missionmightymom

Take your left foot and place it in front of your right. Now take your right foot and place it in front of your left…baby steps…

Change can be scary. Even a good change can be intimidating. But in order to make progress in any aspect of our lives, we must muster up some courage and take that first tiny step. Much like going on that first date or filling out your college application, so is true when making the decision to live a healthier lifestyle. You may originally feel clumsy or embarrassed, but the end result more than makes up for a few awkward moments. A husband. A college degree. A healthier, happier YOU!

Many people are overwhelmed by the thought of making healthier lifestyle choices. The market is saturated with quick-fixes, fitness ‘secrets’, and magic pills and diets aimed at taking advantage of those who may not be as educated in nutrition and exercise, many of whom are desperate to drop a few pounds.

Well guess what…there are no quick-fixes. There are no magic pills. And diets DON’T WORK. Diets are unsustainable. It is impossible to be on a life-long diet. This is what causes the yo-yo effect so many experience with their weight. Here’s a secret for you…when regarding weight-loss, if it sounds to good to be true, it is.

But with the right intentions and a few sustainable lifestyle changes, you can and you will be a healthier YOU.

Baby steps…

Turning your entire world upside-down will probably just cause frustration and burn-out. Not the goal. Try making a few small changes…and then a few more…And you will most likely be uncomfortable at some point in the process, but often times we have to get uncomfortable in order to get comfortable.

Recommended Baby Steps

• Exchange one sugary drink (i.e. coke, juice-yes even juice is loaded with sugar) for the same amount of water. One can of coke a day for 1year equals 30lbs of sugar. And if youdon’t burn that it equals to 14lbs of fat.
• Make a healthy breakfast priority. The worst breakfast is no breakfast at all. Studies show that breakfast eaters weigh less than people who skip breakfast all together. I am a busy Mom of two, so to keep things simple, I enjoy a protein shake every morning.
• Eat smaller more frequent meals. This will keep your energy level up and reduce the risk of binging.
• Walk. Rather than looking for the front row parking space. Park at the back of the lot and walk. Every little bit counts.
• Trade out your white bread, pasta, and rice, for whole wheat.
• Sleep. 7-9 hours a night is recommended. When we are sleep deprived we tend to eat more and have a slower metabolism.
• Reward yourself! If you are miserable with your new lifestyle, chances are you will not be successful in the long term, and the long term should be your goal. Indulge in a piece of cake. And learn to reward yourself with something other than food…a new dress or pair of shoes…a day to yourself.

Everyone deserves to be healthy and happy, not judge a privileged few. Take the first step…and then the second…and if after that you stumble back, it’s okay. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon and you are only competing with yourself. Be the YOU that YOU deserve!