Summertime and The Living Is Easy (Or  Is It?)

Ahh, summer. For most of us summer brings fond memories of childhood. For me personally, these include walking to get an ice cream cone on warm summer evenings, many an afternoon spent poolside reading magazines and the adventures of Nancy Drew, and feeling like I had all the time in the world, as time seemed to pass so slowly. Yes, life was so simple then. Or was it?

I also remember, beginning in my adolescence, a growing, gnawing anxiety as I approached the "dreaded swimsuit season" and the awful moment of truth when I had to go into the dressing room and stare at my inadequate and "flawed" body that was lacking curves in all the wrong places! Oh, the humiliation of it all! Yes, this was the dawning awareness that I had an image to live up to, and I wasn't doing a very good job of it!

This was the beginning of a 30 year period of being unhappy with my body. The good news is that I made peace with my body in my forties when I learned to accept myself warts and all. At 51, I enjoy my body and feel great in my skin. From this place, I can look back at my younger body and think, "There was absolutely nothing wrong with your body!"  People always told me I looked great, but I always had the feeling I was fooling people, or if they really got to know me, well, they wouldn't think so.

You see the truth was, I really wasn't sold on myself, so I thought I was fooling everybody else. I put up a good front; I had a well developed false self that appeared very confident and together. Inside though, I was often crumbling. I felt I could never measure up. To what? I had the mistaken belief that I had to be perfect in order to be loved. This led to my feeling that if I could just "get it all right" my life would turn out ok and I would find love and happiness. It never happened that way though.

In fact, it turned out the opposite. I found the love inside of me, became glowingly happy in spite of my imperfections, and then found the man of my dreams because I was happy with myself! Now, at age 51, summertime is back to the way it was before the bad body blues set in: filled with sensual pleasures with the added bonus of feeling great in my body.

So how about you?

Does summertime have you singing the bad body blues? Do you feel more slug like than svelte like? Do you wear a cover up that could do double duty as a pup tent? How do you deal with these feelings? Do you find yourself avoiding activities where you have to show a lot of skin?

Do you tell yourself you'll feel good about your body once you lose the weight? Do you realize it's easier to change how you feel and perceive your body right now, than it is to completely make it over?

Are you ready to quit singin' the bad body blues and sassily strut that bodacious bountiful body on the beach with a "Here I come world! I'm alright just the way I am!" attitude?

Well, read on!

The Body Love Puja

Puja is a Hindu term for the act of connecting with and worshipping the divine. A puja can range from a simple meal or blessing to an elaborate temple ritual. Many homes have an area or altar for puja worship. This can consist of a statue, some incense, art and other sacred objects. Your body is also temple and all temples deserve worship.

Most of us take our temples for granted; we pollute them, rarely give them the exercise and maintenance they need, and disparage the way they look! If our temples could speak they would say "Hey, I desperately need some better treatment here!"

Our body is the divine vehicle we have chosen to go through life with. Unfortunately, if the food police gave tickets, many of us would be pulled over for being "gross polluters!"

We need to overturn this sad state of affairs now!

How many of you tell yourself you will be happy or begin to love yourself when you feel you have met certain conditions, like lose the weight?  How many other conditions do you put on your happiness? I will be happy when __________________.

The good news is that we do not have to wait to love ourselves when we feel we are up to the task! It doesn't work that way.

Do you realize that when you have filled in the blank, another condition will magically appear? This is a trick of the mind, or what Buddhists call a "delusion." It is a misperception. There will always be problems; you will never get to a place where you feel that you have finally "arrived" or feel "enough." The time to start loving and accepting yourself is now!

I want you to say along with me: "I am a lovable person. There is nothing I have to do to be lovable. I am worthy of love simply because I exist. I am a human being, not a human doing. I don't have to prove my worth to me or anyone else. The fact that I am breathing on this earth is proof enough! I deserve peace; this is my birthright!"

Chant or sing this little ditty until it sinks into your consciousness.

Anointing The Temple 

A ritual is an excellent way to signal to your subconscious that you are ready to put your intentions out into the universe. You see, we can't just decide we are going to treat ourselves better, we actually have to start doing it! Intention without action is worthless.

All temples need maintenance. So let's get out the oil and start anointing the temple!

