New Thought Patterns to Help You Get Healthy

Summer is right around the corner and a great time to get in shape. Do you want to lose weight? Get more regular exercise? How are you sleeping at night? These are important questions to consider on a daily basis.  Stress depletes our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to overeating, makes us more susceptible to allergies, and affects our sleep. This week I am addressing the mindset we need to have if we want to have a healthier lifestyle.

I am a firm believer in making our health number one priority because I've had some serious health issues, despite my good diet and regular exercise. Good health is the cornerstone of a long and active life. Prevention is the key to maintaining good health. As I heard recently, it's easier to take care of your health so you stay well, than to rebuild it after you get sick. Ain't that the truth?

                                   

In this series, we've talked about how to start your day and the importance of good sleep. This week I'm sharing on the mindset and perhaps get you to think about health in a different way. In future posts, I'll offer up some weight loss tips you don't want to miss. 

Prioritize Your Health 
Many of us take our health for granted. Sadly, many people in our society don't make their health a top priority. They eat and drink whatever and whenever they want. They rarely exercise. They don't get enough zzzzs. Look around you. How many of your family members or friends are overweight? Studies have shown that the habits of the people we hang out with do influence our choices. 

Plus, thanks to the American Heart Association propaganda, obesity and diabetes have become a pandemic of sorts, especially in the US. This organization is largely to blame for encouraging people to cut out fats and replace them with carbohydrates years ago. We now know sugar is enemy #1. Healthy fats are crucial, especially for our brain, which is composed mostly of fat, did ya know? 

But you can be the game changer in your family and it all starts with a positive,  goal-oriented mindset. 

Personal Story
As a teenager, I battled my weight. I wore long sweaters to cover my ample derriere. Even my high school history teacher told me to lose the weight. How embarassing. 

So, I became an aerobics instructor and learned all about the body, the bones and muscles, nutrition, calories, etc. I became a health nut at an early age because I had a goal to lose the weight and get fit and trim before I walked down the aisle which I accomplished. I still maintain healthy habits to this day - for the most part. Okay, I do get the urge to splurge on kettle corn and tortilla chips during times of peak stress, but I am human too. People at work used to laugh when they saw the prunes, dried fruit and nuts on my desk instead of the candies and glazed donuts that were on theirs. You know the saying "A minute on the lips, forever on the hips."

A day without exercise is like a day without sunshine. Speaking of sunshine, we need a good dose of it daily and be sure to take your vitamin D, folks. If you don't live in a warm climate, it is crucial to supplement. 

Think Fit over Thin

It's really a question of fat mass vs muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat. Muscles give you that toned healthy look, no matter what your weight. And  maintaining muscle mass is crucial the older we get. This means weight training, folks and plenty of good protein. Weight bearing exercise like brisk walking is great for anyone and all you need is a good pair of fitness shoes. Incorporate protein in your meals and aim for at 25 - 30 grams per meal depending on your activity level. Your body can't build muscle without protein. But don't neglect complex carbs either like fruits and leafy green veggies. They supply the vitamins and some minerals like calcium and magnesium which is lacking in our soil these days. 

Think Fitness Plan instead of "Diet"
How many times have I heard friends bemoan "Oh, I have to start my diet tomorrow..." The word "diet" has gotten a bad rap, and implies deprivation so let's throw that out because no one wants to feel deprived. Let's use "fitness plan" instead. Fitness plan implies a thought-out strategy to achieve fitness, strength, and longevity. Doesn't that sound much better? It's all about mindset, folks. We have to reprogram our thinking about getting healthy and make it something we look forward to, not something we dread doing. 

Think Today Not Tomorrow 
It is never too late to change our habits and get healthy. There is no time like the present to do so. I believe in taking baby steps to make change doable. Small changes like substituting lemon water for that daily soda or coffee fix. Going for a walk at lunch or after dinner instead of sitting at your desk or watching the boob tube. Ditching sweets and snacks and choosing fruits and veggies to munch on instead. The key is to stop making excuses. You are worth it! You deserve to be healthy! You owe it to yourself and to your loved ones. 

For Reflection:

What fitness goals would you like to achieve? What small step can you take this week towards a goal? Today is a great time to take action so you can feel good in that new swimsuit and at the beach. 

I hope you are inspired by our new series. My goal is to motivate you to make the changes you desire so you can fulfill YOUR DESTINY! And do pass this on to a friend who will love you for it. 

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Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz