Know Your Body

One thing that is very important as you pursue your weight loss and training goals is to be in tune with your body.  Granted, you've been around it your entire life, and there's simply no getting away from it!  Especially now you need to really become intimate with it.  You may not have noticed, but your body can tell you a lot of things...not only what is going on outside, but what's happening on the inside as well.  Take heed, it can be your friend or foe....so let's get on pleasant terms ASAP!

You should already know that proper fuel is necessary when exercising.  Junk in...junk out.  Believe me...I know this all to well.  I'm a sugar-aholic! And that's poison! Get rid of that stuff that your body cannot use....because it is, well...useless!  You couldn't expect to put water in the gas tank of your car and it run properly....however, our bodies do require lots of water for internal organs to function, but when we feed it refined and synthetic foods and supplements, we will be causing it to operate improperly.  Left unchecked over the years this can bring on disease, aches and pains and many undesirable issues.

Functions such as proper waste elimination are often not discussed or considered important.  It is essential! Do not overlook this.  Solid elimination (aka a bowel movement) should occur at least twice a day...have decent bulk and be easy to eliminate.  If you are straining because of constipation or experiencing diarrhea, then your intestines are telling you something is not right!  Fiber from whole grains and vegetables paired with appropriate water intake will eliminate this problem....so adjust your diet as necessary.

Do your nail beds have a nice pink color? Are your eyes clear and bright? Is your skin hydrated and complexion clear? The overall health of your body can be determined by such seemingly ignored indicators of good health.  Perhaps you should consider taking a look in the mirror, check these things out...make a list of where and what needs improvement.  Keep a notebook handy just for this purpose...check and update it often so you can map out your progress.

What you put into and what you do to your body all play an important role in your health.  I have to really stay on top of it and remind myself of the importance of being healthy and in shape, because it is so easy to get off track, and difficult to get back on.  It happens, and it shouldn't be the end of the world...but it is a set-back...and we cannot allow that to happen very often....otherwise we take one step forward and two back, and that can be frustrating and detrimental to our success.

Being healthy and exercising consistently is truly a lifetime commitment.  Making right and proper choices 95% of the time does not allow for much slacking.  Do what is necessary to stay focused....keep a strong mind.  Don't allow others to sabotage your efforts, be very aware of this.  Listen to what your body is telling you, get to know it very well....you only get one body...treat it properly and reap the benefits.  I've said it before....living well and healthy is the best revenge!