Tag Archives: support

Need support when the food temptations are strong?

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Feeling alone in your health journey?

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Wish you could chat with women who know what it is like to struggle on a daily basis with food issues?

Wish you could get support on the days when temptations are strong?

Wish you could get encouraged when you feel like a failure again?

Wish there was someone to applaud your success?

Wish you had an accountability partner?

I’m not your fairy godmother but I can grant you those wishes!

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You are invited to join my little steps to health Facebook group!

You each have a unique story to share.

I’d love for us to be able to get to know each other; to cheer for each other on the days we feel confident, when making healthy choices seems easy.

To encourage each other on the days we fail miserably and want to quit again.

To come along side each other when the temptations are strong and stress sends us to the fridge for comfort.

We can offer each other support.

We can speak words that bring hope to your heart and mind, with no condemnation.

You can have chats with women that encourage you and empower you to keep trying, because they know your struggles.

The Bible says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up…though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12  That’s good advice!

I started a Facebook group called little steps to health.

It’s a place for us to chat about our day-to-day struggles and successes.  It is my hope and prayer that we will become a team of women: women who challenge, support, encourage and pray for each other as we take little steps on our health journey.

TODAY’S little STEP: Go to Facebook.  If we are not already friends search for Dixie Elliott, my Profile beside my name says blogger at little steps to health – that me!  I’d love to add you as a friend!  Then find my little steps to health page and join the  support group.  And if none of that works just leave me a comment or a message and I will connect with you!

 

FORGET YESTERDAY’S FAILURES AND START FRESH TODAY!

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Did you blow it yesterday?  Climbing the Mountain of Health and Well-being can be pretty rough some days. The struggles are real! But there is good news; each morning when we open our eyes we get a fresh start!

Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite books. Anne is forever making embarrassing mistakes.

One time she put liniment instead of vanilla into her cake and then served it to company!

After many tears her spirit of optimism shines through and she says, “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

I love that line because it reminds us that each morning we get a fresh start.

Yesterday’s failures do not define today!

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photo credit-Wil Stewart

I am also reminded of God’s love and kindness. “But this I call to mind; therefore I have hope. The Lord’s royal kindness never ceases; His compassions never end. They are new every morning; your faithfulness is abundant.” Lamentations 3:21-24 New English Translation.

God’s compassion is as sure as the sunrise!

TODAY’S little STEP: When you wake up each morning – start fresh. It’s a new day! Take little steps to health. Every mountain is climbed one step at a time.

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If you have found this helpful I would love it if you would share it with your friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

Rest much, talk often, and laugh regularly.

Summer is too short!

 

Share your struggles.

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Do you feel alone in your journey up the Mountain of Health and Well-Being? As women we crave connection. We want to know others face the same struggles. We want to know how they cope.

I remember being a young Mom of 2 little kids; everyone else’s needs were a priority. My post baby weight stayed. Exercise consisted of walking around the block with a toddler, at her speed.

My food choices weren’t too bad but my portion sizes were way too large for a petite lady. I’m 5 feet tall. I felt alone with my struggles and too proud to let anyone know.

You each have a unique story to share. As part of this blog I would love for us to connect and get to know each other.

To cheer for each other on the days we feel confident, when making healthy choices seems easy.

To encourage each other on the days we fail miserably

and want to quit again!

To come along side each other when the temptations are strong

and stress sends us to the fridge for comfort.

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I did some research about support groups. The Mayo Clinic states that support groups bring people together who are facing similar issues or who have a common interest. The benefits all sound good:

  • Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged

  • Gaining a sense of empowerment and control

  • Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment

  • Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

  • Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

  • Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation

  • Getting practical advice and information

support group research

The Bible says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10,12

To help us connect I started a closed Facebook group called Dixie’s Mountain Climbing Team.

It’s a place for us to chat about our day-to-day struggles and successes.  It is my hope and prayer that you will connect with one friend who shares your struggles  and that we will become a team of women.

Women, who challenge, support, encourage and pray for each other as we climb the Mountain of Health and Well-being. We can offer each other support: that doesn’t condemn but speaks hope to your heart and mind, support that encourages you and empowers you to keep trying.  Women who can hold each other accountable as we report on our 4 little steps to health.

