You already know that the food you choose can contribute positively or negatively to your future health. But are you aware that the thoughts you choose can have a similar impact? Dr. Christiane Northrup, a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist and author of the book, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, has shown that toxic thoughts, attitudes and emotions are often unrecognized factors related to our cancers, heart disease, arthritis, strokes and a wide variety of other health problems.

You can't "see" peoples' thoughts, attitudes and emotions, but you can see the results of these internal processes in lifestyle choices, relationship patterns and overall health. Negative, or unhealthy, thinking is a habit. Like any other habit it can be broken and replaced with better habits.

Despite twenty years of improving upon my own habits, I still battle the "perfect" syndrome. I get caught up in creating and recreating materials that are fine just the way they are. Yet, I cause myself frustration and anxiety by saying (internally, of course), "Nope, this isn’t specific enough, sharp enough, creative enough…" Never enough.

You've heard the saying, "food for thought." Become aware of the "thought food" you are feeding your brain and body Listen for the messages you silently whisper in the inner recesses of your mind. They influence how you choose and respond throughout your day Your body is responding to these messages whether you are aware of them or not.

Here’s a challenge: monitor your thinking for three days. Keep a piece of paper with you and make a slash mark each time you catch yourself thinking a negative or self-limiting thought. Just as you would with your diet, try to replace unhealthy items with healthy ones. For example, add a healthy "thought dessert" by not passing along any negative comments, gossip or news. If anyone else complains or gossips, come back with a positive twist or make no comment at all. (I would love to hear how others respond to your shift in conversations.)

Every thought we have leaves an emotional and physical residue. This accumulated residue constitutes our subconscious and is reflected in our personality and ultimately on our external features. If your eyes are the

windows to your soul, your facial features are the window coverings.

Uplifting thoughts, happy experiences, rich relationships and a grateful heart enhance your personality and your looks. Abraham Lincoln once said that every person is responsible for his own looks after 40. Since every part of our body replaces itself in a minimum of seven years, this statement has a solid ring of truth.

Monitor your thinking patterns. For situations you can't change, let go of negative thoughts. If there is a positive action you can take, do it. (Calling a supportive person, saying a prayer or writing a check are examples of small but positive actions you can take.)

Improve your diet. Take 5-30 minutes at the end of your day to read, listen to or write positive affirmations and thoughts. You'll find sleep comes more quickly and is refreshingly deeper as well.

Be patient with the process. Thinking habits develop over a lifetime. Patterns begun in childhood need time to reprogram. Consider it a victory each time you stop a negative thought and convert it to a positive or let it go.

Call, e-mail or fax your coach. I'll send you a free list of the most frequently used negative words and statements and their positive alternatives. Consider it your shopping list for a healthier mental diet.

CALL US: 888.LIF.WALK

Kate is a senior partner with CLC, Inc.