Welcome to secrets news issue 26

Let me fill you in on a little secret...

There are 3 secrets that I would like to share with you in this newsletter.

• YO-YO dieting...Is that you?
• Networking can be fun and rewarding!
• Win a break for 2 with Table Magazine to Camp Eden Health resort in Queensland
  

YO-YO dieting...Is that you?

As many of you may have gathered from previous newsletters I'm not a big fan of fad diets.

And yet like so many other habits, it can be hard to kick.

Researchers studying dieters vs. non dieters have come up with some fascinating findings. The dieters were those who tend to diet during the week and overeat on weekends.

As a health/weight loss coach the question below in relation to yo-yo dieting was one of my most asked by clients.

Question:

I've yo-yoed with my weight for years. I go on a diet, do well for a few weeks, and then suddenly foods such as chips and chocolate becomes irresistible. I know I shouldn't, but I eat the whole bag or block. I have no willpower! Please help!

Answer:

I suspect that it's not really about the chips or chocolate or the willpower. It sounds like you've got a dose of what has become the typical dieting mentality.

The most destructive aspects of dieting are the thought patterns that lead to self-sabotaging behavior. We expect a quick fix. We make short-term instead of permanent changes. And, we often engage in destructive black-and-white thinking, creating a mental picture of "good" foods on one side and all the tasty -- but devilish -- "bad" foods on the other. Chips and chocolate for you thus become two of those forbidden temptations.

I would submit that it's not these foods, nor is it eating these foods that are the problem; the real killer is the self-hatred you feel after you partake. The typical scenario goes like this: You avoid the forbidden food for a while. Then the temptation gets worse and worse. You inch closer and closer to a nibble. Then in a flash you find the chips in your mouth and feel the crush of shame and guilt because of your transgression. The thoughts that often flow through your mind at this time, would most likely be: There, I've gone and done it. I'm so weak. I'm a failure. I've blown it again. I'm no good. Why bother? May as well eat the whole packet and the block of chocolate and start again tomorrow! What's the use? Might as well give it all up and quit. I'm such awful person. I have no willpower.

Does this sound a little familiar?

The common follow-up to this negative thinking is a full-blown binge. Why? Because if we believe that we're pathetic and weak, we're going to act accordingly. We don't just have one piece of the treat; we eat the whole thing, and then hastily order another.

There has got to be a better way.

Thankfully, there is. We can redefine willpower. Willpower shouldn't just mean being able to successfully eliminate a whole list of bad foods. Instead, we should see willpower as consisting of choice and responsibility. So, willpower can mean choosing to be healthy. Willpower can mean seeking balance in our lives and our menus. And, ironically, willpower can mean choosing to eat something that's "not on our diet" if that's what we really want. Chocolate (or some other wicked delight) then becomes merely a choice instead of a nemesis. Even if we eat more than we should, if we recognize that we're choosing instead of being chosen, we can avoid the "frenzy" that lands us in the diet rollercoaster!

If diets worked permanently we wouldn't have the "next new miracle" diet being discovered.

Think about it and take action today to become healthy...it makes sense.

Networking can be fun and rewarding!

Would you like to meet with new and interesting women and expand your network?

Corporate Chicks holds monthly events in Sydney and Melbourne that connects women from a variety of industries and backgrounds in a relaxed and friendly networking environment and provides an opportunity to engage with inspiring speakers. Networking is essential for professional development and personal growth and satisfaction. If you aren't sure about networking, come along to their next event to see what all the hype is about!

Sydney - Breakfast Events
Friday 2 May
Friday 13 June

Melbourne - Breakfast Events
Friday 16 May
Friday 20 June

Melbourne - Evening Events
Wednesday 23 April
Wednesday 21 May

Check out www.corporatechicks.com.au for further information.

Table Promotion: win a break for two people to a health resort

Overworked? Stressed out? Relax and rejuvenate at Camp Eden Health Resort. Nestled in Queensland's Currumbin Valley, Camp Eden is offering one lucky Table Magazine reader a weekend retreat for two people, valued at $2840, including transfers, meals and two 1 1/2 - hour massages or beauty treatments (flights not included).
The spectacular location and wide range of facilities at Camp Eden means you can design your perfect break, whether it be for fun, fitness or simply the chance to put your feet up. So unwind in the resort steam room and sauna, get active on the tennis and volleyball courts, or lie by the pool and enjoy the view while the day drifts by.

