On a pleasant summer evening, in the picturesque town of Serenity Springs, a cluster of buddies congregated around a crackling bonfire to exchange tales and chuckles. The conversation eventually shifted towards a topic that many of them had struggled with: weight loss.
Jessica sighed, “I’ve tried everything, but nothing works. It feels like a constant battle.”
Tom, empathized with her, “I know exactly what you mean. I’ve gone through countless diets and exercise programs, but I always end up back at square one.”
Ava, who had been quietly listening to their stories, decided to interject. “I felt the same way for a very long time. But I finally found something that transformed my life.”
Intrigued, the friends encouraged Ava to share her secret. She said that she had come across a blog post by Dr. Nicolle entitled “The Mindset Shift for Weight Loss,” which had taught her the power of transforming her thoughts and beliefs.
“What do you mean by that?” Jessica asked.
Ava explained with a smile, “Dr. Nicolle taught me that lasting weight loss isn’t just about diet and exercise. It’s about changing the way you look at your body, your relationship with food, and even yourself.”
Tom raised an eyebrow skeptically, “How can changing our thoughts help us lose weight?”
Ava responded, “Your mind is an incredibly powerful tool. By shifting your mindset, you can create an environment that supports your weight loss goals, rather than undermining them. It’s about embracing self-compassion, learning from setbacks, and cultivating a positive relationship with food.”
As the fire dwindled down, and the sky above sparkled with stars, Ava shared her insights from Dr. Nicolle’s blog post, reigniting hope and determination in her friends’ hearts.
That evening, Jessica, Tom, and their friends left the bonfire feeling motivated and empowered, ready to embark on their weight loss journeys with a newfound comprehension of the power within themselves.
Continue reading below…
Introduction
Embarking on a weight loss journey requires more than just physical effort; it demands “The Mindset Shift for Weight Loss.” This essential transformation enables individuals to approach their goals with determination, focus, and self-compassion. By understanding the importance of mindset shifts in successful weight loss, busy professionals can take control of their health and make lasting changes.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects crucial to adopting a new perspective on losing weight. From setting realistic goals and embracing moderation in eating habits to balancing exercise routines and practicing self-discipline for long-term success, our discussion delves into each aspect’s significance.
Furthermore, we will discuss tracking progress through journaling as a tool for reflection on both emotional well-being and physical health. We will also address the need to change negative self-talk patterns while developing a healthy relationship with body image. Lastly, identifying powerful “whys” for motivation during challenging times is vital when committing oneself fully to The Mindset Shift for Weight Loss.
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Setting Realistic Goals for Weight Loss
One essential aspect of changing your mindset is setting realistic diet and fitness goals that align with your personal needs. Break the connection between food as a reward system and train yourself to derive satisfaction from consistently reaching these goals instead.
Make Smart Goals Tailored to Individual Preferences
Rather than aiming for an unrealistic number on the scale, focus on creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. These could include increasing daily water intake or incorporating more vegetables into meals. By making personalized objectives based on individual preferences and abilities, you’re more likely to stay committed throughout your weight loss journey.
Prioritize Overall Health Over Quick Fixes
Fad diets may promise rapid results but often lead to disappointment when they prove unsustainable in the long run. Instead of falling prey to such quick fixes that can negatively impact health over time, adopt a balanced approach towards healthy eating habits, focusing on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. By adopting a balanced approach to healthy eating, you can not only achieve weight loss but also enjoy better physical health and lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Setting realistic goals for weight loss is key to achieving long-term success. To further optimize your health journey, embracing moderation in eating habits will help you find balance and sustainability.
Embracing Moderation in Eating Habits
When it comes to eating, the age-old saying “everything in moderation” holds true. It’s important not to deny yourself your favorite foods but rather enjoy them mindfully and within limits. By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy relationship with food while making steady progress on your weight loss journey.
