1. Eat real food
2. Move as much as you can
There it is in a nutshell all you need to know!
Seriously though maybe it’s time to make life simpler. While the last decades have brought us a plethora of studies, research and continuous data compilation on both fitness and food, it hasn’t made us any healthier. I think in fact, contributed to great confusion and fear-mongering of what it actually means to be healthy.
How do you deal with this when every day a new headline appears to push your brain cells into a corner? Take a deep breath and consider a few of these tips. Think of it as your food and fitness support group.
Eat real food
Eating and cooking meals should be fun. The more meals turn into a science project the less pleasure involved. Whether you eat alone or with family or friends make it a time to simply enjoy the meal.
Food that is real and prepared in house can light up the atmosphere. The aromas and authenticity bring a focus away from the outside stresses and demands. Limiting your technology devices to another area helps keep food and pleasure in the spotlight.
Time is elastic, while it might seem that pre-packaged and processed food-like substances are quicker, does that “quickness” win out over quality? I would wager that if you choose simple meals the time in the end is pretty equal.
For example, add up the time driving to a fast-food place, ordering, bringing it home and putting it on the table. Versus, having food already in the house, and quickly assembling it and serving it immediately. Food for thought, time it for yourself and see.
I think it’s also important to find your own food philosophy, meaning what works for you and your loved ones is the right routine. I recently submitted a public comment (found here) to the open forum on the US dietary guidelines stressing the importance of flexibility in recommendations.
It is no mystery to my reader’s that I follow a low-carbohydrate, low sugar, high fat diet. (see post, What do you eat) This is what works for our household. Find your path and stick with it. Judge it by how you feel, energy levels and ability to perform in life and work.
Move as much as you can
Without a doubt one item health and wellness industry experts can agree on is that movement is beneficial to the body. The more ways one can find pleasure in movement the more likely it will happen. When it becomes a chore, dreaded obstacle or worse doesn’t make you feel good then simply said look for something else to do.
Not everyone enjoys working out. End of story. Find and do what you gain pleasure from. There are an indescribable number of ways to move the body beyond going to a gym and lifting weights. The best exercise or movement is the one you can stick with and feel good about afterwards.
Exercise also should not be tied to a number on a scale or a quantity of calories. Exercise and move for any other reason but weight and caloric content.
Ways to bump up the pleasure factor
- Get a buddy to join you
- Instead of a group lesson take a private to enhance learning
- Mix up your routines during the week
- Find an outdoor activity
- Take time off
- Plant a garden
Personal story
Our Mom, Sondra, lived in a house with three exercise characters, Dad basketball coach and avid runner, brother, basketball player and I, young budding dancer. Sondra found zero pleasure in any sort of group or organized physical activity for herself. However, she created her own routine and lifestyle with plenty of movement. She mowed the grass, did the yardwork, planted flowers and walked around the neighborhood. Bought herself a treadmill for cold and rainy days, made her own little what she called “spa” in the basement and did her OWN thing for decades.
Be creative, there isn’t a rule book. Being fit is about vigor, freedom and the ability to enjoy life, make your fitness and food philosophy incorporate vitality in all its’ glory.
“Anything in life is possible if you make it happen.”
Jack LaLanne
