Answer these questions to keep yourself on the road to better health!
Am I still eating fast food? With all of the knowledge we have today regarding the fast food industry, I am always shocked to see cars lined up at the drive-throughs. This is easy to fix, just don't do it. If you are finding it difficult to stop the fast food cycle, watch the movie Fast Food Nation for some inspiration. By the way, traveling is no excuse - pack food for the road, stop at a grocery store and even gas stations sell bananas.
Am I getting at least one hour of exercise 5 to 6 days a week? This is one of those non-negotiable health rules. Do it for your heart and think of it as part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth (you are brushing your teeth everyday aren't you...)
Am I eating fruits and vegetables with every meal? Don't wait for dinner to serve veggies, and stop thinking that fruit is only for the breakfast table. Mix it up, if you have more time in the morning than at lunch eat a salad for breakfast or better yet try a green smoothie. You can't say "yuck!" until you've experimented and tried a few. I can guarantee you'll find at least one that is refreshing and tasty.
Am I buying processed foods that have a laundry list of ingredients? Stick with the rule, 7 or less ingredients is best.
Am I eating more organic foods? Go back to week sixteen and review the list of fruits and vegetables that are best eaten organic. Remember pesticides are linked to many, many diseases.
Am I cooking more and eating out less? It is really tough to eat healthy at a restaurant. Portion control is nearly impossible unless you have extreme willpower, and then just try to stay away from the fries on your kid's plate.
Am I eating too much added sugar? Most of us do so make it your goal to eat less or better yet, no added sugar, and you'll see the pounds melt off of you. If weight is not an issue for you do it for your body - sugar is tough on our entire system. Added sugar is different than natural sugar so know the difference and skip those foods that add sugar to unnaturally sweeten your foods.
Am I eating too much meat? Americans eat too much animal protein. I find it interesting that people are so concerned about getting enough protein. Ask yourself this, what is the problem that more protein will fix? If you eat a balanced diet, including nuts, seeds and mostly plants you shouldn't have a problem. There are many athletes who do not eat any meat at all. I recommend reading Brendan Brazier's "Thrive", Alicia Silverstone's website "The Kind Life", and Dr. Andrew Weil's food pyramid. They are great resources.
Am I taking time to relax and have fun everyday? We all know by now that stress kills. Life is not a race - slow down and stop taking everything so seriously. Work on de-stressing and celebrating your wonderful family and friends each day.
Am I making excuses instead of making changes? Easy to do. There is no magic diet, pill, or exercise video that is going to make the changes for you. Find your motivation and keep plugging away. You can do it, now ask yourself, do I want to do it?
Good luck with your assessment and be sure sure to visit this page often. These questions are great reminders for us all - we can always be just a little better, a little healthier!
~One body, One life~
Jennifer