Avoid restrictive diets or binge eating behaviors
Restrictive diets may seem like an attractive option for quick results, but they often lead to yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, and even weight gain in the long run. Instead of cutting out entire food groups or drastically reducing calorie intake, focus on developing sustainable habits that promote mindful eating and balanced nutrition.
- Eat slowly and savor each bite – this helps improve digestion and allows time for satiety signals to reach your brain.
- Listen to your body’s hunger cues – eat when you’re hungry and stop before you feel too full.
- Avoid engaging in activities that take your focus away from the meal, such as watching TV, to prevent overindulging.
Incorporate all food groups into meal planning
To ensure optimal health while losing weight, make sure your meal plans include all essential nutrients from various food sources. A well-rounded diet should consist of:
- Fruits & vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants – these help keep you feeling full longer while promoting overall health. (ChooseMyPlate offers great tips on incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet.)
- Whole grains: A good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins – they provide sustained energy and support healthy digestion. (Explore whole grains to add variety to your meals.)
- Lean proteins: Essential for muscle repair, growth, immune function – choose options like poultry, fish, beans or tofu.
- Dairy or dairy alternatives: Provide calcium and other nutrients necessary for bone health – opt for low-fat versions when possible.
- Fats: Necessary for hormone production and nutrient absorption – focus on consuming healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts or olive oil.
Incorporating all food groups in a balanced manner not only supports weight loss but also helps you maintain long-term success by preventing feelings of deprivation that can lead to binge eating. Remember: moderation is key.
By embracing moderation in eating habits, you can create a sustainable lifestyle that allows for healthy and balanced meals. Incorporating physical activity into your lifestyle can lead to impressive outcomes and help you meet your wellness objectives.
Balancing Exercise for Optimal Results
Exercise plays an equally significant role in losing weight; however, striving for perfection may negatively impact mental health. Therefore, finding a balance between cardio activities and strength training will yield better results without causing unnecessary stress. In this section, we’ll discuss how to combine aerobic exercises with resistance workouts and the importance of listening to your body’s signals during physical activity.
Combine Aerobic Exercises with Resistance Workouts
A well-rounded exercise routine should include both cardiovascular (aerobic) activities like running or swimming and resistance (strength) training such as lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises. This combination not only helps you lose weight but also improves overall fitness levels by increasing muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and enhancing endurance capabilities.
- Aerobic exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity spread throughout the week. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or playing sports.
- Resistance training: Incorporate strength-training sessions into your workout regimen at least two times per week. Focus on working all major muscle groups using free weights, machines at the gym or even just your own body weight through exercises like push-ups and squats.
Listen to Your Body’s Signals During Physical Activity
Your body is constantly sending you signals about its needs – it’s essential that you pay attention. Overexertion can lead to injury while underperforming won’t help you reach your goals either. Here are some tips on tuning into what your body is telling you:
- Know your limits: Understand the difference between challenging yourself and pushing too hard. It’s essential to find a balance that allows for progress without causing harm.
- Rest when needed: Don’t ignore fatigue or pain – these are signals from your body that it needs time to recover. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, taking rest days, and listening to what your body tells you during workouts.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, and other issues during exercise. Drink water before, during, and after physical activity to ensure optimal performance.
Maintaining a balanced approach towards exercise will not only help with weight loss but also contribute positively towards overall health improvements. Remember – consistency is key. For sustained success in fostering a healthy lifestyle, it is essential to include both aerobic and strength training activities into your routine, while carefully listening to the body’s signals throughout.
Discovering the equilibrium between aerobic and resistance exercises can help you get optimum results without over-exertion. By practicing self-discipline to eliminate junk food triggers from living spaces and staying focused on long-term objectives rather than instant gratification, you will be able to achieve success in reaching your weight loss goals.
Practicing Self-Discipline for Long-Term Success
To reach your weight loss goals, exercising self-discipline is essential. This means making conscious decisions that support your goals and avoiding those pesky temptations that can easily derail your progress. Let’s explore some strategies for maintaining self-discipline on your weight loss journey.
