When Is It Time ?...

When is it really time to do something about your health (or your weight?)

You may be at a point in your life when you say to yourself, 

"This is as good as it gets". If you are--

            🎉🎉CONGRATULATIONS!🎉🎉

I like your attitude. You know how to appreciate what you have. You are rare. I have been known to say this, and have been taught by my hubby (a very smart man) that it is even better to say, "This is the best its ever been". Saying that means you appreciate everything the way it is but you are not closing the door to even better.

On the other hand you may be spending time wishing things were better and not understanding why you feel that way or how to make it happen. We know as adults, wishing doesn't make things happen. Change requires action.

Either way--things CAN be better, beginning with your health:

Is it time?

It just MIGHT be time to do something about your HEALTH if:

⏰  You feel you are aging beyond your years

⏰  You find yourself tired when you start your day

⏰  You suffer from chronic headaches or other chronic                                           conditions

⏰  You have difficult time getting through your day                              without some form of stimulant

⏰  You rely on drugs and prescription medications to                 handle conditions that may be controlled with 
                       life-style changes instead

      **(many medications have unpleasant or unhealthy                      side effects)             
⏰  You suffer from aches and pains that keep you from       enjoying time with people and activities you love

⏰  You worry about your health and the future... And                               being around to see the future

⏰  You are just plain sick and tired of being sick 
                                         and tired

***The bottom line--- You know you need to improve your health but you keep putting off any steps toward it.

Of course, it really is time to take control of your health BEFORE any of these things start happening, but it's never too late.

Is it time to do something about your weight?

It MIGHT be time to do something about your WEIGHT if:
⏰   Your doctor recommended you lose weight for health reasons

⏰  You suffer from joint pain related to extra weight, i.e             knees, hips, etc. 

⏰   You avoid activities because they are too difficult, or             events because you have nothing to wear that fits      

⏰  You are tired of sitting on the sidelines, left out of the                                            action

⏰  You dislike seeing yourself in pictures

⏰  You live in "workout clothes" but you don't workout.                   (You wear them because they stretch)

⏰  You find your clothes keep mysteriously shrinking                       until even your underwear is too small

⏰  You don't have the energy to keep up with your                                 children or grandchildren      

⏰  You are constantly self-conscious about, 
               or humiliated by your weight

***The bottom line--- You want to look better in everything you wear and feel better in everything you do.

Health vs. Weight

A healthy weight is not insurance that your general health is perfect. There are thin people who have major health issues as well as slightly overweight people whose general health is pretty much on track. Of course its no secret that obesity (a body mass index - BMI of over 30+) is often a contributing factor to many illnesses and life-threatening diseases. *To get an idea of your BMI use the link below:

www.calculator.net/bmi-calculator.html   

Chances are if you are still reading this you are unhappy with either your weight or your health (or you are thinking of someone you care about that should read this)

If you let your thoughts consume you--you will be adding to your problem. Adding stress will not help either your health or your weight. But taking action will. If you haven't seen your doctor, that's the best place to start. Lay it all out there. Be honest. Ask for advice instead of more medication. Discuss a plan.
 Unfortunately many physicians are not trained or highly educated in nutrition (and often receive bonuses from pharmaceutical companies) but they may be able to give you a general suggestion. It may then be up to you to do some research to find what best suits your personality when it comes to changing your diet and lifestyle.
(Are you a "turkey" or a "weaner", or somewhere in-between?--See my post "Turkey vs. Weaner")

You are what you eat...

HOW DO YOU START?

You might begin by moving a little more each day and tracking what you eat to help you realize where you need to make changes.
If you haven't yet, investing in a fitness tracker such as one of the Fitbit wrist pedometers can be very helpful in reminding you to move, tracking steps, calories burned, etc.--a great motivational tool. (Mine is the new Fitbit Alta). Everything as far as nutrition/diet planning and exercise is literally available at your fingertips now (online). Its a matter of investigating and deciding what will work for you.
See my post "Don't Say the 'D' Word"
There are many diet/nutrition plans to follow. It is important to choose one that you can stick with, consider as lifestyle with balanced nutrition not just a temporary fix.
For a sound medically-based life-long diet program to get started check out the Mayo Clinic:

https://register.diet.mayoclinic.org/d_Search_Google_STD_new?promo=733C91F8-C74E-4B52-8505-056DBE52CFA5&xid=g_search_google&gclid=CjwKEAjwn7e8BRCUqZiP_vnrtBkSJAC_lp4HIXLPzHItCuBeAoo90cJRcU7d

There are past posts (and many more to follow) about diet, exercise and recipes on this blog. Look to the right under "labels" to find what you are looking for.

For a nutritious (delicious) shake that I have used for 6 years now to help get nutrition on track (some weight has been a pleasant side-effect) go to:

www.myshakeology.com/nanciedwards

For a 21-day program with great structure and recipes to detox and reset your body you can find a full account of my 21 days, how I felt and what I ate on this blog. I learned to like many new foods that are healthy and cook them in appealing ways. I was completely Vegan at the completion and lost weight and felt great. Look under labels for Beachbody Ultimate Reset. For more information go to:

www.myultimatereset.com/nanciedwards

For a complete program (also 21-days, but you don't have to stop there) Beachbody's 21-Day Fix program is very complete: With colored containers for food, it simplifies portion control and proper portion of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. No bother with counting calories or points. And it comes with recipes and wonderful home workout DVDs with simple varied workouts you can do on your own time, no driving or sweating in front of strangers.
http://www.teambeachbody.com/showcase/-/bcp/3124709772001/45564?referringRepId=45564
You can find this under the 'shop' button at:

 www.beachbodycoach.com/nanciedwards

Is it time to make a change?

Often when people are considering making a change they focus on what they will need to give up, what they might miss. Many times when it comes to changing diet, you may need to add more nutrients. When your body gets what it needs it stops craving what you think you want. (Why do you think dessert is at the end of a meal?---If you fill up on protein and vegetables, really add a lot of vegetables, you may not have room for dessert anyway). Honestly, I have known so many people that are afraid to change, but if they only knew how much better they would feel they would do it RIGHT NOW and never look back. 

Isn't it better to make a few simple changes that ultimately lead to a better quality of life every day as well as possibly extending that life?  

**(You may want to read another past, very personal post, "Fitness From the Heart" if you need more inspiration to make a change)

It may not always be an easy transition--but SO worth it! What are you missing? What do you have to lose? 
                                        Go do it!

 (For me it's always time to take care of one's health and never take it for granted)

I choose Health and Happiness!
 How about you?
I welcome your questions and comments

#loseweight#feelgreat#timetochangediet#choosehealth