Getting started, oh my!

How do I get started? Making a wish isn't quite the point I'm thinking! It seems like such a simple question. Thankfully I have an equally simple answer. Just start somewhere. There isn’t going to be a perfect time to start. It doesn’t have to be all at once either. We don’t have to cut dairy, workout six times a week, and start journaling all in the same week. There are so many changes we can make to live a healthier life. I’m still adjusting and trying new things! Information will change and grow and also each body works differently. What works for your body, may not work for mine. That’s where trying new things helps. So here are my suggestions for getting started:

Pick a reasonable option- if you have had zero exercise for several months or even longer, you probably don’t need to go all in and say you’re going to do three high intensity exercise or extreme workouts each week right off the bat. That is most likely going to result in an injury or falling off the wagon quick, thought I admire your desire to go all in! Try starting with one if that’s the route you want to go and give your body time to recover. If your goal is to exercise more, start with a brisk walk three times a week at 20 minutes each. It’s enjoyable being outside, it’s free, and effective. If you’re not cooking at all- saying you will cook all your meals probably isn’t the best starting point. Start with two or three meals and make them healthy. Then build on that.

Be reasonable in your expectations- I’m not offering solutions that are going to have you lose 10 pounds in one week, and honestly, I’m never going to offer you that. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If you’re reading this because you want a bikini bod in two weeks, your expectations aren’t going to be met. However, I do think you should keep reading because your expectations aren’t healthy or realistic. What I do hope, that as making small sustainable changes to your lifestyle, you will start feeling healthier and begin making small changes that will lead to a lifelong path of health and wellness. Throw out the expectation of quick results that most likely will have you back in worse condition in a month or in unhealthy conditions to reach that goal.

Pick one thing you want to work on for the month- take something that feels manageable, such as packing one meal a week to take for lunch from a healthy home cooked meal or drink two more glasses of water to stay hydrated and feel better. There is not a need to do it all at once. In fact, probably going to be more successful if we make little changes and stay consistent with one change at a time. Also, can better tell if it’s working for you if only changing one or few things at a time. I’m definitely guilty of trying to do it all. Don’t expect to see drastic changes in your physical appearance but expect that you’re going to start feeling better. Once you accomplish and become successful with this one choice, it will be your building block for more to come!

Be specific in making your goal or intention. Instead of saying I’m going to drink more water, look at how much water you’re currently drinking. If it’s only two glasses, maybe a good goal would be I’m going to start drinking four glasses of water a day. It’s going to be easier to tell if you’re meeting your goal if there are specifics.

So start today or start tomorrow if you’re reading this late. Timing will never be perfect, in fact, most likely more things will pop up as you’re trying to commit to health and wellness. Make plans, adjust accordingly, and keep working! So let’s Sparkle Up Buttercup!!!