By Di Westaway
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” St Augustine
“Doing interesting things with interesting people while adding value.” David Moffatt
I recently had the great privilege of meeting Adventure Philanthropist, David Moffatt. David is the former 2IC of Telstra, a super fit man who trekked Kokoda in 2.5 days, and an inspirational philanthropist, having raised over $50 million for a variety of different charities.
David shared his vision and some of the amazing adventures he’s done, and how he’s used these experiences to help others. I realized that Wild Women On Top share many of his core values, as we seek to keep ourselves fit and healthy, while also changing lives. The Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek, which keeps us fit on stunning coastal tracks, raises funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation to restore sight in third world countries. This event has become a major focus of our energy. Entries open this week and we expect it to be booked out by Friday, so don’t miss out!
Our Freda Du Faur Kosi climb is filling up fast, and this also provides our members with an opportunity to get strong and fit AND raise funds for charity. The Australian Himalayan Foundation is passionate about providing education to the children of the Himalaya in some of the poorest regions on earth. In addition to taking on the personal challenge of climbing Mt Kosciuszko and camping out on top, our teams are invited to raise funds for this amazing cause.
And all these projects are made so simple and easy through online fundraising. All we have to do is spend 5 minutes setting up our own team fundraising page, and then we simply invite all our friends in our address book to make a small donation, and together we really make a difference.
Last year, I trekked in two charity events: Wild Endurance, for the Wilderness Society and Trailwalker for Oxfam. I had to raise $400 for the Wilderness Society and $1000 for Oxfam to participate in the events. At first I thought I couldn’t do it. I thought, wow, my friends will be sick of me asking for money all the time and I felt uncomfortable about asking them. But, then I reflected on the wonderful opportunity we had to make a difference, and figured my friends could always say no.
So, I emailed A-K in my address book for Wild Endurance, and L-Z for Oxfam, and my friends rallied to the cause. They thought that if I was going to commit to the suffering of walking 100k, then the least they could do was to put their hands in their pockets to support an amazing cause.
This is what we call a win, win, win. We win because we improve our health and fitness, the charity wins because they raise much needed funds for changing lives, and our families win because we’re happy. The Dalai Lama says “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
So, if you’re looking for a win, win, win, I recommend you commit now to joining David Moffatt and hundreds of others on the planet who are really making a difference through Adventure Philanthropy. St Augustine said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Wild Women On Top are sharing two great opportunities for us to find happiness through helping others, so join us today!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
"“Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.” – Saint Augustine
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Your body is the most amazing, incredible creation in the world. It is your temple and you need to nurture it by feeding it well, exercising it regularly and providing it with experiences to rejuvenate and nourish mind, body and spirit.
Wild Women On Top experiences engage the essence of women. Wild Women on Top provides a social mind, body and spirit experience that rejuvenates and refreshes women down to their core. It reconnects us with nature, the elements and the wonderful strength and power of our minds and bodies.
But, without the correct nutrition, our temple will not support our mind and spirit.
NUTRITION FOR THE BODY MOTHER NATURE INTENDED
I am not an expert in weight loss. However, I have a good understanding of nutrition and fifty years of experience in keeping my body fit and healthy. I never get sick; I climb extreme mountains annually; I can plod 100k in 18 hours, walk on my hands as required and I often get asked how I keep myself in shape.
I hope my theories on healthy eating can help you. I will share with you a mixture of science, philosophy and personal experience, born out of a desire to remain energetic, healthy, fit, drug and supplement free, enjoy gourmet food and challenge my body and mind to achieve extraordinary goals for many years to come.
Like most women, I expend a lot of mental energy battling the desire to eat more. I think about food more than I’d like to admit. I know what I should be eating, but I love sweets and treats. So I have to say “No” to foods often just to maintain a stable weight. However, unless I’m trying to lose weight, in which case I recommend the CSIRO’s “Total Wellbeing Diet“, I subscribe to what I would call “positive eating”.
Di’s diet tips: If you take away just one idea that helps, I’ll be thrilled!
• I allow myself to eat what ever tasty healthy gourmet food I like the most, but I try to limit quantities. I take a smaller plate, literally.
• I believe you are what you eat, so if you eat lots of fat, you’ll become fat.
• St Augustine said, “Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.” I agree! I completely ban some foods, and I don’t have them in the house, because I cant control the quantity or they are just sooooo bad it’s not worth the torture later.
• I ration other naughty treats that I just cant resist like Wild Women On Top Choccie Chip Cookies by freezing them
• I NEVER eat Maccas, KFC, hot chips, Pork crackle or Pringles
• If it comes out of a can or packet, I avoid it.
• I try to drink 8 glasses of water or herbal tea a day
• I only drink alcohol on Fridays or at special events
• I try to eat every colour of the rainbow every day.
