"Good health and nutrition require commitment and sacrifice; just like relationships. Everything worthwhile in life requires effort. Taking a short cut only leads you to a short-term goal."
Losing Weight: Break it Down into Smaller Steps
If you would like to loose weight, then make a commitment to change only one poor eating behavior every 2 weeks. You can begin with the easier choices if you like. It's all good! This does not necessarily mean you need to cut something out completely. You may need to just cut down the quantity.
For example, cutting back on soda, sugar, white flour products, etc, or adding whole grains, leafy greens, root vegetables, etc. There are so many healthy options to choose from and they don't need to be applied in any particular order. Most importantly they don't have to be added all at once. In fact, it's best if you don't add them all at once.
Don't Shock Your Metabolism Too Much
When people add too much exercise or too many diet changes at once they encounter two problems. One, they traditionally have a difficult time dealing with all of the sudden newness and soon find themselves ready to quit.
Two, they shock their metabolism into a state of confusion and concern. Remember, if you want your metabolism to run efficiently then you must never give it the idea that something is wrong on the outside through diet and exercise.
If it feels something is wrong then it will slow down; just in case that "something wrong" is life threatening. Your body will always look out for your best interest.
Follow the same foundation when it comes to exercise. One thing at a time, until you are comfortable, then add another. Instead of shocking your lifestyle, sneak up quietly and mold it. The bottom line is, if you change one behavior at a time, then you are changing your lifestyle. If you change many behaviors at one time, then you are in bondage!
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For both psychological adaption and not to shock your metabolism, it's best to take baby steps as you adopt weight loss and fitness for the first time.
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A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
I close by saying, never leave your exercise and nutrition habits to chance. You must take the time to plan. You may not stick to your plan 100%, but you will stick to more of it if planned than you would if not planned. Lastly, and most importantly, don't be disappointed if you are not perfect with your plan. Only be disappointed if you don't continue to try.
About Christi Taylor
Go to About Christi Taylor for more of her articles and her bio.
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