Saturday, December 1, 2012

Developing Healthy Habits

That time of year is coming upon us, when most people make the ever popular 'New Year's Resolutions'.  However there are those who resolve to not make resolutions for the coming year.  Either way, it's just one of those things that if we do it, we hope we can stick to.  I think that one reason most of our resolutions don't pan out long, is we tend to be what I prefer to call 'overly ambitious'.  It is necessary to be realistic in what we would like to do....and compare it to what we know we can do.  Then after those 'big' changes, we tend to make too many resolutions.  That's when it gets overwhelming, and we just can't keep up.  Most of these fall apart before March.

Okay, so start planning now...and begin now making some small changes.  This can be challenging to 'start ahead' of January 1st, because there are so many temptations in the month of December.  Make a list, then determine what small thing you can do in that area that won't be that big of a deal, and put it in place.  You can check your list daily...and do as many of these as you are able.  Keep adding to it.  The excitement of actually doing it many times is the necessary motivation to keep moving along....forward motion.  It's a positive reinforcement that leads to further success.

Making healthy choices takes commitment, determination and dedication to your 'cause'.  Plan for 'treats', but know that these are not a daily reward.  Once a week, every two weeks, once a month...depending on what you are going to 'treat' yourself to is a consideration.  Write these down along side your 'resolutions'.  Keep your list close by....out of sight typically means out of mind...and we don't want that to happen.  Keeping this information in the forefront is the reminder to keep doing what you are doing.

One of the best and probably most popular resolutions is to eat healthier.  This does not happen overnight.  However, beginning today, start with your next meal working toward better eating choices.  Check your cabinets and pantry, and take an inventory of what is there...write it down if necessary. Use up these foods, as I don't like to waste.  Now, consider healthier alternatives, and write those down.  Make this your grocery list, so when you shop the next time, you replace the 'not so good' for the good, healthier choices. Making a list and sticking to it will help keep you on track. I will be blogging on this more in the coming weeks to assist you in swapping out poor choices to build your healthy stash.

So this is a good start.  There are many more areas that are necessary to really give a boost to a healthy lifestyle, but let's start here.  My personal trainer blog is not so much for those already big into weight lifting and healthy eating, but more so for those who are just starting.  All the information 'out there' can be confusing and overwhelming.  In this blog my intention is to bring it all down to earth in simple terms, providing what you truly need to be successful in weight loss.  It's not just something you do in January each year...it's what you do all year long.  It won't be easy, and most likely you'll have some slides in the wrong direction...that's okay.  It's not the end of the world.  I'm not perfect either, and it's a daily challenge, but it is so worth it...and you will discover that by eventually putting all these good changes into place, you will feel better and have more energy for everything else too.  When you have good health, you have a lot...and I look at it this way, and have said it before....living healthy is the best revenge. Wishing you a healthy start to 2013!

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