Take back your health!!

I think it's time we take some responsibility for our own health!!! I am so outraged by how many people know their behaviors are hurting them, yet continue to do them. I hear this line all the time " I can't give up sugar" Or cheese or meat, etc. We never use the words "I WON'T give up sugar" because that would be putting the blame on yourself! And who wants to take the blame for their own health??? Can't and won't are two very different things! Most people WON'T make changes in their lives, not because they CAN'T, but because they just don't want to! If you think about it this way...tomorrow you will die if you eat another bite of sugar...I bet you will not take another bite!
Your health should be #1 on your list of priorities. I know most think it should be your children, but being healthy keeps you around longer and maybe your kids won't have to worry about you as much as you age! Healthy is not being thin or fat, healthy is being regularly active, eating a well balanced diet, drinking lots of water, being positive, setting goals, and most important loving yourself! Lets break it down:

1. Being active! I know we all cringe at the words "workout" or "gym", but really you need to be active. You don't have to join a gym, but those who have gym memberships workout more often, mostly because weather is not an excuse, and they are paying for it! Personal Trainers are a great resource! They are usually up to date with all sorts of new and fun exercises, and can keep you motivated! What should you look for in a trainer? Someone who is excited about exercise, someone who listens to your needs and understands your lifestyle, creativity is also important...it will keep exercise fun! Big NO NO on my list...a diet pusher! Don't diet, and don't let a trainer put you on a crazy diet! When you are ready, you will want to change your lifestyle, diets will just set you up to fail, crave junk food, and in the end result in more weight gain! Remember, you can also be active by walking, running, hiking, biking...so many ways to get moving! It is your body...take some responsibility!

2. Balanced diet, what the heck is that? There is so much out there about the "best" diet, but really, the best diet is the kind which keeps healthy...as in not sick all the time, not bloated, not foggy, and not tired! For me, that is a plant-based diet about 70-80% raw food! It makes me feel energized, happy, lean, and healthy! I don't know if it is a diet everyone can thrive on, but I sure do know of many, many, out there who's lives have been transformed by a plant-based diet! If your food cannot be pronounced or sounds like a science experiment then it's mostly like bad for your health! Chose wisely, eat whole foods, lots of fresh fruit, fill up on fruit & veggies, avoid low-fat, sugar free, processed junk!

 3. Water...so simple, just drink it! All day, skip the juice, the soda, and the energy drinks! Water is the only way to hydrate your body!

4. Positivity is so important! It is almost as crucial to our health as food or water! Being in a positive state of mind brings postivity right back to you! What you put out you shall receive! If you find yourself around negative people, do your best not to be influenced by their state of mind. But...choose who is around you if you can! Negative thoughts will create stress in the body, stress creates illness and disease!

5. Set goals! I really think it is important to be constantly learning, changing, and moving forward! Goals help push you in the right direction! They keep you motivated! Make a list of things you want to accomplish and watch how quickly you will be checking them off the list! Life is so much fuller when you open your mind up and start being productive! Feeling accomplished is great! It also opens up many doors you thought might have been closed! You might have thought paying off debt was out of reach, but make it a goal, work towards it, and watch it happen!

6. Love yourself! I know it sounds silly, but do it! Don't say or think negative things about yourself. Treat your body kindly, and remember to take care of your mind. Read, relax, take deep breaths, and always be kind to yourself. Don't feel bad about having "me time", it is good for you! Alone time allows you to focus on healing soul!

There you go...now take back your health!!! It is your responsibility! No one should care more about you than YOU!