Robin Hornstein, Ph.D.

How To Lose Weight

Did the subject get your attention?  I would imagine it did, as it does mine and many other people as they decide what latest attempt they will make to reshape their bodies into the athletic, feminine, masculine, strong, sexy, thin, skinny, erased idea of a woman or man that is desired.  But there are few steps to true weight loss and maintenance that count.  Two weeks with this plan and you would, if you really are over your BMI or Healthy Weight, see how it can be done.  First, freecycle all of your diet books, including the pages torn from magazines with one week meal plans.  Second, go outside and walk, garden, and breathe; this must be done every day for a good deal of your time.  Third, eat when you are hungry - meaning that empty feeling that growls, and stop when you begin to feel full. Full feels like your tummy is done even if your mouth is not.  Fourth, meditate about life and what you want out of it; is your meditation full of food thoughts?  Ok, so ten years from now you want to be thinking of chocolate cake?  Or would you prefer to have seen a side of yourself, like your inner child of play, finally take that art class and soar?  If you can't do the above without good and bad foods, self loathing and fear, I suggest a support group or therapy to help ease the way.  Eat with gusto, smile with your blessings and find your real thoughts, feelings and dreams.  Robin

Getting Back to Writing

I find that I get excited and busy with lots of things in my life.  For instance, this blog.  I was determined to write a lot and let people know what I thought about.  Then my daughter had a Bat Mitzvah.  Suddenly all of my time on line had some connection to appetizers and take home gifts.  It was an amazing event but the build up took it's toll.  Meanwhile, I learned a lot recently about how we change in our lives.  I had procrastinated writing and suddenly Women's Day magazine called me (see June 2008, page 14).  Angela Ebron, a writer for the magazine that we all see in the checkout line in the market, called and told me she had read about Opposite Day in my blog and wanted to interview me.  Not only did I find that flattering and exciting, but it felt quite ironic as I hadn't written in forever.  So what is the take away here?  Do things you like and don't judge your timing.  Get back to things or wait until they call you back and lead you somewhere else.  I promise to write more often and to try to share what life lessons show up on my doorstep.