• I cant just have 3 salted cashews. I have to eat the whole packet. So, instead, I sprinkle them on my salads.
• I cant eat potato wedges without lashings of sour cream. So, I don’t eat wedges!
• If I’ve been really naughty through the day, I’ll just have steamed broccoli for dinner.
• On the weekends, if we have a family lunch, I’ll have my desert for dinner, or even for breakfast the next day!
• If I’m eating out I just have entree sized portions or share a main course with my partner
• I only allow myself one large cappuccino a day …….. mostly!
• My goal is to eat approximately 20% fat, 40% protein and 40% carbohydrate, although of course this doesn’t always happen.
• I try not to reward myself with extra food after a big workout, although this is difficult!
• Ice cream is my downfall, so I go for quality, not quantity twice a week max.
• I dont eat pasta, bread or potatoes
• When I need to lose a kilo or two, I have washed, cut celery and snow peas ready for when I want to snack.
• I don’t eat the visible fat on meat or chicken, even though I’d love to!
• The only thing I never say “no” to is greens
• I try to eat the recommended “two fists” of food when I remember
• I love saving little bits of treats for the next day.
• I am always on a diet!
Di’s motivation tips
• I always have an adventure fitness training goal to look forward to so I know I can never allow myself to get really fat.
• Once I’ve paid for the adventure, I’m truly committed to it.
• I understand the 80:20 rule, which is that weight loss is 80% about what you eat and only 20% about exercise.
• I maintain my weight, which is almost as difficult as losing weight, by forcing myself onto the scales every day. That way, if I gain a kilo one day, I can lose it the next.
• I’ve learned over the years that it’s easy to let the kilos slowly and gradually pile on, and all of a sudden, you cant fit into your clothes and you’re buying new ones. And this is seriously depressing.
• I usually lose a kilo from Monday to Friday, then I find it again over the weekend.
• I feel depressed when I overeat, and hate feeling full. But I seem to find myself full far too often!
For more tips on nourishing your temple, keep an eye out for Di’s book, “Wild Women On Top – How to Prepare for World Class Treks” coming out soon.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Your body is the most amazing, incredible creation in the world. It is your temple and you need to nurture it by feeding it well, exercising it regularly and providing it with experiences to rejuvenate and nourish mind, body and spirit.
Wild Women On Top experiences engage the essence of women. Wild Women on Top provides a social mind, body and spirit experience that rejuvenates and refreshes women down to their core. It reconnects us with nature, the elements and the wonderful strength and power of our minds and bodies.
But, without the correct nutrition, our temple will not support our mind and spirit.
NUTRITION FOR THE BODY MOTHER NATURE INTENDED
I am not an expert in weight loss. However, I have a good understanding of nutrition and fifty years of experience in keeping my body fit and healthy. I never get sick; I climb extreme mountains annually; I can plod 100k in 18 hours, walk on my hands as required and I often get asked how I keep myself in shape.
I hope my theories on healthy eating can help you. I will share with you a mixture of science, philosophy and personal experience, born out of a desire to remain energetic, healthy, fit, drug and supplement free, enjoy gourmet food and challenge my body and mind to achieve extraordinary goals for many years to come.
Like most women, I expend a lot of mental energy battling the desire to eat more. I think about food more than I’d like to admit. I know what I should be eating, but I love sweets and treats. So I have to say “No” to foods often just to maintain a stable weight. However, unless I’m trying to lose weight, in which case I recommend the CSIRO’s “Total Wellbeing Diet“, I subscribe to what I would call “positive eating”.
Di’s diet tips: If you take away just one idea that helps, I’ll be thrilled!
• I allow myself to eat what ever tasty healthy gourmet food I like the most, but I try to limit quantities. I take a smaller plate, literally.
• I believe you are what you eat, so if you eat lots of fat, you’ll become fat.
• St Augustine said, “Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.” I agree! I completely ban some foods, and I don’t have them in the house, because I cant control the quantity or they are just sooooo bad it’s not worth the torture later.
• I ration other naughty treats that I just cant resist like Wild Women On Top Choccie Chip Cookies by freezing them
• I NEVER eat Maccas, KFC, hot chips, Pork crackle or Pringles
• If it comes out of a can or packet, I avoid it.
• I try to drink 8 glasses of water or herbal tea a day
• I only drink alcohol on Fridays or at special events
• I try to eat every colour of the rainbow every day.
• I cant just have 3 salted cashews. I have to eat the whole packet. So, instead, I sprinkle them on my salads.
• I cant eat potato wedges without lashings of sour cream. So, I don’t eat wedges!
• If I’ve been really naughty through the day, I’ll just have steamed broccoli for dinner.
• On the weekends, if we have a family lunch, I’ll have my desert for dinner, or even for breakfast the next day!
• If I’m eating out I just have entree sized portions or share a main course with my partner
• I only allow myself one large cappuccino a day …….. mostly!
