First Steps to a Healthier LifeStyle

Sometimes we overcomplicate things. Ok. I speak for myself- I overcomplicate things. I know I am not alone here, however. There are definitely other people out there, like me, thinking that all or nothing thought- "How can I get fit if I don't fix everything. What even is everything?" All that thinking backs us into a perfectionistic corner and results in a complete lack of action.

In the years of fitness training, education, and personal development I've taken, it's finally sinking in. Small steps are often the best to take and the first step is just to pick one. Today, I'll share a few first steps that will help re-engage you in wellness routines, help you feel better and energize you by reminding you who's in charge here- you are.

Choose one small thing to work on and really do well. Choose something that you can say you are a 9/10 or higher on the "definite" scale. You are the queen or king of this thing. You rule over it. You own it. Aim for 90%-100% mastery on this one. Once you adhere to this one thing for a week, aim for another small thing.

Pick an Easy First Step and Commit to It:

Drink more water.

It is essential to prioritize staying hydrated by increasing your water intake. Water plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. By drinking an adequate amount of water daily, you can help regulate your body temperature, aid digestion, and flush out toxins. Additionally, staying hydrated can improve your skin's appearance, boost your energy levels, and enhance cognitive function.

Eat Slowly. Before changing your whole diet, try eating slower. Eating slower allows the receptors on our tongue to recognize the nutrients entering your body. This sends signals to your digestive tract to prepare for food. Food enters this process at a reasonable time, giving your satiety sensors a chance to notice you've eaten enough and are full before you accidentally ingest more than intended. As a whole, we underestimate our total energy consumption by 25% or more. This can result in excess calories of 1500- it takes 3500 to add a pound of weight. Eating slowly also allows us to feel and enjoy our food more. How many times have you finished eating only to realize you don't remember tasting a thing? Or, you question did you actually eat that already? This maybe that you ate too quickly to appreciate it. Lastly, eating slowly can help us feel what foods energize us and which ones drain us- which foods upset the stomach and which ones don't. These reactions tell us more about what our system needs and can guide our decisions later.

Positive Affirmations.

"Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead." These words by Pink emphasize self-compassion and self-care. Shifting our inner dialogue towards self-acceptance and kindness is crucial in a world where self-criticism prevails. Pink urges introspection to identify and transform harmful self-talk patterns. Embracing self-compassion and self-encouragement fosters self-worth and confidence. This journey of self-discovery and self-love involves acknowledging vulnerabilities, celebrating strengths, and embracing imperfections. By befriending ourselves and nurturing a positive inner voice, we uplift and motivate ourselves. Pink's reminder to be our own best friend highlights the significance of self-love and self-acceptance for personal growth, resilience, and inner peace. Try replacing, "Ugh, I'm uncomfortable in my body" with, "My body is a healing machine." Try replacing, "I don't have time for that" with, "I make myself a priority." "My life would be great if..." can become, "I am empowered to choose my best life."'

Choosing to take small steps will place votes for the healthier version of you. Consider this your own presidential election. Do you want the person you don't trust- the one who trash talks you to be elected or do you want to be the confident, empowered leader of your own free world?

Let me know if you need more help on this journey!

With Love,

LeeAnn