There is a lot of information out about eating this and that, losing weight, going to the gym or doing some exercise, and getting healthier, but how many times do we say yea yea yea, I know I should do something. Then we keep right on doing what we have been doing so far. The only problem with that is that you keep getting the same results you have always got.
If you are perfectly happy with where you are at right now, you are free to ignore the rest of this article.
I’m guessing you might not be since at least 60% if not more of Australians are overweight or obese. You are perhaps (secretly) wishing you were a little more toned, a little lighter on the scales, a little fitter or stronger. Now is a great time to start making some changes. The people most successful at making lasting changes are making small changes and get used to them. Then they add a little extra and get used to that as well….and so on.
Do you know where to start? What is the one thing you can change now? Could it be reducing your sugar intake a little in your hot beverages or cutting down on softdrinks? Or start measuring your water intake and bring it up to speed (2.5-3L/ day depending on activity, body size and weather (temperature)) Or just changing your mindset to eat food that nourishes you instead of filling a hole or medicating you (your emotions).
What about fitness, could you move a little more every day? A pedometer is a great way to start because you are measuring where you are starting from. If you are already quite active or playing a sport, could you do some supplementary training? This can be as simple as doing a number of push ups and/or squats every day.
Do you have any weight or fitness goals for this year? A suggestion might be to recover quicker from your sports training or game. Or be fit enough to play, or master a certain set of skills for your sport. A weight goal could be to reduce your measurements by a number of centimetres in your waist, hips, legs etc.
Remember, it all starts with taking the first step. It can be however small, but just take it. I heard somewhere once that if you choose not to take care of yourself now you are basically indicating to those around you that you expect them to look after you later on. To me this applies not only in the health area and in later life, but also in sporting and other areas right now. Once you commit to a team there is a certain expectancy to pull your own weight so the team as a whole can be better. If you eat to fill yourself up instead of nourishing yourself how can you put in your best effort? Similarly if you want to play in a team sport and expect to be part of that team, somewhere there needs to be the commitment to your own fitness so that you can give your best. So in other words no one should have to be left picking up the pieces of what you chose to neglect.
