LET’S GET IT STARTED
That phrase and the motivation of the like named popular song can apply to many things and its intensity implies that doing so is not always an easy task.
One very daunting and easy to delay task is taking your health into your own hands. Getting started on a personal journey to health is something we all wish for ourselves, We watch others take it on and marvel in their fortitude and accomplishments. Why is it that they succeed and we can’t even seem to get started ? Do they have a special constitution; a “stick to it gene” – one that passes most of us by.
What they really have is they simply GOT IT STARTED! Small steps multiplied into larger steps. They felt the accomplishment and better yet, felt healthier for their efforts. Starting is the key. Most of us know we have the starting gene but the question is how to make it stick.
The following tips will set you on the right track. Spring is just around the corner so jump start your efforts and make the journey in the smallest steps YOU require. This is not about anyone else’s journey – it’s yours and yours alone. Get Started and here’s the key: don’t EVER stop.
Day One you’re wondering where to start. This is easy, WATER and luckily for most of us good quality water is FREE. (or at least an inexpensive filter away) Making the effort to drink more water is laying the ground work for that new healthier you. You’re saying it can’t be this easy but if you step up your water intake you’re taking the very first step to better health. Remember to take it with you – here’s a trendy motivator – buy yourself a very cool GO GREEN water bottle. You’ll see them everywhere – but try these sources. (americpromo.com – search for PBA free water bottles; kleen kanteen at amazon.com) Now you’re improving your health and going green. Try just this for awhile, when you’ve mastered it, move on. Notice you’ve got it started!
Once you’re comfortable with adding more water try it once a day instead of a less healthy drink. One less cup of coffee. Replacing one 16oz soda will cut 13.3 teaspoons of sugar from your day! ( Can you imagine eating 13+ teaspoons of sugar in one sitting – need convincing give it a try.)
Know what you’re eating. READ labels. How much high fructose corn syrup is in your diet. Remember the campaign to get out the Trans Fats. High fructose corn syrup is THE next target. Do you have any foods you CANNOT stop eating? Take a minute to check out the ingredients. High fructose corn syrup will keep you coming back for more and more and more. You just don’t understand WHY! Do without this ingredient for one week. How do you feel? If you’re a heavy HFCS consumer and can cut it out of your diet for a week your next step on the scale may surprise you. Also check in with yourself – FEELING BETTER? You’ve got it started!
What’s your next step. Keep reading labels. Look for whole food ingredients. If you don’t know what it is or don’t know how to pronounce it, it’s not on your body’s list of favorite nutrients. Keep it simple and look for whole foods. Shop the outside isles of your supermarket where you won’t find many processed foods there. Cook your food at home, you’ll save money and you can cook once and eat two or three times. Be kind to yourself on your journey, if you slip up, acknowledge it and move on. You Know You’ve got it Started!
Alice Cale is a Certified Integrative Health Counselor and Director of New England Integrative Health Counseling, 2434 Depot St. Rts. 11/30 Manchester Center, Vt.
