"I don't like vegetables"

I've heard numerous campers say I would love to eat vegetables but I just don't like them.

"I don't like vegetables"
"I don't like vegetables"

I once sat in on a health seminar and the leader did an interesting experiment. He passed out a piece of paper with tons of vegetables listed and said -- you don't think you like vegetables? Look at this list and tell me there's not even one that you like. He made us circle the ones we liked and when I got home, I put this on my fridge.

I've listed a few here. Sure, maybe eggplant or corn isn't the same as green beans but it's much better than a side of fries.

eggplant
corn
artichoke
peas
brocolli
cauliflower
celery
mushrooms
arugula
okra
chives
garlic
onion
scallion
peppers
carrots
beets
spinach
butternut squash (yum!!)
zucchini (great sliced long in eggs)
spaghetti squash (great substitute for pasta if your'e into the lower carb)
pumpkin (yes, for more than just halloween)
tomato
jicama (great in salads)
sweet potato
yams (even better than sweet potato)
water chestnuts (these are amazing)
asparagus
avocado (I know, but sparingly they're full of good fat)
endive
spring greens
Beans (yes, these are considered veggies, butter, green, lima and the like)
brussel sprouts (if you don't like them, you've probably never had them cooked well -- they are supposed to be boiled to make them soft before they're "prepared"
cabbage
collard greens
Frisee
leeks
ginger
snap peas (these are good)
potatoes
green beans

Sweet Cravings

Question: In the 5:30 a.m. session, three Campers brought up the issue of battling their sweet cravings. Robert, "I have tried everything you have told us." "I find myself craving sweets intensely and I am having a problems breaking away from sweets". Robert, "can you please help us."

Your sweet cravings are the end result of bad nutrition.

Here's what I would do:

Increase meal frequency. This will ensure your "blood sugar" levels are kept constant, which will ultimately help you minimize sweet cravings.

Consider using a meal replacement drink in the place of, or in between meals. They're just like milk shakes, but they're healthy and high in protein and can help you to lose weight when taken in between or in the place of meals.

Additionally, you may want to look at supplementing with a weight loss formula to help speed up the metabolism in the morning hours. This is only a recommendation because eating 5 meals a day is the healthiest way to loose weight. Lastly, don't overlook your physical activity at camp and on your own.

RESIST THE SWEETS!!

When to Eat

It is important to follow a regular eating schedule. First , it keeps your blood sugar stable instead of peaking and crashing, which can lead to overeating and general poor feeling. Second, regular meals will speed up your metabolism by challenging it to keep processing calories, rather than storing them in a game of "feast or famine".


You should be eating every few hours while you're awake, favoring small meals and snacks. Try to finish your last snack approximately three hours before you hit the sack. This will help you undigested carbs from being stored as fat. If you do need to break this rule, a small protein shake would be the snack of choice before bed, as it can help your recovery during sleep.

Toss the Junk!!

Now would be a good time to get rid of all the junk food currently in your possession. Foods high in saturated and trans fats, sodium and sugar should be the first to be thrown out (i.e. cookies, pastries, candy, processed meats, potato chips, soda, high-sodium frozen foods, canned soups, etc.) You know them. You think you love them. They are the problem. Throw them away, and don't let anyone give you more. Don't be nice. Don't take a bite. Say: "Thanks, but I'm not eating that kind of stuff any more." If you are taking your weight loss seriously, just remember-if you think it's junk food , it probably is.

Women with a Warrior Spirit

Warrior Spirit:

As an instructor of women, I want each woman to know that she has a warrior spirit. My mission is to develop, foster, and nurture that warrior spirit through realistic physical and psychological training. Defining Warrior Spirit is not always easy, but two authors have encapsulated the essence of this often-misunderstood attribute:

“ A warrior is on permanent guard against the roughness of human behavior. A warrior is magical and ruthless, a maverick with the most refined taste and manners, whose worldly task is to sharpen, yet disguise, his cutting edge so that no one would be able to suspect his ruthlessness”

The Power of Silence, Carlos Castaneda

“ The Warrior fights because he believes that he is fighting for something good, something positive, something that will improve the quality of the world around him. The warrior never forgets that he is an example and so will always act accordingly. He is a leader, and when there is no one else to lead, the warrior must lead himself forward to a different, higher standard.”

Unleashing the Warrior Within, Richard J Machowicz

The true warrior is really a predator with asymmetrical rules of engagement. Warrior Spirit allows us to operate in the gray, but prevents us from stepping into the black. Warrior Spirit is the sheepdog and not the wolf. We protect the flock, those we love, and ourselves from the wolf. Warrior Spirit is often ridiculed by those who never need our services, but yet honored by those who need us when the wolf appears. Warrior Spirit allows us to run towards gunfire to save others, while everyone else is running away. Warrior Spirit allows us to keep fighting even when death is knocking at our door. Warrior Spirit is about being genuine.

I teach my clients to eliminate anything that does not propel them toward their goal. These women have battled weight gain for years and now they travel the path to VICTORY everyday at 5:30 a.m.! As each engages the warrior within, there are no limits to what they can achieve.

It is my honor and privilege to serve each one of them on a daily basis.