What’s Lifestyle Got To Do With It?

It happens to everyone. That moment when you realize that it is time to do something about your weight.

It may happen when you are looking in the mirror or standing on the scale.

Your first thought is to go on a “diet,” but as quickly as that enters your mind the ghosts of a hundred diets past return…along with all the frustration.

Then you wonder, why bother?

The weight will come back, as it always has. Then you will be back in front of the mirror as discouraged as ever.

The answer is not to go on another diet.

The answer is to change your lifestyle.

You have heard this before, and it makes sense, right? So, why haven’t you done it?

Your Lifestyle Obstacles

Most people resist changing their lifestyle for two reasons.

1. Change is scary.

Whether you realize it or not, your life is in a constant state of change. Though you cling to the familiar, it is a futile struggle. Change always wins.

The most consistent thing in life is change. Since you will never escape it, you might as well channel it. It is time to make the change in your life purposeful and positive.

2. Lifestyle misconception.

How many times have you heard the term “healthy lifestyle” only to picture a health nut with celery sticks in one hand and tofu in the other? The truth is that most people think that changing their lifestyle will be an extreme and unpleasant experience – and that is not true.

Improving your lifestyle does not mean swearing off chocolate or living in the gym. You do not have to eat wheat germ for lunch and you can still enjoy a nice plate of pasta. The key is moderation.

Making the Change

It is time to lose your “all or nothing” mentality. Embrace simple, small changes that will add up to big improvements in your lifestyle. These are your main venues for change:

What You Eat

Let’s face it. Most of the foods you eat are not the healthiest. Some are downright terrible (the burger and fries you had last week). While others are simply excessive (the snacks you eat while watching TV).

The solution to cleaning up your daily diet is NOT to go back on a “diet.” In fact, I never want you to go on a “diet” again. (Yes, you heard me right!) Instead, I want you to make permanent healthy changes to your eating habits. 
Here are some practical examples:

• Choose salad over chips or fries
• Do not add butter to your food
• Eat fresh produce with every meal
• Purchase fat free dairy products
• Limit desserts to one or two per week
• Cut out mindless snacking
• Drink water, not soda

I do not expect you to eat a perfect diet every day of the week – that would be ludicrous. You should, however, make MORE healthy choices every day than unhealthy ones.

What You Do

Exercise is a huge component to a healthy lifestyle and quite frankly you are not getting enough of it. How often does an entire week go by without you ever lacing up your tennis shoes? Do not disregard the importance and power of a good workout.

Your new healthy lifestyle means exercising on most days of the week. This may seem tough, but I have the perfect solution – my training programs were created for busy people just like you who only have so much time to dedicate to exercise. 
I understand how hard it is to find the motivation to stay consistent and to push yourself. Make exercise a no-brainer – contact me to get started on a healthy lifestyle enhancing program today. 
Here are simple ways to move more:

• Watch less TV
• Stretch stiff muscles every day
• Play at the park with the kids
• Go for a jog
• Do some push-ups every morning

While none of the above are meant as substitutes for a solid exercise routine, they are great ways to become more active and to improve your lifestyle.

Your lifestyle is the balance of all the choices that you make regarding your body. Swing the balance in your favor and make a majority of your choices health conscious. So, the next time you are in front of the mirror you won’t worry about your weight.

You will relish it.

Whether you are changing your lifestyle to loose weight or quit smoking, what is your next healthy step that you are going to make?

 

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Nordine Zouareg is a former Mr. Universe, an International Fitness Coach, Speaker and Author of the book Mind Over Body: The Key to Lasting Weight Loss is All in Your Head! He offers world-class advice on health and fitness, inner balance and stress management, and achieving one’s full potential the inner keys to extraordinary performance. An inspiring message of hope and achievement, based on his own extraordinary story. For more information, visit: www.avtarwellness.com