7

The 4-Week Plan

The 4-Week Plan at a Glance

Week 1: Shifting Your Energy

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Week 2: Motivation

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Week 3: Being Present

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Week 4: Thinking Outside the Box

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

Day 26

Day 27

Day 28

It’s time to get started! I’ve made the following plan super simple in several ways. So while it might look like a lot of information, this plan is going to save you loads of time while delivering amazing results. You’ll wake up your mind with daily mindful exercises to keep you focused so you don’t waste energy feeding negative feelings. You’re going to eat delicious home-cooked meals, but because of how I’ve designed the Mind Your Body meals, you’ll actually be saving time in the kitchen. Plus, you’ll get a daily workout in fifteen minutes that will work every muscle from every angle.

Before you get started, there are just a few housekeeping items we need to handle.

Setting Goals

Believing in yourself is the first step, but nailing down your intention in writing and having a plan of action will give substance and stickiness to your goals. In one University of Pennsylvania study, women who had a clear vision of how their weight loss success would happen, the commitment it would take, and the focus and motivation they’d need lost twenty-six pounds more than women who just proclaimed that they would lose weight without thinking it through. The difference happens when you blend your positive mindset with a realistic action plan—which is what we’re doing right now. I have found that success is most often gained from going after specific positive desires and taking specific, sensible steps to achieve these goals. Personally, I want to feel stimulated. So that drives me to change my course of action and try new things, which in turn causes me to increase my deserve levels in all ten categories from fitness to family and friends to goals.

Grab your notebook and a pen, and have a seat. Relax your body by taking a few slow, deep breaths. Now, think of something someone else is doing right now that sounds thrilling to you, and write it down. For example, maybe you have a friend who is training for a triathlon or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Next I want you to write down three specific feelings that you wished you felt more of on a regular basis—for example, passionate, carefree, and worthy.

1.

2.

3.

Once you’ve finished this exercise, it’s time to write down specific goals. This is about setting yourself up to succeed, so make sure your goals are realistic and specific (for example, I want to lose twenty pounds, or I want to be able to do fifty push-ups).

1.

2.

3.

Write down your deserve levels.

Before you begin, copy your deserve levels below from these pages. You’ll repeatedly track your changes and progress on these deserve levels as you move through the next twenty-eight days.

Categories

Deserve level ratings

What number would you realistically like your deserve level to be?

1. Fitness

2. Nutrition

3. Family and friends

4. Nest

5. Spiritual condition

6. Work

7. Attitude

8. Finances

9. Hobbies and interests

10. Dreams

Your total score (a perfect score is 10 x 10 = 100)

Now let’s start to bridge the gap in these numbers!

How to Use the 4-Week Plan

Remember that the Mind Your Body plan is centered on incorporating a Whole-istic approach that includes your mindset, moves, and meals to create the most positive environment for unstoppable success. The more fully you implement the tools, rules, and exercises, the more you’ll absorb the 10 Core Concepts for Optimal Success.

Mindset

In the mindset sections, you’ll find an affirmation for each day. In addition, turn to the page prescribed for that day in chapter 9, you’ll find an extended list of exercises that relate to that day. It’s great to start with the affirmation in this chapter, but if you truly want to see the results that come from living by the Core Concepts for Optimal Success, it’s important to incorporate the mindful exercises in chapter 9.

Moves

In the moves sections are workouts in a specific order for that particular day, with links to detailed instructions and pictures. The moves are organized day by day to work different body parts in a specific sequence; for a well-balanced body, do them in order. Keep these things in mind:

Listen to your body. Only do exercises that feel comfortable. If any move bothers your knees, back, hips, or any other body part, stop immediately.

Balancing. If you have trouble balancing in any of the exercises, keep a sturdy chair nearby.

Footwear. I like working out barefoot, and most of the workouts are designed to be done shoeless, but it is best to mix it up by wearing shoes from time to time so that you work your muscles differently.

