Would you run out of fingers, and maybe even toes, if you used them to count your tries at adopting a healthy lifestyle? Many of us would. The reason? Often it's that we need to change how we try to make changes. How we make the journey, not whether we always reach our exact goals, determines our success. And how we make the journey is really about our ability to support ourselves along the way, instead of falling back into judgmental and self-defeating ways of thinking and doing.
If you're thinking about making another run at a healthy lifestyle, consider these steps along the way.
Get real
Whether we're trying to start eating healthier or become more physically active, the first step is to be clear about our goals...and clear whether they are something we can achieve. For example, if you currently walk once a week, and you begin to strive for five, what's the chance you'll get there regularly? Immediately trying to fit four extra workouts into your busy week may leave you struggling. Instead, think about an initial goal of walking twice a week. Small increases --'baby steps' -- build on success. As you feel good about your ability to do one extra walk, you'll see your motivation ratchet up for another, 'til you reach that higher goal.
Get committed
We're talking about energy and dedication to find healthy behaviors that work for you. Which of these statements sounds like you? "I'll try to walk twice a week," or "I'm committed to walking twice a week." It's much easier to shrug off the former promise to yourself. If it doesn't feel right to say you're committed to something, explore why. Is the goal you've set really right for you?
Give up 'shoulds'
A tangle of beliefs and thoughts about what we 'should' do or where we 'should' be with our fitness and health can threaten our ability to find what's right for us. Refuse to follow the latest and greatest new diet. Make peace with your body size, and buy a flattering outfit for that important event rather than trying to lose weight to fit into an old favorite. You may still be able to improve your fitness, but you don't have to put feeling good on hold until you do.
Get assertive
Does everyone around you have opinions about what's best for you? Exercise your right to make your own choices. That also means putting yourself first. If you don't make it a priority to care for yourself, you won't be at your best in caring for others either.
Reward yourself
Build your self image as a winner by acknowledging and celebrating your small successes with ways that are meaningful to you. It's all about feeling good and keeping yourself going.
Remind yourself
Whether it's remembering to eat lunch, or getting in that two-mile walk, add your new behaviors to your 'to do' list. When you check them off as done, you'll also give yourself an extra boost of satisfaction.
Seek support
Support is one of the key predictors of success at lifestyle change. Buddy up with friends or family to accomplish your goals, read inspirational books or success stories. Join support groups, or seek the help of a qualified therapist or counselor if needed.
Remember: While it may seem to take a lot of work when we first start making healthy lifestyle changes, they become second nature after a while. So hang in there with your new positive behaviors. Soon, they'll just be the way you do things.
?2004 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, Vermont.
Marsha J. Hudnall, MS, RD, CD is director of health communications and senior nutritionist at green mountain at fox run. For over 32 years, Green Mountain at Fox Run has developed and refined a life-changing program exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies from a healthy green mountain at fox run. weight loss progam. Based on a combination of proven science and what works in the real world, our innovative 'non-diet' lifestyle program offers an integrated curriculum of practical, liveable techniques that helps women take charge of their eating, their bodies and their health. Our approach is not focused on just losing weight but on how to keep it off for a lifetime. Our participants' long-term weight loss results are among the highest of any program, as documented in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Learn more about our fitness and healthy green mountain at fox run
Elk Grove (east OF 53) car service from Midway .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThese treadmill weight loss tips are a great way to... Read More
The holidays are now officially over and it's time to... Read More
It seems there are two schools of behavior patients follow... Read More
The loss of fat comes from fat cells all over... Read More
It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More
When we discover that we are heavier than we want... Read More
Many celiacs lose weight before they are diagnosed; indeed it... Read More
Getting started on an exercise program is one thing. Staying... Read More
If you've been pursuing a lighter, healthier version of yourself,... Read More
Sharing our bariatric stories is as personal decision as electing... Read More
We know that children are becoming obese at an alarming... Read More
Some of my dieting tips are not conventional. You can... Read More
LivingAfterWLS reader feedback indicates snacking is the single biggest problem... Read More
For sometime now, you've been hearing about the Milk Diet... Read More
According to the American College of Surgeons, most severely obese... Read More
If you've been scouring the news, devouring as much information... Read More
New Medical Research shows high-intensity exercise can increase the body's... Read More
When it comes to the matter of weight loss, peoples... Read More
Atkins diet was unknown 35 years ago. Though it seems... Read More
Barriers to healthy diets are placed into four broad categories:... Read More
Teenagers with body mass indices between 25 and 30 require... Read More
Ever notice how your best friend can lose weight on... Read More
According to the American Obesity Association, an astounding 64.5 percent... Read More
The best way to lose weight is by consuming fewer... Read More
To lose weight and get in shape you must have... Read More
Green Oaks limo rental ..In our society of fast food and long hours spent... Read More
Here come the candy canes. In our house, Santa always... Read More
I'm sure you have heard it before, but one of... Read More
It all begins with water .... Water makes up 75%... Read More
In health clubs, they run classes that call themselves "aerobics".... Read More
Have you ever stepped on the scale after a week... Read More
The world today has more obese and overweight people than... Read More
Many gastric bypass patients report melon to be one of... Read More
WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More
College weight gain is at an all time high, and... Read More
If you are a fan of horse racing, you are... Read More
It's easy to lose sight of our goals, "Do I... Read More
One Reality TV show, The Swan, thrives on makeovers. Often... Read More
Finding Mad Cow in Oregon puts a new wrinkle in... Read More
With tons of information out there on "Fat Acceptance" does... Read More
This little known secret has been used by bodybuilders for... Read More
We are bombarded with advertisements pushing delicious looking, fat filled,... Read More
Weight loss is never easy. Although this is stating the... Read More
Abdominal fat is now seen as a growing health hazard,... Read More
As a low carb dieter, you have probably been bombarded... Read More
If you've been scouring the news, devouring as much information... Read More
Believe it or not, losing a little or a lot... Read More
Most of us are aware of the AA axiom of... Read More
More likely than not a diet with end up a... Read More
Everyone has their own individual reason for joining a health... Read More
Weight Loss |