Time to get off the diet wheel: an honest look at losing the weight, keeping it off, and managing expectations about the process. 

How many years now have you said the same thing, ‘this is going to be the year I get the weight off…get healthy’. Statistics tell me a majority of Americans either want to lose weight or are currently trying.

For more than a decade, I stumbled around the diet wheel never achieving success for a sustainable period of time. Oh, I’d hit my goal weight with some diet or deprivation, and then, like Oprah, put it on again and then some. When my weight soared up over 200 pounds after having children, my embarrassment and disgust with myself increased right along with it.

So, my first question is are you ready? Truly, are you ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal? Here is the reality staring at you in the mirror: the next 364 days are going to pass and you can accomplish your goal or be well on your way within that time or not? Which will it be?

If you can answer ‘yes’ that you are ready, then let’s start setting some expectations about how you can achieve your weight loss goals and better health.

Once I admitted my readiness, I quickly learned to quit making excuses. No longer did I allow my feelings to dictate if I worked out or not. My comfort no longer mattered. I got up when I was tired and worked out. I went to the gym even when I did not feel like it or faced the embarrassment of my weight. I even continued to go to a cardio class when the instructor asked me if I was pregnant. “No I am not”, I said, “just fat.” While I cried my eyes out in the car after class, I knew my health and goals were more important than my feelings.

Many times family circumstances or schedules create convenient excuses. No more! No longer do I hit a drive through for dinner. No longer do other’s feelings dictate what I eat or how much I eat. If I chose to not eat everything my hostess serves, I refused to worry about whether I hurt feelings or not. What I find is most people understand and actually envy the ability to eat clean. It’s no secret; it’s a choice you can make.

Vacations and Holidays also trigger excuses to overeat. From now on, however, Halloween to New Year’s Day is not licensed to indulge. The week you spend on the cruise ship no longer equates to giving in, giving up, or falling off the wagon. While it is okay to have some of your favorite treats, your new lifestyle maintains clean eating no matter what the date or where you are located.

Even genetics and age pose excuses. My genetics, for instance, make it difficult to lose weight and really easy to gain. That means I must work harder and eat cleaner than some others in order to achieve the same results. I can whine and complain ‘it’s not fair’ but then I’d be making an excuse. It’s actually easier to just get to work and not waste emotional energy feeling sorry for myself.

Sounds like the expectation is perfection. No. But clearly, I’m emphasizing how easily we excuse an indulgence here, take the easy way out there, and then before you know it, we’re off track and the weight packs on again.

If you find yourself in the drive thru line, okay, just pick wisely and don’t make it a regular thing. Don’t kick yourself when you indulge. Simply, get right back into your new normal lifestyle. If you spend the day depressed because your friend is thin and you are not. Stop, focus, and return to a lifestyle that supports your goals instead of emotionally spiraling out of control.

The next realization about losing weight and keeping it off resides in the fact it means working out and eating clean the rest of your life. This is not about going on some diet and getting off it. No pill will help you take off the weight and maintain it the rest of your life. Working out and eating clean is a diet plan you can implement the rest of your life.

Those two components are my normal daily routine. And the results worth it: no longer am I under the tyranny of food choices and what I weigh. Food is fuel and vitality. I no longer waste emotional energy thinking about what I ate, feeling guilty for what I did or did not do, or how I look. My confidence is stronger, my body healthier, and I face the difficulty in life with stability and perseverance.

It took me three years to lose 65 pounds. I could have accomplished that in less time, but I engaged in a different lifestyle not a diet. I took small steps at first and then continued to build upon them until, well, you now find me a professional football player for the World Champion Dallas Diamonds at 42.

If you are ready, the time is now. There may not be an immediate payoff but don’t let that be another excuse. Be intentional to do hard things outside of your comfort zone. In fact go beyond what’s expected and required. Challenge your norm and don’t settle for less than what you truly want!

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

I'll never forget sitting in Dr. Howard Hendricks Bible Study Methods class at Dallas Seminary. We took everything off our desk but a single sheet of paper and numbered 1-5. “Make a list of the greatest struggles you’ve had in life,” the wise Professor requested.