Kneeling. If you find any of the kneeling positions uncomfortable, use a folded towel to support your knees.

Meals

In the meals sections for each day, you will see the recipe name and a number or numbers in parentheses. The number in parentheses indicates which serving you are eating of the recipe you prepared.

For example, let’s take a look at what’s for dinner for day 2: Ginger Lentil Soup (2 of 2) and Simple Kale Salad (1 of 3). This tells you that you are eating your second serving of the soup (you had the first serving of soup for lunch on day 1), and your first serving of the salad. You’ll pack up portions 2 and 3 of the salad and store them in your refrigerator for later meals. You’re going to be having kale salad as part of dinner for day 3 and as part of lunch on day 5.


What About Beverages?

Besides the power drinks, make water your favorite beverage for the next twenty-eight days, and hopefully for the rest of your life. As far as the rest . . .

Coffee

I’m not a coffee drinker. I love the smell but not the taste. That said, if you love your java, stick to one cup a day in the morning, as research shows it provides lots of antioxidants and is safe in moderation.

Tea

Feel free to drink green or black tea in the morning. Tea has been shown to be full of antioxidants, may protect against some cancers, lowers stress, improves cholesterol levels, and slightly increases metabolism.

Alcohol

I like to have a cold beer every week or so, but this program is designed to be fully alcohol-free for the next four weeks, so raise a glass with sparkling water.


Any time you see a recipe listed that has more than one serving and no other directions, you’ll store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

Mind Your Body is designed for one person. If you are cooking for a family, feel free to double recipes where it makes sense. You may end up with a bit extra for leftovers, but many recipes are freezer friendly, and extra portions can be saved for future lunches.

Shopping Lists

You’ll find easily printed weekly shopping lists here, here, here, and here. Make a point to review your shopping list a night or two before beginning the new week to see what items you need and what you already have. You’ll buy the most before starting your first week. I’ve designed the 4-week plan to be superior in nutrient quality but extremely budget friendly.

Friends Night

On days 7, 12, 22, and 28, I’ve designed dinner to be shared with a friend or family member. Not only will these dinners be an opportunity to increase your family and friends deserve level and nurture your social skills but you’ll share a delicious meal and an enlightened way of life with your loved one. Plus, you’ll make your friends happy, because you’ll be sending them home with leftovers!

Desserts

I’ve included four delectable desserts.

Coconut Truffles

Gooey Chocolate Power Brownies

Peanut Butter Avocado Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Pick the treat you’ll enjoy the most and prepare it for your first friends night on day 7. The remaining dessert can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to be spread out over the three remaining weeks.

Muffins

There are two muffin recipes. Each makes twelve muffins. Please choose the recipe you think you’ll enjoy most and bake it at the beginning of week 1. Put two muffins in the refrigerator, and bag and freeze the remaining ten. Each week, take two muffins from the freezer and have them as a bonus snack on an afternoon or evening when you feel extra hungry. At the end of the first four weeks, you’ll have four muffins left for two more weeks.

Substitutions

In the menus, you may find a dish that won’t work for you because of dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal reasons. If so, return to the list and choose a different option. Be sure to adjust your shopping list accordingly.

Soup: Vitamin A Soup (8 servings)

Salad: Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad (6 servings)

Entrée: Curried Spinach and Sweet Potato Freekeh (5 servings)

Sides: Spinach and Navy Beans (4 servings)

Track Your Weight Loss

To change your body, it is crucial to be a realist and know where you stand. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning and write your daily weight in your journal. This will help you track your progress. A realistic goal is 1 to 2 pounds per week. Start now by numbering a page from 1 to 28, and write your goal weight next to day 28.

Day

Weight

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

(Goal Weight)

WEEK 1

Shifting Your Energy

This week is about change and making an investment in yourself, who you want to be, and what you put out into the universe.

Note: The number of servings per recipe is shown in parentheses.


