When Health Becomes A Headache

What comes to mind when you think about health or fitness?

I asked a similar question in the short survey I sent out a couple weeks ago. 

Go ahead. Take a second to answer the question. Maybe this is the second time, but answer again anyways.

Are the words that first come to mind positive or mostly negative?

After reviewing the survey responses, I found that several people responded to the question with an air of negativity. I saw words like "routine", "challenging", "hard", "unsuccessful", etc. 

It's true. Sometimes achieving health and fitness goals can require some hard work, BUT that doesn't mean achieving those goals has to be an unpleasant, tiring process. 

In fact, the more unpleasant and tiring the lifestyle, the more likely you are to give it up. 

I want you to have a positive outlook when it comes to health and fitness, not be beat down and discouraged by the mere thought of it. 

Unfortunately, there are so many different opinions thrown around about how to eat and exercise. Even worse, the fitness industry further distorts our view of health by promoting unrealistic physiques and diets. 

A combination of these things result in discouragement, shame and even guilt. This is the point where a lot of people give up and do nothing. 

Well, I am here to tell you that there is another way. 

To begin thinking positively about health investment, you need to have a confident approach.

Let's begin by looking at health as a journey, not an end goal. 

How does the journey begin? 

From the ground up. 

Nutrition 

The body needs quality fuel to function well. Being aware of what you eat and eating a nutrient dense diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy food. 

And let me just go ahead and say there is no universal diet that is perfect for everyone. 

People, throughout history, have thrived eating different types of diets with varying combinations of proteins, carbs and fats. So don't get too hung up on one macro-nutrient. 

A diet consisting of mostly lean proteins, fresh produce, legumes, minimally processed grains and animal products is not a bad place to start (assuming you have no allergies).

If you find a way of eating that works for you, helps you maintain a healthy weight and makes your body feel good, that's great! Keep it up.

And remember the 80/20 rule. Eat good most of the time.

Resistance Training 

Everybody knows I love strength training and I think it does wonders for the body, young and old. 

But doing some sort of resistance training whether it be weights, machines, bands or body weight is a great way to stay in shape and protect your body. 

Resistance training is, in my opinion, enjoyable and less monotonous than other forms of exercise. 

Plus, there is not one body system that resistance training can't benefit. 

Mobility

A body that keeps moving will stay moving longer, so stay active. 

Strive to achieve and maintain full range of motion in your joints. Apply pressure to tight muscles. Stretch. Practice perfect form when lifting weights. You can refer back to an earlier post on mobility here.

This is my favorite health investment triad, but, of course, you can't leave out rest. 

Rest is just as important as exercise. Your body can't run off fumes for long. Quality sleep is essential for recovery and tissue repair. Poor sleeping habits lead to stress and inflammation, eventually resulting in a cascade of negative outcomes for your body. 

Make small changes and progress. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Making too many drastic changes sets you up for failure. 

Sustainable lifestyle change is the name of the game.