You Have to Start to Be Great

Sorry for the late post... you can always have plans, but life, as we all know, can change those plans for you.    

So here I am today, Monday Jan 21, 2012 - on a day of remembrance and reflection of just how far this country, the world, has come.  In many ways the world has changed since the days of Martin Luther King, Jr., but in some ways it has not.  Tradition, like habits, can run deep - so deep it seems we will never shake them.  Some traditions are meant to stay because they feed light into our souls... some are meant to change because they not only bring others, but ourselves down... 

But there is always a bright side to everything.  You may have a not so healthy habit - smoking, drinking something bad for you (alcohol, soda, etc), not exercising, that you feel that you just can't kick.  But it is all mind over matter.  Your Mind over Your Matter.  When it comes to your health, small steps in the right direction, even if you take steps back, is still good.  You are still going the right way, as long as you try.   

Think about this... you don't want to be far down the road of life and have a bunch of "what ifs".  What if I took that chance? What if I took better care of myself?  And if not for you then definitely for your children/grandchildren - for those people who you love and those who love you.   Don't keep saying tomorrow.  Start today.  Now.  

With health, every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle, no matter how slow is a positive step.  It is you fighting for your life.  You have to find what works for you.  Do not fall into these gimmicks of "Lose Weight Fast" because often times, if you don't change your life - if you don't change yourself - then you will gain the weight back.  Trust me - I've been there many times.  

So enough with the talk.  Let's act.  If you are signed up for this blog, you have hopefully committed to your health, whether it be baby steps or you are willing to take a leap.   We are asking you to make some lifestyle changes that will help you towards your weight loss goal.  We have adapted Dr. Oz's 2011 Just 10 Challenge to wean people off of their seemingly bad habits and get them going towards better total wellness.  There are 5 simple rules participants must follow - at their own pace.  It often takes at least 14 consistent repetitions of an action for it to become a habit, so take it slow if you need to.  There is no time frame on this challenge.  Here are the rules:

1. Cut Caloric Beverage (start slow if you need to)
2. Move at least 10 minutes each day where your heart rate is elevated (even slightly)
3. Weigh yourself (oh no!) 2 - 3 times a week and record your progress - look at the trend, not each day
4. Do not eat 2-3 hours before bed - I know this one is hard for moms and dads, but try your best
5. Watch your portions - WebMD has a great tool for this: Portion Size Plate

So its easy for me to say get going.  Get up off the couch and do something.  But really, your wellness, or lack thereof is in your hands. We only seek to give you the tools and support to get you going and to keep you going.  Please feel free to respond, add to, and share your experience on the blog... Everyone needs support in life changing journeys.  Even from strangers.  So here's to you.  I know you can do it.  This is your time.

- M