that you may use it as a sanctuary instead of a stress mobile.  You spend a lot of time in your car; make it a comfortable place that will give you peace and a break from your hectic life.  Soothing, nurturing music or inspirational tapes are wonderful ways to shift your attitude. 

Organize your personal space.  Get rid of clothing or shoes that are over-the-hill.  Buy a few things that will transition you to your new body. You need to feel attractive every day; go through accessories, make-up and personal products; toss out old or outdated items, and restock if necessary.  When in doubt, store those items in a separate box.  In six months, if you haven’t had a need or desire for those items (or that you can simply live without them) send the box off to a friend or favorite charity. 

Part of my closet today.  I can see what I have and am organized by 

separating jackets, tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories.  

Organize your people.  I know this sounds kind of manipulative, but the truth is you will need to have your family and friends’ help and support.  Let them know immediately that you’ve made a decision to make some positive changes in your life and that your intentions are not to make life more difficult for them, but rather you are giving yourself the gift of honoring your deepest desire; to have a fitter, healthier body. 

Trust me, they want it for you, too, but alas there is an element of selfishness in all of us and some of them may forget that your life isn’t just for making them comfortable and content! (So listen up, my supermoms and/ or work-a-holics, you will need to make yourself a priority!)

It is time to purge your environment of all the things that bind you to your old unproductive lifestyle and prepare yourself now for the new one!  While your at it, how about all those "too good to be true" diet books and plans.  They only serve to remind you of a past failures.  

The BODECI method is about shedding deprivation and  shame while shedding old outdated modes for changing your body.  Andiamo!  Organize a closet or a drawer,  allow yourself a short time frame, say fifteen minutes, then be done with it!  Keep it simple, and you will succeed!

How to Enjoy a Snack

Ak Mak cracker with a light spread of honey dijon, chopped onion, garden lettuce.  

Topped with a half slice of swiss, turkey breast and fresh ground pepper.

Made two and ate one then thought to take photo.  Everything was put away before I sat down to my snack.  OK, I went to my computer to do some work while eating it, but I didn't go back for more.  Too much work and by the time I gave it anymore thought I was totally satisfied!

What is your favorite healthy snack?  I'd love to hear from you!