Here are some ways to stop the chaos and confusion when it comes to diet and exercise. I’m sure you can relate to this scenario: Ok, you say to yourself. TODAY is the day I’m going to start living healthier. I’m going to workout at least 4 times a week and eat healthy and start a new healthy life. Then you start to apply healthy life changes only to be bombarded by all kinds of “Do This and Not That Exercise” and “Eat This and Not That” messages and many times these messages are not saying the same thing.
You attempt to adopt some healthy habits but soon get discouraged thinking you have to follow too many rules and it’s WAY too complicated. Perhaps you start in January with a New’s Year’s Resolution but come March, you revert back to your prior unhealthy habits. Sound familiar?
I’ve seen it happen for decades now. As a certified personal trainer and life coach I know all too well the angst that comes from those learning and sticking to new healthy habits. People are way too busy. See my prior blog vs. “Productivity over Busyness.” Fitting in exercise and taking the time to learn new things is just another thing on people’s “to do” list.
Let’s try a different approach. Shall we? You still with me here? How about you get to know who you are and what is easiest to implement first. Are you a morning person but haven’t worked out your whole life? Why not start a walking routine in the mornings before your workday begins. Are you more of an evening person? Then try an activity that you would love to do. Some examples may be racquetball, tennis, or dancing. These are fun and sticking to these is easier because you ENJOY doing these activities.
If you are that doesn’t like any kind of activity and you love being on your computer, why not incorporate some video type of game related exercises. The choices are endless. Once you get used to the habit of exercising you will actually miss not having the activity in your life. THEN you can proceed to the next level, incorporate different strategies like beginning or advanced gym workouts, marathons, etc. The idea here is to start somewhere and most importantly STAY CONSISTENT without giving up.
Yes, you will want to and should change up workouts but if you first don’t have the HABIT of exercising, the rest won’t matter. This same rule applies to eating healthy. Know yourself and be honest with your food cravings and emotional eating patterns. Do you feel compelled to munch down on unhealthy snacks in the evenings after a long day of work? Switch this snack up with a healthier alternative.
The easiest first step to follow when trying to eat healthy is eating smaller portions, limiting carb intake (by this I mean white starchy foods like white bread, pasta, white potatoes, etc.) and replace them with healthy carbs like fruits and vegetables of various kinds. This simple rule can have you shed pounds relatively easily. Make your fruit dishes into dessert type dishes. My favorite is blackberries, strawberries and bananas with a small amount of whipped cream.
Soon, you’ll find yourself in the habit of eating more fruits and vegetables and lean meats. The thing is to start somewhere, even if it’s just making changes to just one meal a day at a time. Soon you will look back and find out just how far you’ve come.
Start from where you are and move forward never looking back.
By the way, you don’t have to wait until January 1st. Start today. I know you can do it!