Baby Steps!

There is so much information "out there" about what is healthy; both the TO DO list and the what NOT TO DO list can quickly become overwhelming for those of us trying to follow, introduce or change lifestyle habits.

One of the ways to minimize the confusion and pressure of making changes is to introduce them gradually. Building a good habit (or breaking a negative one) happens over time. Create a list of items that you wish to address for your health, and tackle them one by one over time. Introduce a new idea/habit/task only after you have achieved a level of success with another one. At least a week on a new focus is a good start before introducing something new.

Here is an example of what has worked for me over the past 6 weeks:
Week 1. Drink more water - I researched how much I need, set that goal, and have a system in place to track it. Worked on this one for about a month to build the sipping habit!
Week 2. Healthy snacking - I implemented a few portable healthy snack options to add to my nutrition routine. This was to combat my "I'm so hungry I could eat the fridge" issue when I finally stopped for a meal.
Week 3. New activity - I took a Zumba® training course and started practicing the moves regularly. A fun, new activity can kick start or revive your fitness routine!
Week 4. More proteins - I started throwing legumes in my salads, making lentil soup again, and using protein powder.
Week 5. New Breakfast habit - The first meal of the day seemed to be all about the carbs! Reducing breads and starches in the morning has helped me crave them less through the day!
Week 6. "Does it help my goals?" question - this is the "a-ha" moment that caused me to write the last blog entry. I pause before each action (meal choice, activity choice) and take a moment to decide how the choice will affect my goals and my overall health.

Wake-up Weekend Smoothie:
1 cup Soy milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup frozen fruit (Mangoes or Strawberries...)
1 small or 1/2 large banana (I keep them frozen to add texture to the drink)
1 scoop protein powder
1/4 tsp ginger powder (optional)
a few drops Vanilla Extract (optional)

Pop ingredients in blender (in the order in which they appear) and pulse then blend, about 40 seconds.

Enjoy! We'll talk soon!