Your Prescription for Better Health
By Laura Kelly-Pifer
Now more than ever, people are being diagnosed with conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol, low self esteem and diabetes to name a few. It’s really, really scary when you begin to think of all of the conditions that are caused because of a poor diet and/or lack of exercise. I know this because I suffered from some of the same conditions that I just listed.
Today I want you to think of exercise AND clean eating as medicine for your body. When “taken” daily, you’ll begin to see your body change for the better. And, your pocket book might reap the benefits too. This is your prescription for better health.
Each day, you’ll want to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity. Examples of things you can do include walking, running, biking, swimming, rowing, stair climbing, or an aerobic exercise class. If you can’t make it outdoors or you don’t have a gym membership, workout programs on DVD’s make a great thing to have on hand. They are perfect for a rainy day and are an affordable way of getting your workout in and take very little room. Often times, there is little or no equipment used and, you can incorporate them into your day where you have time and where ever you go.
As you become more comfortable with your fitness, you’ll be able to increase “the dosage.” You can intensify your workouts by adding additional time, more resistance, additional cardio, etc. You can experiment to see what works best for you and your schedule.
If 30 minutes isn’t feasible, set aside the amount of time you are able to devote to and make it a goal to get to 30 minutes or more. Make this schedule work for you.
Next, let’s talk about clean eating. You’ve heard that “You are what you eat.” and yes, it’s true. As your eating this week, think about how you feel after a meal. Are you tired and sluggish? Did you notice that your fingers are swollen? Maybe you’re bloated or constipated after a particular meal? Everything we consume, our body reacts too; some good and some bad. Do this for me. Write down everything you eat this week and note how you feel afterwards.
Here is something that I go through when I have one of my favorite meals, Lasagna. I know that when I eat it or any other form of pasta, my body will ache for days afterwards. I’ll also experience a surge of energy with a crash immediately after that meal. So, I’ve chosen to eliminate from my diet. If I do want to eat it, I will make it at home and I’ll go with a gluten free variety so I don’t experience the side effects as bad. To me, the meal isn’t worth the pain I feel.
Rule of thumb I like to live by…if it will expire in a week, don’t buy or eat it. And, if you must buy something processed do so on a limited basis. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, you don’t want it in your cart. Choose lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and good, healthy starches. If you’re new to eating clean, be sure to download my FREE “NEW YOU” Food guide. Also, to stay on budget, pick foods that are plentiful and in season.
By choosing to eat healthy foods, including my daily dose of Shakeology, I was able to completely get off of ALL of my medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. And, my high cholesterol dropped 50 points!
Lastly, remember that change takes time. Be patient with your journey and reach out to your coach if you need help. If you don’t have a coach, I’d be honored to work with you. I also want you to remember that YOU’VE GOT THIS! It might be the secret to improving every area of your life.
Wishing you good health!
Coach Laura
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Laura Kelly-Pifer is a Fitness Coach who strives to help others by giving hope and support to those that are dissatisfied with their current situation. Whether you are lacking physically, emotionally, financially, or nutritionally she is here to help you see REAL RESULTS!