You might want to take a soothing bath before doing this ritual to get yourself as clean as a baby. Take some baby or aromatherapy oil and pour it into your palms. Imagine rays of white light emanating from a hole in the center of your palms as you gamely start at your toes and work your way up your body. As you lovingly rub the oil in, say repeatedly, "My body is a temple and I treat it that way!"

Feel the warmth of the healing light coming through the palms of your hands and penetrating your skin. Feel you body and skin begin to glow and glisten as you oil it to perfection. Imagine that your body is perfect because it is. There is nothing you need to do or be to start loving your body. The only requirement is to begin. Now!

Stop putting conditions on your happiness. Thank your body for all it does for you. It is the one constant in your life, your constant companion. Can you honestly say you treat it like a treasured friend?  Who has been there for you from the beginning? Who will be there at the end?

Weight loss is much easier when done with a hefty dose of self love, not punishment! Come home to your body. Proudly inhabit and embrace the skin you're in. It is not the enemy. It wants and needs your love (whether you lose weight or not!).

Aromatherapy Body Oil Recipe  

15 drops essential oil to 1 oz unscented oil

For the body oil, try sweet almond oil, grapeseed, or apricot oils. For the essential oil, try lavender, grapefruit, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, or lemon.                                                         
 

Body Love Links

Awakening To Your Real Beauty
Venusvision
Dove's Real Beauty Campaign
The Body Project
Size Positive Books and Resources

Get In The Swim with Aquatics
 
Swimming or water fitness, also known as aquatics, is an excellent all over toning exercise. Because the body is 90% lighter in the water, making it very easy to move, aquatics are a great way for overweight and sedentary people to start an exercise program. Swimming is easy on the joints and is an excellent choice for people who have back problems, chronic pain, or arthritis. It can be made even easier by wearing a flotation device so that you can just move your arms and legs. It's a great way to burn calories without feeling like you're putting forth that much effort.

If you have access to a pool with a substantial shallow end, you can jog laps or walk in the water. You can add ankle weights to create more resistance. They also make webbed gloves for moving through the water, and even dumbbells and Frisbees can be used in the water to add resistance for arm exercises.

Many health clubs and YMCA have aquatic classes. Some of these classes are especially for arthritis. These classes are fun and a great way to meet people. Exercise is always easier to stick with when there is a social component.For years, I used to swim daily at heated pool. The people at the pool became like a family to me and I looked forward to my daily time at the watering hole catching up with their lives. I swam and gabbed at the same time, and I would be amazed to find out I had been in the pool for an hour!

I originally started swimming because of lower back problems and I found that swimming helped me far more than the physical therapy, chiropractic, and other things I had tried. Once I was in the water, my pain and discomfort just disappeared. As my body grew sleek and strong, my mood and energy also improved. One day, I watched in amazement as the pool staff used a type of crane to hoist a 500 pound woman into the pool. When she got into the water, she turned to me and said, "This is the only time I feel free in this body." I just nodded, as I completely understood.

So if you are getting reacquainted to exercise or need an easy way to get moving, c'mon jump in! The water's fine! Your body will be glad you did.

                                                                 

Skin Screams For Sunscreen

Summer is the time we show plenty of skin and our skin takes a beating with the constant exposure. New studies show we need about 10 minutes of healing sunlight (sans sunscreen) a day. The best time to get this is in the morning before 10:00 am while the sun's rays are still gentle.  This sun exposure helps us to produce vitamin D which is necessary for the optimal function of our immune system as well as keeping our bones strong.  It is also important for mood regulation. After that, our skin needs all the protection it can get, for it is our daily, cumulative sun exposure that wreaks havoc on our skin and creates the signs of aging.

I recommend a uva/uvb sunscreen with titanium dioxide and at least an SPF of 30. Nature's Gate and Trader Joes both make excellent ones. These formulas are highly waterproof and don't require as frequent applications as other sunscreens. Be sure to remember to do your neck and back of hands as well. These are the areas that really take a beating and show aging more than any other area on the body. Make sure you apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors so that you get full protection. You will want to reapply after a few hours and especially after swimming. Also wear a hat, or a long sleeve t shirt if you are very sun sensitive. If going to the beach, hang out under a beach umbrella but remember, even in the shade you will need to wear sunscreen if outdoors for long periods.

For The Love Of Larb

Larb is a traditional Thai salad and is one of my favorite salads of summer. It is a very quick and easy to make, and is low fat, low carb and low calorie salad. It is served with a fat free lime chili dressing that is zesty and refreshing during those dog days of summer.

My love affair with larb goes back 28 years ago when I first discovered Thai food. I've been a fan of Thai's hot, sweet, spicy flavor combinations ever since. Thai cooking is clean, meaning not a lot of oil and fat. Its emphasis is on fresh light flavor combinations featuring lean meats, chicken and seafood. Thai salad dressings are fat free and can be used as dipping sauces or marinades for shrimp, chicken or fish.

My version of larb is much heftier than the traditional version. I like a substantial main course salad, so I chop up lots of green beans, napa or red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, red or green onions, and red pepper. I serve the larb on top of it. Traditional larb uses ground chicken, pork or beef. I substitute very lean ground turkey. You can also serve this salad on top of shirataki noodles for a complete low carb meal. Traditionally garnished with sprigs of mint, I garnish mine with either fresh cilantro or basil. Let the love affair begin!

• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup fish sauce (nam pla) 
• 1 tablespoon white or brown sugar, or Splenda
• 2 teaspoons Thai roasted chili paste or chili-garlic sauce
  

• 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  
• 5 cups shredded napa or red cabbage, or fresh lettuce
  
• 1 cup thinly sliced green onions or red onion
• 1 cup sliced green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
  
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, basil or mint leaves
  

The Power Of A Necklace

The first necklace I ever received was a beautiful rosary I received for my holy communion in the catholic church when I was five years old. That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I would have to say it has also been one of my most enduring relationships. I often joke, "Husbands and lovers may come and go but jewelry is forever!"

For me, summer is the season of the necklace. Winter clothes can be bulky and heavy which often discourages the use of necklaces. In summer, necklines are low, skin is plentiful, and color abounds. Whereas, winter jewelry can feel formal and serious, summer necklaces often have a touch of fun and whimsy.

Almost no outfit is complete without a necklace. A necklace acts as a frame for the face and neck. A necklace can also make a strong statement about the woman wearing it. Certain necklaces are power necklaces and scream, "Watch out! You better take me seriously!" Others say, "I'm dainty and feminine and I like my jewelry that way." Or, "This is a form of sacred power." Some say, "I just wanna have fun!" Yet others haughtily say, "I have money and status, so you better treat me accordingly." Yes, our jewelry choices, or lack thereof, speaks volumes about us, whether we know it or not.

Often,when a woman is overweight she will wear black and other dark colors and not wear much jewelry. Too many women use weight as an excuse to hide and not buy great looking clothes and accessories which would make them feel better. I have heard so many women over the years tell me, "I"m waiting till I lose the weight before I buy anthing nice!" This is so sad. We need to start where we are. Positivity builds on itself; as we feel better, we feel more motivated to take better care of ourselves!

Accessories are the perfect diversion to draw attention away from the weight of the body and to the accessories themselves. I have seen many a large woman chicly outfitted in bright clothes, well coiffed hair, and great accessories. It's a great look: sassy, bold, and proud! These women are a testament to my mantra "Look great at any size!"

Accessories are an easy and affordable way to update an older outfit. A long necklace is a flattering look on a larger body as it creates a long line. Chunky and bold necklaces layered high on the chest look great as well. Not into necklaces? How about a pair of dangly earrings, a fun charm bracelet, big ring, or even jeweled flip flops to complete an outfit? Remember, live boldy and you will never be out of style!

I have been designing necklaces for 25 years now.  Here are a few of my favorite summer pieces.

You can see more of my jewelry here.

                                              
            

                                                                  


Holy Basil

If there is one herb that symbolizes summer, it would be basil. Basil is an herb that is used widely in Italian and Asian cuisine. Basil is a member of the mint family. It is marvelously aromatic with a sweet taste and smell. It is a symbol of love in Italy. In Europe, they put it the dead's hands to ensure a safe journey. In India, it is placed in the hands of the dying to ensure they reach God.

While eaten alive, basil has the ability to make you feel like you have already found heaven on earth. I use it generously in my vegetable stir frys, sauces, salads, pastas and marinades. Basil and balsamic vinegar are an angelic duo. Basil has a special affinity with anything calling for zucchini, peppers, lemons, cucumbers and tomatoes. It's especially good with grilled seafood, fish and chicken.

