Sunday, March 4, 2012

Part 6 - What to Do When You Reach a Health Goal


For the past New Year, you may have set the popular health goal of, “Losing Some Weight This Year.” 


You then proceeded to get focused by joining the gym, dieting and even reading a few health books. 


So now you are on your “get healthy” journey and you realized that the rabbit hole goes deeper than you think. Not only does most of your favorite foods have tons of fat and sugar…. but once you cut those foods out of your diet, it seems like there is nothing left to snack on but a bag of baby carrots. 


After friends, family and co-workers see that you are serious, they stop making jokes about your “bird food” and actually lend you some support. The road seems clearer as you have gotten into your routine of going to the gym, eating less carbs, and just saying no to Cinnabons. 


The question arises, “What do I do next?” 


Having the discipline to get started and staying on the path of being healthier is hard enough without having to figure out what your next move is. 


If you have not been on an unreasonable fad diet, the answer is to continue what you are doing now.


Continue reading books that explain the benefits of eating healthy and the dangers of junk foods. Knowledge is power. The more you know about why foods are good or bad for you, the easier it will be to make the right choices. 


Keep exercising. We all know that aerobic exercise is excellent for the heart, and strength training make us look and feel fantastic. 


Find the balance with your diet. Fruits and vegetables have a very high content of water. Your body is over 70% water. When you eat your main meals, most of your plate should be covered with vegetables and the smaller portion with a protein or carbohydrate. Combine this with plenty of fresh fruit during the day and you are well on your way to a balanced diet. 


Have a team of health professionals that can guide you when you have questions that need to be answered, some inspiration when you get in a slump and can provide services for you that you can’t do yourself. 


The road will get bumpy, and you may even get off course, but the main thing is to stay on the path, and you will reach your health goals. 


As you get further down the road, you will probably have a whole list of activities that you enjoy that are beneficial to your mind, body and spirit. The most effective thing to do to in order to stay on point is to get organized by making a list of all these activities on a chart or excel sheet, and checking them off on a daily basis. 


Life happens, and months can go by as you will forget that you planned to get a massage at least once a month, or get a colonic, or write in your journal regularly…. 


Getting healthy and staying healthy is not as hard as one may think. Once you experience how great you look and feel when you exercise and eat well, or how awful your body treats you when you eat the wrong thing, there is no turning back! 


Being healthy is not some form of medieval torture, but is actually rewarded with longevity, increased stamina and overall vitality. 


For help getting started and take your present regimen to the next level, give me a call. 


Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM

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