Small Steps Lead to Big Results - Healthy Eating, Active Living
Monday, May 9, 2011 at 12:00PM 
Have you noticed that your car always breaks down at an inconvenient time?
Whenever my car had some minor problem, I’d rush to my mechanic not wanting to spend the time or the money and he’d always say, “Hey you can pay me now, or you can pay me more later.”
So it is with your health.
If your health isn’t a priority for you now, there will come a day, probably not of your choosing, when it will be and the costs in timing and expense will not be convenient.
That’s my story in a nutshell. I took reasonably good care of myself, ate relatively well, but ignored some of the “engine noises.” Then came the wake-up call. It involved major surgery and the possibility for more surgery was as they said, “significant.” That’s when I decided to take a stand.
I don’t know about you, but my attitude toward gyms is that they are a necessary evil. I liked the results, but would prefer to be most anywhere else. I also labored most of my adult life under the philosophy that to be healthy I had to go to a gym at least three times a week and do 30 minutes of heart-pounding aerobic exercise.
About the time I took my stand, a friend referred me to a non-profit that needed a volunteer to teach a wellness program. I thought “perfect!” When I met with them, I discovered that their program was based upon new research that was completely different from the gym regimen.
I signed on. I began working the program and led one class. My results have been phenomenal. I’ve worked the program for four years and have lost over 80 pounds. The doctor just smiles now and says, “Keep doing what you’re doing.”
I became so passionate about the program, I partnered with the non-profit to bring it to a larger audience and have since led several thousand participants through the program. Their results have been impressive.
The basic philosophy of the program is this:
- 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity accumulated throughout the day on most days of the week
- Eat a well-balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fats.
- Couple your goals with lifestyle skills (goal setting, overcoming barriers, enlisting support, etc) to create lasting changes rather than an intervention (like most diets and exercise programs).
There are a number of operative words above that really distinguish this program from others and I’ll write more specifically about them on the next post, but the essence is this:
Being active, doing the things you love to do and eating well, with foods that you enjoy. And small steps lead to big results.
Reader Comments (22)
I had a wake up call a few years ago. My husband had just had surgery, and he was sharing a walker with my mother-in-law. My knee was giving me some problems. I decided then that I would work out every day. That was 10 years ago. At first I was in no better shape than most people my age. Know I am sure I am in better shape than most of my friends.
louiseedington.com
ledington.aupairnews.com
As far as exercise, I believe you have to find something that's FUN for you, and for many people, that's not being a gym-rat. For me, exercise is all about fun and social-time, whether it's playing tennis, walking my dogs, skiing or classes. An hour in a kick-boxing, pilates, yoga or dance class flies by! (unlike the clock-watching that many of us experience in the gym).
Continue success to you Bill!
As Julia says, it's Jeff Olson's The Slight Edge concept. You eat a cheeze burger instead of a salad today and you won't keel over dead. But you keep doing that and the little steps lead into big results- either positve or negative. You have clearly taken the little steps on the positive side and your results are the best evidence. Good job!
Candace Davenport
www.ourlittlebooks.com ~ Little Books with a Big Message
Judy Stone-Goldman
http://thereflectivewriter.com
30 minutes of physical activity - any movement will do
Accumulated through the day - can be done in short bouts
Moderately intense - doing it with purpose or equal to a 20 min. mile
Most days of the week - 5 or more
This can have significant health benefits: it's a long list starting with cardio-respitory wellness.
Thanks for your comments.
I'll keep you posted.
Like you, I look foir activities I enjoy. I dance, golf, walk, exercise, walk other people's dogs, and look for ways to be more active.
Keep up the good work.
Marketing sort of works the same way. Entrepreneurs and small business owners tend to ignore the small signs that are alerting them to the need to amp up their marketing or change something about their marketing... and then they get smacked upside the head with it when it is not convenient and they're in trouble.
The lesson is to do a "gut check" and follow your instincts... and be open to the messages the universe is trying to send you!
Jennifer Bourn, Online Marketing Acceleration Strategist
Bourn Creative LLC | www.bourncreative.com
Jen Duchene
The Home Makeover Mixtress blending cool & cozy style
Thanks for your comments.