Every Body is Different

It is important to remember that every body is different. We all have different genes. If everyone started eating the same things and did the same amount of exercise for a whole year, would we all look the same at the end of the year? Absolutely NOT!! This is because each person’s genetics influence their bone structure, skin tone, body size, shape, and weight differently.

So, how do you calculate your ideal body weight? Well, what your “ideal” body weight should be, is the weight that allows you to feel strong and energetic and lets you lead a healthy normal life. For example, when your body is healthy and at its ideal body weight, you are not too tired, too anxious or angry, and you have the energy to talk to your friends, participate in the activities that you want to participate in, and to be able to concentrate on school or work. When searching for your ideal weight, don’t rely on the Body Mass Index "BMI", other charts, formulas, or tables to dictate what’s right for you (these were created as a VERY broad general, and is not truly applicable to anyone but a select group). Instead, eat balanced meals full of nutritious foods and enjoy regular, moderate exercise. This will help you be your ideal weight/body type whether it is skinny as a rail, or voluptuous and curvy. Remember you body knows what it needs and what size it should be to help you be the best you.

Most of all, AVOID comparing your body with your friends bodies, the celebrities on your favorite TV shows, or the people you see in advertisements (most of these "models" are photo shopped and air brushed beyond recognition from their original pictures and looks. One of my favorite quotes is from Cindy Crawford who said in regards to one of her pictures in a magazine, "I wish I looked like Cindy Crawford"). If you do start to compare yourself to others, try to remember that we are all naturally different which means we all have special qualities about us. Make a list of some of your strengths. What do you like to do? What makes you unique?

To make it simple, remember these keys to have your ideal body:
Treat your body with respect.
Give it enough rest, sleep is where our body repairs itself, and get ready for the coming day.
Fuel it with a variety of foods.
Exercise moderately, this has been shown to increase energy, improve mood, improve blood pressure, etc.
Resist the pressure to judge yourself and others based on weight, shape, or size. Remember everyone is different and every body is different.
Respect people based on the qualities of their character and accomplishments, rather than just because of their appearance.
Eat what you want, when you are truly hungry. Stop when you’re full.
And finally
Eat exactly what appeals to you, it has been shown that your body craves what it needs. Do this instead of any diet, and you’re likely to maintain a healthy weight and avoid eating disorders.


ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, IT KNOWS WHAT IT NEEDS!!

Joint or Separate Bank Accounts?

Have you ever heard or used the phrase “Whats yours is mine and whats mine is yours?” Well, in some relationships this isn't how things really are. Some relationships operate on the premise of "Whats your is mine and whats mine is mine." This type of thinking is one of the root causes for many of the  financial problems that couples are facing in relationships. Many people in relationships adapt the idea “I work hard for my money so I do with it as I please.” However, not telling your partner what you do with your money is what some refer to as financial infidelity.

We are living in a time when both men and women in relationships are usually hard working individuals. These days, both men and women alike aim to be financially independent. While dating, couples talk about everything, and are comfortable to talk about future plans, goals, where to live, children. However when it comes to money, the levels of comfort drop.

These days, some couples share everything but their money and what they do with it. These couples usually have an idea about each other’s financial situation and based on that they divide bills around the house. It is not uncommon to see couples decide who pays the light bill, mortgage or rent, groceries and any other number of bills and living expenses, without ever really knowing each other’s salary. This is where problems tend to begin and along with them, the idea that one partner in the relationship should take care of the financial needs of the household. We want one partner to use THEIR money to pay for most bills, since they are “the bread winner.”  And the other partner,  wants to use their own money to do whatever they want with it.This situation is an equation for inequality and for other problems in a relationship.

In an ideal situation partners in a relationship should have a joined bank account.  There should be an awareness of each other’s salary and of where the money is going. People, don’t be oblivious to the fact that money is an important part of every relationship. When appropriate, don’t be afraid to talk about money, especially when considering marriage.

A wise man once said that relationships are dependent on 4 C’s..: Communication, Commitment, Compromise, and Currency. All are equally important to the success of a relationship.

Work VS Home

This article is written for the men, but just because it was doesn't mean that the ideas aren't great for both parents. They are and in this world where both parents work or the wife works and there is a stay at home dad, these ideas are critical for both parents.

Back in your grandparent’s time, a man was just expected to bring home the bacon and was excused from being too hands on in the child rearing department. Today’s men are expected not only to be a provider, but also a highly involved parent. These two demands can burn out even the strongest of men. Here are a few suggestions on how to be a corporate warrior and a super dad at the same time.

Have family dinner. Studies have shown children from families that have meals together do better in school and are less likely to get involved with drugs. Make it home each evening to have dinner with your family. If this means getting to work extra early in the morning, so be it. If you can get home early enough, cook dinner with your kids. At mealtime, ask about what’s going on in your kid’s life. Pose questions designed to stimulate genuine discussion.

Leave work at work. Obviously, this is not always going to be possible; sometimes you’ll need to continue your work at home. But during dinnertime, bath time, story time, and any other time in which you are focusing on your kids, turn off the cell phone and Blackberry.

Take each kid out once a month for dad time. Each month, set aside a “date night” for each kid. Take them out individually and do something they enjoy. It’s a great way to get one-on-one time with each kid and ensure that jealously between sibling’s remains in check.

Limit work on weekends and holidays. Devote your time off from work to your family. Sure, you’ll have to spend time doing chores and running errands to get ready for the next week, but try to get your children involved with those tasks. Six hands pulling weeds are better than two.

Use your vacation. Many American workers are taking less and less of their vacation time. Don’t be one of these people. Use your two weeks and take your family to Disneyland or on a camping adventure in a National Park. Don’t bring along your laptop or Blackberry. Or just make it a staycation, meaning stay at home and focus on the family, again keep the laptop and blackberry off. Family vacations will be some of your kids’ best childhood memories. Don’t deny them these experiences by being a work-a-holic.

Schedule a weekly Family Night. Make this a non-negotiable date, and schedule all other activities around it. Some ideas for family night are you could possibly play board games, watch a video, or go out and get some ice cream.

Tuck your kids in bed and read them a book. Bedtime routines aren’t just for young toddlers and babies. Even when your kid gets older, make it a tradition to read with them. You can move on from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to “Treasure Island” as they grow up. This will help build priceless memories with your children.

Don’t forget the Mrs. While the focus of this article is about balancing work with your kids, make sure to focus time on your wife, too. One piece of advice that I hear over and  over again from people is if you want to be a good father, then be an awesome husband. Call a babysitter, and take your wife out on a date. Make time every day to talk to each other. Right before bed when the kids are asleep is a good time. And don’t let work or being a dad get in the way of your sex life with your wife.