How are you doing on your quest to become more active? As I always say, mindful eating is superior to any restrictive diet, and you should concentrate on the amazing things your body can do, rather than on what it looks like.
Health
Health is more than the mere absence of disease, and there’s more to leading a healthy life than changing nutrition and exercise habits.
Don’t take my word for it—both the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada have identified several key social determinants of health.
Some of these determinants are things we can change, but many are beyond our control. And for many around the world, most of it is outside of their control.
Having said that, most of us in Canada and the US have the privilege to take charge of those aspects that we can control, and in so doing, can have a positive impact on those around us and around the world.
Simple choices like not smoking can help clear the air for us and others, and there are many other choices you can make in every day life to help yourself and those around you.
This section of the blog addresses those aspects of health we’re able to change, namely exercise, nutrition, self-care, and more. Come back frequently for tips on how to live the healthiest life you can live.
There are two things to know if you’re going to follow this section of the blog:
- I believe humans are diverse, and no one single “lifestyle” diet can apply to every human being on the planet. I don’t believe in diets in general, so if you’re looking for quick fixes or the latest popular diet, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re looking to hear about many different ways to enjoy food in moderation, read on :)
- I believe in diversity of movement and that people should exercise in whatever way most fulfills them (while doing their best to prevent injury). So if you’re looking for “the only exercise you need to do,” or other such nonsense, you’re also in the wrong place. If you’re looking for tips and tricks about many different forms of exercise, read on :)
Posts about Health
Put the fork down – you’ve had enough.
This post originally appeared on The Huffington Post.
You’re sitting at the table, looking at the wonderfully delicious piece of chocolate cake you’re about to devour for dessert. It smells and looks just as wonderful as it’ll probably taste. But as you look down, you see the muffin top coming out of your jeans, and you start having second thoughts.
Put the fork down. You’ve had enough.
FREE Beginner bodyweight workout #2
If you want to get more active, but are not interested in joining a gym, or money is tight, or you don’t have access to equipment, bodyweight training may be for you. If you’ve tried the first bodyweight training workout suggested here, let me know in the comments. I welcome feedback to make this site better for you.
Please keep in mind that the workouts I am posting are meant to be progressive, so it’s best to start with the first workout posted and move on from there.
Bodyweight Workout #2
Race to the Finish: fall in love with a sport
I’m working on a lifestyle overhaul to achieve the best health of my life. I’m starting with exercise because it’s important, fun, and something I have full control over.
As I said in my last post, life threw a curve-ball at me for the last couple of weeks with the whole family coming down with some sort of nasty virus, and I got a bit backtracked on my timeline (but never on my priorities).
Now that everyone’s on the mend, I can concentrate a bit more intensely on getting ready to take my fitness to the next level. I recently wrote an article about the No 1 way to stay motivated to work out. It explains that for me (and many others), just saying “I want to lose weight” or “I want to look better” doesn’t cut it for actually embracing and maintaining an active lifestyle. For me, falling in love with a sport is what does it.
Continue reading “Race to the Finish: fall in love with a sport”
The value of a flexible plan
When you’re embarking on a major lifestyle change, it’s important to have a plan. Without one, you run the risk of haphazardly making small changes that certainly help, but don’t take you to your desired results in an efficient manner.
Whether you use project management principles to get you there, or whether you just have a piece of paper glued to your fridge stating your next steps, one of the most important things you can do to achieve your goals and dreams is to ensure your plans are well-designed, but also flexible. Because sometimes, life likes to play jokes on you. You need to be prepared for that.
FREE Beginner Exercise Routines – get off the couch and get active with me!
FREE Beginner Exercise routines are coming your way – here’s why.
Last week, I told you about my Lifestyle Overhaul – the 15 steps I’m taking to reach the best health of my life. The reason I’ve decided to embark on a lifestyle overhaul is that at this moment, I’m the unhealthiest I’ve ever been.
Once upon a time, I was a hyperactive personal trainer who had my own fitness business, two children, and ran sprint triathlons.
Continue reading “FREE Beginner Exercise Routines – get off the couch and get active with me!”
The 15 steps I’m taking to reach the best health of my life
I’m working on a lifestyle overhaul. I feel that I’ve settled for the life everyone expected me to live – the house in the suburbs with the kids, and “settling down” to raise a family. None of this is necessary to live a truly fulfilling life with children. Buying a house is for suckers, and staying in the same place for several years at a time isn’t necessary for raising intelligent, happy kids.
Continue reading “The 15 steps I’m taking to reach the best health of my life”