Day 1


MINDSET
Body Language
Today’s affirmation

“I move forward in life with confidence and sincerity, wanting only to do good. I love exactly who I am today. I am strong and capable.”

Do the day 1 mindset exercises.

Moves

Arms Workout A

Abs Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Spinach and Mushroom Omelet (1 serving)

Snack: Watermelon Juice (1 serving)

Lunch: Tomato, Avocado, and Hearts of Palm Salad (1 of 2); Ginger Lentil Soup (1 of 2)

Snack: Handful of almonds

Dinner: Seared Salmon Steaks (1 of 2); Garlic Spinach (1 of 2)


Quick tip: To make almonds more digestible and help you get maximum nutrients from them, place them in a glass of water in the fridge and let sit for one hour before consuming.



Day 2


MINDSET
Simplicity
Today’s affirmation

“I handle everything I encounter with clarity and patience. I let go easily.”

Do the day 2 mindset exercises.

Moves

Legs Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (1 of 8)

Snack: Watermelon Juice

Lunch: Seared Salmon Steaks (2 of 2); Tomato, Avocado, and Hearts of Palm Salad (2 of 2)

Snack: Handful of pistachios

Dinner: Ginger Lentil Soup (2 of 2); Simple Kale Salad (1 of 3)


A goal is a dream with a deadline.

NAPOLEON HILL



Day 3


MINDSET
Let Go of Your Past
Today’s affirmation

“My thoughts and actions are my own. I create them, and I can uncreate them.”

Do the day 3 mindset exercises.

Moves

Back Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Apple Pumpkin Salad (1 of 6)

Snack: 1 celery stick with 1 spoonful of almond butter or natural peanut butter

Lunch: Roasted Beet with Freekeh (1 of 4); Garlic Spinach (2 of 2)

Snack: Watermelon Juice

Dinner: Beef and Okra Stir-Fry (1 of 2); Simple Kale Salad (2 of 3)


A true friend is the one who knows all about you and still loves you.



Day 4


MINDSET
Smile
Today’s affirmation

“I am full of generosity. I know that everyone is doing the best they can, and I have an abundance of love to give. Smiling comes to me easily.”

Do the day 4 mindset exercises.

Moves

Chest Workout A

Abs Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Collards Scramble (1)

Snack: Apple Pumpkin Salad (2 of 6)

Lunch: Beef and Okra Stir-Fry (2 of 2)

Snack: Artichoke and Spinach Hummus (1 of 6), with two baby carrots and one stalk of celery

Dinner: Roasted Beet with Freekeh (2 of 4); Lemon Asparagus (1 of 2)


Quick tip: Smile when it is raining or you are having a rough day. Close your eyes and think how much worse things could be and how grateful you are for your life. If we all put our problems on the table, I am sure you would choose yours over those of someone else.



Day 5


MINDSET
Energy Distribution
Today’s affirmation

“I love myself, and I will always be here for me. I feel comfort and ease. I create my new reality.”

Do the day 5 mindset exercises.

Moves

Buns Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (2 of 8)

Snack: 1 cup cottage cheese with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon sunflower seeds

Lunch: Roasted Beet with Freekeh (3 of 4); Simple Kale Salad (3 of 3)

Snack: Apple Pumpkin Salad (3 of 6)

Dinner: Ginger Shrimp (1 of 4), and Lemon Asparagus (2 of 2)


Practice is good, but perfect practice is better.

UNKNOWN



Day 6


MINDSET
Sleep
Today’s affirmation

“I drift off with ease into a deep restful slumber. My dreams take me on beautiful, joyful journeys. I wake feeling well rested and energized.”

Do the day 6 mindset exercises.

Moves

Cardio Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Apple Pumpkin Salad (4 of 6)

Snack: Edamame, ½ cup

Lunch: Ginger Shrimp (2 of 4); Parsnip Soup (1 of 4)

Snack: 1 banana

Dinner: Roasted Beet with Freekeh (4 of 4); Ginger Shrimp (3 of 4)


Quick tip: Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. If you don’t get the proper sleep, you don’t get the proper recovery, and then you can’t do the next workout.



