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Losing It and Loving It (LIALI) Newsletter
www.LosingItandLovingIt.com
January 2008
Volume 1, Issue 8
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Notes from Angie -
Welcome to the "Losing It and Loving It" (LIALI) newsletter.  I
hope you will find the info in this newsletter to be of interest to
you.  If you would like to see anything special in any of our
upcoming issues, please feel free to email me as I would
love your feedback. Is there someone you know who could benefit
from this newsletter?  Please feel free to pass this newsletter on
in its entirety.

You can see our newsletter archives online here 

Have  you noticed the new look of the website?  I just published it with this newsletter and you are the first to see it.  I will be adding a blog soon so be on the lookout.

Article -
This article might look familiar to those of you who have been on my list since the beginning but since it's now the end of January, I thought for those of you having a hard time starting your new lifestyle it would help you with ideas to get started.

Top 10 New Lifestyle Tips

1) Make a Commitment
If you want something bad enough, you're going to have to go after it.  Are you ready to change your lifestyle?  If so, make a promise to yourself and commit to the change, no excuses allowed.

2) Take Baby Steps
Every month or two, choose a few changes you will make and follow through.  Don't overwhelm yourself with too many changes at once.  Slow and steady wins the race.

3) Start a Journal
This will be your lifestyle bible.  Block off one section of your journal to keep track of your weight and measurements.  This can also be used to log your workouts.  Add recipes, healthy food ideas and your favorite weight loss/fitness web sites too.  Be sure to write down your WHY and your goals in this journal.  Save a page to write down "10 Things I Love About Me" and use this journal to record any achievements you have made along the way.

4) Ask for Support
Tell all your friends and family your goals and ask them for support.  Explain your WHY to them and tell them how much it would mean to you to have them be a part of your new lifestyle.

5) Stay Accountable to Others
Join online or local weight loss/fitness groups or find a friend to workout with.  Accountability gives you an extra push to keep going as others are going to depend on you.

6) Take Your Picture
Every few months or more take pictures of your self.  These will help show your progress and you will be totally amazed at your transformation.

7) Make Wise Food Choices
Eating healthier foods and controlling your portion sizes will make a big difference.  Stop and think about the food choice you're about to make and decide if it will hinder you or help you meet your goal.

8) Treat Yourself
It's very important to reward yourself for meeting your goals.  If you don't meet the specific goals you set for yourself, you still deserve a reward for your efforts.  Go get a manicure, pedicure, massage, new hair cut or a new outfit.  Don't reward yourself with food!  These simple pleasures will make you feel like a million bucks.  Get your free Hot Mama Makeover guide today for more great tips on how to treat yourself.

9) Daily Reminders
On a daily basis, you should go over the goals you have set for yourself and look at the reason why you committed to this new lifestyle.  These should also be written in your journal (see tip #3).

10) Don't Quit
It's very important that you never throw in the towel.  You are going to have ups and downs in this journey to a better lifestyle and that's ok as long as you never give up.

Angie Newton is losing weight and loving it!  Find out how a thirty
something mom is finally getting in shape by visiting:
www.losingitandlovingit.com

In The Kitchen -

I have not yet tried this recipe but I love asparagus so I think it will be tasty.  I'm not quite sure what Israeli couscous is but I imagine I will be able to get it at Fresh Market or maybe even the grocery store.

Asparagus Couscous Salad

1 cup frozen green peas
12 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick-size strips
2 ounces snow peas, trimmed and cut diagonally in half
1 onion, finely sliced
4 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
2 tomatoes, diced into small pieces
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth

Place carrots, frozen peas and asparagus in a pan of boiling water and cook for approximately 4 minutes.

 Drain and set aside.  

Heat the olive oil and add the onion and cook for approximately 2 to 4 minutes until tender.  Set aside.

 Cook couscous according to package instructions but replace the indicated amount of water with the same amount of vegetable broth.  Once the couscous is ready fluff with a fork and transfer to pan with onions and cooked vegetables.  

Add a little soy sauce and a tablespoon of lemon juice.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Closing note:
Hope you enjoyed the article and recipe in this issue.  Once again
if there is anything you would like to see in future issues of the
Losing It and Loving It newsletter, I would love to hear from you.

I was working on plans for a monthly fitness/weight loss chat to
start in 2008 however I did not receive much feedback so we will revisit this topic in a few months.

Exercise/Fitness tip -

Proper breathing during exercise will prevent you from getting that exhausted feeling and increase the amount of time you are able to continue strenuous activity.

Encouragement Corner -
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going
Jim Ryun


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