Find Your Spark

FIND YOUR SPARK

In order to make the logistical and psychological changes necessary to be successful in controlling your weight or blood sugar, there must be an incentive for you to keep up the effort.  Without some deeply personal reason to continue, most people wind up feeling frustrated and discouraged, eventually reverting back to the same bad habits that put them in the place they find themselves.  They often resign themselves to living with those extra pounds or that out of control blood sugar, accepting the consequences that type of lifestyle will produce.

Those that break through that barrier of frustration have found an inner resolve, a spark if you will, that carries them through the tough times, encouraging them to get back on track if they have strayed off the path, giving them confidence to carry on.  That spark can take on many different guises but it must be important enough to that individual to break out of years of bad habits in order to embrace a future filled with health and happiness.

That incentive is not always obvious at first.  Sometimes it is clouded by doubt or unrealistic expectations.  Sometimes the really valuable spark is placed behind a seemingly important but superficial desire that will fall like the autumn leaves when times are difficult.  And be forewarned that making substantial lifestyle changes and sticking with them will require a significant effort.

For years I have helped my patients search for and find those types of incentives that encourage them to persevere.  Whether it is dancing at their grandaughter’s wedding, reducing or eliminating entirely medications for diabetes, or being able to continue to care for themselves in their golden years, we have found and relied on that inner spark to light the way to better health.

Doctors and patients routinely underestimate the power of lifestyle change to transform frustration into victory. Let’s break free from that common misconception. Let’s make sure we don’t short-change ourselves. Let’s never forget that we’re all capable of bettering ourselves if we believe it is our destiny and if we work hard to let our true colors shine.

Together I want us to search for the one or two things you can hold on to as we take this journey together toward living well.  Together I believe we can find the spark, light it up, and watch the fireworks.  Find you spark.

Please comment on those events or beliefs in your life you can share with others to help them find their spark.  See you next time.

Paul

 

RECIPE FOR THE DAY

Barbecued Chicken

Nutritional Info (Per serving):

Calories: 176, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 240mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Total Fat: 6g, Carbs: 7g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Protein: 24g

Carb Choices: 0.5

Recipe Source:

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NHLBI does not recommend or endorse any company advertised on this site.

     

Ingredients

·         3 pounds chicken, pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)

·         1 large onion(s)

3 tablespoon vinegar

·         3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

·         2 tablespoon sugar, brown

·         1 tablespoon pepper, red flakes

·         1 tablespoon chili powder

·         1 cup(s) broth, chicken, fat-free, salt-free

Preparation

•   1. Place chicken in 13- by 9- by 2-inch pan. Arrange onions over top.
• 2. Mix together vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, pepper, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, and stock.
• 3. Pour mixture over chicken and bake at 350 degrees F for one hour or until done. While cooking, baste occasionally.