“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Sharon McMahon
–J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
When I am sometimes asked about the biggest challenge that people face regarding a change in their eating plans, losing weight and becoming more fit, the answer is always the same; it is making the choice, the decision, for a lifestyle change. Particularly as we age it becomes more difficult, we get very comfortable with our lifestyle although we express an interest in changing it. And, ultimately, the success comes down to one question – “How badly do you want this?” And often the answer is “Not badly enough” – to make the necessary changes, that is.
With each decade and even with each year that passes our habits become more ingrained, our beliefs and feelings about food and exercise are more difficult to change. One concern I frequently hear from clients is that they are afraid that their food choices will be greatly restricted by changing their eating habits to a healthier plan. Nothing could be further from the truth! While allowing for the plethora of packaged, processed, convenience foods staring at us from grocery shelves, the opportunities for wholesome, healthy items have never been more plentiful. However, most of these items require – you guessed it – preparation! Actually combining fresh ingredients and enjoying the process as well as the outcome will not only foster weight reduction and better health, but you will actually enjoy the taste of your food much more as well. Heavily processed foods dull our taste buds, using additives like excess sugar and salt as well as preservatives and chemicals – items that were never intended to nourish our bodies.
Does it take more time to actually shop for fresh food, combining ingredients and savoring our accomplishment as we enjoy the taste – the answer is yes. We are often loathe to take time away from our social media pursuits so that we can spend more time on eating well, eating clean, and engaging in physical activity. And, back to the topic today, that is the choice that must be made, so “How badly do you want it?” again becomes the question. Are you prepared to pass up the convenience items (I won’t call them food…) and the drive-up windows? How about just say “NO” to those soft drinks? As far a “special” treat occasionally – why not! Enjoy cake and ice cream on your birthday, a Christmas cookie or two – you get the picture. Will you take time away from electronic devices to walk every day, to practice stretching to keep your body flexible and balanced, to participate in some level of strength training to keep your muscles strong and toned? It is not required that we train at a competition level, but that we move our bodies as much as possible. The outcome does take work, sometimes sacrifice, and focus on the goal. Success is waiting for anyone who wants to live healthier, longer, and more productively. In 2015 we are so blessed and fortunate to have access to tremendous health care facilities, nutrition education, walking trails, and numerous other opportunities to stay healthy and fit. No one else can make the choices for you – and though I am tempted to ask the question one more time, I won’t…you know both the question and the answer. If you are already there, congratulations, if you are working toward the goal but not quite there, kudos, keep it up. And if you are considering making those nutrition and fitness lifestyle changes, now is the time and you can do it!