September, 1999
Take it slow.

Ready to discover your body type and delve into your new diet? Best advice: Take it slow.

A system used to highly refined “junk cuisine” needs fats and sugars for fast energy and a quick buzz. A zippy switch to a healthy diet can result in zero energy — and no one wants to feel bad to get healthy.

Baby steps will help you make the changes you need — while still supplying the energy you need to function. Gradually phase in new “Frequently” foods and delete foods from your “Rarely” list. You’ll be feeling healthier in no time!

October, 1999
Don’t skip those meals!

Have you ever skipped lunch because you were “saving calories” for a special evening out? You may actually be LOWERING your metabolic rate, making weight loss harder than ever.

Your body needs periodic “refueling” in order to maintain a stable energy level. Your body interprets missed meals as starvation — not a sneaky weight-loss technique. The result? Your metabolism will slow to a snail’s pace and you’ll pack extra fat.

Eat regular meals every day. When your body is sure it’s getting what it needs, your metabolism will rev back up and your body will stop squirreling away fat.

November, 1999
When to drink water.

Ever wondered if you should drink water with your meal? Timing your liquid libations may save yourself from a nasty upset stomach and bloating.

Most body types can drink water immediately before and after a meal without any problems. However, some types are so sensitive that they should wait 15-30 minutes after eating to drink anything. To be safe, wait a few minutes before gulping down that tall, cool glass of water. You may save yourself from a terrible tummyache (and you’ll enjoy your meal much more as a result!)

December, 1999
How to make mealtime easier.

If you’re faced with a load of leftovers this holiday season, there’s a simple way to make your future mealtime easy.

Package your leftovers into individual serving sizes and freeze them. This way, you have an instant feast to heat and serve — and you save valuable meal-preparation time! And remember, use your steamer or oven to reheat leftovers — not your microwave.

You can discover more about the harmful effects of microwaving here.

January, 2000
Make time for you.

We know you’re busy. Between jobs, family and household obligations, “me time” quickly tends to turn into “work time” —leaving you tired and frazzled.

This week, vow to do ONE thing for yourself. Take a warm bubble bath. Spend 10 peaceful minutes sitting quietly. Start a new, fun project. Just a few minutes of “me time” will leave you feeling centered and relaxed. Aren’t you worth it?

February, 2000
Watch out for sugar.

Want a fast way to drop pounds — stay away from refined sugar.

Many foods high in refined sugar are also high in fat (think of your favorite chocolate cake as an example.) However, even if you know you should quit, it’s hard not to crave those decadent-looking truffles.

Put that pie down! When you follow the diet best for your type, you’ll eliminate your cravings and reach your ideal weight. Plus, your blood sugar will naturally regulate, giving you the energy you need to get through your day — without a candy bar! Get rid of your sugar craving habit — for good!

March, 2000
Do you chew?

Remember Mom telling you to chew each mouthful 50 times? Turns out, she was right….again.

Chewing is an important part of the digestive process — you actually have a need to chew! When you gulp your food down without chewing sufficiently, you'll miss your body's “I'm full” message — and end up eating more than necessary.

No, you don't have to chew each bite 50 times, but you should pay attention to your chewing process. Enjoy each mouthful, chew slowly and savor your food. You'll feel more satisfied after each meal (and eat less, too!)

April, 2000
Tired of dealing with all those negative vibes? Escape to the sea!

If you're a sensitive person, or work with a lot of people, it's easy to "pick up" other people's energy and hold it in your energy field. That leaves you feeling listless, drained and scattered.

The answer is no further away than your health food store! Simply adding sea salt to your bath water successfully clears your energy field. If you're a shower person, simply apply sea salt to your chest and solar plexus. Finally, a little emotional sanity is a bathtub away.

May, 2000
Just say yes to (some) fat.

Ever think you had to say "no" to fat -- all fat -- in order to lose weight? Guess what? Some fats are actually good for you -- and your body needs them in order to say healthy!

Fatty acids, which are essential to good health, must be supplied through the foods you eat. When you don't eat enough foods with fatty acids, you'll experience low stamina and skin problems. With all body types, the development of a callous around the heel of the foot is a symptom of poor fat assimilation.

What's the answer? Follow the diet for your body type. Optimal health requires maintaining the correct balance of fat in the diet, which varies from type to type. When fats are consumed from the proper sources in appropriate quantities, you'll lose weight *and* feel good!

June, 2000
Want to gain weight? Watch your calories.

Do you ever look in the mirror and think, "I'm too skinny! If I could only gain a little extra weight, I could 'fill out' more and have the figure I want."

