One Small Step to Health... Small Changes Make Huge Differences

I have never really been one to live what would be defined as a "healthy life." I could eat pretty much what I wanted... and did. Exercise didn't happen. Most people would look at me and not think I need to make healthy changes.... and they would be wrong. The deciding factor was the way my children left my body. Three children in five year's worth of time can wreak havoc on your body for sure. When my gut didn't go away after my last baby it was time to do something different. It wasn't that I need to loose weight per se but really need to tone up what I have and be conscious of what is entering my body.

During the past few months I have had opportunities to participate in a few health challenges. I find that the challenge aspect makes a difference with the added accountability. Am I perfect in my healthy life? Nope... but I don't feel people need to be deprived of tastiness in order to be healthy either. There are sometimes chocolate or cookies come into my diet. But I do feel and look much more healthy than before as well as slowly shedding inches and weight.

So here are the tips I've learned:
1) Make small changes - for lasting results (whether that's weight loss or feeling healthy), the changes need to become habits. I know I wouldn't be able to manage huge changes so taking it one piece at a time was easy.

2) Increase the good - instead of worrying about cutting out my favorite foods, it was more important to concentrate on increasing the healthy things I needed. This included first increasing water intake. The recommendation is a minimum of 64 ounces per day. I think this was the most challenging as it does not come natural to strictly drink water all day. Other items do count toward your hydration as well such as milk, juice and some sports drinks.

The second are to increase was the intake of fruits and vegetables. The basic premise of this is that you're eating more of the good stuff which leaves less room for the junk. Now I try to keep a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in the house. Instead of starchy sides for dinner, a vegetable was made instead. Instead of snacking on chips, have grapes or cut up veggies available.

3) Cut out the fast food - There are some serious addictive properties to fast food, which also includes the addiction to instant gratification. In general we make bad choices when it comes to fast food, considering there are not very many great choices available. If I must eat out quickly, I try to go somewhere like Subway where I can get a veggie filled sandwich.

4) Increase movement - Movement and exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle. Does this mean I spend hours in the gym? Not a bit. I don't believe I have entered a gym since I have made the decision to be healthier. But I did make a commitment to be moving a lot more. Even if it is 5-10 minutes at a time movement happens. One of my favorite ways to exercise is with a video or class. I much prefer to have someone tell me what to do instead of being on my own. When the weather is good, we have a goal to get out and walk as much as possible. I also want to just have fun with whatever I do or else I'm not going to do it. This means increasing the amount of active playtime I have at work and with my own children.

5) Give permission - Part of being healthy is mental health. If the one chocolate is good for the soul, go for it. Do you have to be deprived at your child's birthday party? No! Everything in moderation. Instead of a piece of cake the size of your head, have a small sliver. Also know that it's ok to have a set-back, but get back on track as soon as possible.

Being challenged and having accountability is important for a healthy lifestyle that you are going to stick to long term. The habits that are set up now, become vital for your health. As with any plan, make sure to consult professionals regarding what is going to be best for your particular body and lifestyle. The consultation I received came from a licensed dietitian, a personal trainer and nurses.