August 27th, 2008 by Jason
Choosing to be healthier can mean many things to many people. Few of us want to be health zealots who are consumed with eating, exercising and avoiding risks to perfection. Alternatively, the person who lives on junk food, doesn’t exercise and smokes is just as extreme. There is a balance, and it’s unique for everyone.
Millions of Americans are obese for a wide variety of reasons, some of which are legitimate and some of which are not, and there is no shortage of blame to go around. However, my philosophy has always been to not blame others for my bad choices, and believe me, I’ve made some whoppers in my time thus far. People have to truly want to improve themselves in order to be healthier. The funny thing is, it’s far easier than most people think.
One of the very best tips that I can give anyone who is interested in improving their health is somewhat elegant in its simplicity. If you are truly serious about your desire for change, you must have the right mindset to proceed. Please read that last sentence again - it’s that important.
The details of eating or exercising are relatively unimportant. What really matters is that when you take your first step, it is with the belief and conviction to continue walking down your chosen path for the rest of your life, just like you plan on brushing your teeth or taking a shower for the rest of your life. Speaking of this path, it is important that you don’t make it so narrow that straying occasionally is impractical or so wide that you haven’t really changed anything in your life. There is a great degree of freedom with a lifestyle choice, but you must not abuse this freedom to circumvent your goal of being healthier.
To live a healthier, longer life is not a passing fad or a diet or some scheme to lose a few pounds - it’s a lifestyle. Your goal shouldn’t be to lose a set number of pounds, because even if you do lose the weight, you risk gaining it back because your goal was completed. I don’t like any diets and never will. They are too restrictive, stressful, not any fun and much of the time they don’t work. Often this is because people give up in frustration, or they simply quit doing what they were doing to lose the weight after it is gone. Guess what happens next in that scenario?
With the lifestyle choice that I advocate, you are living your goal of being healthy, so you always have something to look forward to and work toward. It’s far more practical, less stressful and you are much more likely to succeed - trust me. Living healthier is about lifestyle, not dieting. Choosing this path takes preparation and commitment to succeed, but the rewards are out of this world.
Nearly 1.4 million people died in 2005 (CDC data) from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Changing your lifestyle will dramatically improve your odds of not joining those people this year, next year or for however long you choose. The point is that it’s up to you. I hope that you believe life is as precious as I do, and that you make the decision to reduce your risks and enjoy more of what life has to offer. If you agree or don’t agree with anything I’ve said, or you just want to express yourself, please leave a comment - they are always welcome!
Jason,
We all know that we are what we eat but, when faced with so many choices at the grocery store, the rising cost of food, and the busy lifestyle of a single mom, how do I know what products to buy? For example, on my last trip to the grocer I found myself staring at the cooking oil, perplexed. I couldn’t remember what fats were good and which were bad. With all the claims on the labels and the wide price differences I felt like I could have spent an hour contemplating this purchase. I went for speed, checked out the prices, and bought the least expensive vegetable oil.
Kristina,
Say no more - we are presented with a dizzying array of food choices these days. The situation is exacerbated when we have an exceptionally finite amount of time, as a single Mom such as yourself knows all too well. I will be writing about fats in an upcoming article, but to help you out in the short term, I recommend purchasing Extra Virgin Olive Oil for the vast majority of your consumption (except for cooking). Not only does it taste great, but it is one of the very healthiest of all oils. Research suggests it is a powerful weapon in the fight against both heart disease and several types of cancer. Try to replace your saturated fat consumption with olive oil (2 tablespoons daily when practical), which is high in monounsaturated fat (that’s good) and antioxidants. And for your pocketbook, olive oil producers are responding to greatly increased demand by pumping out generous amounts of their product, which is helping all of us by lowering prices. Good luck!
What about using applesauce as a substitue for oil when baking? Does this work?
Yes it does work, and no it doesn’t. This can be one of those gray areas, Kristen. Applesauce works wonderfully with certain recipes, while for others you’re left wishing you had used canola oil. It’s a matter of personal preference to a certain degree.
However, I would be far less concerned about the oil and more concerned about the sugar. Try cutting back significantly on sugar, as well as sodium, trans fats and saturated fats as a superior way to better health. Once you have accomplished that objective, you can always do more if you wish, such as eating foods without artificial ingredients and switching to organic foods as your budget allows. Always remember to get a balanced nutrition along the way!