Creating Real Change

How to form positive habits and a New You

Ever wonder why some people get great results from their workouts or their normal eating routine? What makes them different? How do they do it? Usually it’s one or two simple habits.

All of us face two choices in life and it usually pertains to what we control and what we don’t. Sometimes in life, we have challenges beyond our control, yet we allow the challenges to influence the things we do have control over. When it comes to regular workouts and healthful eating, many people feel they have barriers, which prevent them from regular workouts. These can be work, schedule, the need for more time with family, long commutes, fear, intimidation, and even boredom and fatigue. Some can’t be helped at all: personal injuries or illness, caring for elderly parents, feeding the teenagers each evening and there are many more. But barriers should not stop you from implementing positive changes to secure a long and healthy life.

What is a ‘fence sitter’? That is a person who only puts their foot halfway in the water, or half way to a commitment. Well, now’s the first of the year and time to make some positive changes to your lifestyle.

You can surely find one-to-two things that you do control and attack those. Make them positive habits that you always think about. Then pick two more! Before you know it you are on your way to a new you.

I knew a nurse who said that her challenge was eating cake at work. With 40 fellow staff members, seldom did a week go by without a cake or party celebrating a birthday, wedding anniversary or birth. What did she do? She found a few charities that the staff could get behind and at every party they decided to donate $1 in that person’s name instead of buying and eating cake. At the end of the year they had over $1000 for charity and celebrated an end to eating cake.

It’s hard to change your diet overnight, but you can form one or two new habits every month and change your life. Try eating healthier tips such as these: ½ a sandwich instead of a whole at lunch. Swear off fried foods. No soda. Have one piece of fruit per day. Cut-back or eliminate the alcoholic drinks. Make a quality lunch at home from nutritious ingredients you pick verses buying lunch out. Don’t be fooled by any fashionista’s in your circles. A lunch cooler tote is very chic.

Maybe you can’t workout every day, but an easy way to start is to find a buddy or co-worker and walk together at lunch. Then make sure you go out every day. If the weather’s dreary, doubtful in Southern California, but – look for an indoor mall or other enclosed facility. After you’re in the habit of going five days a week, carve out some time each Saturday when you take a walk. Select a time of day (maybe first thing in the morning) when you don’t have conflicts or distractions and you know you can always get it done. Before you know it you’ll be out walking 6 days a week. Then, find that special time for walking on Sunday.

There are indeed things that you can control in life that will make you healthier and ultimately happier. Everything in life is brighter and more abundent when you are happy and healthy. When you feel and look your best, you are on top of the world and can do anything. Throw out “happy” and “healthy” and life can take you down a dark path. The good news is you can control your health and your happiness. Start with only one-to-two things that you can control and then go to work on them. You’ll soon see your world change! If accountability to real change is lacking, or you simply don’t know where to start, call us.

Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom designed to fit your needs and abilities. Call 619-794-0014 for more information or to schedule a free assessment session. See what others are saying about us on Yelp and San Diego City Search.

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