pamNew Years Resolutions
Each year the number one New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight, become more fit or somehow attend to the myriad of health problems plaguing over 66% of the population of our country. In the health and wellness industry there is a predictable statistical influx of new clients who are at a readiness stage in January, like no other time in the calendar year. Yet we continue as a nation to get less and less healthy with each passing New Year – why is that?
Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle is a journey; it begins the moment we decide to take a step on the new path with a different mind than the mind that chose the current path. It begins with a thought, a mind-set change and any one action moving in that direction. And it ends on the day that we take our final breath in this tangible world. Any soul in search of the fast track needs to be aware that all fast tracks lead to big drop offs, to unsustainable results and to ultimately unhealthier final outcomes. The path to healthy happy lives is ours to choose at any given moment of the day – we just have to choose it. We don’t have to announce it, facebook it, twitter it, text it…. we just have to choose it.
Nutritionally speaking, the solution to a healthy path has not changed for hundreds or even thousands of years. The foods that most resemble their earth-given qualities should be most abundant in our daily choices. This means we regularly choose lots and lots of vegetables and fruits. At least 45- 50% of our daily calories should come from these foods. For those of us who love to eat, this is great news. Vegetables especially are so low in calories, we can eat great quantities, get tremendous benefits from the impact of vitamins, minerals, fiber and water, and still be well within our daily fueling budget. Although most of us LIKE vegetables and fruits, we struggle to eat all that we need on a daily basis. The National Cancer Institute recommends that each of us have 6 – 11 servings of veggies and fruits PER DAY. Many people drink that many sodas or cups of coffee but rarely get the recommended dose of nature’s most perfect fueling creations.
Habitually speaking, it is most favorable to the human body to divide our caloric intake between 6 or even 7 meals and snacks throughout the day, eating small quantities of nutrient rich food. To manage hunger, it is most helpful to eat a lean protein source, a veggie or a fruit and a either a complex carbohydrate (a starch) or a very small portion of healthy fat (salmon (protein and healthy fat – excellent!) vegetable oil, nuts, seeds, olives, avacado….etc) all at the same time. The human body has a highly specialized intestinal tract which allows nutrients to be absorbed at different depots; it is NOT necessary for digestion that we combine our foods together HOWEVER for satiety and a steady flow of energy, it is most helpful to do so. Therefore, most nutrition educators, Nutritionists and Registered Dieticians will recommend this strategy for their clients or patients.
Finally may I suggest you consider the following as we slide the year 2010 into our memoirs and into our personal histories – there is NO NEED to wait until any particular date, to begin a new path on the one and only journey of your life. Consider this most impactful, profound statement and find a place for this wisdom in your personal philosophy – “Life is what happens when we are making other plans”
The past is now history – if it is good, bring forth the memories from time to time. If it is not, find the lessons in the struggles, stop digging in the holes you have fallen into, climb out and take a different route…. one without those same holes along the way. It is simply a choice. The future is promised to no one. All we have are our present moments. Find the miracle in every present moment of your life; if you choose to do that, you CANNOT and WILL NOT mistreat your body by feeding it unhealthy choices or being stationary when you have a choice to fuel and move. Your journey begins right now – for no apparent reason, with the reward being a moment by moment better quality of life, please choose to be a healthier you. ….. today, this second and all the seconds of your present moments. In doing so you will unlock the doors to all that has held you captive on your journey thus far. Use a different mind and eliminate the need for resolutions on a yearly basis. It all begins with a single step.
Happy 2011!!!
For customized nutrition plans, endurance athletic coaching, life coaching and planning and all forms of personal training, visit me at www.pamgiese.com or email pam@pamgiese.com.
