A Bucket of Crabs
Have you ever seen a bucket full of crabs? They pinch and pull as they struggle to climb over one another to reach the top of the bucket -- to freedom.
Ask any fisherman and they'll tell you that a bucket full of crabs doesn't need a lid -- they simply won't escape.
Why? Well, it's not impossible for a crab to climb to the top, and really if they worked together it would be quite easy. But crabs don't work together...
Instinctively crabs pull each other down -- literally.
When one crab breaks away from the pack, reaching its pinchers toward the top of the bucket, the others promptly grab onto the escapee's leg, pulling him back down. That crab is then pushed to the bottom of the pile and his dream of freedom is crushed.
People have a way of acting just like a bucket of crabs. Have you ever decided on a personal goal only to have someone in your life talk you out of it?
Do you have crabs in your life? A crab is...
The person who discourages you from going to the gym
The person who scoffs when you mention your weight loss goals
The person who snickers when you choose salad over pizza
The crab mentality says "If I can't have it, then neither can you." When you decide to do something different, to reach for a goal and to improve yourself, the crabs in your life will do their best to hold you back.
Keep Crabs at Bay: When crabs come snapping, remember the following:
1. Ignore them: When someone in your life begins to pull you down with discouraging words, remember that you don't have to listen. Don't let them get into your head. Mentally tune them out or politely remove yourself from the situation. Who are they to tell you what you can or can't achieve?
2. Understand them: Ouch! Insults and put-downs hurt, especially when they come from people that we care about. So what is the deal? Why do your friends, co-workers and even your spouse turn into crabs when you decide to improve your life? Do they really hope that you don't succeed? The truth is that crabs are thinking about themselves-not about you. They see you attempting to better yourself and to change your life. Whether they realize it or not, this scares them. If you better yourself will you still like them? Or will you leave them behind?
3. You hold the power: Even the most persuasive crab doesn't hold a candle to your iron will. When you are ready to change, and you've made up your mind without an inkling of doubt, then 90% of the work is done. Your mind is the most powerful tool at your disposal-don't let a wimpy crab rob it from you.
Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? Don't wait any longer. Sometimes we need a little extra push... in that case I recommend talking with one of our fitness experts here at Fitness Together (click here to schedule a consultation), or take a look at:
"The Most Complete, Practical, Honest, Weight Loss,
Fitness & Nutrition Guide for REAL People
Who Want REAL Results REALLY Fast!"
(Click here for your copy)
Super Flour
You know that wheat bread is a healthier choice than white bread-so why not enrich your home baking with super flour? Regular flour is processed and contains little nutritional value, while super flour is packed with healthy grains.
To make one cup of super flour place the following in a one cup dry measuring cup: 1 tablespoon wheat germ, 1 tablespoon wheat bran, 1 teaspoon soy flour and 1 teaspoon nonfat powdered milk. Top off with whole wheat flour.
Whole Grain Pretzels
Who can pass up a soft pretzel that is warm from the oven? While the pretzels sold at the mall are drenched in butter and filled with processed ingredients, this recipe only uses a tablespoon of canola oil (the good fat) and super flour crams whole grain nutrition into every bite!
*Here's a quick tip: if you decide to purchase a pretzel at the mall, ask for it to be made 'nonfat' -- it may take a few extra minutes for them to bake one without butter, but you'll be saving yourself quite a few unnecessary calories and it will be nice and hot!
Servings: 6 pretzels
Here's what you need...
2 cups Super Flour, divided
1 Tablespoon Canola oil
1 cup organic apple juice
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast or 1 packet active dry yeast
Salt -- optional
In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup of the super flour, canola oil, apple juice and yeast. Beat with electric mixer for about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup of super flour.
Knead for 10-15 minutes, add water or flour as needed for a good consistency. Roll 6 pieces of dough into long snakes and form into pretzel shapes.
Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray, place the pretzels on the sheet and allow to rise for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. If desired, coat the top of each pretzel with a small amount of water and sprinkle with salt.
Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they become golden brown.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 162 calories, 3g fat, 31g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 7g protein.
To Your Empowerment,
Joe Thiel
P.S. Give the gift of fitness. If you're looking for a gift that will last for a lifetime, consider getting a friend or loved one started on the road to a healthy lifestyle. We have gift certificates available. Just contact the studio at 726-7613 and we'll be happy to talk about your options.
P.P.S. I'm never too busy for your referrals. Do you have a friend, family member, or co-worker who would enjoy my Fitness Empowerment Newsletter? Forward this issue to them!
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