It is suffice to say that without our health, we would really have nothing. It has become more and more apparent that health has become a big business and through the years we have been bombarded with a plethora of weight loss pills, fat burning drinks, ‘the latest diet’ and gadgets such as a belt that sends an electrical current to your muscles which ‘allows you to do 1000 sit ups in 10 minutes while you are sitting in your car’.
The downside is that these ‘quick fixes’ have become part of the norm. Even when we are at the dinner table, someone brings up the latest diet. Do we really believe that diets that decry all starch and propose straight protein to be a viable answer to health? How long can a person keep up with such stringent requirements? What about the conversation itself? Certain table talk about what you should or should not be eating can itself bring about more stress during mealtime. In addition to what you are eating, a conversation that shares stories which fill the soul instead may even help digestion.
On the flip side of the coin, people have become increasingly busy and ‘quick fixes’ seem like the only solution to our fast paced lives. This couldn’t be more wrong because there is no getting around to what it takes to get healthy – a balanced diet and exercise.
The only obstacle that holds one back from getting healthy through diet and exercise is usually him/herself. Many of us have developed bad habits that we may not even be aware of. An insidious behavior that controls most is emotional eating. Research is showing that we tend to reach for certain foods depending on our mood. For example, depressed? Sugar! Anxious? Ice Cream! Stressed? Salty foods! Angry? Crunch or tough foods! Jealous? Anything and Everything!! If you find yourself chronically reaching for particular types of foods, consider checking your mood. Are you really satisfying a real hunger pain or is there an emotional component involved?
So where do you start? Understand the following.
The standards of a healthy diet normally consist of grains, vegetables, fruit, fats & oils, milk & dairy, meats, bean, fish and nuts. Throughout your day, you should have a combination of items such as these. Ideally it is best to try to eat locally and choosing fruits and vegetables actually in season as well.
Consider the discovery and excitement of mixing and matching your food groups and trying new things. It can be an amazing journey into the senses as you focus on savoring the quality of the food your body requires.
For those with allergies, speak to your doctor about alternative choices.
By definition, exercise is any activity that works your muscles, increasing the amount of oxygen to them and generally improving cardiovascular health. What this normally requires is doing an activity five times a week for no less than 20 minutes a day. This could involve walking, hiking, running, skipping, riding a bike, playing tennis, swimming or yoga.
Don’t over analyze. Think simplicity and doing an activity that you actually enjoy.
‘A positive attitude, self determination and desire’ are the catalyst for moving into better health. However, thinking about them as these concepts can create defenses. So change your perspective and just think about having fun!
Consider buying yourself a ball to kick or toss around. What about awakening your inner child and getting a jump rope or even a Frisbee. Chase the waves on the sand, explore a mountain, plant a garden, dance around the house. Whatever it is, remember to incorporate movement into your passion.
Remember, quick fixes are a temporary alternative, a second rate solution. It can be a patch job waiting to fall apart. The focus is your body here, a deserving vehicle that does so much but in actuality, asks so little considering its function.
Getting back to the basics is what it is all about. Simplify your life by simplifying your outlook on health. Be playful, question trends, monitor your emotions and mindfully eat what your body needs.
