Welcome to The Quest, a newsletter intended to inspire and inform those interested in experiencing optimal well being in body, mind and spirit. For more information, please see my website at www.deborahlow.com

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August ~ 2002
In this issue of The Quest:
1. The Quest Quote
2. The Quest Q & A – With tips on improving body-image attitudes amongst your friends
3. Did you know?
4. News ~ Listen to Deborah’s new health bulletins on halo-on-air.com or visit the Health Corner.

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1. Quote:
"We never see things as they are, we see them as we are."- Anais Nin, submitted by Amy Schaller, from A Fit Image in San Jose, CA

2. Question:

My three close friends spend a lot of time talking about their bodies—how they don’t like they way they look in their clothes, how they haven’t exercised enough lately, the newest wrinkle to show up around their eyes—it goes on, and it’s rarely positive. Although I am starting to accept and appreciate myself, I get caught up in the negative energy. I actually end up contributing to the problem! How can I continue to see the good in myself when I am constantly being reminded of my own faults?

Thanks for your opinion,
Lara from Syracuse, NY
 
Answer:

I’m really happy that you asked this question Lara, as many of us don’t realize the impact that our friends have on the way we think and feel. The way we communicate with our friends, be it positive or negative, has a direct affect on our health in body, mind and spirit.

Here’s the problem: Your friend complains about her appearance—she hates her thighs—so in order to console her, you share that you don’t like your stomach, nose, breasts, whatever. We are apt to fall into this trap because we want to empathize with our friend’s feelings, so we criticize ourselves in order to make her feel better. I see this happening all the time and yet adopting the attitude that “misery loves company”, only serves to discourage and dishearten you both.

Here are some simple ideas to help you raise the level of communication you have with your friends to a new, more empowering place.

1) Whether it be co-workers, family or friends, don’t underestimate the influence of those you spend a lot of time with. If you are around people who complain about how they look (I’ve been there too, so I know they are out there), change the topic before the negative energy starts to seep into the conversation.

2) Don’t sink into the habit of criticizing yourself in order to alleviate someone else’s negative energy.

3) Become a silent role model. You don’t have to gush about how you love your backside in order to express that you appreciate your body. Inspire them silently by showing them what it’s like to be someone who’s comfortable with their appearance. Put on a new dress or even a bathing suit without complaining about the body parts that aren’t perfect.

4) Celebrate yourself in order to inspire others! As Nelson Mandela said in his inaugural speech, “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people don't feel insecure around you…as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”  

3. Did You Know?

We all know by now that diet products promising quick weight loss are gimmicky and unsafe, but you might also like to know that:

* Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh ones—or more so—because they're often packaged right after being picked to retain their nutrients.

* Prescription drugs are meant for people who struggle with health-endangering obesity, not for those who seek to perfect their body by losing a few stubborn pounds.

* All fats are not bad for you. While there are certainly plenty of unhealthy fats, particularly the trans-fatty acids found in many oils, you need fat in your diet. Some of the healthiest fats come from cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as seeds, nuts and olive oil.

* The number of calories you burn during an activity does goes up the more you weigh.

* The claim "low-fat" on a box of cookies doesn’t automatically mean they’re healthy. Sweet treats that are low in fat could have a surprisingly high number of calories if they're packed with sugar to make them taste great.

4. News
Listen to Deborah’s new health bulletins on HALO.tv or visit HALO’s Health Corner.

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The Quest for Peace, Love & a 24-Inch Waist

www.deborahlow.com

Please submit your comments or questions by replying to this email at deborah@deborahlow.com I look forward to your feedback.