You CAN do it!
Is there a version of yourself that you wish you could be? A person you have always desired of being and looking like? Do you have a list so long of the things you would love to change about yourself that you could probably write a book about them? By focusing on every imperfection you will become overwhelmed and will want to give up before you even attempt to begin to change.
How do you begin the process of becoming a whole new you? Try picking one thing that you can conquer. Find one, yes, one thing about you that you want to change. By accomplishing one thing it proves to yourself that you are capable of reaching and achieving goals. Take one step at a time and you will get closer to the person you dream you can be. Set up your goals like steps. Each step is its own goal and every one that you conquer is one step closer to a brand new you! Start with something small. Focus on how you can change one thing and master it by putting your energy into building a habit formed to fit your lifestyle that is manageable for you.
By setting a daily goal to attain something reasonable, each day you can say you conquered it and begin building your self confidence. Knowing that if you can accomplish one thing, then you can begin to accomplish the next goal. You are proving to yourself that you CAN make changes and you WILL accomplish what you've always wanted to obtain. Making small habits becomes a lifestyle change, not something that will last for maybe two weeks but something that is a staple in your life. Perhaps you may need to work on breaking some unhealthy habits you've formed and replace them with healthier choices.
Remember that nobody else can make you change. It is up to you to take action and take one thing a day at a time. If it is eating healthier that you're looking for, for example, try cutting out half of a pasta dish or a starch and add a salad. If its beginning to exercise, do not try to do a 45min cardio workout. Try starting with a 5min walk and after your body feels comfortable with that build up to a few minutes walking with a minute or two of running and back to walking etc.. This can be done outside or quite honestly while watching TV! Begin with what your body CAN do and work towards what you want your body TO do. If you want to eliminate drinking soda, try replacing a few of those drinks a week with water and work your way to eliminating it all together.
A great way to start your day and adding an extra boost to get you through it, why not try replacing your normal (or non existent) breakfast meal with a shake by Shakeology ? It will have you feeling fantastic and motivate you to make better decisions for the rest of the day.
Its about making healthier choices, better decisions, and accomplishing goals for yourself that you never thought you could meet. Take it slow and don't become discouraged. Just remember you CAN do it!-Erin Elizabeth
The cost of being obese not only affects your physical body but may also put a dent in your finances such as medical bills, hospital costs, and the use of prescription and or over the counter drugs.
The process of becoming obese can be long. It could take months or years. At first there may not be many noticeable problems. But after you begin or have been carrying extra pounds, symptoms develop that affect your daily life.
Every day symptoms could involve difficulty sleeping, snoring, increased sweating, being tired every day, back and joint pains, mood swings and having the inability to cope with sudden activity. With even more serious problems that harm your health, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of these conditions significantly increase your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease. A stroke which can be fatal causes significant disability and coronary heart disease. It can lead to a heart attack.
Another problem that can occur is type 2 diabetes. It is the most common form of diabetes. Insulin moves blood sugar (glucose) into cells where it is stored and used later for energy. When you have type 2 diabetes your muscle cells, liver and fat do not respond to the insulin correctly. Hyperglycemia occurs when sugar cannot enter the cells and a high level of sugar builds up in the blood. By having excess fat it makes it harder for your body to use insulin in the proper way. Symptoms can develop slowly. They can include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections and slow healing sores. There may also be pain or numbness in the hands and feet.
While physical problems are difficult enough to deal with, the psychological problems can affect relationships with friends and family by having low self-esteem, emotional stress, guilt, low confidence levels, and feeling isolated by society. Depression can also become a big issue.
You don't have to be stuck feeling unhappy with the way you are. There is hope and you have the power to change your situation. It won't happen over night, but who said losing weight is easy? Exercising for 30 minutes for at least 5 days a week will help you look and feel better. Don't overdo or strain yourself doing your exercises. This may lead to loss of motivation and discouragement. When beginning every bit of movement helps and counts. The physical activity will boost your immune system and help your mental state. It will help you avoid the bigger problems like obesity, diabetes, heart problems and cancer. Becoming healthy is not about setting huge goals for yourself, but making a daily lifestyle change that will fit within your means. It takes lots of patience with learning and finding out what works best for you and your body.
If you're looking for support, encouragement and motivation it is available for you. Please contact Jane She is more than willing to help you in your journey.
-Erin Elizabeth