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

Cowboys Leave a Chill in the Air

Game on guys…defrost, unify, heat this place up and prove you are as the Diamonds’ say, ‘One Team…One Goal!’

Stay inspired,

“It’s just a game”, she exclaimed. “No, it’s not!” I sobbed as I took down all the signs the kids made. “We can’t make it to the National Championship now.”

I was devastated three years ago when the Longhorns came to Columbus and beat the Bucks in the Horseshoe. Screaming, pacing, yelling for Tressel to play more aggressive offense, dying when mistakes nailed our own coffin closed. I tell you, I was crying when the game was over. There were so many high hopes gone in one game. That’s when my 6-year-old daughter looked at me like a mother and said “It’s just a game, Mom.” Stick a knife in me why don’t you?

Convicted about my bad attitude, the next day I apologized to her. I told her she was right and Mommy was misguided, eh, wrong. It was just a game.

So, don’t you know, my now 9-year-old daughter said the same thing to me today as we anxiously awaited text message updates from Killeen as to the score in the State Championship game between our beloved Legacy Eagles and the Canyon Creek Cougars.

She and I were enjoying Tea at the Lavender Room with the 4^th Grade Girls Friendship Club. She was enjoying it, but I was jittery sensing a tough battle. And, it was…I found out late in the 4th quarter the Eagles were down by 10 but fighting their way back. I could not sit still. I raised my hands and yelled in this rather lady-like, posh setting, “come on Eagles, we need a touchdown.”

And, that’s when she said it. “Mom, it’s just a game, stop yelling.” The next text came in, Legacy pulled within 3. Come on…come on, I thought. I bowed my head several times in prayer.

The final text appeared. The State Championship game was over. Legacy lost 33-30. My heart sank. I could just imagine the disappointment and frustration.

Just 12 hours earlier I had the privilege to speak with the team before they loaded onto the bus to Killeen. Sharing with them the incredible honor to play this game, I conveyed football teaches us so much about character and life. No other game requires such dependency on each other for success.

And, Legacy’s success is not defined by whether or not they won the State Championship. Their success resides more in the process they walked and the character gained from their pre-season injuries, the first devastating loss, remaining undefeated in regular season play to making their State Championship debut .

QB Mark Berry told me a few weeks ago that first loss humbled the team. Humility comes before honor. Winning a District or State Title is not the true measure of these young men. They lost today. That loss does not define them. Football is not their identity. My 9-year-old daughter and, I’m glad to say, her Mom agree with Legacy Head Coach Mike Hall, “The game of football to me is strictly that…a game. It’s the life lessons we learn throughout that are important.”

Stay inspired,

Kip #45

CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST

I’ve never done this before! But, I’ve had a few requests, so here you go: my offerings for some of the best and most economically sound Christmas gifts this year.

What makes my list different than others? Well, it’s not driven by a big company marketing firm to get it on television or radio. These are items I love and have found valuable. Ok, it includes items I wish for as well…so someone send this to my husband! In addition, for the most part, the list contains stuff anyone can afford. You’ll find something cost effective for nearly everyone.

·        Innovative Technology Retro Turntable ($199.99) – As a former DJ in the 80’s and early 90’s, the ability to turn my vinyl and cassettes into cd’s and then onto my mp3 player is fantasy become reality!! This particular model includes a cd player, 3 speed turntable, cassette player, and AM/FM radio. It includes a line-in for your mp3 player! Music junkie’s dream gift!! There are other makers and models out there…this was just the most cost effective one I found at Bed Bath and Beyond.

·        Digital Photo Frames ($15 and up) – Even for the Grandparents and the ‘hard to buy for this is a ‘no-brainer’ gift. You can put all the photos you want onto a disk and taylor make it for your loved one or not so loved one.

·        Iron Gym ($29.99) – ok, I know, it is a ‘Seen on TV’ item, but I love this product. I travel with it! You can find it at a variety of stores including Target, Bed Bath Beyond, and Amazon.

