21 Days to a Healthier You

In my previous article, you read about the common theme of most American’s trying to lose weight; our lives are too busy to diet. Married, single, kids, or no kids….we all have busy schedules. Being on-the-go, you may be frustrated with the "pocketbook" diets forgotten in your car, or too large to quickly reference. As a solution, I suggested you forget about the term diet, and count down 21 days till the new, healthier, you. Regardless of what you currently eat, and how often you exercise, you truly can change your lifestyle in just 21 days.

WHY 21 DAYS?
Research has shown it takes 21 days to form a new habit.
Habits are learned, and old habits can be unlearned.
After 21 days of consecutively doing something, the neural pathways in your brain begin to associate the benefits of such habit, and sends the message to repeat action.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
What, and why, do I want to change? Of course we all want to change an array of problems, but start with the habits you feel most guilty about, or know is leading to medical concerns.
What will I do to make the changes? Take a minute to reflect and think realistically. Think outside the box. Clearly, your brain has found benefits, such as emotional satisfaction, in the habits you currently have. Thinking about new habits may not "feel" exciting, or pleasing, but keep the goal in mind!
Who will be my support? Choose people around you to help be your support. Not everybody is going to encourage the healthy salad menu, but they will secretively be envious of your ambition and dedication.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU IN 21 DAYS
Start simple. Set realistic goals. Do not try and set a weight amount, or specific fitness regiment. Instead, start small with goals such as: "For 21 days, I will eat from the small dinner plate instead of the regular size."
"….I will take 5 minutes to do stretches in the morning." "….I will eat grilled food instead of fried."

Post a reminder in your house, on your phone, in your car, etc.
If you know a particular weakness, try to avoid exposure to it. For example, if you are trying to cut out the unnecessary calories and chemicals of pop/soda, don’t tempt yourself with even diet. Instead, just bit your tongue, choose the water, add a lemon, and zero calorie sweetener for taste. Although it may not sound as pleasant as the soda, your thirst will be quenched, you will not be tempted by the looks and carbonation of diet soda.

Go a different route - If you are as busy as most people, like myself, running through the drive thru on the way to work is an easy way to grab breakfast - even if it’s just a biscuit and small drink. Stop- go a different route!!! Dedicated to changing my habits, I changed my route to work. Instead of taking the direct route to the nearest highway entrance, I now take a route that does not have any fast food chains in view. Yes, it does add 3 extra minutes, but 3 minutes has been worth my new, healthy, lifestyle.
Sarah Gentry

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