Magazines covers are plastered with miracles of new diets that will "change your life" or create a "better you." The truth is, you are the one that can change your life, not a diet or miracle exercise routine. It begins with you making the conscious choice to make healthy eating choices, incorporating some type of exercise, and creating a support network that will help keep you on track. I call it the mind, body, support, or Fitness Trinity.
Every day the choice is yours to make...will you eat the processed foods, or something closer to its natural state? The problem arises when the choice to eat processed foods is made more often than the choice to eat, what is today called, "clean." I will be honest and admit, not even I can eat "clean" every single day of the year, after all, there is birthday cake! However, if you make the choice a little at a time, it will settle in for you and be much more realistic than going "cold turkey" on the processed stuff. For example, if you are a Coke drinker, or any soda for that matter, and generally drink up to two or three a day, then making the conscious choice of only having one a day is using the mind to make a better choice for you. Rather than buying white bread, buying wheat. Trust me, it's the little changes you make with your mind that make big changes to your body. Just like making conscious choices to eat better, incorporating the body part of the Fitness Trinity is just as important.
You have to exercise your body. Period. Besides the fact, this is the only body you will ever have, it is your vehicle that moves you through your life. You need to take good care of it, or you, much like any vehicle you drive, without proper maintenance and care would, and will, if not cared for, break down. If you have never incorporated exercise into your daily routine, it can seem overwhelming to even consider starting. Again, much like making choices and not going "cold turkey" counts the same with exercise. You don't have to run out and join a gym. Start small by going on a walk for twenty minutes. (Keep in mind, don't just stroll, but really walk briskly.) Which leads to the final part of the Fitness Trinity, the support part.
You need a support system to help motivate you when the "go get 'em" spirit just isn't with you on a particular day. Support may be found in many different ways, via the internet, a daily text, tweet, or call from a friend to help keep you on track. It doesn't mean you are weak, it means you are wise, because you understand that staying motivated is key. If you have set a date with a friend to exercise outside, go to the gym, etc., you are more likely to complete the task knowing someone is depending on you, much the same way you are depending on them.
Using the L.I.T.E. Fitness Trinity will create a complete awareness of what it takes to become a more fit and healthy you. Making better choices, moving the body, and using a support system will enable you to reach your health and fitness goals.
In health,
Rebecca Mitchell