·        Relevant Magazine ($14.95) – This is the best magazine for getting, maintaining, and being cultural relevant and aware…hence, the name. It speaks to a variety of ages, but it is mainly geared towards the 20-40 something year olds!

·        Clean Eating Magazine ($14.97) – This is the best investment in transforming your nutritional health. This magazine makes grocery shopping and cooking easy! Trust me that’s huge! I hate to cook, but I find this doable and easy on my busy schedule and it keeps me fit and ready for football! It includes 4 weeks of daily menus, the shopping list for those menu items, and the recipes.

·        Family Times Monthly Virtue Pack ($11.95/month) – If you have young kids, they will love this! And, the bonus lies in the fact you’re investing in their character! Each virtue pack comes with a cd which includes an upbeat story by KidJam, an original song for the ipod, and parenting tips on the virtue. You also receive note cards to give to your kids, and interactive cards you can use during dinner, bedtime, or anytime you want a family activity. Since we joined a year or so ago, we’ve learned about Cooperation, Endurance, Friendship, Generosity, Serving, Compassion, and many others! you can find out more or sign up at www.familytimes.org

·        Dallas Diamonds Season Tickets (Adult Season Tickets $40 and Children $27; Family 4-pack $130) – Of course this is on the list! This is great family entertainment at an amazing price. It fits nicely in any stocking and, come on, it curbs the curiosity of women playing tackle football!! www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com

·        Samaritans Purse ($7 - $75,000) – This organization is amazing in what they do for the hurting and needy in our world. With a small donation, you can provide a Christmas box of goodies for a young child. For minimal amounts, you can teach a child, save mothers, babies, orphans, or provide medicine, food, or clothing. Your kids can get involved by giving sports gear, stuffed animals, blankets, and more. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org to make a donation.

·        Recycled Record Coasters ($20) – For any vintage music lover, this is perfect! The cost is right too! These one-of-a-kind vinyl record coasters were created from original records. You can find them at www.ecoist.com

·        Earfun Clips ($3.99) – Being the fashion junkie I am, I love the idea of accessorizing my earphones. These are a pair of flexible rubber decorative clips that attach to my earphones! They come in three styles: peace sign, hearts, or flowers. You can find them at The Container Store. They make a great stocking stuffer for the young gal on your list…oh, wait, I’m 42…okay so they are for anyone you think would use them!

·        Frisco Thunder Season Tickets (Starting at $70) – Arena football at its finest ignites the Dr. Pepper Star Center right here in Frisco. The Thunder are owned by local residents who put together a great team and a fantastic family experience! You don’t have to go all the way to Dallas or Arlington to find great football! www.friscothunderifl.com

·        Warm Weatherfield Shoes ($19.99) – Normally, I don’t shop Landsend, but I was looking at the catalog during my daughter’s swim practice and found these shoes! Love them! They come in amazing colors from cobalt blue, orange, red, ivory, brown, and hunter. They are insulated, water-repellent, have an antimicrobial insole, and a rubber sole. www.landsend.com

·        The Winner’s Manual by Jim Tressell ($24.99 or less) – You’ve seen me blog about this book. Inside the covers yields the actual training manual Tressel gives each player who reports to The Ohio State University football program. He answers the question of ‘what does it really means to be a winner?’ It is a great read for anyone but obviously the men and young men in your life will enjoy it. The lessons and advice go beyond the football field. You can find it at any bookstore.

·        Zoom Training  ($50 and up depending on package) - Change your lifestyle by including the gift of fitness. Zoom is a place where the pros train but it is also a place you and your kids can train too! The staff at Zoom is top in their field. They have the education and experience. If the pros trust them, so can you. www.zoomsports.net They are located at Preston and Gaylord. Amy can set you up at the front desk!

