Background Picture for Mobile Phone

My favorite school, Jao Island

6 July 2012.

Hi everybody! Many people have asked me for help on how to improve specific and general areas of their life. Health and how to lose weight are the common issues.

It’s easy to give good strategies; however after our session finishes, they would go back to their old lifestyle and motivation quickly fades. This is where our Smart Phones can really come into good use.

 

How to Lose Weight by using your Mobile Phone:

Let’s do something very simple and effective. Let’s use our background picture on the mobile phone to help us implement positive changes in our life.

Some people change their wallpapers on a regular basis. I personally have mine, a photograph when I was volunteering in the Philippines (Jao Island). Every time I see it, I’m reminded to be grateful for what I have, and to work harder (so I can earn more and send those guys some new books to start their library). However, sometimes I change my background picture. If I have a new tough habit to eliminate or start, I may simply use my phone’s background picture as a way to support that change. Sometimes, I even take a photograph of my new mind map or goals.

Recently, I had a client wrote a positive message on a piece of paper. It was something like, “I love eating healthy food and drinking lots of water“. Then she took a photograph of it, and set it as his phone’s wallpaper. Two weeks later, he said he had eaten healthier food and drank more water every single day!

motivational mobile background

My motivational mobile background

Please note as I’m a Licensed NLP Practitioner. I urge you not to write something like “stop eating so much” or “eat less fatty food” as our minds often misinterpret it as “eat so much” or “eat fatty food.” Another mistake can be “I’m quitting smoking” as this means I am smoking, and some time in the future, “I will try to quit.” We really need to keep messages positive. Or if negative, look for it’s antonym. “I love the feeling of breathing fresh air in my lungs, I feel so good now I am healthy.”

Once this message is set as our phone’s background, we will be reminded of it  frequently. Every time we look at it, the thought will go deeper and deeper into our mind. After 21 days (see my “21 Day Theory” blog) the message has become a solid habit. We can then change the background to implement a new message (i.e. I am confident) or habit (i.e. drink 2L of water everyday). Repeat the process of installing new positive strategies in our lives.

Following this simple technique with your phone is 100% free and easy. However, you can donate some money to a homeless charity if you like.

Not only a strategy for health but, for installing many new life changing habits easily.

Here is some advice I originally received from a healthy fitness fanatic friend. It’s really simple and will help you slim down. Are you ready for it? It’s not really hard and complex.

I wrote this around 2011 and just updated it! This is still very valid, I’m in my late 30’s, with 2 kids and the slimmest/fittest in my family tree including cousins. 

 

First thing in the morning, drink a glass of Ice/Chilled water. That’s it. Or perhaps a bit more. Repeat this every day.

iced waterWhy? Because it makes your inner body cold. Then your body burns energy to make it warm again. Drinking water in the morning will instantly hydrate you and improve blood circulation. Actually, there are different opinions on how helpful this is for removing toxins from your body. But this matter is discussed enough that I assume it is at least worth mentioning water consumption. Who does not want to appear better looking and in good health, right?

Throughout the day, drink cold water. Cold water converts fats to energy which assist in keeping you slim. Calories are burned when your body has to heat up the water to average body temperature. Your metabolism is increased by drinking cold water. Cold water is not only a good thirst quencher, but also a cool down aid, especially if you live in hot places or just normally perspire a lot. It’s best to drink some cold water when you feel all heated up and dehydrated after a heavy workout or an intense cardio session. It instantly helps bring down your body temperature.

An alternative for those ‘hoooked on soft drinks’ is simply carbonated or sparkling water. This is common in many parts of Europe. My dad was, for most of his life drinking all kinds of things but water! For him when he got into sparkling water it was a game-changer. 

icewater2_from_www.adriancahill.comicewater2_from_www.adriancahill.com


Note, when I was in the Army (7 Years).  I was trained and still believe that if you are dehydrated, warm water will be absorbed quicker; however, this is if you are dehydrated due to exhaustion.

 

UPDATE: 2019 I spent many years living in China. They may have a heart attack reading this. In TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, they preach drinking warm water. Even hot water. I believe the thinking here is conservation. To conserve energy and health. I now drink both warm and cold water. In winter or when kids have the flu, try: Slices of Ginger & Lemon with boiling water. After it cools down, add RAW honey. Raw is by far the best and if you put it in very hot water, it won’t be raw anymore, so let it cool down. Raw honey has loads of good stuff in it. In fact, I’ll often give kids a spoon with just a little honey to suck!

 

Now, this water drinking needs to become a habit.  To help make it a habit here is an article I wrote on 21 Day Theory. Give it a try and see if it changes your work lifestyle, made you slim down and overall health. It may create a difference for you as it did for me.  Let me know how good you feel!

 

 Now since fristly writing this, I’ve been trained under John Grinder, Creator of NLP and Tony Robbins, who was actually a student in John’s training back in the day. I look forward to training and continuing coaching others in using more NLP and ‘mindset’ techniques to rapidly improve their health (mind and body)! Feel free to connect for more and the latest!

Healthy Appetizers

Whether you need quick nibbles to satisfy pre-dinner hunger pangs or you’re hosting a party, this collection of tasty, healthy appetizers is sure to hit the spot. These appetizers are party-ready in 30 minutes or less, and the emphasis is on delicious and healthy ingredients like fresh bell peppers and Australian low fat, high protein Kangaroo meat. You’ll find tasty ideas that will have people eating in no time.