TODAY’S little STEP: Go to Facebook and if we are already friends, send me a message and ask to be added to the group. The group is called Dixie’s Mountain Climbing Team and it is a closed group. If we are not friends on Facebook you can search for me. There are some other Dixie Elliotts so look for my pink coat in Dixie Elliott profiles, and when you click on it you should see those familiar pink shoes! Or you can leave a comment with your contact information.

If you like what you have read, please take the time to sign up to receive new posts as a weekly email. The subscription button is located at the top of the page, to your right.

If you have found this helpful I would love it if you would share it with your friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

Attractive in 3 simple steps!

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You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to feel good about yourself. We can dress attractively and on a budget. Today we are going to have some fun with fashion!

I have to confess that I like clothes, jewelry and make-up. I’m a girly-girl through and through. I want to encourage you wherever you are on your health journey that you can dress and feel pretty today. There is no need to wait until you have reached your goal to dress attractively.

I came across Shari Braendel’s book, Help me Jesus, I have nothing to wear about 10 years ago. Shari is a Christian Image Consultant.

She’s like a fashion fairy godmother.

After years of Mom jeans and T-shirts I needed help! Can you relate? She has helped me define my style. I learned the best colours for my clothes were based on my hair and eye colour. Who knew? Now I understand why I hated shopping for clothes in the fall. I look terrible in those dark earthy tones.  Shari knows women come in all shapes and sizes. I learned how to dress for my body shape and feel confident.

Her website is sharibraendel.com go check it out!

Today I’m going to show you what I learned. I start with a white t-shirt and dark washed jeans. With a few little changes we take the outfit up a couple of notches.  Thanks to my resident photographer for helping with the photos.  I have so much more respect for fashion bloggers now.  I had no idea how to pose, or where to put my hands.  It’s harder than it looks.  (teehee)

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Here is the basic T-shirt, with some shape.  Not a man’s T-shirt which has no shape. Dark wash jeans with running shoes complete the look for many women.  I have my hair done and a little bit of make-up.

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I added a statement necklace and earrings.  I usually  wear a bracelet too.  A little bit of jewelry adds polish to this basic outfit.  You could add a nice little pair of flat shoes and finish the outfit.

 

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See how adding a little jacket changes the look? It’s the pop of colour and the completer pieces.  Other completer pieces are a scarf, belt, cardigan or vest.   I found this cute little jacket at Goodwill for 5 dollars!  It even has beaded fringe on the bottom.

 

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I replaced the running shoes with some cute little booties.  I found these on sale for 10 dollars! I love a good bargain!

 

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If you don’t like high heels then try some interesting flats.  Running shoes are for playing with children or long walks.

There are some really cool Christian fashion bloggers that I want let you know about. Audrey is young and has an everyday kind of style. She helps you build a wardrobe from scratch and has all kinds of styling tips. This particular post shows how she went for shabby to chic with a few easy steps. There is something about comparing 2 outfits that helps me see the changes I can make.  Check out putting me together .

Tabitha blogs at Tabitha Dumas and she has a color analysis you can access for free! She demonstrates the importance of color and texture and how to incorporate them into an outfit. Her site has lots to offer!

My other favorite is Tania. She blogs at 50 is not old but don’t let the number 50 throw you off. She shows everyday fashion and her vintage finds.

TODAY’S little STEP: Put together at least one outfit based on today’s post. Look through your closet and if needed go buy a missing piece. There are lots of summer sales and Thrift stores have some hidden treasures too. You are worth it, my friend! It’s important to feel good about how you look!

Remember you are a beautiful beloved daughter of the King! He created you and He thinks you are beautiful! Take a few extra minutes to take care of yourself.

If you have found this helpful please share it with your friends.

A GOOD TEAM CAN INSPIRE YOU-LEARN HOW

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You are not alone, girlfriend! You are already connected to a group of women who are just like you. Women who want to exercise more and eat less. Everyone who reads this blog can relate! Women crave connection, so let’s connect! Facebook here we come!

I remember being a young Mom of 2 little kids; everyone else’s needs were a priority. My post baby weight stayed. Exercise consisted of walking around the block with a toddler, at her speed. My food choices weren’t too bad but my portion sizes were way too large for a petite lady. I’m 5 feet tall. I felt alone with my struggles and too proud to let anyone know.

