The New Year holds an energy of creation, freshness, of what can I do next, how can I make this year the best year of my life.

No wonder we are drawn to making new goals and resolutions. We feel the pull of starting anew. This energy can be used in a beautiful way.

What do you really, really want this year? 
How do you want to feel? 
What would make you feel most alive? 
Let yourself dream big.

This energy is often used in a “let’s get down to business” way. New diets, new workouts, new business plans, etc.

Working at a gym, I saw this every year. The New Year’s rush to get in shape. For the months of January and February the gym would be jam packed with new people. Classes are cramped, every treadmill, elliptical and bike is in use, and every locker is in use.

As the weeks go by, the crowds lessen and the equipment frees up. The New Year’s members continue to pay their membership, but they rarely show up and often give up as the year progresses.

This cycle always made me sad. I would imagine what these people must be saying to themselves. Beating themselves up for not following through.

Perhaps I was taking it too personally since I was one of those people. I gave up on myself all too often to the point that I didn’t trust myself. 
I developed a severe case of I -SUCKitis.

For me the I-SUCKitis revolved around food and weight. Every year I would make a goal to stick to my diet, lose weight, and quit treating my body like a garbage can.

I joined Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, and went on more diets than I can remember. I always, always failed.

I almost gave up on myself. Thankfully, I discovered that I was on the wrong path and my internal GPS found a better way to finally find freedom from dieting and to let go of weight with ease.

I often hear from my clients…”I can’t believe I don’t have to diet anymore” or “I can’t believe how easy this is.” I find myself smiling so big whenever I hear this not only because I am ecstatic for them, but also because I feel the same way. Feeling good in your body, ending the war with your thighs and with food is surprisingly simple.

If you are sick and tired of going on diets that leave you feeling like a failure then I invite you to make this year different.

That is why I am offering an opportunity for you to set up a complimentary “Befriend Your Body Breakthrough Session” by phone so you can see if Health Coaching is right for you. I am passionate about empowering women to break free from the diet roller coaster and body hatred.

No one should spend their lives battling their stomach, thighs, plates, and scales. Most of us have done this too long already.

If you are ready to make 2013 the year you break free from from the body battle and are curious about how I can support you in getting there then reply to this email and I will be happy to set up your complimentary “Befriend Your Body Breakthough” consultation. I am only offering a limited number of spots so if you are interested, reach out as soon as possible.

To creating an amazing 2013- Michelle

michelle@michellebailen.com

The holidays are full of hearty meals, sweet treats and fat-laden snacks – which quickly add up to extra pounds. Navigate holiday eating with these tips:

• Enjoy your favorite foods, just be mindful of your portion sizes. Depriving yourself just makes you more likely to binge later.
• When possible, choose a smaller plate to help control portions.
• Wait 20 minutes before getting seconds, to give your body time to signal if you are full.

Don’t feel obligated to eat everything offered to you, or to clean your plate.  Read more

The economy’s slow growth and rising health care costs have employers thinking twice about offering health care coverage to early retirees. Over the past decade, fewer and fewer private-sector businesses have chosen to continue offering health coverage to early and Medicare-eligible retirees. Key findings from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s survey on the state of retiree health benefits include:

• Of the few companies that still offer retiree health benefits, 43 percent of surveyed employers say that they are very likely to increase retirees’ portion of premiums in 2013. 21 percent say they are somewhat likely to increase it.
• In addition, 21 percent of surveyed employers said that they are very likely to increase cost sharing in 2013, and 32 percent say they are somewhat likely to increase it. Read more

Since many holiday traditions seem to center on food, it can be difficult to get through the holiday season without feeling as stuffed as the Thanksgiving turkey. Take a look at the foods you’re eating and preparing this holiday season—there may be some simple ways to enjoy those delicious foods, while carving out a few of the extra calories.

Turkey is actually a great source of lean protein. A three- to four-ounce serving of skinless white meat not only provides almost half of the folic acid you need daily, but also contains nutrients that can help cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease, all while helping to maintain insulin levels post-meal. Bake rather than deep-fry, and you’re on your way to a healthy holiday season.

Stuffing is not normally thought of as being very healthy, but tweak your recipe a bit for some great health benefits. Add nutrients by throwing in some onions, nuts, carrots, celery, mushrooms or dried fruit, and cut back on the fat by substituting all or some of the butter for low-sodium chicken broth.

Holidays often include increased alcohol consumption. Fortunately for you, while alcohol does add calories to a meal, red wine provides some pretty great health benefits when consumed in moderation.  Read more