It happens to everyone: that moment when you realize it’s time to do something about your weight. It may happen when you’re looking in the mirror or standing on the scale. Your first thought is to go on a diet, but as quickly as that enters your mind the ghosts of a hundred diets past return – along with all the frustration. Then you wonder, “Why bother? The weight will come back, as it always has.” Then you’ll be back in front of the mirror as discouraged as ever. The answer is not to go on another diet. The answer is to change your lifestyle.Your lifestyle obstaclesMost people resist changing their lifestyle for two reasons. First, change is scary. Whether you realize it or not, your life is in a constant state of change. Though you cling to the familiar, it’s a futile struggle. Change always wins. Since you’ll never escape it, you might as well channel it. It’s time to make the change in your life purposeful and positive.Second, there is a lifestyle misconception. How many times have you heard the term “healthy lifestyle,” only to picture a health nut with celery sticks in one hand and tofu in the other? The truth is that most people think changing their lifestyle will be an extreme and unpleasant experience – and that’s not true. Improving your lifestyle does not mean swearing off chocolate or living in the gym. You don’t have to eat wheat germ for lunch, and you can still enjoy a nice plate of pasta. The key is moderation. It’s time to lose your all or nothing mentality. Embrace simple, small changes that will add up to big improvements in your lifestyle. These are venues for change:1. What you eatLet’s face it, most of the foods you eat aren’t the healthiest. Some are downright terrible (the burger and fries you had last week). While others are simply excessive (the snacks you eat while watching TV). The solution to clean up your daily diet is not to go back on a diet. In fact, I never want you to go on a diet again. Instead, I want you to make permanent healthy changes to your eating habits. Here are some practical examples:Choose salad over chips or friesDon’t add butter to your foodEat fresh produce with every mealPurchase fat-free dairy productsLimit desserts to one or two per weekCut out mindless snackingDrink water, not sodaDon’t expect to eat a perfect diet every day of the week. That would be ludicrous. You should, however, make more healthy choices every day than unhealthy ones.2. What you doExercise is a huge component to a healthy lifestyle; and, quite frankly, you’re not getting enough of it. How often does an entire week go by without you ever lacing up your tennis shoes? Don’t disregard the importance and power of a good workout. Your new healthy lifestyle means exercising on most days of the week. I understand how hard it is to find the motivation to stay consistent and push yourself. Make exercise a no-brainer. Here are simple ways to move more:Watch less TVStretch stiff muscles every dayPlay at the park with the kidsGo for a jogDo some pushups every morning?While none of the above is meant as substitutes for a solid exercise routine, they are great ways to become more active and to improve your lifestyle. Your lifestyle is the balance of all the choices you make regarding your body. Swing the balance in your favor. Make a majority of health conscious choices. Then, the next time you’re in front of the mirror you won’t worry about your weight. You’ll relish it.www.perfectfitwc.comRECIPE OF THE MONTHSauteed SoybeansWhat a delicious way to enjoy soy. Pre-shelled soybeans make this dish easy to prepare ñ itís ready in 10 minutes. Serve as a healthy side dish or a light meal. Yield: 3 serving Here’s what you need1 tablespoon olive oil1/4 cup chopped onion3 garlic cloves, diced1 1/2 cups shelled soybeans1 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 tablespoon soy sauceDash of saltDash of pepperHeat sautÈ pan over medium heat; add oil and onions. When onions begin to soften lower the heat, add the garlic and sautÈ for two minutes. Add soybeans, thyme, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook until soybeans are fully heated. Serve warm.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 172 calories, 9g fat, 11g carbohydrate, 5g fiber and 10g protein