Eliminate Junk Food Triggers from Living Spaces
One of the most effective ways to stay disciplined is by removing temptation from your environment. Start by eliminating junk food triggers in your home and workspace – this includes sugary snacks, processed foods, and any other items that don’t align with your healthy eating plan. By keeping these unhealthy options out of sight (and hopefully out of mind), you’ll be less likely to indulge in impulsive snacking or emotional eating.
Stay Focused on Long-Term Objectives Rather Than Instant Gratification
Achieving lasting weight loss requires a focus on long-term objectives rather than seeking instant gratification through fad diets or quick fixes. To maintain self-discipline throughout the process, remind yourself regularly of the reasons behind wanting to lose weight – whether it’s improving physical health, boosting confidence levels or increasing energy reserves during daily activities like work or playtime with kids. Keep a visual reminder nearby as motivation when cravings strike; this could be an inspiring quote written down somewhere visible at all times.
- Tip: Create a vision board with images and quotes that represent your weight loss goals. Have a visible prompt to stay on track with your goals; this could be an uplifting phrase or visual representation of what you wish to accomplish.
Remember, self-control doesn’t always have to mean perfection – it’s about making regular efforts towards improving yourself and your lifestyle. By eliminating junk food triggers from your environment and staying focused on long-term objectives, you’ll set yourself up for success in achieving sustainable weight loss results.
Exercising self-control for lasting accomplishment is essential to attaining sustainable weight reduction objectives. By tracking progress through journaling, it will be easier to monitor eating patterns and exercise routines while reflecting on emotional well-being alongside physical health.
Tracking Progress Through Journaling
Keeping an honest record of your achievements through a dedicated journal helps maintain focus on individual growth rather than comparing yourself against others’ social media profiles, which often portray unrealistic standards of beauty or fitness levels. Focusing energy solely on self-improvement enables you to recognize your unique strengths while celebrating small victories throughout your journey towards healthier living habits.
Monitor Eating Patterns and Exercise Routines
To make the most out of journaling for weight loss, it’s essential to track both eating patterns and exercise routines. Logging food intake and physical activity can help uncover any habits that may be preventing progress towards a healthy weight. By monitoring these aspects closely, you can adjust food choices and workout schedules as needed to optimize results.
- Write down meal times, portion sizes, and hunger levels before eating.
- List all physical activities performed during the day along with their duration and intensity.
- Analyze trends over time to understand how certain foods or exercises affect overall well-being.
Reflect on Emotional Well-Being Alongside Physical Health
Beyond tracking what goes into our bodies physically, it’s equally important to reflect upon emotional well-being throughout this transformative process. The connection between emotions like stress or anxiety with issues such as binge eating is widely recognized; therefore addressing these feelings head-on may significantly impact successful weight loss efforts.
Acknowledging thoughts about food cravings or negative self-talk allows us not only better insight into underlying triggers but also offers opportunities for practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing exercises when faced with challenging situations.
Logging progress can enable one to spot trends in their wellbeing voyage, permitting them to make informed decisions regarding alterations in lifestyle. Time to confront any negative thought patterns and foster a positive attitude towards physical appearance.
Changing Negative Self-Talk Patterns
Mindset shifts also involve altering negative self-talk patterns by practicing self-love regardless of failures encountered during the process. Failure shouldn’t be feared but embraced as part of learning how best to approach one’s own body requirements concerning nutrition intake or physical activity preferences accordingly.
Challenge Destructive Thoughts with Positive Affirmations
Negative thoughts and self-destructive beliefs can sabotage your weight loss journey, making it crucial to replace them with positive affirmations. Start by identifying the most common negative thoughts you have about yourself and your abilities, such as “I’ll never lose weight” or “I’m not strong enough.” Then, create a list of empowering statements that counteract these beliefs:
- “Every step I take brings me closer to my goal.”
- “My body is capable of amazing things.”
- “I am committed to making healthy choices every day.”