Competition closes at 23.59 (EST) on 22/05/08. For full terms and conditions please phone Freecall 1800 107 993. Helpdesk 1800 653 344.

By entering via email you consent to the receipt of any email regarding this magazine, and other emails which inform you of ACP's other publications, products, services and events and to promote third party goods and services you may be interested in.

To enter, purchase any one of the following products - Slim Secrets (from any stockist), Synergy Natural Spirulina, Stahmann Farms pecans and Pasta Master 97%-fat-free lasagne- between 23/04/08 and 22/05/08 and retain a photocopy of the receipt. Explain in 25 words or less why you deserve to win a weekend away at a health resort. Tell us your name, daytime delivery address and phone
number and email your completed entry to:

tablecompetitions@acpmagazines.com.au

or send it to:

Australian Table Health Challenge,
PO BOX 462, Eastern Suburbs MC NSW 2004.

What a great opportunity to enjoy Slim Secrets bars and be in the running to also enjoy a weekend break for 2.

Be safe and have fun.

Warm wishes

Sharon

Read more secrets from Sharon's Blog

24-hour weightloss support groups at eDiets.com

New Nutrition Secrets

Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream

Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream is a peach snack bar drizzled with white choc coating with added flaxseed, primrose and collagen.

Contains just 95 calories, 2.3 grams of fat, 4.2 grams of sugar, 59mg of calcium but still has 8 grams of protein per 28g bar. Radiant and delicious who could ask for more?

More information on Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream

Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla & Almond

A snack bar with a twist of flaxseed and ginkgo.

Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla and Almond is a delicious chewy snack bar full of nuts with added flaxseed and ginkgo and a hint of vanilla flavor. Contains just 88 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3.7grams of sugar but still has 8 grams of protein per 28g bar. What smart person could ask for more?
More information on Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla & Almond

Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble

A snack bar with a twist of flaxseed, soy and green tea extract.

Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble is a yum snack bar with a combination of cranberries, nuts and chocolate with added flaxseed, soy and green tea extract. Contains just 84 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3.3 grams of sugar but still has 7 grams of protein per 28g bar. In your heart you know this is the one for you.
More information on Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble

Slim Secrets Mintabolism Boost

Would you like to look hot without the chillis? Does your 'mintabolism' need firing up? Then this bar is the smart snacking secret weapon for you.

The new Mintabolism Boost bar packs a punch with green tea extract (concentrated tea) which contains antioxidants that come from polyphenols in the tea.
More information on Slim Secrets Mintabolism Boost

Slim Secrets Morning Rev-Up

One of the first bars of its kind to contain real coffee beans High in fibre and rich in protein, it will leave you satisfied for longer, without the fall in blood sugar levels and feeling of hunger in a short time.

Need something to fill the mid morning gap? If you crave coffee and sweets and you need a boost, here's a secret weapon to get you going.
More information on Slim Secrets Morning Rev-Up

Slim Secrets Afternoon Snack-Attack

A choc caramel and nut decadent snack that you will think is too good to be true. High in protein and only 3.9g of fat per bar, it will provide consumers with a great snack to keep them going till dinner. May even help prevent overeating at meal times.

Feel an afternoon feeding frenzy coming on? If the day has worn you out and you need a bit of a pick-me-up, here's a secret weapon to keep you going.
More information on Slim Secrets Afternoon Snack-Attack

Slim Secrets Night Time Binge - Buster

A delicious blueberry and raspberry bar, made from real snap frozen fruit, drizzled with smooth white chocolate that melts in your mouth. High in protein and 3.12g of fibre per bar, this mouth-watering bar will give you an increased feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Wheat free and low GI carbohydrates mean you'll stay healthy without staying hungry through the night.

Often suffer from the nighttime nibbles? If you're craving something sweet after dinner and don't want to sabotage your health goals, here's a secret weapon to get you through.
More information on Slim Secrets Night Time Binge - Buster