Well, it doesn't quite work that way.

Sure, you'll gain weight by eating more food, but if your body is out of balance, it may not be the weight you want. In fact, those extra pounds may give your body a disproportionate appearance. That means if you wanted your rear to be a little more rounded, you may actually get a round stomach and flabby hips.

Whether you want to gain or lose weight, the key to success is eating the foods best for your body type. When you focus on foods supportive for your type, your body will naturally reach its ideal weight -- and you'll be free from gaining weight in all the wrong places.

July, 2000
Take the time to congratulate yourself!

Between life issues, work stressors and family responsibilities, a very important person can get lost in the shuffle.

You.

If you're reading our newsletter, it means you're on the journey to better health and wellness. But sometimes, when we're on our journey, it's difficult to remember just how far we've come. Or, how successful we've been.

This month, take the time to tell yourself, "Good job." If you're just discovering your body type, congratulate yourself for taking that first, important step. If you've seen results from eating foods right for your body type, give yourself a hand! You're doing great!

Congratulations on your success! You deserve it!

August, 2000
Be patient.

Talk about frustrating! You know you want to lose a few pounds, so after discovering your body type you faithfully follow the eating plan.

Then you weigh yourself and find you haven't lost an ounce. What's worse, you may have gained a few pounds.

What gives?

No, you're not slacking off and yes, this is normal. What's happening is that your body is building up the reserves that it needs to eliminate your toxic fat. Your body's depleted areas must recover first, which may cause an increase in muscle mass. Since muscle is heavier than fat, your weight may go up.

Don't worry! Muscle is denser than fat -- which means you may gain a few pounds, but you'll also be melting off the inches. As your muscle mass increases, you'll become leaner and slimmer. And your favorite summer clothes will finally fit again!

September, 2000
Be a body type buddy.

Sure, changing any habit is hard work -- especially when it comes to diet. Even if you know eating for your body type will make you feel great, it's still challenging to change those eating habits. After all, you like eating that big bowl of chocolate ice cream after dinner and gorging on salty corn chips (even if you pay for it later!)

If you need a little motivation, why not diet with a friend, spouse or coworker? Buddy-ing up with a body type partner can keep you accountable and motivated (and help you feel like you're not all alone!) Plus, your body type buddy can help you celebrate your successes (like kicking that corn chip habit!)

Finding a body type diet buddy doesn't have to be a huge time commitment. Even a once-a-week check-in with a trusted diet partner will help keep you healthy and happy. You're worth it!

October, 2000
Be prepared.

You know it's coming. Those creamy, chocolatey Halloween candies are looking mighty tasty already. Once you get that fattening holiday out of the way, it's a sharp drop into the world of pumpkin pies, holiday cookies -- and extra pounds.

Relax.

Sure, the holidays are filled with fun foods -- but you don't have to lose your willpower. Simply plan ahead before that Halloween party or holiday shindig.

Check the food lists for your body type and devise a meal plan that works for you. For instance, Thyroids can revel in the turkey, but should avoid ham. Hearts can enjoy sausage and beef, but should steer clear of ice cream. Devising a strategy before you eat lets you enjoy a fun meal -- plus, you can follow your body type diet at the same time!

November, 2000
Listen to your body.

You're so stressed out, you could scream! Your brain's working double-time, you're on a deadline and you find yourself eating more and more….

Sound familiar?

If you're feeling this way, now is the time to listen to your body. Both physical and psychological events can trigger a change of eating habits. For instance, if you get a lot of physical activity on the job, you'll need more food than your friend with a desk job. If you're stressed out, you'll eat more or less food than when you're feeling mellow. The key is listening to your body and responding to what it needs.

If you are healing, under stress, or dealing with environmental or physical activity changes, simply tweak your diet appropriately and give your body what it craves. If you stick with the foods on your body type menu plan, you'll successfully balance your body (while providing the extra energy boost you need.)

December, 2000
Listen to your body.

No matter how much you look forward to the season from January until November, there's something about December 1st to remind you that the holidays are a reality. Between visiting relatives, holiday parties, buying presents and other holiday fa-la-la, making holidays fun seems almost impossible.

One of the best ways you can triumph over the holiday crankies is to take some well deserved "me" time. Close the door, run some hot water and luxuriate in a warm, bubbly bath. Or, buy yourself a book and enjoy being whisked away to another world. The more "me-time" reserves you have, the less stressed you'll feel during this blessed season. (And you'll bring the ho-ho-ho back into your life!).

January, 2001
New Year's resolution success!

