Being Healthy Takes Work, a Plan and the Right Tools

I am grateful for my health and have been fortunate to be healthy and remain the same weight for over 15 years ( except during pregnancy when I gained 50 pounds with each child!).  However, it does not come easy, it takes work and you have to want to do it. 

The news that HCG, a infertility drug, is being offered as a diet pill, prompted me to write this blog post. It made me angry. Any "diet" or "pill" that claims to help you lose weight is not the right tool. 

Of course, there are cases where surgery and medical aid is necessary to save a person's life.  However, the majority of people can get healthy with lifestyle changes and education on how to use the tools and implement them. 

In addition, you can be given all the tools and still not get the results.  You need to be shown how to use the tools.  You can have a state of the art craftsman tool chest with the finest tools, and not use most of them simply because you do not know how. The one thing to remember is if you want to feel well, you have to eat well.  You take care of your car, right?  We remember to put gas in, rotate tires, and get a tune-up.  Well, give yourself the same treatment. Upgrade your gas and nourish your body with healthier and wholesome foods. Rotate your tires and go for a walk, run, or bike ride.  Physical activity not only promotes a healthy weight, but also helps to reduce stress. Give yourself a tune-up by cutting out or at least cutting back refined foods, hydrogenated fats, alcohol, coffee, and sweets.  I can guarantee your engine will run smooth. 

Moderation is the way...I love to have a great slice of pizza. Taking care of yor body will give you more gas miles.  If you are healthy: doctor visits decrease, immunity increases, energy levels increases, and you feel happier. Remember, anything that comes too easy usually does not last..too good to be true.  It takes work.  I plan my weekly meals on Saturday night.  On Sunday I go shopping and organize the grocery items for the week.  For example, I will cook a roaster on Sunday to have chicken salad for lunch or grill veggies for the week for sandwiches.  In addition, I always have a lunch cooler with me that is packed with apples, almonds, whole grain cereal, water, and protein bars. 

It's spring...take your car in for a tune-up. 

Some great sites to visit are www.realage.com.  Real age is a very interactive site that offers menu planners, weekly grocery lists to match your menu plan, daily nutrition details, as well as healthy recipes. 

Another favorite is www.101cookbooks.com.  The website illustrates how to incorporate whole foods into your menu.  There are great recipes, a healthy food journal, and starting out with the basics that include how to cook with natural foods as well as what foods to use by the season. Start out small and your success will be big. 

Try a new healthy dish once a week or cut down coffee.  If you get stuck in rut and need a tow truck, visit www.elitewellnessonline.com for a Wellness Coach, that's what I am here for!

Good luck with your tune-up!  It is worth the investment.