Get Started And Have A Plan

Starting the process to adopt a healthy lifestyle can become daunting and the thought of it can delay the process.  The adult obesity rate so far in 2013 is 27.2%, up from 26.2% in 2012, and is on pace to surpass all annual average obesity rates since Gallup-Healthwayst began tracking in 2008.  

Gallup did research during 2012 and discovered that engaged employees are deeply involved in and enthusiastic about their work. Those who are not engaged may be satisfied, but are not emotionally connected to their workplaces and are less likely to put in discretionary effort.  Employees who are actively disengaged are emotionally disconnected from their work and workplace and jeopardize their teams' performance.

Studies have shown that a healthier lifestyle benefits children’s behavior and performance in the classroom.  Also, school-based health centers have reduced inappropriate emergency room use. They have reduced Medicaid expenditures. And they have decreased absences and discipline referrals.

In order to achieve a healthier a lifestyle some practical steps must be taken to achieve that goal for adults and children.

Get Educated

Once you make a decision to adopt a healthy lifestyle it is imperative to learn the proper steps so your efforts can be maximized.   Some basic principles that have been proven such as eating 5-6 times per day, monitoring calories, fat, sugar, and processed foods.   Exercising to reach fitness goals and improve conditioning and strength.   In theory the concepts can seem simple, but there is a method to the madness.

There are countless resources for weight loss and exercise.  Before choosing any of them I highly recommend getting expert advice from a health and wellness professional such as a physician, nutritionist, and personal trainer.  Inquire about food allergies and find fitness activities that you will enjoy that combine building strength and endurance.

The most difficult aspect of adopting a healthy lifestyle is nutrition.  An exercise program can run you into the ground and the rest of the day can ruin it with a poor diet.  There are many programs advertised of methods to lose weight with shakes, snacks, meal plans, etc. that can become overwhelming.  Many of these are good programs, but what consumers must do is educate themselves on why they are eating certain foods at certain times. 

Before all of these new companies and product lines that were in the marketplace basic methods of eating and exercise worked.  They were successful then and will be today.

Have A Plan

A healthy lifestyle requires planning.  Meals and workouts must be scheduled like everything else.  Foods should be consumed as close to their natural source as possible.  Unprocessed grains, unprocessed meat, fresh fruits and vegetables are all whole foods. Whole foods are foods that stay as close to the natural food source as possible. They are unprocessed and unrefined. Nutritionally, they are usually superior to processed foods, and we receive the greatest nutritional benefit by consuming them.

"Aim for five small meals a day, and plan everything in advance," says Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D., YouBeauty Nutrition Advisor and wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic. "Prepare your meals on the weekends when you have time, and never go more than 3 ½ hours without putting something in your mouth. Carry a low-sugar energy bar, trail mix or an apple so you're not tempted to buy a snack from the office vending machine."  Being a spontaneous eater mostly leads to poor decisions. 

Trust The Process

Eating small meals and consistent exercise has been tried and tested and it works.  Not trusting the process and inconsistency will cause frustration and doubt whether you are choosing the right path to reach your health and wellness goals.

Working out with consistency is important for your physical health. An intense workout one day only to avoid exercising for the next two weeks will only leave you feeling sore. It is too straining for the body to experience sporadic spurts of strenuous exercise. For optimal results, you will want to build up to higher and higher levels of cardiovascular strength, flexibility and strength training. A gradual increase in intensity will allow your muscles, tendons and ligaments a chance to adjust to the strains and challenges of a fitness regimen.  That will take time and consistency to reap the benefits from exercise.

The statement, “you are what you eat” is true. You can’t become healthy on a poor diet of highly processed nutrient deficient foods. Transform yourself with a balanced nutrient rich diet that you eat during the day, when you need the nutrition the most. Eat foods as close to the source, and stay away from processed foods.  Eat thoughtfully when you are hungry, and not mindlessly late at night. If you condition your body to expect the right nutrition when you most need it, the results you get from your fitness program will be great.