Best fitness equipment for weight loss? It’s you and all your bones, joints, muscles, and any part of you involved with movement. Especially your brain. Yep, your brain. LOL.

kids

Emily and Mike, strong healthy kids

I say your brain is likely the most important of all because even before you begin any exercise or fitness routine, you must change your brain first. By that I mean your first challenge is to get your thinking correct. There are a few important things you must understand first.

If you are having a deja-vu type experience right now – yes you have heard me or read my material before about this ‘change your brain first’  routine. I say and write the same thing when it comes to altering your eating habits for weight loss, you must change your………….. Okay, okay, I’ll stop, but only if you agree. LOL

I’m adamant about this because the vast majority of people that begin an exercise or fitness program quit within a few weeks or even days. They’ve wasted their time, and maybe money if they paid for some program or equipment, because they didn’t change their………….    Sorry, I almost wrote it again! LOL.

So don’t even start anything until you understand and accept these basic concepts: (My new book Whole Health Healing – The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible For All Ages contains a chapter called Exercises That Really Work and Those to Avoid. You can buy the book by clicking here.

1) Exercise and fitness routines need to be life-long. That’s right, forever and ever, as long as you live. You are struggling with your weight now, because you likely have not been active enough in the past. Yesterday I went rollerblading with my son. The day before that I went bike riding with my daughter. The day before that I swam. And today I’m going to rollerblade again. And the day after that I’m going for another bike ride. Get my point? Seek to partake in at least 30 minutes physical activity everyday and settle for no less than 3 times per week. Make it mandatory – a priority. If you ever stop, you will quickly loose the benefits you’ve worked so hard for.Yes it’s that important. Get angry about it if you have to! But sorry no, the anger does not count towards the………… LOL.

2) Exercise needs to be fun.  The most common reason most people stop the routine they start is boredom. If it’s not fun, it won’t get done! Take a look at rummage sales, flea markets, and garage sales and you’ll see loads of exercise equipment, much of it barely used. You may likely have some stuff you got suckered into that is collecting dust in your attic or basement. Now if you’ve got a routine going with some equipment and you’re enjoying it and keeping it up – congratulations! But that usually is not the case for most others. The rest of us are mere mortals. LOL.

Exercise needs to be fun!

3) Exercise needs to be varied. Yep, it’s that boredom factor again. I advocate having several fun physical activities you can choose from. I even change mine with the seasons because I prefer outdoor activities. In the winter I downhill ski, cross country ski, ice skate, etc. Another benefit of varying your activity is that it works different parts of your body. For example, I’m amazed how rollerblading tightens up my laterals (sides) compared to how swimming and running tightens up my front and back.

4) It does not have to be grueling or painful. Not at all! Even light activities like walking have noticeable benefits. There are no doubt more benefits if you push yourself a bit more, but you don’t have to go overboard. And if you do increase you pace or level of exertion, do it gradually. I believe that if you are uncomfortable in any significant way after exercising – you’ve gone at it too hard.

5) Do it for God not self. Honor God with your body. This is a biblical concept from 1st Corinthians. If you exercise or eat properly because you want to look better, feel better, and impress others, that’s not all bad although selfish. But the entire idea of caring for one’s body works and lasts significantly better when you accept that your body is a gift from God. That’s a more honorable reason to be caring for it optimally. I wrote an article about this you can read by clicking here.

Yes, there are some exercises that are more dangerous than others. You can read my free report called The Five Most Dangerous Exercises You Need to Avoid by getting it from the opt-in box on the right side of this website.

Got it now? If you do you are ready to proceed and succeed. Can I say it one last time please? Your brain has changed first!

By the way, have you seen my other blog/web sites?

For the general public:  http://www.wholehealthhealing.com

Specifically for doctors: http://www.reclaimthejoy.com

Best Fitness Equipment for Weight Loss

Diets and holistic health don’t mix together. Pun intended. LOL

The Healing Trail Mix

Not when diets are defined in the traditional sense of following a specific eating plan to lose weight.

Sure, following any of the hundreds of plans that have been promoted in the last few decades may result in some weight loss, but the benefits typically don’t last. Even a diet of eating just cookies works short term. If you’re going to waste your time, you may as well do it by eating cookies! LOL.

The average American keeps getting heavier, especially children, and the new miracle diets keep coming, and the average American keeps getting heavier, especially children, and …….

I suspect you get my point.

But wait, I have this diet that works and I offer a guarantee and……. Gotcha!

Sorry, there are no simple, miracle solutions/plans. There never was any and there never will be. Boohooo!

I am happy to report that what does work for weight management, always has and always will work, is this: careful food selections, self control, occasional splurging (yahoo!), acceptance of how God made you,  and eating slower, smaller more numerous meals.

Why don’t you see this type eating advice advertised  on TV or in magazines anywhere? Because nobody make any money when you do it. Surprise!

In fact, many people will make less money when you follow a healthy holistic eating lifestyle, namely doctors because you will likely be ill less often.

Please become aware that the media and it’s advertisers are becoming increasingly talented at getting and keeping our attention, particularly when it comes to our physical appearances. They place pictures of beautiful people with gleaming muscles (they are oiled), rippling six packs (they are airbrushed or do dozens of sit-ups immediately before the picture is taken),  or worse yet the people are taking steroid type drugs to enhance their physiques.  These “models” are not representative of we typical humans. You and I need to be wise to this. Even though we enjoy looking.

Also, be wary of some of the food products, their claims, and what’s in them.