Repeat these affirmations daily – write them down, say them out loud, or even use an app like ThinkUp for guided practice – until they become ingrained in your mindset.
Develop a Healthy Relationship with Your Body Image
To develop a positive relationship with your body image, embrace and appreciate it in all stages of the journey towards healthier habits. This means accepting and appreciating your body at every stage of the journey while working towards healthier habits. Here are some tips on building this connection:
- Celebrate non-scale victories: Focus on the improvements in your overall health, energy levels, and mood rather than just obsessing over numbers on a scale.
- Practice gratitude: Be thankful for what your body can do and how it supports you every day. Express appreciation for the capacity to traverse or move items such as groceries.
- Ditch comparison: Stop comparing yourself to others – especially unrealistic images portrayed by social media influencers. Remember that everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, and focus on your own progress instead of measuring up against someone else’s standards.
Incorporating these mindset shifts into your daily life will help you overcome negative self-talk patterns and foster a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and most importantly – yourself.
By recognizing and challenging negative self-talk patterns, you can create a healthier relationship with your body image. Next, identify powerful “whys” to stay motivated in order to achieve weight loss goals.
Identifying Powerful “Whys” for Weight Loss Motivation
One way to maintain that drive is by identifying powerful “whys” behind your desire to lose weight and improve your health. These personal reasons act as anchors, keeping you focused and committed even when faced with setbacks or plateaus.
Determine Individual Motivations Beyond Appearance Goals
While it’s natural to have appearance-related goals, digging deeper into the underlying motivations can provide more sustainable fuel for your weight loss journey. Consider factors such as:
- Improving overall health: Losing excess body weight has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- Increase energy levels: Carrying extra pounds can make everyday tasks feel exhausting. Shedding those pounds often leads to increased energy levels and improved quality of life.
- Better sleep: Obesity has been associated with various sleep disorders like sleep apnea. By losing weight, you may experience better sleep quality which contributes positively towards mental well-being too.
- Mental health improvement: A healthy lifestyle change not only impacts physical health but also plays a significant role in enhancing emotional well-being by reducing stress levels or alleviating symptoms of depression.
Use These Driving Factors To Stay Committed During Challenging Times
Your unique driving factors will serve as reminders during tough times on why you embarked on this transformative journey in the first place. Here are some tips for leveraging these motivators:
- Write them down: Jot your “whys” in a journal or on sticky notes placed around your living space as constant reminders of what you’re working towards.
- Create a vision board: Compile images, quotes, and other visual representations of your goals to create an inspiring collage that keeps you focused on the bigger picture. This can be done physically or digitally using apps like Canva.
- Share with others: By discussing your motivations with supportive friends, family members, or even online communities dedicated to weight loss journeys (like the popular subreddit r/loseit) – it helps reinforce commitment while also gaining valuable insights from others who may have similar experiences.
Forming a daily practice which includes these tactics can assist in sustaining your determination and inspiration during the entire process of slimming down.
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I really wanted to talk about this topic today because the overweight and obesity epidemic is at an all-time high! We are a fat society and it’s killing us prematurely. Not only do I truly believe that you have the power to lose weight to improve your health, but the science also agrees! You can adopt healthy lifestyle practices that improve your health and enrich your life, which can in turn improve the lives of those close to you. You have the power to break the cycle of obesity so that you can leave a legacy of health to your loved ones.
I use functional medicine and lifestyle medicine as the first line of treatment, before medications, to treat lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Lifestyle-related chronic diseases include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and some cancers, just to name a few. Lifestyle practices, such as eating a whole-food plant-based diet and regular physical activity, can help you lose weight, and maybe reverse some of your chronic diseases. In certain cases, these approaches may even outperform pharmaceutical therapy.
But I always tell my patients that conventional medications may be appropriate at this time to prevent catastrophic illness, but over time, you can work to make the necessary lifestyle changes to possibly reduce and/or eliminate medications. Please remember to always consult your physician for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any decisions whatsoever.