You each have a unique story to share. I’d love for us to be able to get to know each other: to cheer for each other on the days we feel confident, when making healthy choices seems easy; to encourage other on the days we fail miserably and want to quit again; to come along side each other when the temptations are strong and stress sends us to the fridge for comfort. We can offer each other support: that doesn’t condemn but speaks hope to your heart and mind; that encourages you and empowers you to keep trying; that helps you keep taking little steps and making little changes. Every little step makes a difference!

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I did some research about support groups. The Mayo Clinic states that support groups bring people together who are facing similar issues or who have a common interest. The benefits all sound good:

  1. Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged

  2. Gaining a sense of empowerment and control

  3. Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment

  4. Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

  5. Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

  6. Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation

  7. Getting practical advice and information

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10,12; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

I started a closed Facebook group called Dixie’s Mountain Climbing Team. It’s a place for us to chat about our day-to-day struggles and successes.  It is my hope and prayer that we will become a team of women. Women, who challenge, support, encourage and pray for each other as we climb the mountain of health and well-being. Women who can hold each other accountable as we report on our 4 little steps to health.

TODAY’S little STEP: Go to Facebook and if we are already friends, send me a message and ask to be added to the group. The group is called Dixie’s Mountain Climbing Team and it is a closed group. If we are not friends on Facebook you can search for me. There are some other Dixie Elliotts so look for my pink coat in Dixie Elliott profiles, and when you click on it you should see those familiar pink shoes! Or you can leave a comment with your contact information.

We don’t need any more information; what we need are access to God’s power, incremental steps to practice the good things we already know, and connection with other women. We also need accountability!

 

20 TRIED AND TRUE TIPS TO USE ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION

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Do you find the summer a hard time to stay focused on getting healthy? Here are 20 tried and true tips to use this summer. Tips that really work! You’ll probably find ones you already use and that will be encouraging. Hopefully you will find some new tips that will make this summer one of your best!

I find summer difficult because there is less routine, more bbqs and summer vacations. A big part of summer vacation for my family is….. the food. When my extended family meets for a week of rustic camping we all bring our favorite treats and snacks. I bake some special treats just for that week at the lake. It seems I’m constantly going into the cabin to grab a little something. The evening campfires always involve sharing fun treats too.

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I thought maybe we could share some of our strategies to deal with summer vacations. So here are some ideas I’ve found very helpful. I hope they help you too!

  1. Ditch the total deprivation mode. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite treats. Totally depriving yourself will only make you feel sorry for yourself.

  2. Educate yourself, find out how many calories are actually in a s’more (it’s 268!). Decide if you really want to eat 3 or if 1 may satisfy your sweet tooth.

  1. Read the labels on snack bags. Find out how much the suggested portion is and how many calories it contains. Then eat the suggested portion.

  1. Don’t eat out of the bag. Always serve yourself a portion of snacks in a bowl. Mindless eating can lead you to eat way more than you need or want.

  1. Eat a healthy breakfast every morning. Include some protein and fiber. You’ll feel full longer and you will have given your body some good fuel to start the day.

  1. Drink lots of ice-cold water. It will keep you hydrated. If you like pop, choose diet instead of regular. But limit yourself to one a day, as the artificial sweeteners are not healthy.

  1. Have some treats with your meal. Have your sandwich and raw veggies for lunch and then have a measured portion of some chips or cheezies. You won’t eat as much of the treat and you won’t feel deprived.

  1. Find ways to exercise everyday. Go for a long walk with a family member. Play games with your children, swim, canoe, and kayak; find fun ways to move your body everyday.

  1. When you are tempted by those treats and snacks, pop a piece of gum in your mouth. Your mouth will be busy and you are less likely to eat something sweet or salty.

10.  Treat yourself to a fruit tray and some prewashed vegetables. When the work of preparing has already been done, it makes it easier for you to make good choices.

11. When eating in a restaurant skip the appetizer, as it is usually high in fat. Have a salad with the dressing on the side. Choose an entrée that has meat, fish or poultry, either potatoes or rice and vegetables. Stay away from sauces and anything deep-fried.