Day 7


MINDSET
Floating
Today’s affirmation

“My mind works perfectly; whenever I need an idea or inspiration, I simply relax, and it comes to me effortlessly.”

Do the day 7 mindset exercises.

Moves

Shoulders Workout A

Abs Workout C

Meals

Breakfast: Spinach and Mushroom Omelet (1)

Snack: Apple Pumpkin Salad (5 of 6)

Lunch: Ginger Shrimp (4 of 4); Parsnip Soup (2 of 4)

Snack: Edamame (half cup)

Dinner: Pork Tenderloin (1–4 of 8); Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower (1–2 of 4); Rosemary Brussels Sprouts (1–2 of 4)

Friends night! This meal is meant to be shared with a friend. You and your company will enjoy two portions of pork, two portions of cauliflower, and two portions of Brussels sprouts. You will give your friend two portions of pork to take home. This leaves you with four servings of pork and two servings each of the vegetables, which will be used in upcoming meals.

Week 1 Review

Congratulations! You’ve finished your first week of Mind Your Body living. Before going on to the next seven days, take a moment to write in your original deserve level results below, and then go back and retake the test to see how you are doing after your first week. Add your updated scores to the right in the second column, “Week 1 Deserve Level Ratings.”

Categories

Original Deserve Level Ratings

Week 1 Deserve Level Ratings

1. Fitness

2. Nutrition

3. Family and friends

4. Nest

5. Spiritual condition

6. Work

7. Attitude

8. Finances

9. Hobbies and interests

10. Dreams

Plan ahead for day 15. You will be directed to schedule a massage; book it now.

WEEK 2

Motivation

To move full speed in the direction of your goals, you must first let go of everything that is weighing you down—and that’s what this week is all about.


I don’t believe in luck. Luck equals leaving things to chance and to the outside world. I believe in being harbingers of our fate, taking action, and creating our own path and destiny in life. Your life is yours to create—don’t let others do it for you.

CELESTINE CHUA



Day 8


MINDSET
Mentor Advice
Today’s affirmation

“I am my own remarkable person. People are drawn to me from every direction. I am building the life I want.”

Do the day 8 mindset exercises.

Moves

Legs Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (3 of 8)

Snack: Handful of soaked almonds

Lunch: Pork Tenderloin (5 of 8); Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower (3 of 4)

Snack: Apple Pumpkin Salad (6 of 6)

Dinner (Veggie Night): Parsnip Soup (3 of 4); Rosemary Brussels Sprouts (3 of 4); Squash Mash (1 of 2)


Day 9


MINDSET
Gratitude
Today’s affirmation

“I appreciate all that I am and all that I see and do. I am grateful for all the universe offers me.”

Do the day 9 mindset exercises.

Moves

Arms Workout B

Abs Workout D

Meals

Breakfast: Seitan Sausage Sandwich (1)

Snack: Orange Lime drink

Lunch: Parsnip Soup (4 of 4); Pork Tenderloin (6 of 8); Rosemary Brussels Sprouts (4 of 4)

Snack: Five macadamias

Dinner: Mom’s Salmon Croquettes (2 of 10 patties; freeze additional patties in four small bags of two patties each); Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower (4 of 4)


Day 10


MINDSET
Public Speaking
Today’s affirmation

“My thoughts flow easily; I express and share my ideas with confidence and grace.”

Do the day 10 mindset exercises.

Moves

Back Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Poached Eggs and Kale (1 of 2)

Snack: Ginger Mango drink

Lunch: Mom’s Salmon Croquettes (3 and 4 of 10 patties); Squash Mash (2 of 2)

Snack: Green Tea Juice

Dinner: Pork Tenderloin (7 of 8), with Bok Choy Salad (1 of 4)


We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.