Is Dietary Supplementation Right For You?
If you’re like most people, you might think that dietary supplements are a quick and easy way to lose weight. But the truth is, there’s no magic pill when it comes to weight loss. Supplements can help you lose weight by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, but they won’t work unless you make lifestyle changes as well.
For some people, vitamin and mineral supplements offer important health benefits. Supplements are designed to fight deficiencies found in our diet and complement the food we eat regularly. Supplements are basically “helping hands” to our daily food.
If you suspect that you aren’t getting the nutrients you need, consider shifting your focus from supplements to eating better.
But it is very important to note that we are not eating the same foods we ate years ago because the soils have been depleted of critical nutrients through current industrial farming practices. And because the soil is not as good as it used to be, the food supply (grown from the depleted soil) is not as good as it used to be. For example, you are not getting the same levels of magnesium as you would have gotten 30 or even 50 years ago.
Second, much of the food has been genetically altered, which can impact the inherent and unique nutritional composition that each food possess. For example, ancient einkorn wheat has less gluten, more protein, more Vitamin A, and more beta carotene, than modern genetically modified wheat.
Third, the toxic load in the environment today is much higher than 100 years ago. We can see this with global warming, toxic landfills, polluted oceans and waterways, etc. Toxicity levels interfere with nutrient assimilation and absorption not just into the foods, but into our bodies as well.
So… if you are unable to eat better, the supplements in my Body Composition/Weight Loss Protocol may provide the extra boost you need.
These are my favorite Weight Loss Supplements to use! This Body Composition/Weight Management Bundle will ensure you have the intake of the important vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to decrease inflammation and boost your innate wellness day and night. Taken together, it’s a solid plan for increasing your body’s natural resiliency while you lose weight, naturally.
For best results make sure you use my weight loss supplements with dietary changes including a whole food plant-based diet, regular exercise (at least 2-3x per week), regular sleep (8 hours per night), and intermittent fasting (at least 1-3x per week).
Weight Monitoring
Since weight management is very important in combatting chronic diseases, I recommend that you be mindful of your weight and its fluctuations, and that you monitor your weight AT LEAST on a weekly basis. I recommend a scale that includes a body composition monitor (*this scale cannot be used with a pacemaker or other implanted devices).
Physical Activity
Physical activity (or exercise) can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, just to name a few. Physical activity can improve your mood, boost your immune system, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.
I often recommend yoga and resistance training for physical activity, but as you are aware, there are plenty of forms of “movement” that you can do! But for the basics, especially if you’re just getting started, yoga and resistance training are where I would start.
Yoga
Yoga can be a great way to improve your strength and flexibility, manage your stress, improve your heart health, and lose weight! I recommend using a grounded yoga mat to connect yourself with the earth and reduce inflammation.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is the mainstay for overall health. It not only has beneficial effects on reducing body fat, it also increases muscle size and strength. Check out some basic dumbbells/free weights that I recommend to everyone.
Another alternative for dumbbells/free weights are resistance bands. They are great for physical therapy, yoga, strength training, and excellent for traveling.
Still Can’t Lose Weight?
Losing weight is hard work. You’ve changed your diet, started working out, but you still can’t seem to lose the last few pounds. Have you ever thought that something else could be going on? It’s time to dig deeper and look at the root cause. It could be that your hormones are out of balance or that you have micronutrient deficiencies. Let’s take a look at why these factors may be playing a role in your weight loss journey and how to fix them.
Micronutrients Activate Genes That Regulate Hormones
Our bodies need micronutrients to look and feel their best. Micronutrients—vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements—activate genes that regulate hormones and help our bodies function properly. If those vitamins and minerals are lacking in your body, it can cause hormone imbalances which can affect a wide range of body functions including mood, metabolism, appetite, and stress levels. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to cravings for unhealthy foods or eating when you’re not actually hungry.