  1. When visiting the ice cream shop choose your favorite flavor and order the smallest cone size. You will be satisfied and eat approximately 260 calories for 1 scoop or a baby cone, of something really yummy. With each scoop the calories add up much too quickly. If you are not careful, what was to be a treat becomes a whole meals’ worth of calories!

  1. When you do overeat, relax and don’t start the negative self-talk. Accept that you overate at that one meal. Forgive yourself and get back on track.

  1. Keep your discipline; enjoy treats and snacks in moderation. I suggest you not have days when you relax all your healthy eating rules. It’s too easy to slip back into those old comfortable habits. Stay disciplined!

  1. Plan your menu when camping to include lots of summer produce. We have an abundance of amazing fruits and vegetables available from local farmer’s markets and in our grocery stores now.

  1. When eating at a backyard bbq choose smaller portions of pasta salads as they usually have higher fat content. Instead choose the green salad and serve the dressing on the side. Have a hamburger and don’t eat the top bun. Choose fruit for dessert. When finished eating, leave the food area and visit with friends.

  1. Before you go on vacation increase your activity level and cut back on your calories. You will have built in a little cushion for the upcoming vacation and you won’t come home with extra pounds.

  1. Eat sweet treats with a meal. You will likely eat less than if it were a snack. Your blood sugar levels will be much more even.

  1. Put the snacks and treats in the cupboard. If it’s out of sight it’s out of mind. We often grab a treat just because we walked by it. No mindless eating, be intentional!

  1. Relax and enjoy your vacation! Enjoy your time away from your usual routine. Enjoy your family and the opportunity to make memories. Rest much, talk often, and laugh regularly. Summer is too short!

TODAY’S little STEP: Enjoy the summer with your family and friends. Practice the 4 little steps of Base Camp and pick 4 tips from this list to put into practice on your vacation.

Please share a tip that you have found works for you.

Making the Most

SMART STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATE SUMMER VACATIONS

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SMART STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATE SUMMER  PARTIES AND VACATIONS

   No more waiting.  No more failure.  No more disappointment!  A lifestyle change is something we can do!  Even if we have weddings and barbecues to attend we can take these little steps. We can incorporate these little steps into our vacation plans.  We don’t need to wait until the summer is over.

Welcome to Base Camp! We have now received all of our climbing equipment and we have met our Guide.  We are ready to get climbing up the mountain of health and well-being!  Pretty soon we’ll be climbing to our next camp.

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If you are already climbing….keep going girlfriend.  Good for you!  If you’ve already had a few little slips, that’s o.k.  Grab your climbing gear and start where ever you are.  Our gentle Guide, Jesus, always climbs beside us and encourages us. does-god-care-about-my-health/

Or get started on the climb, right now!

Here are the 4 little steps!

# 1 Backpack – no diet, just use a smaller plate or bowl at each meal or snack

Click on this link for previous info.

https://littlestepstohealth.com/2015/06/22/1-sneaky-trick-to-lose-weight/

#2 Hiking boots – 10 minutes a day of intentional exercise.  Start with 2 five-minute periods if you’re new to exercise.

Click on this link for previous info.

https://littlestepstohealth.com/2015/06/15/what-everyone-ought-to-know-about-10-minutes-of-exercise

#3 Helmet – repeat this healthy self-talk statement daily:  “I can make small changes. These little steps are easy for me to do and they make a difference. Taking care of me is important!”

Click on this link for previous info.

https://littlestepstohealth.com/2015/06/08/youll-never-guess-what-little-change-makes-a-big-difference-to-your-health/

#4 Safety ropes – pray and ask Jesus for His help.  Choose a verse to memorize. Here’s a good verse to use to get started. Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”

Click on this link for previous info.

https://littlestepstohealth.com/2015/06/29/essential-steps-to-access-gods-power/

That’s it! Four little steps that make a difference!

TODAY’S little STEP: Find an accountability partner.  You can check in with me by leaving a reply or comment at the end of the blog post.  We can exchange emails and I will gladly be your accountability partner.  Or, find a family member or friend that you can report to.  Pick someone who will be encouraging but firm.  You need to check in once a week and report on your climbing progress!   Report on each of the 4 little steps.

Remember dear friend that Jesus’ power is available and He loves you!

Every mountain is climbed one small step at a time!