Are you already feeling depressed over your New Year's resolutions? After all, here it is the middle of January, and you're still having problems meeting your goals. "I can't even get out of bed _ hour earlier like I resolved," you think. "I must be a really lazy person."

No, you're not lazy. Resolutions are oh-so-easy to make -- but difficult to keep. If you're feeling frustrated, here are some tips to keep you going:

• Lose all your "impossible" resolutions. OK, do you really think it's possible to achieve world peace before 2002? Or travel around the world, expense-free? If your original resolution is too big, try paring it down into bite-sized goals -- or lose the resolution all together.
• Write down those resolutions! Studies show that people have a better chance of meeting their goals once they've written them down. Don't worry that it's already mid-January and you haven't even started your resolutions. Remember, EVERY day can be a new beginning -- so it's time to get started!
• Buddy with a friend. If you're trying to meet a goal that's especially challenging to you (like trying the 25 Body Type diet or exercising), have a friend help. Friends can provide that extra motivation and accountability that will help you succeed!

March, 2001
Mellow out!

Does it feel like you're living (and working) in warp speed? Despite our attempts to control our lifestyle, sometimes life is just too darn busy. It burns you out just to think about it, doesn't it?

Feeling stressed? Reality check—life doesn't have to feel THIS stressful all the time! Take a break (yes, you can take one), close your eyes and relax. Let your stress melt away, and enjoy feeling grounded again. Even just 10 minutes a day will let your mind settle—and gives you a break from your crisis-oriented day.

April, 2001
Wondering if you chose the right type? We're here to help!

Remember, being "torn between two types" is a common stuck-point -- and one you can easily overcome. If you're torn between thinking you're a Thyroid or a Thalamus, our article, "What You Can Do When You're Torn Between Two Types" will help. You can check it out here.

June, 2001
Be a body type buddy

Know a friend who's trying to lose (or gain) a few extra pounds? Why not buy a copy of "Different Bodies, Different Diets" for your buddy? Your friend will love the body-friendly diets and information (and maybe even become your body type diet partner!). That's a win-win for everyone!

Order your copy from our online store today!

July, 2001
Just because…

When's the last time you did something decadent for yourself? Like lighting scented candles and enjoying a steaming-hot bath. Or, taking a solitary hike so you can finally hear your own thoughts?

Did you say, "I haven't done something like that in a long time. I never feel like I deserve it."

Why?

Self-care is just as important as paying your bills on time, taking care of your children, or keeping your house maintained. In fact, when you take time out for YOU, you'll approach life happier and stronger. Instead of running yourself into the ground, you'll have the energy to plow through any project. And yes, those other responsibilities will get done… really!

Try scheduling one self-care activity once a week, and increase the frequency if you can. If you start feeling guilty or pressured, remind yourself that you're doing this "just because." You deserve the time, and you should take it. You're worth it!

August, 2001
Celebrate your success!

Trying making a list of last week's personal success. Now, make a list of the times you've "messed up." Which list is longer?

If you had problems coming up with happy successes, you're not alone. It's really easy to start focusing on the negative things you feel you've done — and beat yourself up as a result. You know. All those "should haves" and "if only I didn't do that." With all that negative self-talk, no wonder it's hard to celebrate your successes!

Every day, instead of making a "to do" list, create a list of your successes. These successes could be anything that makes you feel good. Maybe you finally got somewhere on time for a change! Or, your clothes are finally fitting better. Simply write down anything you see as a success. Soon, you'll realize how much you ARE succeeding and thriving! And those "should haves" and "if onlys" will fade away into the sunset!

October, 2001
Set one manageable goal!

Are you a faithful goal setter, but constantly stumble when it comes to goal reaching? You could be sending yourself into "goal overwhelm" and not even realize it!

We all know the benefits of setting goals and planning our victories. However, it's easy to accidentally set yourself up for goal failure. After all, how many times have you set so many goals for yourself that you couldn't reach any of them? Or, you created such a HUGE goal (like losing 50 pounds in three months), that there's no way you can succeed. Sound familiar?

The key is to create smaller, manageable goals and celebrate each victory. Instead of trying to lose 50 pounds at once, focus on losing five pounds instead. If you're feeling overwhelmed by too many goals, prioritize one goal and achieve it. When you take pressure off of yourself and baby step toward your goals, you'll realize the success you've always wanted — and achieve more than you ever thought possible!

January, 2002
Change your color, change your mood!

It's time for a natural appetite suppressant -- the color blue! According to Color Matters®, putting your food on a blue plate, or even installing a blue refrigerator light will make your munchies vanish. Learn more about why this works (and hold the blue soy milk, please!).