It is a rare person these days who hasn't heard the myriad of ways to lose weight, tone up, feel calm, sleep better...you name it.  Things sure have changed since I started down the healthy living path over 40 years ago.  

It thrills me to be able to find wholesome, nutritious foods easily and a salad other than iceberg lettuce with a sad tomato on top.  Why then, are the diseases related to obesity and poor nutrition on the rise?  

My belief is that human nature fights restriction and abhors another task on the "to-do" list.  Images of young, super fit, bodies being thrown at you from every direction can be motivating but it can also make you feel defeated before you even begin.  

Those images are usually unattainable even by the models.  It takes a crapload of work to be super lean year-round.  Plastic surgery, fake tans, and extreme diets are the norm.  Good luck holding down a job, taking care of kids and a house, and being well over 40!  Yesterday, I read an advertisement for an online course that promised 10-21 pounds of weight loss in only 21 days.  Please don't tell me you believe this nonsense!

OK. Now, what does that mean for me? You ask.

The good news is that incorporating simple changes to your nutrition and moving on a daily basis is amazing for your overall health and vitality.  You must consciously re-make the decision to be healthy when you have to make the choice to go for your walk or watch tv, grab the cookie or the apple, or drink water or a soda.  

Keep the reason in your mind, in an image, or on a post-it, of why you should make the healthy choice.  I do best with a positive reason but many only follow through from knowing they are helping to ward off heart disease, immobility, or weight gain.  What resonates with you?

Even if you are clear on why you want to live a healthier lifestyle, you will not always find it easy.  Nothing worthwhile is easy all the time.  It does get easier, I promise, as you start to make it a habit.  

So make a plan and set yourself up for success.  Cook ahead of time, keep your walking shoes in the car and don't buy junk.  If you need a little something sweet, have a healthier choice prepared.  (I love fresh figs and berries or some sweetened tea with a piece of toast).  Yes, I said a carb!  Too much restriction is not the answer to a happy life.  

Do try to eat protein throughout the day to keep your blood sugar even and ward off cravings.  If you only eat that toast for breakfast, you will hear your stomach growling soon after.  I would put avocado on the toast and have an egg and spinach along with it.  It gives you healthy fat that keeps our brains sharp, protein for muscle maintenance, and vitamins for overall health and beauty.  Buy small bags of snack food if you must buy it at all.  It is so easy to munch multiple servings of Popcorners.  

Try to do 20 to 30 minutes of resistance work a few times per week.  It will give you the biggest bang for your buck as far as visual motivation.  I have some videos on my Youtube channel if you need guidance.  

As always, feel free to comment on what you would like to hear more about.  I have faith in you.  With a little effort, you will have great rewards.  

You got this!

With love, :)

Jamie