5 Ways to Begin Your Health Journey

The hardest part of anything worth achieving in life is the Commitment TO START, and Then STAY committed to the cause. I realize that for many people the conversation revolving around health can be challenging one. For starters in my opinion many people can't admit or own what they eat, or the lack of physical activity they engage in, out of shame. I totally get that. Shame can be a harsh feeling to have in a conversation with others and yourself.

So in response to self Shame, and lack of knowledge you may have on how to change your lifestyle to better your HEALTH, MIND, & BODY I have Come up with my 5 WAYS TO BEGIN YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY.

We are all BIO-INDIVIDUALS, no one size fits all approach to diet and lifestyle will work for everyone. If you are reading this post because you want to start finding a way to gain real control over your health but find the process daunting, then I am so happy you are here. Keep reading and try these simple and easy tips!

Tip #1: START READING FOOD LABELS

Do you go to the food store and grab items that you like, or for your family and never really read what is on the nutritional label on the back? It is important to understand that food companies can pretty much put whatever they want on the face of the box, or container to get your attention. They make claims like "these crackers have 1 whole dose of your daily vegetable intake", if you think about it, what does that even mean, how can a crackers provide any great form of nourishment when you look deeper at the ingredients and there is tons of fillers like sugar, or different gums and potato starches.

By the way ...Gluten -Free doesn't mean healthier! When you are buying GF crackers, cereals etc. because you think you are being healthy you are often buying a food product that has more sugar and carbs then wheat. Potato starch, Corn Starch are often one of the main ingredients on gluten free products. Be aware!

When you begin to notice how much Sodium, Sugar, and Carbs, & Unhealthy Oils are in Prepackaged Processed food you will begin to get the bigger picture. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, cotton seed oil.....these should all be avoided!!

Now this leads me to tip #2!

Tip #2: AVOID THE INNER ISLES OF THE FOOD STORE

To be honest the best practice for yourself and your families health is to basically avoid the inner isles of the food store. They are all just processed foods, with fancy fonts to get your visual senses singing so you BUY! Unless you are walking the isles of Whole Foods or another well stocked Natural Food Market - Forget those middle Isles. You will save money, and your health in the long run!!

To truly find what you need you walk the perimeter of the Market, the fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, Dairy, it is all right there, one giant circle in the store. Now of-course you will have to walk the isles for cleaning materials, I understand, but the cereal isles begin to TRY to avoid.

Tip #3: WATCH YOUTUBE FOR INSPO, & SOCIAL MEDIA

Something that I do when I really need to understand more information about a certain dietary theory I want to try is GO TO YOUTUBE. I search for the leaders in the certain area I want to dive deeper in. For example Keto diet, I search for Mark Sisson, creator of The Primal Blue Print. I will find tons of interviews he has done and I get so much valuable information. We don't always have the time to read books, listening to leaders on Topics they have mastered is a really get way to gear up for your journey.

Keep your social media feed filled with people who are doing great things with their health, who posts inspirational things, and recipes. This is helpful because you can learn new things and get inspired to get up and do!!!! Rather then see what your friends and family are doing... I mean I love friends and family but sometimes their posts need to just be off your feed because they can be distracting, and for some people hurtful. Listen...we all spend way to much time on social media, so let's at least make it beneficial to our lives rather then a popularity contest.

Tip #4: GET A WATER BOTTLE

Most of us do not consume enough water! My biggest tip in order to the Win the War on Water is to buy a Water Bottle with a Straw. This has single handily changed how much water I drink everyday. I currently use Klean Kanteen with a sipping spout. It just makes it so much easier to walk around with, especially because you don't have to waste time loosening the cap to drink. You also save money and the planet!! Win, Win!

Tip #5: CUT OUT SUGAR FOR 1 WEEK

This may be the hardest tip of them all. But an essential tip to try so you can realize how much better you will feel. While you may not even realize how much sugar you consume each day this tip will help bring you into reality.

Now a days there are so many ways you can add sweetness into your life. Refined sugar does not have to be one of them. An important note to realize is that in the Realm of NATURAL SWEETENERS, Agave has a higher glycemic index then even regular old sugar. Therefore I would avoid this completely.

Try 1 week sugar -Free, & artificial sweetener free! Pay attention to how you feel, how your skin looks, and how your digestive system is working. Note; you may feel like you are going through withdrawals for those that are regular sugar users. This is normal, but this should be an eye opener for you. Especially those of you who consume artificial sweeteners like splenda, and aspartame. These are known carcinogens, and are completely bad for you, forget the zero calorie claims...this is one habit you must kick.

Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute:

Bonus they are all low carb!

Stevia Leaf

Monk Fruit

Xylitol

Erythritol

Yacon sweetener (syrup or powder)

I hope you found these 5 tips helpful, if you want to know more tips on how to ease into a healthier lifestyle leave me a comment below!!

Be Well,

Dana

#5tips #water #foodlables