How Healthy Are You…Really?
When asked, “How healthy are you… really?” most women have no clue. Sure, you likely know that some of your habits are working against you, but how much are they working against you is the deeper question.
You also likely know you would be well served to adopt healthier habits, but often the changes are seen as something you will get around to “someday.”
Rather than listening to your own internal alarm that screams, “You can’t wait for someday!!!!” you put off healthier choices for one more day.
As the days pile on top of each other, the decision to make healthier choices becomes harder to make.
Most of us would like to think we are relatively healthy. The fact is, we are likely way off base with self evaluation.
My Choices Caught Up … In a BIG Way
A few years ago, I went through a very difficult time with the loss of both my parents. Add to that a very sedentary life, reaching my heaviest weight ever and it was no surprise I was not feeling much excitement or zest from day-to-day.
With every pound I gained I found myself coming up with excuses for not wanting to go out. I didn’t feel very good about myself which made it easy for me to not get out of the house much at all.
I got to a point my usual attire for the day was a sweatshirt and sweatpants. It didn’t take much time to get ready for the day in that I avoided mirrors as much as possible and would throw on the sweats.
One day, rather than rushing by the full length mirror just outside the bathroom, I stopped dead center in front of it and took a good hard look at myself in the buff.
I was shocked that I had let myself get to this point. Easily 50 pounds overweight, I vowed right there and then to take control of my health.
When Your Doctor Gives a Warning… It May Be More Serious Than You Think
My decision was also based on a stern warning from my doctor who said, “You’re not as young as you used to be. There are a number of health issues you’re now at extreme risk of experiencing. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke to name just a few.”
Since that time, I’ve changed quite a bit in my life. I eliminated certain foods from my eating, picked up the sport of running (I’m not fast, but I am consistent), meditate on regular basis, and have gotten back into resistance training. I also take an outstanding protocol of vitamins. All of this has resulted in me feeling better in my sixties than I ever could have imagined.
Top Experts Agree
If you’re still reading, there’s a great chance you’re at a place where you’re ready to make some much needed changes.
With current studies by the CDC indicating that we are declining in healthy status, isn’t it time to take control of your health?
The CDC indicates the percentage of women 20 years and over who are obese was 38.5% from 2011 – 2014. Fast forward to 2016 and the numbers are even higher.
“Overweight and Obesity among Adults Age 20 and Older in the United States among white people, 66.7 percent were considered overweight or obese, 34.3 percent were considered obese, and 5.7. percent were considered to have extreme obesity.” National Institute of Diabetes.
Obesity is On the Rise
The number of women who are considered obese is continuing to rise at alarming rates. Some statistics are as high as 40%.
The more weight you pack on, the more health risks you subject yourself to.
According to CDC, people who are obese, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- All-causes of death (mortality)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)
For the full list go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/
It’s not just about getting to an ideal weight, it’s about getting to a healthy weight. Less is not always ideal. Many people, women especially, go up and down in their weight. This can put an incredible strain on your system.
The up and down of weight is usually a result of yo-yo dieting.
Yo-yo dieting is just as harmful, and in some cases more harmful, than extra weight.
According to WebMD, “Too many drastic ups and downs could weaken your immune system, a new study shows.”
A post in Health.com states, “The regained weight is increasingly difficult to lose: the body remembers the effects of deprivation caused by the succession of diets during the years, and stores more in reserve in preparation for future diets.”
Bottom line is you increase your risk of obesity and have a shortened life expectancy with excess weight and yo-yo dieting.
Knowing What To Do Is Not Enough
The challenge is this; knowing the facts are not enough to inspire most people to make healthy changes. Truth be told, our health situation is completely out of control… for most people. And yet, making changes is completely within our control…for most people.
If you’ve reached a point where you are silently (or maybe not so silently) screaming, “Enough is enough!” here are a few simple steps you can take.
- Decide to become healthy
- Set small goals to support long term goals
- Commit to making changes one day at a time
- Create an environment for success
- Stock up with healthy choices in foods
- Decide what you’ll do when you are tempted to throw in the towel because you are not getting fast enough results
- Create a vision board that conveys the lifestyle you are committed to creating
Be careful not to become “scale” obsessed. You’re better off to go by how your clothes fit, your energy, state of mind, ability to focus and overall attitude.
If you’re not living with the kind of passion and energy you desire, now is a great time to decide to make a change. A few simple changes can have a huge impact.
Here is are some of my books of choice about my favorite way to stay in shape.
Join In On The 30Day Challenge
Are you ready to make healthy changes? Join in the Passion for Thriving 30 Day Challenge. Each month we will have different areas of focus.
On January 1, 2017 the first challenge of the year will be focused on setting healthy eating goals. For 30 Days those who join in will receive daily insights, inspiration and tips on how to stay committed to your own personal goals.
Click here to request updates.
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