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Losing a substantial amount of weight and gaining it back is very (let me say that again ... VERY ...) depressing. I know, because I've done it. Several times. And I also know what it feels like to permanently remove that excess (50 pounds gone for almost 8 years!). There is a sense of freedom, of self-acceptance, of peace that exceeds words.

And so, I write this column from a place of knowledge, as a weight loss coach, an expert in the field and as someone who walks the talk.

As I listened to Kirstie Alley declare on Oprah's Thursday (April 30) show, "I 'm nuts ... seriously." "I'm a brat." "I'm careless and irresponsible." "It is about wearing a bikini." "I'm going to be ripped by November." "Okay February." ... I thought to myself, "Wow, she sure is setting herself up for failure. Again." 

And when Oprah said, "Can you believe that you are [we are] talking about this again?" I thought, "Good question, O!, Why are you talking about it again? Why is Kirstie exposing herself yet again to the scrutiny of the public eye, the ridicule?"

Kirstie then went on to say that she has spent the past 1.5 years, while gaining back every single pound lost on Jenny Craig plus an additional 10 pounds, "researching what is missing" from diet plans.

Kirstie further stated that she would start up her own weight-loss brand, even though it was "sort of crazy ... We're in the middle of a recession, and I decide, yes, I'm going to create my own business ... I'm going to lose 80 pounds ... I'm going to be in a bikini again."

Was the appearance on Oprah a set-up? Are we now going to watch Kirstie get 'thin' again, so she can sell us her bill of goods?

Whether Kirstie loses it or not, I can pretty much guarantee that she is going to 'find' it again, because weight loss is primarily a mind set that comes from your belief systems; it's about internal change. It's about self-love and acceptance. Kirstie's words, thought process, affect, sense of self appears not to have changed, moved, shifted, not even one tiny, little bit.

Kirstie, if you want to join the 'permanent fat removal' club, you've got to change your thinking. The bikini is not the prize. Loving yourself is.

Spread the healthy word...NOT the icing,
Janice

Dear Emmy ~  People seem mystified when motivation wears off.  As Zig Ziglar says, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." The first thing to explore is "How can I motivate myself daily?" Here are some pointers!

Have a Vision.  The root of the word motivation is "motive." The definition of "motive" is "A reason to act." You need a reason to act. You need both an external and internal vision of the new you. You need to be moving towards a compelling future! What's your reason to act?

Be Passionate. Motivation is not task driven. It's all about emotion. It's fire driven. You've got to fuel your passion (just like you have to fuel your body and fuel your car!). You have to set yourself a goal that connects to an all consuming desire. What moves you?

Stay Focused. The more focused you are the more results you'll be getting. The more results, the more motivated. It's called the 'upward spiral.' Don't worry about getting dizzy. You're getting lighter and lighter. Keep on spiraling, Up, Up, Up!!

Acknowledge All that You Do Well.  We have a tendency to negate our wins by focusing on the minor slips of the day. If you said "No, thank you" four times. " Rejoice. What else did you do today that was stupendous? (It could be as simple as filling up a bowl with fresh fruit for the kitchen counter. Filling the room with good energy.)

Hope that helps!!! ~ OLofWL

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You inspire so many people, me included.  I first saw you on the Dan Ho Show and rushed to my computer to order your first book (Our Lady of Weight Loss) on Amazon.  I love it!  Over the past 3 years, I have eliminated 40 lbs. and have about 20 more to go.  I am doing it for all the right reasons (health and feeling better) and I just wanted to say thank you.  You inspired me!!!  You look wonderful! 

Have a great week, and thank you again for your all that you do!  Hugs!!! ~ Jan McN., Omaha, Nebraska     PS:  Wish I could go to the Omega workshop! Sounds amazing!!

Dear Jan ~  Thanks for the lovely note.  I do so appreciate your support, friendship and yay, girlfriend, YOU GO!  40 pounds permanently removed; 20 to go!!!   Thanks for all ... and I do hope that you can make it to one of my workshops.  Would LOVE to meet you!!!  Hugs back at you! ~ OLofWL

Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower * 2 large russet potatoes * 1 head garlic, roasted * 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil * 1/2 cup low-fat vegetable stock * 2 teaspoons chives chopped finely * 1 pinch paprika * fresh salt and pepper

Directions: Cut up the cauliflower and potatoes into small but uniform sized chunks and place into a large pot of room temp or cold water, slowly bring to a boil and cook 15-20 minutes or until fork tender. * Drain potatoes and cauliflower very well. * Squeeze in a head of roasted garlic (no skin), add vegetables stock, chives, paprika, and fresh pepper and salt to taste. * Mash very well and if your mixture is a little dry you can add more stock or  butter.

What's your fav HEALTHY recipe, low fat, low cal?  Send to OLofWL for possible publication!  Woo Hoo, FUN!

The Query Queen, Wendy asks ... 10 Questions for Our Lady of Weight Loss 
Wildly entertaining!

A multitude of bite-sized video clips of Janice on empowHER.com!