Recently I  partnered with a personal trainer and a chiropractor (visit the Resources Section of my website for more into). As we met to discuss our views about what being healthy really means, we all had strikingly similar ideas and it goes back to what I discussed in January - the idea of healthy diet, not a restrictive diet.

  More specifcally, I asked Matthew Baker, Owner of Fitness Together, what he thought the ultimate answer to long term weight loss was. His answer: "A lifestyle change... Changing your lifestyle is not a short term proposition.  You know that physical activity and a healthy diet is the only way to insure long term success.  Our bodies were not meant to ingest all of the processed foods we eat today.  Our bodies were also not designed to live a sedentary lifestyle.  The change in our lifestyles over the past 50 years is the culprit to our ever expanding waistlines and health problems.  And the truth is that we all know it!" He continues by saying that current diet fads and books are so popular because they seem like easy ways out for most people. Many of us know this to be true -- we have seen success by cutting carbs, fat or calories, been excited by watching our weight drop and then self-sabotage by going back to our previous habits.

  Ultimately, we must realize that the road to health is a continual process. It also consists of changing years and years of unhealthy habits. Other things need to be taken into consideration, as well, such as heredity, emotions, and lifestyle. And this all takes time. But, as Baker concludes, "If you have faced the truth and are ready to make a change in your life, then seek help and set up a healthy, sensible diet for yourself and begin an exercise program."

  A professional personal trainer or nutritional counselor can assist with these goals. Team up with a friend or family member to inspire and motivate each other. Even better, sign up for my new group programs. March into spring with a new vision of you -- and love it! 

 

To Your Best-