STEVIE WONDER



Day 11


MINDSET
Free Time
Today’s affirmation

“I have an abundance of time. I am able to do everything I want whenever I want to do it.”

Do the day 11 mindset exercises.

Moves

Buns Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Poached Eggs and Kale (2 of 2)

Snack: Handful of walnuts

Lunch: Pork Tenderloin (8 of 8); Arugula Salad (1 of 2)

Snack: Plum Punch

Dinner: Bok Choy Salad (2 of 4); Creole Lima Beans (1 of 8); Lemon Zucchini Soup (1 of 4)


Day 12


MINDSET
$$$$$$$
Today’s affirmation

“Money continually flows to me from every direction. I have an abundance of riches to do exactly what I want whenever I want to do it.”

Do the day 12 mindset exercises.

Moves

Chest Workout B

Abs Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (4 of 8)

Snack: 1 cup cottage cheese with two slices of tomato and a dash of paprika

Lunch: Arugula Salad (2 of 2); Creole Lima Beans (2 of 8); Lemon Zucchini Soup (2 of 4)

Snack: Four figs

Dinner: Bok Choy Salad (3 and 4 of 4); Poached Halibut (1 and 2 of 4); Indian Sweet Potatoes (1–4 of 8; freeze leftovers); Creole Lima Beans (3–6 of 8)

Friends night! Share with a friend or loved one, then send your friend home with two servings each of sweet potatoes and lima beans.


Quick tip: Plan ahead to hydrate. It takes twenty minutes for 8 ounces of water to hydrate your body, according to a University of North Carolina study.



Day 13


MINDSET
Forgiveness
Today’s affirmation

“I accept myself and am good enough just the way I am today. I forgive myself and let go of any harm to others or myself.”

Do the day 13 mindset exercises.

Moves

Cardio Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Collards Scramble (1)

Snack: Date Shake

Lunch: Creole Lima Beans (7 of 8); Poached Halibut (3 of 4); Indian Sweet Potatoes (5 of 8)

Snack: 1 Greek yogurt with cinnamon and almonds

Dinner: Poached Halibut (4 of 4); Lemon Zucchini Soup (3 of 4); Quinoa Salad (1 of 4)


Day 14


MINDSET
If/Then Plans
Today’s affirmation

“I handle whatever comes in my direction with simplicity and ease.”

Do the day 14 mindset exercises.

Moves

Shoulder Workout B

Abs Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Seitan Sausage Sandwich (1)

Snack: Avocado Milk Shake

Lunch: Indian Sweet Potatoes (6 of 8); Lemon Zucchini Soup (4 of 4); Quinoa Salad (2 of 4)

Snack: Four figs

Dinner: Creole Lima Beans (8 of 8); Chicken Farro Salad (1 of 2)


Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.

LOU HOLTZ


Week 2 Review

Great job! You are two weeks into transforming your life. Make sure to take time to reward yourself for all your hard work. Get a massage, go see a play, or spend some time with some special friends on day 15, since that is your day to skip working out. Take a moment for self-reflection. How do you feel about your effort? Your progress? What areas can you pump up a notch, and where do you think you can put in a little more effort? Are there places you can walk rather than drive? Can you go for a hike with a friend instead of talking on the phone? This is about you and your goals. As Arnold H. Glasgow said, “In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.”

Categories

Original Deserve Level Ratings

Week 1 Result

Week 2 Result

1. Fitness

2. Nutrition

3. Family and friends

4. Nest

5. Spiritual condition

6. Work

7. Attitude

8. Finances

9. Hobbies and interests

10. Dreams

WEEK 3

Being Present

How much time do you spend thinking about the past or future—worrying about what could, should, or might happen tomorrow? This week focuses on keeping you living in the here and now.


Be mindful of the present moment, because the past is over and the future doesn’t exist. The only moment is now.

UNKNOWN



Day 15


MINDSET
Taste
Today’s affirmation

“I eat and drink only nutritious foods and beverages that replenish my body and leave me feeling energized and restored.”

