It’s so hard to know what the “right” thing is for our own diet and exercise plan. We read books, talk to friends, review what worked before, what didn’t work before and we think we have a plan. Then after 3 days it falls apart. “Life” steps in.
I work with people on a very individualized basis and know from past and present experience for clients as well as myself, keeping it flexible and personal is the key to success.
What does that mean? Personal…keep it all about you and your reality.
Consider these questions:
Do you travel?
Do you enjoy dining out?
Do you feel motivated to workout alone, with a trainer, or with friends? (maybe the answer is all of the above)
Do you like to workout indoors or outdoors?
Do you enjoy cooking?
Are you goal oriented?
What motivates you (feeling of accomplishment, feeling of respect, feeling healthy, seeing improvements visually, etc)?
Are you beholden to your family’s schedule(s) and how honest are you being about what you need to do and what you can let go of?
Do you react to stress by eating or drinking (and I don’t mean lettuce and water)?
And finally, how much of a priority IS your health? If it’s below top 5, you probably will always find another priority to take over.
When you are working on this by yourself, these are important questions to consider. I’ll repeat myself…they are important.
Take some time, answer these privately and in your own time, then look at your answers and determine what kind of plan you can commit to and succeed.
For instance, if you travel, look at restaurant options and hotel options where you will be going and create a plan of what to order for room service, grocery store shopping (if you have a refrigerator) and what restaurants you will frequent. Set yourself you to succeed.
If you love working out with a trainer, set up a schedule 2-3x a week…make yourself accountable.
If you enjoy cooking, start reviewing recipes which are all about healthy eating. There are thousands of healthy recipes out there which support a vegan, vegetarian, meat lovers, juicers and everyone in between. Plan and set your menu up accordingly.
And lastly, if you feel you have no time, ever, and your life is not your own; then eating and exercise is secondary to stress and balance. Getting your life in balance, your priorities in line, your acceptance to your life in order is primary. Finding that focus will help you determine if you have the time to inch in a little self care. I’ve said t his before, as does my coach…self care is the least selfish act one can create. If you (YOU) are happy and balanced, everything else is manageable. This is a wonderful first priority.
Tammy Parkinson, CNC, CPT, CLC
Body Firm
www.mybodyfirm.com
408 896 2639
