Nutrition and Fitness

So when I started this blog it was going to be helpful, real life tips to help you be at your optimum health! Because my computer "savvy" is from 1999, I have failed in my attemps to link this blog to another which addresses those helpful tips! So, today they will begin right here!!


So, you have made a decision to get healthy and fit - forever!!

What' sthe first step??

1. Goals - you must define them, write them down and make it plain. Get Specific! Is it lose weight? Drop pant sizes? then how much, and how fast? Get healthier? Then state exactly what that means. Stronger? what do you want to acheive?

2. Determine the process; How are you going to make this happen?
What is your current schedule? What time do you have available now? What can you switch around?
Making fitness your #1 priority to get your habits established will be your goal for the next few weeks. A few weeks of forcing the issue will pay big dividends later! Remember - it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Forming the habit of exercise and healthy eating are 2 of the best habits worth making the effort and time to acheive. Your body will thank you and all your family and friends will thank you.

3. Get prepared! a. Research what you will physically need. Do you have a gym? If not, join one, or invest in a few inexpensive pieces of equipment for home, or a CD to get you started. (I can help you with that!)
b. Chose a meal plan. (I'll have some for you here, or some other websites) Toss all the "trigger" foods and things you already KNOW are on the NONO list (dump all things with over 5 grams of sugar, and anything with white flour, or white anything) ...and then go shopping! Get yourself stocked up what will help you acheive your goals, and is on your meal plan. If it's not on the plan...do NOT buy it!!
Remember: it's totally worth the goal ahead to be a little uncomfortable for a few weeks.
Once you work through the first few weeks, you will have established habit patterns that will stay with you (and your family) for life!

4. Mindset Lock in on your target! Where can you find encouragement and motivation?? Who inspires you? Sign up for their newsletters online, fill your bedside and other places with magazines such as Fitness, Oxygen, and Health.
Not only do they have good, helpful suggestions, but just the pictures alone will inspire and remind you of your goals.

5. Journal Get it ready! You will need 2 journals, or a 2 subject notebook. You can use this journal to not only record what you are eating, but be specific about it all. Record time of day, what was going on..(i.e. were you at work, shopping, at a party, in a hurry) and how were you feeling? (rushed, hurried, sad, excited, sleepy). You will begin to discover eating patterns and habits, and what is motivating those eating patterns.

6. GET SOME SLEEP!!! Any Doctor, Nutritionist, or other health professional will tell you: It is almost impossible to acheive any health goal without enough sleep. We all tend to NOT get enough rest, then try to eat better and exercise more. That will only prove to be a lesson in frustration and futility. Want to get more sleep? Get up earlier. I guarantee, in a few days, you will get to bed on time!

Now, the number one mainstay in this new routine; the most important, encouraging, life sustaining tip I have:
Taking it all to God before you do anything else. Every morning, ask for Divine guidance, help, strength, and comfort. Very soon you will find yourself turning to Him for it all. No health professional or fitness model, or chocolate decadence can inspire you more than our Creator. Take this to Him, He is right there, waiting and willing. Remember: "You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strenghtens you"

Be encouraged, be of good cheer, this is going to be an awesome journey!!!! Check back here for more help and ideas on this new plan!!!

Questions?? Please send them - I would LOVE to help!! Comments? They will help all of us - so go ahead and write me back. Be the blessing!

Blessings on your day....and it's an honor to be of service!