Here is one of my favorite basil marinades for chicken.

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely cracked pepper
4 chicken breasts

Combine the mustard and lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Add all other ingredients and then pour in a shallow dish. Add chicken breasts. Leave chicken breasts in marinade overnight for best results. Grill or broil. Serve with the following salad.

Insalada Caprese

There is nothing more sublime than a simple salad of sliced or chopped tomatoes picked at the height of the season with ample chopped basil, some buffalo milk mozzarella cubes or slices, and a splash of balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette for a lovely insalada caprese. Now that's heaven sent!

Keeping Your Cool

Trying to save money on utility bills? Here are a couple ways to keep your cool in the dog days of summer.

Do you often come home all hot and bothered, and not in a good way? Fill a spray bottle with 4 oz of distilled water. Add 8-10 drops of lavender, peppermint or spearmint aromatherapy oil. Better yet, if they are handy, you can even add a teaspoon of glycerin and a tablespoon of pure Aloe gel. Shake well and keep chilled in the fridge. Next time you come in from the heat limp as a noodle, spritz generously and enjoy the chilled mist! Your skin will love it and you will defrazzle in a jiffy!

You can also buy one of those bcool bandanas at reliefmart.com that you put in the fridge to chill.  Or, use one of those cool blue freezer packs meant for coolers, freeze, then wrap in a towel and put around your neck! Place yourself in front of a fan, grab a cool drink and savor the breeze!

Keep one of your face masks chilled in the fridge and spoon that on while your cooling down. Yes, indeed Scarlet, you will live to face another day!

Ice Capades
The Pleasures of Sorbet

Nothing says summer like fresh fruit sorbet. Growing up, the closest thing we had to sorbet was the rainbow sherbet that we would get at the neighborhood Thrifty's for a nickel. (I can't believe I'm even writing this). Times have changed and most supermarkets carry a wide assortment of sorbets.  You can even make your own sorbet and sweeten it with low glycemic agave nectar, or Splenda, if you need or want to go completely sugar free. Sorbets are fat free, much lower in calories than ice cream, and make a wonderful dessert after a lovely summer evening meal. Served in crystal goblets or martini glasses, sorbet is a sophisticated finish that doesn't scream, "I'm watching my weight!"

My personal supermarket favorites are the Ciao Bella Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet and Haagen-Dazs Mango Sorbet. The blackberry sorbet is a lush mixture of fresh blackberries with a nice cabernet twist. Serve it in a glass with a few fresh berries, drizzle a little cassis or sugar free syrup over it, and top with a sprig of mint. Feeling decadent? Like your mango with a side of mojo? Serve Haagen-Dazs Mango Sorbet with a splash of tequila and top with a sprig of basil or mint.  Bon Appetit!

Lately, I have been reading a lot of comments about the new book from former U.S. Surgeon General David A. Kessler: The End Of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite. In it he writes about how the big food companies chemically rig their food so it registers our sweet spot. Our sweet spot (kinda like our g spot) is a combination of fat, sweet and salty that makes us go ummmmm, and leaves us panting for more!

This news has caused an outcry from many people. Many people are using this information to blame the food industry on their obesity. My stance is this: nobody is forcing you to buy or eat this stuff! Get off the victim pot and exercise your power of choice! If people didn’t buy this stuff they wouldn’t make it. Period. You vote with your pocketbook!

Cmon. It’s so easy to blame others for our poor choices and habits but the buck stops here! Meaning with you!

The same goes for body image. At some point in time you have to stop blaming fashion magazines and the advertising industry for your poor body image. Yes, seeing and comparing yourself to supermodels is not the way to build a healthy self image. But, no one forces you to buy these magazines or feel this way either. At some point in our evolution we have to come to terms with the fact that there will always be people who need to sell their products. Do you think they are going to use unattractive people to promote them? I don’t think so!

We also need to come to terms with the fact that life is not fair and will not cater to our expectation of how it should be. Sitting around lamenting about how unfair it all is and then bashing our own bodies is taken part in the collusion. You will never hear me engage in body bashing. If I am in a situation where it occurs I try to change the subject or I point out something positive about the person. I will not engage in this behavior and neither should you!