• My goal is to eat approximately 20% fat, 40% protein and 40% carbohydrate, although of course this doesn’t always happen.
• I try not to reward myself with extra food after a big workout, although this is difficult!
• Ice cream is my downfall, so I go for quality, not quantity twice a week max.
• I dont eat pasta, bread or potatoes
• When I need to lose a kilo or two, I have washed, cut celery and snow peas ready for when I want to snack.
• I don’t eat the visible fat on meat or chicken, even though I’d love to!
• The only thing I never say “no” to is greens
• I try to eat the recommended “two fists” of food when I remember
• I love saving little bits of treats for the next day.
• I am always on a diet!
Di’s motivation tips
• I always have an adventure fitness training goal to look forward to so I know I can never allow myself to get really fat.
• Once I’ve paid for the adventure, I’m truly committed to it.
• I understand the 80:20 rule, which is that weight loss is 80% about what you eat and only 20% about exercise.
• I maintain my weight, which is almost as difficult as losing weight, by forcing myself onto the scales every day. That way, if I gain a kilo one day, I can lose it the next.
• I’ve learned over the years that it’s easy to let the kilos slowly and gradually pile on, and all of a sudden, you cant fit into your clothes and you’re buying new ones. And this is seriously depressing.
• I usually lose a kilo from Monday to Friday, then I find it again over the weekend.
• I feel depressed when I overeat, and hate feeling full. But I seem to find myself full far too often!
For more tips on nourishing your temple, keep an eye out for Di’s book, “Wild Women On Top – How to Prepare for World Class Treks” coming out soon.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
MIND POWER
By Di Westaway
If I am right in saying that thought is the Ultimate Origin or Source, it follows that if we don't do anything about thought, we won't get anywhere"
David Bohm PhD, One of the world's greatest quantum physicists
On Friday night I had the privilege of attending the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s Annual fundraising dinner to raise money for schools in the Himalaya. We were treated to an inspiring presentation by Australia’s top mountaineer, Andrew Loch.
Andrew is the only Australian to have climbed all 14 of the 8,000m peaks in the world; a remarkable achievement. This incredible goal took him 16 years, and taught him how to manage risk and fear – the kind of fear where you truly stare death in the face and watch your mates die from extreme altitude, avalanches and human error.
Hearing this very understated and humble Aussie legend talk of his self imposed challenges and the dangers of climbing above the dead zone, got me thinking about the power of the mind. Clearly, Andrew Loch has focused all his energies on doing what he loves, and at the highest level, by controlling his mind.
We’ve all heard about the phenomenon of “The Secret” which took the world by storm a few years ago. “The Secret” was a world-premier television event featuring the most well-known authors and speakers. They show how by controlling your mind you can have everything you ever wanted – unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love.
I think we can all learn lessons from these amazing thinkers: Plato, Newton, Carnegie, Beethoven, Shakespeare and Einstein, who followed their passions and lived their dreams.
Thoughts are things. There is no limit to what the power of your mind can achieve. Whether or not you choose to believe it, what you are imagining you are creating and what you can imagine, you can create. Moreover this has been known by eastern mystics for 2,500 years and is supported by quantum physics. It is not our brain that gives rise to our consciousness, instead it is our consciousness, or mind, that creates everything that seems so real to us. Check out http://www.justmindpower.com/ .
It’s also known that when we feel good physically our thought responds accordingly, enabling feelings of optimism no matter what is going on around us. This sense of optimism helps us to cope better with setbacks or difficult situations and people, promotes a healthy pragmatism and allows us to put things into perspective, pick ourselves up from where we have fallen and carry on.
Every day, new studies are released from researchers around the world, showing that exercise, not only relieves negative emotions, but also prevents them. Physiologist Nathaniel Thorn Ph D, a lead investigator and stress physiologist, says brisk walking and interval training burns off stress hormones and triggers the release of feel-good endorphins.
And our Wild Women On Top members regularly email us with spontaneous testimonials confirming this. Here’s a couple of examples:
“Last night was fantastic, everyone was just so inspiring. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep but I had no trouble at work today. I was still floating from last night.” Melissa Berthold, North Shore Group
“Thank you for Sunday .. not only was it a great day to forget all the other distractions, but I lost weight (yes, just one long walk did it) and I can now fit into my favourite trousers which I haven't worn for over a year! Very exciting.” Cheers, Jo Perkins!
“Wild Women on Top has changed my life. I am now happier, fitter and 15kg lighter!” Fiona Toghill
So, if you want to live the life you love and love the life you live, make sure you make time for brisk walking, every day, and practice controlling your thoughts. Your walking will get those endorphins kicking in, and then you need to consciously focus your attention on giving and receiving love, helping others and being grateful for all that you have.
