Making Resolutions Stick!

Every New Year’s thousands of people conjure up resolutions that will better their lives for sure, only to fall off the wagon at some point during the year.  Many set their expectations too high or simply make the changes to difficult that they only set themselves up for failure.

Most people underestimate the potential in the very small changes such as drinking two extra glasses of water per day or only having one cup of coffee per day instead of two (or five).  Just giving up artificial sweeteners can facilitate a ten-pound weight loss in as little as six weeks.

As we get ready to go back to the gym in full force I want you to realize that more than a few studies this past year showed that sit-ups and crunches did not reduce belly fat in test subjects when compared to the control group that did not do them.  Don’t get me wrong, exercise is extremely important but the point I am trying to make is that you cannot out-exercise a bad diet.

So often, I find myself with people who are following a so-called healthy diet that is made up of misleading information, fad diets, quick fixes which in the end lead to no health benefit and any weight lost will likely find its way back to your body.  All that work, what a waste — its no wonder we don’t stay motivated.

When it comes to your health or weight, you are not likely to find help in a quick fix.  A fad diet or pill is not likely to fix a lifetime of unhealthy habits that has now accumulated to excessive weight or medical conditions.

It is far easier to make small changes while things are going well than make drastic changes when all hell is breaking lose in your body.

If you incorporate anything from the list below—you are on your way to preserving or regaining your health and vitality.

Avoid wheat. Up to eighty percent of the population would benefit by avoiding wheat and wheat products.  (And you thought this was healthy)

Loose the sweet tooth. Sugar raises your cholesterol and triglycerides, not to mention makes you fat.  Sugar feeds cancer and inflammatory conditions.

(Editor’s note: For more on this topic see Page 8C)

No artificial sweetners. Artificial sweeteners will actually cause you to have a more intense sweet tooth than before you ever used them.  People who use them are fatter than those that don’t.

Know your blood type. Eating for your blood type is a very anti-inflammatory, health promoting way to eat.  Weight loss is just a perk!

Stop eating processed foods. Frozen or packaged meals are not healthy.  Taking the time to prepare your meals before work will make grabbing the unhealthy items less likely.

Take Vitamin D3. Get your levels between 55-90 ng/ml to protect your immune systems.  Most individuals need between 4000-10,000iu per day to achieve these levels.

Exercise. Even twenty minutes of physical activity per day can improve physical as well as mental health.  There is something for everyone so keep looking until you find what you love.

Fish, flax, olive oils and more. Get your omega-3’s each and every day!  Don’t avoid these fats.  Avoid butter spreads and sprays as if they were the plague.

Pure water. Half your body weight in ounces of water each day will improve all organ function and facilitate weight loss.

Eat raw food. Forty percent of your daily intake should be raw, living foods.

Minimize dairy. We are the only species that drinks  dairy after we are weaned. Cultures that avoid dairy don’t have osteoporosis, either do animals!  Dairy causes mucous.

Sleep. People who sleep well out live people that do not. Sleeping well protects your health and slows down the aging process.

Find your pleasure. Find something that you look forward to, sparks creativity and just plain makes you happy. After 13 years, I began to paint again after promising myself it would be one of my resolutions for 2011 — I am so happy I did.  Anything that gives you a “break” from your day to day routine can add years to your life.

I wish each and every one of you a New Year filled with health and a desire to learn and live passionately.

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