Do the day 15 mindset exercises.

Moves

Massage. Today is your day to treat yourself if you have faithfully stuck to the Mind Your Body moves. Do something nice for your body. Ideally it would be best to get a whole body or foot massage. Sometimes we don’t realize how much our body needs it until we feel the therapist working to soothe our muscles.

Meals

Breakfast: Oatmeal Shake (1)

Snack: 1 cup cottage cheese with 1 teaspoon chia seeds, two cherry tomatoes, and four slices of cucumber (salt and pepper to taste)

Lunch: Chicken Farro Salad (2 of 2); Quinoa Salad (3 of 4); Squash Casserole (1 of 6; freeze half the recipe)

Snack: Baba Ganoush (1 of 4), with two baby carrots and one stalk of celery

Dinner: Squash Casserole (2 of 6); Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Feta (1 of 6; freeze three of the burgers)


Day 16


MINDSET
Monitor Your Mood
Today’s affirmation

“I have control over how I feel and act. When I trust myself and monitor my impulses, I am able to help myself and others.”

Do the day 16 mindset exercises.

Moves

Legs Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (5 of 8)

Snack: One hard-boiled egg

Lunch: Squash Casserole (3 of 6); Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Feta (2 of 6)

Snack: Baba Ganoush (2 of 4) on two slices of jicama

Dinner: My Sister Paige’s Gazpacho (1 of 4); Quinoa Salad (4 of 4)


Day 17


MINDSET
Outer Appearances
Today’s affirmation

“A sense of balance, serenity, and strength comes from looking my best. I give myself the time to be healthy and vibrant. Each and every one of my cells glows with illuminating energy. People always say how attractive I am.”

Do the day 17 mindset exercises.

Moves

Arms Workout A

Abs Workout C

Meals

Breakfast: Banana Almond Shake

Snack: Four pieces of endive and half an avocado

Lunch: My Sister Paige’s Gazpacho (2 of 4); Asparagus Barley “Risotto” (1 of 4)

Snack: Half a grapefruit

Dinner: Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Feta (3 of 6); My Sister Paige’s Gazpacho (3 of 4)


Day 18


MINDSET
Honor Code
Today’s affirmation

“I come from a place of love, honesty, and kindness. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. People respect me because I am trustworthy, tolerant, and loving.”

Do the day 18 mindset exercises.

Moves

Back Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Spinach and Mushroom Omelet (1)

Snack: ½ cup blueberries and ½ cup grapes

Lunch: Mom’s Salmon Croquettes (5 and 6 of 10 patties); Asparagus Barley “Risotto” (2 of 4)

Snack: Five macadamias

Dinner: My Sister Paige’s Gazpacho (4 of 4); Edamame Salad (1 of 4)


Day 19


MINDSET
Smell
Today’s affirmation

“I take in all the rich aromas around me. Wherever I go, I stop and smell; it is a window into my present moment. My sense of smell draws me to healthy nutritious foods that nourish my body.”

Do the day 19 mindset exercises.

Moves

Buns Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Seitan Sausage Sandwich (1)

Snack: ½ cup Brazil nuts

Lunch: Edamame Salad (2 of 4); Asparagus Barley “Risotto” (3 of 4)

Snack: Pineapple Punch

Dinner: Chicken Stir-Fry (1 of 2)


Day 20


MINDSET
Work
Today’s affirmation

“I am creative. I am unique. I have a job that I love doing, and I get paid great money for doing it.”

Do the day 20 mindset exercises.

Moves

Shoulders Workout A

Abs Workout D

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (6 of 8) with ½ cup almond or flax milk (6 of 8)

Snack: Green Dream

Lunch: Chicken Stir-Fry (2 of 2); Asparagus Barley “Risotto” (4 of 4)

Snack: ½ cup blueberries and ½ cup grapes

Dinner: Edamame Salad (3 of 4); Turmeric Chicken Soup (1 of 6; refrigerate two portions and freeze remaining three)


Day 21


MINDSET
Other People
Today’s affirmation

“I enjoy being in the presence of others. We are all unique human beings, and we each have our own purpose. I surround myself and appreciate all my loving relationships.”