Instead of trying to get the world to worship us, we need to start worshiping the world.  Instead of asking, what can the world give me? The question needs to be what can I offer the world? Life is the ultimate teacher. When we begin to ask what life is asking of us and truly listen for the answer, we will be well on our way to awakening into the now. Each moment, the question needs to be "How is my presence needed here?" All life asks from us is to fully show up with an open heart and mind.  When we are in service to life, life feeds us all that we need.

Now, I can hear you right now! “Oh, of course, it’s easy for her to say that. She’s attractive and slender. Before you get your knickers in a twist, and start to write me angry letters, chew on this. Yeah, I’m an eating disorder survivor who spent years hating her body and feeling like a victim. Part of my recovery was seeing the problem was not outside of me, it was right between my ears!

It was how I was looking at and perceiving the problem. When I began to shift my focus and learned to become the source of my own smiles, I empowered myself.  I realized that I did not need the permission or approval of any industry, person or institution to love and feel good about myself.  I had willingly given my power away. It was a lie to think anyone else could ever make me feel good about me!

Eleanor Roosevelt wrote, "No one can make us feel inferior without our permission." Yes, that Eleanor was one wise lady! What she meant is that we play an active part in our low self esteem problem. So let's drop the blame game and begin to exercise our power of choice!

Become the hero or heroine of your own life by choosing to act on your own behalf. Choose to make smarter food choices; choose to affirm the beauty and goodness you see in yourself and the world; choose to lovingly take care of your body; choose to be a beacon of clarity and light for others.

Who or what are you waiting for? No one is coming to rescue you! We all share a part in creating this world. Let's make our choices count!

Did this push a few buttons for you? Did you see yourself in the above description?  Don't like what you see in the mirror? Are you ready to be the change?

Then join The Weight Loss Master’s Club and begin to learn to actively co create your world.  Learn to become the master of your mind, body and soul. It’s a heck of a lot more fun than singing the blues!

When you master the skills in The Weight Loss Master’s Club you will not only be a weight loss master…you will be a master of the game of life. How you do food is how you do life!

The Weight Loss Master's Club is available as an e-coaching program, or through telephone or private coaching. Exercise your power of choice by calling me for a free consultation. Together we will map out a strategy to change your world!  650-504-8588.

My Favorite Pics Of Summer

                    Photography by Catherine L. Taylor       

Meditative Mendocino

I recently spent four days on the Mendocino Coast in Northern California, enjoying some time beach combing, photographing the amazing flowers that grow there, and looking at tidal pools. The beaches here are rugged, uncrowded and are perfect for long, meditative walks to commune with the spirit.

Tidal pools are a great exercise in observation. At first glance, you don't see much, then, as you train your eye, you may notice that a rock is actually a hermit crab crawling sideways through the sand. Look closer and you will find starfish clinging to the undersides of the rocks; clumps of sand turn out to be sea anemones that shrink and quiver to the touch; delicate fronds of coral sway gently in the currents; mussels carpet the sides of the rocks, while crabs scurry along, furtively looking for something to eat.

The closer you look, the more you see that there is a whole universe laying here just beneath the surface. It's like the nature of the mind itself, in that one has to delve deep beyond the surface to find the truth of being. As the murky waters of our churning minds recede, there in the stillness, we find the buried treasure.

Credits: photography, recipes, food styling, and jewelry by Catherine L. Taylor

I hope you have enjoyed my emagazine. Drop me a line and let me know how you are doing. I love to hear your success stories. I especially welcome getting any great insights, healthy tips, food ideas, and low cal recipes you discover. I will publish the good ones in future editions of my newsletter. So keep 'em coming!

Namaste,

Catherine L. Taylor

The Weight Loss Master's Club
How You Do Food Is How You Do Life!
http://www.secretsofaweightlossmaster.com
650-504-8588

Follow me on twitter!
Follow me on Facebook!

Get your daily dose of Thinnerisms - tasty tweets of affirmation, encouragement, mindfulness, plus health and wellness tips! Even get them delivered right to your mobile phone. It's like having your own personal weight loss and wellness coach checking in with you throughout your day!

Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to friends and family.
Remember to white list me so that I don't wind up in your spam folder!

If you are reading this newsletter and are not a subscriber, but would like to be, subscribe here!