 

Black Bean Hummus Recipe

Check out our Black Bean Hummus RecipeBlack Bean Hummus

Ingredients

  • 1 can (425g) chick peas
  • 1 can (425g) black beans
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • Pita bread or raw vegetables

Method

  1. Drain black beans and chick peas and reserve liquid.
  2. Put all ingredients in a blender (except reserved liquid), cover and pulse-blend until finely chopped.
  3. Add enough of the reserved liquid to reach the desired consistency. Cover and put in fridge for about 2 hours or until chilled.
  4. Serve with wedges of pita bread or raw vegetables for dipping.

Makes 16 Servings Serving Size: 60g

nutrients per serving
calories:73
total fat:2 g (31% of calories)
saturated fattrace
cholesterol:0 mg
sodium162 mg
carbohydrate:10 g (54% of calories)
protein:3 g (15% of calories)
fiber:3 g

Chicken Satay Recipe

Check out our Chicken Satay RecipeChicken Satay

Ingredients

  • 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup seafood (hoisin) sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 8 wooden or metal skewers

Method

  1. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap, flatten gently with a rolling pin to 1cm thickness. Slice each breast into 3 or 4 strips.
  2. Put remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Add in the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  3. Set oven to broil (260 °C). Thread chicken pieces onto 8 skewers. Broil 10cm from heat for about 4 minutes each side. Chicken can also be grilled.
  4. (If you use wooden skewers, please soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.)

Makes 8 servings Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 60g)

nutrients per serving
calories:108
total fat:1 g (4% of calories)
saturated fattrace
cholesterol:33 mg
sodium254 mg
carbohydrate:10 g (37% of calories)
protein:15 g (59% of calories)
fiber:trace

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

Download Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry BBQ Sauce RecipeTurkey Meatballs with Cranberry Bbq Sauce

Ingredients

  • 600g extra lean turkey breast mince
  • 1 can (450g) jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 spring onion, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
  • 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/6 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Method

  1. Combine cranberry and barbecue sauce. Put in a pot and cook on medium fire until cranberry sauce is melted.
  2. Place egg white in a large bowl and beat lightly. Add turkey, spring onion, orange peel, soy sauce, black pepper and ground red pepper and mix well with hands. Make into 28 balls.
  3. Spray large frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add meatballs and brown evenly. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 1-2 hours or until meatballs are no longer pink in the center.

Makes 14 servings Serving Size: 2 meatballs

nutrients per serving
calories:116
total fat:3g (23% of calories)
saturated fat1g
cholesterol:26 mg
sodium129 mg
carbohydrate:14 g (37% of calories)
protein:9 g (59% of calories)
fiber:trace

 

Stuffed Fresh Mushroom Recipe

Check out our Stuffed Fresh Mushroom RecipeStuffed Fresh Mushroom

Ingredients

  • 500g large fresh mushrooms (about 24), cleaned and stems trimmed
  • 600g extra lean turkey breast mince
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced spring onions
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten
  • 1/6 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

  1. Remove stems from mushrooms; finely chop enough stems to equal 1 cup.
  2. Cook turkey with chopped stems and garlic in a frying pen over medium-high heat until turkey is no longer pink. Spoon off any fat. Stir in bread crumbs, spring onions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ginger, egg white and pepper flakes, if desired; mix well.
  3. Brush mushroom caps lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce; spoon about 2 teaspoons stuffing into each mushroom cap.
  4. Set oven to broil (260 °C). Place stuffed mushrooms on a rack. Broil 10cm from heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until hot.

Makes 12 servings Serving Size: 2 mushrooms

nutrients per serving
calories:57
total fat:2g (30% of calories)
saturated fattrace
cholesterol:15 mg
sodium193 mg
carbohydrate:4 g (27% of calories)
protein:6 g (44% of calories)
fiber:1g

 

Roast Beef and Cream Cheese Roll Recipe

Check out our Roast Beef and Cream Cheese Roll RecipeRoast Beef and Cream Cheese

Ingredients

  • 3 large whole wheat flour tortillas
  • 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 9 slices deli roast beef
  • 1 can (225g) mild green chili, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups alfalfa sprouts

Method

  1. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture on each tortilla and top with 3 slices of roast beef. Place 1/3 of the green chili and 1/3 the alfalfa sprouts on top of the roast beef.
  2. Tightly roll each tortilla and place seam side down on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice each tortilla into 6 slices.

Makes 6 servings Serving Size: 3 slices

nutrients per serving
calories:204
total fat:6g (29% of calories)
saturated fat3g
cholesterol:15 mg
sodium473 mg
carbohydrate:26g (51% of calories)
protein:11g (21% of calories)
fiber:2g

Kangaroo and macadamia salad recipe

Download Kangaroo and macadamia salad recipeKangaroo and Macadamia Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 dried lemon myrtle leaves (or 1/2 tsp lemon myrtle seasoning)
  • 2 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbs macadamia oil
  • 2 tbs Australian Bush Spices Red Meat Blend or chopped fresh thyme
  • 600g kangaroo loin fillets
  • 2 cups each baby spinach and rocket leaves
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) roasted macadamia halves
  • Honey mustard dressing
  • 2 tsp honey mustard
  • 2 tbs white wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) macadamia oil

Method

  1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound the lemon myrtle, rosemary leaves, garlic cloves and macadamia oil to a paste.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the spice mix.
  3. Add the kangaroo fillets and turn to coat in the spice mixture.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  5. Heat chargrill pan or barbecue over high heat.
  6. When hot, add the kangaroo fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes each side for medium-rare or until the fillets are cooked to your liking.
  7. Transfer to a plate and rest, covered loosely with foil, for 5 minutes.
  8. For the dressing, whisk the mustard, vinegar and oil in a bowl until combined.
  9. Combine spinach and rocket in a large bowl. Slice the fillets 1cm thick and scatter over the leaves with the onion, capsicum and macadamias.
  10. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.