Blood Sugar Imbalance & Food Sensitivities
What we eat impacts our blood sugar levels; if our blood sugar isn’t balanced we may feel tired or weak throughout the day or experience food cravings later in the evening. We might also have food sensitivities—ingredients we eat all the time may suddenly become problematic for us without us even knowing it. Food sensitivities contribute to inflammation which robs our body of energy and vitality necessary to stay healthy and active.
The Vibrant Weight Loss Package
If you suspect there is more going on than just diet and exercise changes impacting your weight loss journey then The Vibrant Weight Loss Package might be right for you! This package provides insight into micronutrient deficiencies as well as hormone imbalances that could be contributing factors to why you aren’t losing weight despite making lifestyle changes. The package includes tests such as a comprehensive metabolic profile plus vitamin D level test, complete thyroid panel with TSH reflex testing, nutritional hormone panel with estrogen metabolites testing, an adrenal stress index test plus a cortisol saliva test monitor kit (for home use). With this package you will get the insight needed to start losing weight for good!
In A Nutshell…
Unbalanced hormones, micronutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalance and food sensitivities are all factors that could be impacting your weight loss journey if diet and exercise alone aren’t working for you. If this sounds familiar then it may be time to dig deeper into potential underlying causes by getting tested with The Vibrant Weight Loss Package! This comprehensive package will provide answers so you know exactly what needs to change in order to start seeing results from your diet & lifestyle changes once again!
Remember, living a healthy lifestyle including eating a whole foods plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and reducing stress are the best ways to maintain a healthy weight.
The Mindset Shift for Weight Loss FAQs
To shift your mindset to lose weight, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of change. Start by setting realistic goals and breaking them down into achievable steps. Create a strategy to keep yourself motivated and on track. Be conscious of what encourages unhealthy eating, and attempt to replace those with better alternatives or activities such as taking a stroll or engaging in other types of exercise. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate successes along the way. With dedication and consistency, you can achieve your weight loss goals.
The mindset of an individual is a key factor in achieving successful weight loss. Having a constructive attitude and outlook can help individuals remain motivated, concentrated on their objectives, and make better choices that will bring about lasting success. A constructive attitude facilitates greater self-control when it comes to dieting and exercising on a regular basis, which are both essential for any successful weight loss plan. With the proper mental approach combined with healthy habits, anyone can achieve their desired results in terms of losing weight.
Yes, mindset can help you lose weight. Research indicates that those who cultivate positive thought patterns and self-encouragement are more likely to realize their objectives. Mindset plays a key role in creating lasting behavior change, as it helps build confidence and motivation for taking action towards healthier habits. Moreover, being optimistic can help reduce strain levels, potentially leading to more beneficial dietary choices and enhanced physical activity – both of which are likely to result in successful weight loss.
Weight loss is largely determined by one’s mindset. A positive outlook and strong motivation are essential for successful weight loss, as they provide the necessary drive to stick with a healthy diet and exercise plan. An optimistic outlook can help us remain dedicated to our goal, even in the face of challenges or difficulties. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to choose the right approach that works best for them in order to achieve their desired results.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Functional Medicine can be an effective tool for those looking to make a mindset shift for weight loss. Using tailored nutrition and exercise advice, you can easily take steps towards achieving your weight loss goals. Don’t let your health goals become another statistic – use Functional Medicine’s approach of personalized care and lifestyle changes to create lasting change with regards to the mindset shift for weight loss.
Take control of your health today and make a mindset shift towards weight loss with Dr. Nicolle MD‘s integrative therapies and lifestyle change solutions! Let us help you minimize the use of medications while maximizing your overall wellbeing.
Dr. Nicolle Martin
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Last updated on May 9th, 2023 at 01:05 pm
Minimize Medications. Maximize Health.
Are you super busy but need to take control of your health? Are you tired of being tired? Subscribe to my “Minimize Medications, Maximize Health Blog” and I’ll give you 7 Tips to Get Healthy in No Time absolutely FREE.