Re-training Yourself to Achieve Better Health
Re-training yourself starts with understanding the reason behind what you’re doing. Whenever you set out to accomplish anything, you require stated goals. Once you set objectives for achieving those goals, you now have a roadmap to follow. So, do not overcomplicate the process; however, you can begin with a well-articulated statement. Write down on paper your “why statement.” Post it to your refrigerator or inside your laptop. Post it wherever you see it daily.
Sample ‘Why Statements’
Formulate your statement/commitment to better health by simply answering why you want a healthier life. By crafting this statement, you will be able to pursue the proper education on what you need to do to accomplish your goal. The more intelligent you are about owning your health, the more likely you are to succeed. Statements similar to the following “why statements” keep you focused and less likely to allow others to distract you from your goal.
- I want a healthier life without back pain.
- I want a healthier life for a more active relationship with my spouse.
- I want a healthier life to see my children have children.
- I want a healthier life filled with energy to fulfill my bucket list.
Your Daily Routine
As humans, we are creatures of habit. Your quest for better health likely will require you to create a new daily routine. Some examples follow to get you started.
Eat breakfast daily, 45 minutes to an hour before taking a walk. This sets your metabolism for the day. Most people wake up, then go to work. Most won’t wake up early to work out and then get ready for work.
Take healthy snacks with you to work. Instead of relying on drive-through food and the empty calories, plan by prepping and making meals the night before.
If you’re going on vacation, seek out the healthier options. A simple search online and a review of menus can inform your eating decisions in advance of reacting to hunger pains with a quick, albeit unhealthy, meal fix.
Portion size is the key to staying healthy. Measure out 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Serving size is 2 tablespoons. Prepare to be surprised by how little peanut butter is in a serving. The average person uses 2.5-3.0 servings per sitting.
The same is true for ‘healthy’ trail mix or mixed nuts. One serving has a ton of dietary fat. But exceeding serving size repeatedly, quickly adds up to unhealthy results. Healthy beverages also require portion control. Rarely do people drink 1 serving of cow’s milk…1 cup=8oz… not the typical 12oz glass.
Your Family Routine
Your family life dictates much of your daily routine. School, sports, recitals, and homework are all part of a heavily scheduled society. Short of discontinuing those activities (not likely), it’s imperative to incorporate healthier choices into family time. Some idea starters follow to get you going.
Register for family activities that are more active than passive. Simple walks around the neighborhood, local fitness facility mud runs, and fundraising bike rides fit the bill.
Make dinner together. Involving all of your family members in the planning of meals, shopping for the ingredients, and preparing meals is a great way to instill healthy habits. Find healthy alternatives to foods you already love, and let kids help make their food. “Healthy pizza” is one of my household favorites. Use a low-carb wrap, chicken, pizza sauce, veggies, and lightly cover with cheese. Cook in the oven and enjoy!
Your Technology Routine
Technology continues to infuse our lives with connectivity. In terms of managing our healthy lifestyles, technology continues to offer helpful options to support the journey. Here are a few technologies that can keep you focused on your goals.
Rather than playing Candy Crush, download the My Fitness Pal or Lose It! apps to your phone. These can provide a variety of feedback from caloric intake to caloric burn.
Many people are successfully using FitBit or other wearable health technologies. With a Fitbit,y o you engage your Facebook friends in fitness challenges. Week-long and daily walking challenges are common to see who can walk the most steps in a day or a week. Bringing friendly competition and accountability among friends keeps you on the path.
Your Environment
There are many influences in our lives. Some positive, some negative. People who engage in negative behavior fail to encourage positive habits. Associating with those who share your common goal of health will have a positive impact on your quest.
Helpful Life Tips
- SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY & LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE!
- RID YOURSELF OF NEGATIVITY & TOXIC ENVIRONMENTS/PEOPLE!
- ALWAYS BRING THE BEST PACKAGE OF YOU!
- EAT, LIVE, & BREATHE WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
- PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!
- YOU NEED YOUR OWN ‘WHY STATEMENT’!
- SUPPORT!
- FAMILY!
- IF YOU DON’T FOLLOW YOUR OWN RULES, NO ONE WILL!
- ‘NORMAL’ DOES NOT MEAN IT’S OK!
- FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL!
- YOUR DAY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!
- ADAPT TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT!
- WORK HARD, STAY HUMBLE!