Andrew Loch and other inspiring figures around us who overcome the odds and achieve greatness prove that if we truly follow our passion, we can achieve anything. Eighteen months ago I ended a dysfunctional relationship and entered the world of single motherhood with three children, running Wild Women On Top from the sun room of my home. Close friends told me to get a real job. The accountant said the same.
But, I knew I had to follow my passion of empowering women through Adventure fitness and seeking out opportunities to make a difference. I am doing what I love and I am surrounded by amazing women who share that dream. Director, Lisa Marshall also shares this vision and is an inspiration to us all.
Wild Women On Top is a community of women, dedicated to positive thinking and changing lives. I thank each and every one of our members who has supported this culture and made it possible for me to follow my dream, live a happy meaningful life, provide for my children and, hopefully raise $1million for the Fred Hollows Foundation through the Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek. Enter on 20 Sept and DON’T MISS OUT!
If I am right in saying that thought is the Ultimate Origin or Source, it follows that if we don't do anything about thought, we won't get anywhere"
David Bohm PhD, One of the world's greatest quantum physicists
On Friday night I had the privilege of attending the Australian Himalayan Foundation’s Annual fundraising dinner to raise money for schools in the Himalaya. We were treated to an inspiring presentation by Australia’s top mountaineer, Andrew Loch.
Andrew is the only Australian to have climbed all 14 of the 8,000m peaks in the world; a remarkable achievement. This incredible goal took him 16 years, and taught him how to manage risk and fear – the kind of fear where you truly stare death in the face and watch your mates die from extreme altitude, avalanches and human error.
Hearing this very understated and humble Aussie legend talk of his self imposed challenges and the dangers of climbing above the dead zone, got me thinking about the power of the mind. Clearly, Andrew Loch has focused all his energies on doing what he loves, and at the highest level, by controlling his mind.
We’ve all heard about the phenomenon of “The Secret” which took the world by storm a few years ago. “The Secret” was a world-premier television event featuring the most well-known authors and speakers. They show how by controlling your mind you can have everything you ever wanted – unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love.
I think we can all learn lessons from these amazing thinkers: Plato, Newton, Carnegie, Beethoven, Shakespeare and Einstein, who followed their passions and lived their dreams.
Thoughts are things. There is no limit to what the power of your mind can achieve. Whether or not you choose to believe it, what you are imagining you are creating and what you can imagine, you can create. Moreover this has been known by eastern mystics for 2,500 years and is supported by quantum physics. It is not our brain that gives rise to our consciousness, instead it is our consciousness, or mind, that creates everything that seems so real to us. Check out http://www.justmindpower.com/ .
It’s also known that when we feel good physically our thought responds accordingly, enabling feelings of optimism no matter what is going on around us. This sense of optimism helps us to cope better with setbacks or difficult situations and people, promotes a healthy pragmatism and allows us to put things into perspective, pick ourselves up from where we have fallen and carry on.
Every day, new studies are released from researchers around the world, showing that exercise, not only relieves negative emotions, but also prevents them. Physiologist Nathaniel Thorn Ph D, a lead investigator and stress physiologist, says brisk walking and interval training burns off stress hormones and triggers the release of feel-good endorphins.
And our Wild Women On Top members regularly email us with spontaneous testimonials confirming this. Here’s a couple of examples:
“Last night was fantastic, everyone was just so inspiring. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep but I had no trouble at work today. I was still floating from last night.” Melissa Berthold, North Shore Group
“Thank you for Sunday .. not only was it a great day to forget all the other distractions, but I lost weight (yes, just one long walk did it) and I can now fit into my favourite trousers which I haven't worn for over a year! Very exciting.” Cheers, Jo Perkins!
“Wild Women on Top has changed my life. I am now happier, fitter and 15kg lighter!” Fiona Toghill
So, if you want to live the life you love and love the life you live, make sure you make time for brisk walking, every day, and practice controlling your thoughts. Your walking will get those endorphins kicking in, and then you need to consciously focus your attention on giving and receiving love, helping others and being grateful for all that you have.
Andrew Loch and other inspiring figures around us who overcome the odds and achieve greatness prove that if we truly follow our passion, we can achieve anything. Eighteen months ago I ended a dysfunctional relationship and entered the world of single motherhood with three children, running Wild Women On Top from the sun room of my home. Close friends told me to get a real job. The accountant said the same.
But, I knew I had to follow my passion of empowering women through Adventure fitness and seeking out opportunities to make a difference. I am doing what I love and I am surrounded by amazing women who share that dream. Director, Lisa Marshall also shares this vision and is an inspiration to us all.
Wild Women On Top is a community of women, dedicated to positive thinking and changing lives. I thank each and every one of our members who has supported this culture and made it possible for me to follow my dream, live a happy meaningful life, provide for my children and, hopefully raise $1million for the Fred Hollows Foundation through the Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek. Enter on 20 Sept and DON’T MISS OUT!
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