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Volume 34
March 2005
Welcome to Volume 34 of Living on the Edge, the monthly newsletter from Living Edge Life Coaching, designed to inform, educate, challenge and inspire you!
For previous volumes click here.!
Leigh and I had a great time in Orlando, Florida a few weeks ago - and Alexander had fun with his Nana and Pa (who went home exhaust but happy!). We've got 5 weeks home before heading off to England and Europe so it's going to be busy and lots of fun!
If you enjoy Living on the Edge please forward it onto your family and friends.
Annabel Varvel Life Coach BA.LLB
COACHING CORNER
FROM LAST TIME
French Women Don't Get Fat!
Mireille Guiliano's new book states the phenomenon simply: French women don't get fat. How? Why? As a woman who has battled with food and weight on and off for a long time I was intrigued. I have read little bits in the past about eating as the French do and have been on a journey the last couple of years to take a non-diet approach to weight loss, so was keen to get into this book a little further.
My interest was piqued for 2 other reasons. Firstly, Leigh and I have just got back from 10 days in America and I have to say (with no offence intended to my American subscribers) that I am not surprised there is such an obesity problem there given my experience of their food - so much, so 'fast'. Secondly, we are having a week in the French countryside in May (I know I'm very spoilt) and I have every intention of eating like the French when we're there! Wine, cheese.... bring it on.
Ms Guiliano sums up the French approach to eating:
"There is a 'French Paradox' that extends far beyond the capacity to enjoy wine and cheese while preserving a healthy heart. Really, as with all paradoxes, the contradiction is only an impression that conceals a perfectly logical truth. French women don't get fat because they have not allowed new attitudes and modern theories of how the body uses food to overrule centuries of experience. They see no contradiction in eating bread and chocolate, having a bit of wine, and so on, and remain not only slender but healthy. They do, however, understand that each of us is the keeper of her own balance, and when that balance slips, each must devised her own plan for correction, based on personal preferences.... Excess is typically a matter of a couple of days which can be corrected in a couple of days to follow".
The French never 'diet' in the sense that Australians or Americans diet, here are some examples to get us thinking and eating like the French:
- French women typically thing about good things to eat. Other women typically worry about bad things to eat.
- French women eat smaller portions of more things. Elsewhere, women eat larger portions of fewer things.
- French women don't eat 'fat free', 'sugar free' or anything artificially striped of flavour. They go for the real thing in moderation.
- French women do stray, but they always come back, believing there are only detours and no dead ends.
- French women don't often weigh themselves, preferring to keep track with their hands, eyes and clothes.
- French women honour mealtime rituals and never eat standing up or on the run. Or in front of the TV.
- French women do enjoy wine regularly, but with meals and only a glass (or maybe two).
- French women drink water all day long.
- French women walk everywhere they can.
- French women avoid anything that demands too much effort for too little pleasure.
- French women love to sit in a cafe and do nothing but enjoy the moment.
- French women love to laugh.
- French women don't get fat.
French women don't get fat by Mireille Guiliano is available at all major bookstores or online through www.amazon.com.
You can also have a look at Mireille Guiliano's website: www.mireilleguiliano.com
Here are some more moving tips from a past client of mine, Kirsten Baulch.
1. Take at least 2 days off to move. Preferably 3 (1 day before the removalists comes, 1 day after) as Energex and your phone/internet carrier often need to come by in the days before or after your move and if you are work, it is impossible to be there to let them in.
2. Throw/give away things out during the year so you don’t accumulate too much stuff.
3. Keep all your belongings in shoe boxes, gift boxes (any kind of box) and plastic trays and baskets so there are no loose items in draws and cupboards. Then when you move, you can just pick up the baskets and boxes and pack them easily. Open just about any of our cupboards and you will find the items all ready to be moved!
4. Pay an exit cleaner. (I totally agree! AV)
Dr Kirsten Baulch www.medimobile.com.au
GOT A QUESTION?
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
If you have a question or situation that you would like a life coach's perspective on... email it to coach@livingedge.net and I'll answer in Living on the Edge.
French women think dining in is as sexy as dining out.
Mireille Guiliano
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