Do the day 21 mindset exercises.

Moves

Cardio Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Collards Scramble (1)

Snack: Avocado Milk Shake

Lunch: Edamame Salad (4 of 4); Sweet Potato Chips (1 of 2)

Snack: Half a grapefruit

Dinner: Turmeric Chicken Soup (2 of 6)


Quick tip: Share your goals with your friends and loved ones. It will help you remain accountable.


Week 3 Review

Well done! Tomorrow marks your twenty-second day on the Mind Your Body 4-week plan. For three weeks, you’ve practiced new thinking, moving, and eating strategies. You feel more energized from deep in your core. What are some of your best accomplishments? What compliments have you heard? How was this last week different from the first? How has your thinking changed? Take some time to reflect on your progress. Update your deserve level ratings to the right and see how you are doing.

Categories

Original Deserve Level Ratings

Week 2 Result

Week 3 Result

1. Fitness

2. Nutrition

3. Family and friends

4. Nest

5. Spiritual condition

6. Work

7. Attitude

8. Finances

9. Hobbies and interests

10. Dreams

WEEK 4

Thinking Outside the Box

To get different results, you have to change your actions. Doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is a common definition of insanity. This week is about thinking bigger and better, breaking out of your comfort zone to reach greater heights.


Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.

—ALBERT EINSTEIN



Day 22


MINDSET
Setting Daily Intentions
Today’s affirmation

“Today I honor myself by sticking to my goals. I will eat nutritiously so I have optimal energy to be of maximum service to others and myself. I will look at life from new angles.”

Do the day 22 mindset exercises.

Moves

Chest Workout A

Abs Workout A

Meals

Breakfast: Prune Shake

Snack: Hard-boiled egg

Lunch: Turmeric Chicken Soup (3 of 6); Sweet Potato Chips (2 of 2); Avocado and Kale Salad (1 of 4)

Snack: ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dinner: Mom’s Salmon Croquettes (7–10 of 10 patties); Avocado and Kale Salad (2–3 of 4); Garlic Eggplant Mash (1–2 of 8)

Friends night! Share with a friend and then freeze half of the Garlic Eggplant Mash, unless your friend wants to take it home.


Day 23


MINDSET
Clean Out Your Closet
Today’s affirmation

“I joyously release and easily give away any excess in my life. I encourage the flow of life. New things come to me with ease.”

Do the day 23 mindset exercises.

Moves

Legs Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (7 of 8)

Snack: A quarter honeydew

Lunch: Garlic Eggplant Mash (3 of 8); Black Bean Soup (1 of 4; freeze half the recipe)

Snack: One pear

Dinner: Shrimp and Spinach Salad (1 of 2)


Don’t confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but doesn’t make progress.



Day 24


MINDSET
Dreams
Today’s affirmation

“Tonight I go to sleep with a clear mind; I know I’ll receive answers to all my questions when I wake. I dream with clarity and peace of mind.”

Do the day 24 mindset exercises.

Moves

Back Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Collards Scramble (1)

Snack: A quarter honeydew

Lunch: Shrimp and Spinach Salad (2 of 2); Black Bean Soup (2 of 4)

Snack: Electrolyte Punch

Dinner: Garlic Eggplant Mash (4 of 8); Avocado and Kale Salad (4 of 4)


If you have hit a plateau in your workouts, mix it up by going for a swim to jump-start you.



Day 25


MINDSET
Ideal Job
Today’s affirmation

“I appreciate my source of income. I am open to new opportunities. Each and every day, I express more and more of my talents and abilities. I chase my bliss.”

Do the day 25 mindset exercises.

