THE FIRST STEPS TOWARD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE DOES NOT LOOK THE SAME FOR EVERYONE

First, I think it’s very important to address that everybody's way of living a healthy lifestyle is different. You must find what works the best for yourself and your life. Just because someone lives there's a certain way doesn’t mean that it is meant for you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION

I cannot stress enough how important it is to educate yourself on how to properly achieve your health and fitness goals as well as what is truly adequate for your body. The amount of misinformation that gets fed to everyone through social media, commercials, ads, etc is terrible. Do your own research, invest in a coach, or speak with someone with knowledge in this area because you NEED to be correctly educated.

THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE

When a lot of people make it a goal to change their life in terms of health and fitness they often try to make the changes fast and drastic. Completely changing your lifestyle in one instant is very unsustainable, and that is why a lot of people have a difficult time sticking to that goal. We feel the need to come at it with an ‘all or nothing approach’. We go all in, say we will stay away from “bad” foods and workout x amount of times a week and when we fail to do so (because that is just such drastic change) we give up.

HOW TO APPROACH WANTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Approach this change in the mindset of creating a new lifestyle not following a diet. A LIFESTYLE I REPEAT. Therefore, if you can’t live without a certain food forever don’t try to restrict yourself from it and label it "bad" or "off limits". Instead welcome all foods into your lifestyle, foods with higher nutritional value and foods with less nutritional value but place your focus toward consuming more nutritious foods. I believe starting out slow and implementing small changes daily is the best way to make long term sustainable changes. 

Examples:

• Switch out one of your less nutritious meals for a healthier one
• Find a healthier alternative snack
• Cut back on your junk food
• Do one more workout this week than you did last week

FOOD IS NOT THE ENEMY

Food is fuel not the enemy. Going back to the common mistakes, a lot of us try to make those drastic changes which often involves restricting ourselves and that can lead us to form a poor relationship with food. Food is a basic necessity for your life and well being, never an enemy. Food provides nutrients to your body that provide energy for growth and all the functions of your body such as breathing, and keeping you warm.

BALANCE

We all want to be healthy and fit but still be able to enjoy life and guess what? You absolutely can. This is where the role of balance comes in. Having balance allows you to enjoy and treat yourself whenever you like in moderation. This lifestyle would never be sustainable if you weren’t allowed to enjoy drinks out with friends, food from your favorite restaurant, or desserts. You never have to get rid of the foods and treats you love, just create balance with them.