Food is the first and most basic way that we nurture each other. It is one of the reasons that many of us turn to food for comfort.

Providing nourishment was one of the very first ways that our mother’s soothed us as infants, both feeding us and soothing us emotionally by holding us close. When your grandmother or aunt offers you another helping, insists you try the dessert, or even tells you look too thin, it may simply be a desire to express love to and nurture you. This desire can be more intense during the holidays as sentimentality heightens emotions.

When people are pushing food to express their love, a hard rejection can be experienced as personal rejection. You may be able to distract them with loving attention. The most direct response may be to thank them sincerely for the offer or compliment and tell them that you have had enough to eat or that you are avoiding certain foods for health reasons. It can sometimes help to also offer an expression of appreciation to reinforce the positive relationship.

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Maruchy Lachance is president of Running Ninja!, a lifestyle brand for runners by runners. Running Ninja! offers a wide variety of apparel and gifts for runners to keep you happy and inspired while you’re on the run.

Of all of the wonderful things that have come from the World Wide Web, one of my personal favorites is social networking sites. These online darlings make it possible for us to connect with friends and family, as well as catching up with those from our past. An added bonus is the ability to connect with sites that guide, motivate and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Because you are reading this on Diets in Review, you already understand the importance of having trusted resources to help you stay on track while keeping you current in the world of health and fitness.
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The largest online weight loss community SparkPeople.com is known for having over 11 million members and offering tons of diet and exercise information that users can access for free.

Their new service SparkPeople LIVE! will offer online meetings and motivational support without ever having to leave your home. These online meetings and classes resemble Weight Watchers meetings that take place weekly. Instead of charging a weekly fee which can really add up, SparkPeople LIVE! charges a monthly fee of only $12.99. For many SparkPeople members, it may be difficult to start paying for any type of service when all other information is free, but the added bonus and accountability make it well worth it. The current offer gives you a free month when you pay for the first two.

With SparkPeople LIVE! you will be surrounded by others also trying to achieve their weight loss goals. You will have the convenience of attending meetings around your schedule and from home. You get to participate through audio, video and chat features made available for each class.

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Maruchy Lachance is president of Running Ninja!, a lifestyle brand for runners by runners. Running Ninja! offers a wide variety of apparel and gifts for runners to keep you happy and inspired while you’re on the run.

“How are you doing?” This is the question that may get you a short response from just an acquaintance, but if asked of a good friend you may hear a list of issues that most of us are battling daily. We live in complicated times making the simplest tasks overwhelming and sometimes forcing us to neglect our most important assets – our health and wellness.

I have a friend who has never let anything get in the way of his health and fitness. Born into extreme poverty with a physical challenge and hostile home environment he drew courage and strength from his hero Bruce Lee. As he grew older and the conditions failed to improve, he threw himself deeper into his commitment to his body. By 17, he had obtained custody of his two younger brothers and was on the road to winning several competitions and medals in kung fu. In his mid-20s he joined the U.S. Marine Corp, later earning a place in the elite team as a Recon Marine.
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Are you the type of person who needs someone to light a firecracker under your derriere to get you moving? If you are part of the procrastinators club, the following mantras will help to null and void your membership. Find one that resonates with you and repeat it several times a day, to yourself or out loud.

“I am appreciated”

A lot of times we don’t feel like doing something because we fear no one will care, or acknowledge our effort. When you believe you are of value, you will have more of an inclination to follow through and get the job done.

“I do good work”

Sometimes we run away from tasks and chores because we dread criticism by others. Drop the fear of being judged and do the best you can. Believe in your heart that you are doing great and it will reflect in your work.

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