Make your life better, one step at a time (Part 1)

If you are like the rest of the people inhabiting the planet you will find yourself saying no — without intending to do so — to improving your life and health. Why? Because of the habits we acquire as we go and have a hard time letting go of.

But here’s the good news: once you change one habit that holds you back then you will have more drive to keep at it and change more.

Not only that, it will happen sooner than you expected. Remember that the first day of doing something different is the toughest. Our minds oppose change, but our bodies welcome it. Once you change something and feel good, you’re drawn towards changing more. The one catch: You have to do it for the the right reason and that is believing in it! Knowing why you do it, because then it becomes easier to match positive changes with the new habit. Once you do, you’re on the right path.

Improving your state of health — and your life, because they go hand in hand — is not an overnight process. It takes time, determination and if possible, a support network, being a friend, family member, or a group of like-minded people who will both inspire and encourage you. We do better if we’re accountable to someone else other than ourselves.

Where to start? There is an abundance of information out there about how to eat right, exercise right and change your life for the best. With so much of everything choosing becomes overwhelming at times. Here’s a good starting point: Stick with the basics.

Food

Eat as fresh as you can, as clean as you can, as many colors as you can (fruit, veggies and greens, that is.) Local and organic is best. Shoot for freshest you can find — farmer’s market is a good place to start — and stay away from packaged foods, no matter how tempting. There’s little if any benefit in eating processed foods. Strong flavors are the result of artificial compounds that will trick your taste buds and alter the way you perceive food. Healthy eating is the farthest away from bland. You don’t believe us? Try it for a while and you’ll see the difference.

Exercise

Even if you’re at close to zero activity levels, you’re in a good spot. You have everything you need to get going. Just step out of the house and go for a walk. If clinics are too intimidating for you, though they shouldn’t be (have you tried ours?) then opt for walks with a friend or family member. Sometimes it only takes a few good walks to get hooked. Fresh air and the good feeling you get after moving for at least half an hour daily (or more if you can) will call you back day after day. Hard to believe? At the risk of repeating ourselves, try it for a while and see for yourself. No time? Just walk part of the way to work instead of driving all the way.

We also think that you will benefit from good company and new activities, so call Maxfit Movement Institute front desk and ask about our outings (hiking, paddling, cross-country skiing,) it’ is an integral part of our philosophy. No need to feel intimidated. It is an-all levels, friendly environment where good conversation happens just because.

See you next week for part 2 on managing habits!