Moves

Arms Workout B

Abs Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Pomegranate Punch

Snack: Hard-boiled egg

Lunch: Sweet Turkey Loaf (1 of 6; freeze half the recipe); Mom’s Zucchini Soup (1 of 6)

Snack: A quarter honeydew

Dinner: Halibut and Artichokes (1 of 2),; Broccoli and Black-Eyed Pea Salad (1 of 6),


All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

PABLO PICASSO



Day 26


MINDSET
Eulogy
Today’s affirmation

“I make active choices that are in line with my creative self. I know that I am in the process of changing into the butterfly I’m meant to be. I am a risk taker.”

Do the day 26 mindset exercises.

Moves

Buns Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Spinach and Mushroom Omelet (1)

Snack: A quarter honeydew

Lunch: Halibut and Artichokes (2 of 2); Collard Greens (1 of 2),Mom’s Zucchini Soup (2 of 6)

Snack: Artichoke and Spinach Hummus (2 of 6) with two carrots and one stalk of celery

Dinner: Sweet Turkey Loaf (2 of 6); Almond Slaw (1 of 4), Broccoli and Black-Eyed Pea Salad (2 of 6)


Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES



Day 27


MINDSET
Visualize Abundance
Today’s affirmation

“My body is made perfect. I have the power to correct what is wrong. I am profoundly magnetic to the abundance the universe has to offer. I shift into a place of possibility.”

Do the day 27 mindset exercises.

Moves

Cardio Workout B

Meals

Breakfast: Coconut Muesli (8 of 8) with ½ cup almond or flax milk

Snack: Orange Zing (1)

Lunch: Sweet Turkey Loaf (3 of 6); Collard Greens (2 of 2); Broccoli and Black-Eyed Pea Salad (3 of 6)

Snack: Mom’s Zucchini Soup (3 of 6)

Dinner: Eggplant Chili (1 of 6), Walnut Salad (1 of 4; your fridge will now have items to keep you eating healthy)


Quick tip: Think abundance. There is a wealth of all that is good in the universe, and it is available for you to take when you are ready.



Day 28


MINDSET
The Power of Pause
Today’s affirmation

“A craving is a thought. I am not my thoughts. I don’t have to react or respond to my thoughts. I have the power to choose how I will react and behave. My cravings are not me.”

Do the day 28 mindset exercises.

Moves

Shoulders Workout B

Abs Workout C

Meals

Breakfast: Zucchini Omelet (1)

Snack: Green Power

Lunch: Mom’s Zucchini Soup (4 of 6); Broccoli and Black-Eyed Pea Salad (4 of 6)

Snack: 1 cup fresh berries

Dinner: Eggplant Chili (2–5 of 6); Artichoke Amaranth Salad (1–4 of 4)

Friends night—time to celebrate! Have your single-portion servings for dinner and fill your fridge for the next day or let your friends take the rest home.


Don’t allow food cravings to manipulate you into eating what you know you shouldn’t; you are in control of your cravings.


Week 4 Review

To truly understand how far you’ve come in a relatively short time, take a moment to review your progress over the last four weeks by revisiting the test “Are You Who You Want to Be?” You may find that your choices have changed, and I want you to embrace your new self by taking a few minutes to reflect. This is about taking control of your focus and your condition. After you finish circling the words, pull out your notebook and answer the following questions:

1. Have you chosen different words?

2. Are you closer to being who you want to be? How does that make you feel?

3. What three actions can you take to bring you even closer to your desired self?

Final Words

Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate. You’ve completed four weeks of total body- and mind-transforming techniques, strategies, and exercises. You have laid down new neural pathways and created new habits to make healthy living automatic. This is a success that must be celebrated. Keep treating yourself with a 10 on the deserve levels of respect, love, and self-worth. I’ve left you with items in your fridge and freezer to make it easy to continue on the path of eating quality nutrient-dense foods for the upcoming week. The following chapter will help you bring your journey to the next phase.