If you are like me, being healthier is always on your to-do-list! The most common New Year’s Resolutions have to do with weight loss, diet, and exercise. But, did you know that by reaching your health goals you are also setting yourself up for success in personal and professional areas as well?
When your body is functioning at it’s optimum level you have more success in every area of life. Some examples:
1. You have more energy. When you have more energy, you get more done.
2. More time. Being healthy means less time being sick, less time at the doctor’s office, and less time feeling sluggish.
3. More creativity. One result of not exercising and eating right? Brain fog. When you have brain fog it’s almost impossible to think clearly and outside the box.
Unfortunately, this week, I know the symptoms of lethargy and brain fog all too well. After spending 10 days in California and stuffing myself with rich food on my trip and Thanksgiving, I am run down this week. As many of you know, I struggle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the smallest slip-ups in my nutrition, sleep, and supplement routines leave me feeling run-down for days. Luckily, I haven’t felt this way in a while now, and it’s enough to make me want to not fall off the wagon ever again!
Most of us know what we need to do to be our healthiest, we just don’t implement. Let’s talk about some ways to be healthy and stick to the plan!
See your doc.
Whenever beginning a diet and/or exercise plan, be sure to talk it over with your doctor. She will be able to tell you if you have any health concerns that would affect the way you need to eat and exercise. If you are clueless about nutrition, your doc will also be able to refer you to a nutritionist. In addition, be sure to go for your annual appointments.
Eat well.
Once it’s been determined what you should be eating, make it easy on yourself to stick to the plan. Eat foods that nourish your body and don’t skip meals. Plan your meals for the week on Saturday and go to the grocery store. Make it easy on yourself by having healthy foods and snacks on hand (and throwing out the junk food).
Start moving.
A trainer I had once told me that most people fail at their exercise plans because they can’t stick with their routine. They get super excited and motivated for a month or so and hit the gym for hours each day. Schedule exercise into your day. Even 15-20 minutes adds up. Also incorporate movement into your habits: take the stairs, fidget at your desk, pace while on the phone, and knit while watching TV. A recent study showed that among a group of non-exercisers who had similar diets, the “fidgeters” of the group weighed up to 30 lbs less simply because their fidgetting during the day added up to about 350 calories burned. Every little bit helps!
Write down your goals.
Write down what health goals you want to achieve. Next, make a list of the steps you need to take in order to achieve each goal. Lastly, write down the motivating factors behind each goal (living a long life to be here for your family, feeling better and work, having more confidence, etc.).
Journal.
Get a small notebook that can easily fit in your purse and keep a food and exercise journal. This will help create consciousness. Also be sure to jot down how you feel after eating and exercising!
Affirm.
Create positive affirmations that support your goals and say them throughout the day. Jot your affirmation on a post it and stick to the mirror to be sure to get your day off on the right foot! My favorite health affirmation? I am slim, trim, and healthy!
Let’s work on our health together, oh and don’t forget to get your SLEEP!
To our health!
Brandi Hamrick
The “Queen B” Coach
www.brandihamrick.com
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