The top 10 deceiving “healthy” foods that lead to weight gain and other health problems:

1) margarine, because it lacks the  essential oils necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system.

2) artificial sweeteners, because they contribute to inflammation

3) soy, because it can mimics the hormone estrogen

4) most granola bars, because they contain excess sugar

5) most dehydrated fruits, because they have added sugar

6) most juices, because they lack pulp and contain excess added sugars

7) whole grain products, because many people have hidden gluten allergies

commercially grown apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, and imported grapes because they are the top 5 most chemically treated produce and contain toxins.

9) all orange juice, because it is  well known to increase inflammation

10) commercially raised chicken because it’s likely raised indoors, given antibiotics and probably hormones for faster growth

So scrap the diet plans and get the mind set that weight management involves lifelong “good” eating habits like this:

Weight Loss and Eating Tips

♦ Eat smaller quantities and more often

♦ Eat fresher foods

♦ Eat organic grown varieties

♦ Eat slower

♦ Don’t drink more than a few sips while eating

♦ Start a garden

♦ Eat more variety

♦ Add more fresh herbs and spices

-an excerpt from my new book Whole Health Healing – The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages. You can buy the book by clicking here.

Simplistic isn’t it? Better yet it’s neither difficult or expensive. Now you know how I came to be labeled The “Down-to-Earth” Doctor.

The trick, if there is such a thing about weight management, is to change your thinking first. Click on the link to read my article: Weight Loss Solution: Change Your Brain.

http://www.wholehealthhealing.com/?p=162

Now I’m confident you and your size will be okay! Next time, I’ll write about another vital component of weight management – physical activity. So tune in again.

What can you change to better manage your weight?

By the way, have you seen my other blog/web sites?

For the general public: http://www.wholehealthhealing.com

Specifically for doctors: http://www.reclaimthejoy.com

Diets and Holistic Health

Healthy family vacations can be possible.

And the kids won’t complain any more so than they do on a standard family vacation. LOL.

Dr Tom Potisk and his family on the White River State Trail

Yes, yes they will still ask “Are we there yet?”, and “Can I watch TV there?”, and “When are we going home?” Get used to it; they’re kids!

But the goal of a healthy, holistic vacation is maintaining some control over nutrition, learning or experiencing something new, and having some fun physical activity every day. And don’t forget, some ice cream is okay! LOL.

The standard family vacations tend to be toxic, boring, inactive, lazy, and unhealthy overeating disasters. Those can bring out the monster in a kid.

Sure, I understand that Mom and Dad need and deserve a break from the grind of their regular routine. God help them! But a bit of pre-planning, and laying down of specific demands can make the whole experience much healthier. Likely, everybody will come back in as good if not better shape than before the break.

Don't forget that kids love fishing!

For example, I’d recommend a trip to the library shortly before the vacation, and demand that each kid pick out a few worthwhile books for the car or plane, and for the dreaded days of poor weather. And make rules that limit electronic gaming time, perhaps only in the car, or no more than one-hour daily and only after physical activity; better yet, leave the electronics at home!

Avoid or minimize media exposure. You’ll find you didn’t miss much except more bad news! LOL.

Bring along a healthy snack bag containing some fresh fruit like bananas, apples, nuts, trail mix, etc.

Lay down the law before the trip, explaining that although you all may likely partake in some lax eating habits, something green needs to be consumed with lunch and dinner. No, it can’t be just green M&Ms or green pop! LOL.

Try hard to maintain the simple eating rule I advocate – having a big salad every day, perhaps making it one of your meals by adding some quality protein. I write more about this in my new book Whole Health Healing-The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages. You can buy it by clicking here.

As for activities, go ahead and sleep later, nap in a lounge chair, lay on the beach, float in the pool, and thoroughly let go of any mental and physical tension you’ve all been harboring; but then get up and explore. Make a little adventure everyday by looking for unique characteristics in your area – a hike, a bike ride, a canoe ride, visit something historical or artistic, anything that stimulates your right brain function. This right brain stimulation is known to be vitally important for thorough relaxation.

I’m known as The “Down-to-Earth” Doctor because of my personal holistic lifestyle and practical, easy-going teaching abilities, and I just love adventures like exploring trails and rally cool, unique areas. I recently took my family on a bike trail near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (45 minutes southwest of Milwaukee). The trail is called The White River State Trail. The beautiful trail, on an old railroad line, runs eleven miles between Spring Valley Road (near Burlington) and Elkhorn along the Racine and Walworth county lines. It passes through the darling, historic villages of Springfield and Lyons. Be sure and stop at the original train depot, now The Pedal and Cup Coffee Shop in Springfield; good food, drink, and people there!

Ask your hosts, hotel desk clerk, or local visitor center about highlights to see in your area. Do an internet search for local bike trails, canoe trails, historical relics, and geographical wonders. On behalf of your kid’s sanity, limit the museums to one per trip! LOL.

My family and I recently visited The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward, Wisconsin – neat place!

My son Andy at The Freshwater Fishing Hall of fame

So the goal is to not only come back rested, but to come back resisted, mentally stimulated, energized, stronger, educated, enthused, at peace, and in awe of God’s creation.

Your last words should be “That was the best trip since….” and “I haven’t felt better in…”

How will your next vacation be better than ever?

By the way, have you seen my other blog sites?

For the general public: http://www.wholehealthhealing.com.

Specifically for doctors: http://www.reclaimthejoy.com.

Healthy Family Vacations