Karl's Blog: October 2008

A few days ago, I wrote about my "10-step diet plan."

And that got me thinking about how amazing results can come about, with small, simple changes each and every day...

... If ONLY we're consistent.

Think about it.

We all know the quotes... "Every journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step" ... "All good things take time" ... "Patience is a virtue" ...

And, as a close friend of mine likes to say: "Slowly slowly catchee monkey."

In short, results aren't always instant - but incremental.

But how many of us really PRACTICE this knowledge?

I have friends that complain of constantly catching colds - yet only take vitamin pills once a month.

Colleagues that complain about being fat - and as a cure, vigorously exercise. For one weekend.

Other associates moan about having a "busy mind." Yet they only spend a couple of days meditating - then give up in frustration.

They try things once - then throw 'em away.

The trademark of a loser's mindset.

Instead, why not try being consistent?

Taking small, slow steps - one at a time - each leading towards that bigger goal?

That, I think, is the true key to success.

When I look at my life, the very greatest things have come about - not overnight - but in tiny steps, each executed one after the other.

If you'd have shown me the final result at the beginning, I would've probably been scared away. It would all seem way too BIG and far away.

American statistician and professor William Edwards Deming said:

"There must be consistency in direction."

Or, to put it another way... Direction comes with consistency.

So, which direction are you heading in?

What goal are you looking to accomplish, truly?

And are you taking steps to get there... TINY STEPS... each and every day?

If not, create those small steps - and make them a part of your daily life.

Starting TODAY.

Labels: inspiration, self-development

Struggling with your diet? Need to lose a few pounds?

At the request of many friends and readers, today I'm slapping together details of the "Karl Moore diet plan" I've been following the past couple of months.

Now, I'm going to tell you something. This plan works.

It involves a few changes to your eating habits... a little moderate exercise... and one *really fun* day every week...

But it has not only reduced my high blood pressure back down to normal rates, it's also taken me from a 34" waist right down to a very slim 30".

Goodbye belly.

A number of individuals have asked how it works - so in the spirit of my friend, Rebecca Marina, who always shares her great dieting tips with readers - here are my 10 simple rules.

The Karl Moore Diet:

Rule 1: Absolutely NO bread, potatoes, paste, rice or wraps.

Rule 2: Don't be stupid. Cut out "bad" foods like chocolate and crisps.

Rule 3: Enjoy SIMPLE meals. Fish, vegetables, some light meats. Typical dishes for me: smoked salmon with dill sauce... a simple kitchen salad... grilled chicken breast...

Rule 4: Allow yourself unlimited mushy peas! Low in fat, low in energy density, high in fibre and protein, these are the secret to a great diet. Mix with a tablespoon of mint sauce for flavour. One tin constitutes a meal.

Rule 5: Eat so that hunger is removed, but NOT so that you feel full. (This, incidentally, is the secret to living beyond 100!) Get out of the emotion and habitual cravings for food we all have. This is CRITICAL! Are you REALLY hungry? Make sure first!

Rule 6: Do not limit yourself on "special foods." For example, I don't limit the amount of salad cream I put on salads... or the amount of alcohol I drink. I am NOT a traditional calorie counter!

Rule 7: DRINK lots of water. Especially sugar-free flavoured water.

Rule 8: Take MULTI-VITAMINS every single day, to ensure you get enough of everything. I usually take a couple just to make sure.

Rule 9: Start WALKING MORE. And make it consistent. I currently walk for 40 to 60 minutes every single day. That's 3-4 miles. Find a nice route (I live in the city and walk out to the countryside), get an iPod, breathe deeply with every few steps - and just do it. Every day. STICK to it!

Rule 10: ONCE A WEEK... SPLURGE OUT! Purposefully OVERLOAD on calories to ensure that your metabolism doesn't slow down and your body "get used" to less food. Every Saturday, I overload on Snickers, chip butties, chocolate, and all the things I do NOT eat during the week. Including bread and everything else. It makes a GREAT CHANGE... and helps you lose even MORE weight! (Splurging is actually quite hard as first. Forget the guilt - and lap it up!)

* * *

Now, remember - I'm not a physician, so consult your doctor before undertaking any new diet regime.

However it works for me - and I've seen dramatic results - without feeling that I've "suffered" or felt hungry at any point.

I'd be interested in feedback from any nutritionists that may be reading.

But give it a go - and I look forward to hearing your success stories! :)

Labels: beauty, fun, inspiration, ramblings, recommendations