• Addition:  A Massage ($45 and up depending on length and type of massage) I can't believe I forgot this one!! I know two great therapists in Frisco who have worked on my aging 40-somthing year old body to keep me in the game! You may think a massage is a luxury item, but literally, I would not be able to perform as well without them and neither can you. Massage aids in injury prevention and healing, relieves and reduces muscle soreness and tightness, decreases pain, reduces stress, and assists the immune system. Who doesn't want that? So along with the resolution to eat clean and get fit, include a massage! Chris A. at Frisco Massage Envy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and truly listens to what you need in a massage. He has years of experience with professional athletes including the Mavericks and Stars. Sammie Villarreal at We Knead Bodies is a Licensed Massage Therpist and a Medical Massage Practicion. I've had more folks tell me Sammie is the best and makes a difference! Some drive up from Carrollton to see her. She too has years of experience with professional athletes including figure, fitness, and bodybuilder competitors. As an MMP, she is also results oriented providing treatment to directly resolve conditions diagnosed by a a Physician. Visit www.wekneadbodies.com for more information on Sammie and what she provides. And, visit www.massagenvy.com for more on Chris.

·        Starbucks Gold Card ($25) – In this economic down turn, if you have family members who can’t let go of the coffee habit (of course I am not thinking of myself), this will help. This card equates to a ‘yearly membership’ in which you receive 10% off each purchase along with some other perks.

·        Team Mini Helmet ($24.99 and up) – Male or female, we all have our favorite teams, don’t we! Go Bucks! Get a mini-helmet for display, autographs, or to put on the stuffed animals and play a game! You can tell we do that at home by the mere suggestion!!

·        Journal ($3 and up) – Whether you get a drug store spiral or a nice gold leaf bound one, get a journal. Preserve your family memories, write notes to your children to give to them later, write down favorites, and/or pick a topic and write about it! There is nothing better than providing your family with some sort of history!

·        Boggle ($15 and up) – This is easiest and best game when you have a variety of ages involved. Young and old can play. And, I am pushing this one…it was created by a family member of mine! Sadly, however, I do not get any of the royalties, so don’t think I’m getting rich by pushing it. You can find it at Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, and other retailers that sell games.

·        Thank You Notes ($5 and up) – Everyone needs to get back in the habit of hand-writing a ‘thank you note’. Do not email your ‘thank you’…sit down and write it, please!

·        UnChristian by Gabe Lyons and David Kinnaman ($12 or 3 for $30) Christianity has an image problem. According to the latest report card by Barna Research, most young people use words like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental.” That is unChristian. The details of the study commishioned by the Fermi Project are found in this groundbreaking book. Find out why these negative perceptions exist, how to change them in a Christ-like manner, and review some practical examples of how to positively contribute to society. You can find the book at any book store but the Fermi Project does have the best price: www.fermiproject.com/store/shop/books.aspx

·        A Whistle - ($2 and up) Ok, this one jumped on the list after watching a Mom command the attention of a crowded room tonight. She created silence and honored someone special as a result! It was a beautiful scene. Everyone Mom, teacher, coach, leader needs one of these in their stocking.

·        Restyle Gift Certificate – (name your price) This is the only women’s consignment store in Frisco located on Main Street just West of Preston Road. They have designer clothes as well as all the major mainstream labels at a fraction of the cost! This Neighborsgo favorite also has shoes, handbags, jewelry, Carriage Candles, and other accessories!

·        Justice/Limited Too – ($15 and up) If you are of reasonable size, these two places have shirts and tunics you can get for your daughter and a matching one for yourself. Several times my daughter and I purchased ‘matching’ items on our ‘special day’! We just did it with their Christmas shirts. She gets her size and I can fit into a child’s 16-18-20 depending on the style.

·        VW Beetle – (approximately $22,000) This is the best gift for the wife! She would love a red one with black interior, spoiler, and fully loaded!! Research indicates it is a very safe car, good repair rating, and great gas mileage. Quite honestly, she’s ready! She’s tired and fearful of the 10-year-old mini van with nearly 200,000 miles on it. And, clearly after two big dogs who have passed on, two kids who have grown beyond car seats, and years of football, the van is really more like a bio-hazard than a safe vehicle for the family!

Ok…that’s it!! That’s my list…hope you find something useful! Post any other great and valuable ideas you have!

Happy Holidays!!

Stay inspired,

Kip #45