Last updated on December 7th, 2017
Three Changes To Focus On When Chasing Health Goals
Changing your habits, like developing a fitness routine or eating healthier foods can be both overwhelming and frustrating. While some people believe you should just do there are other aspects to focus on in order to make lasting alterations.
Today's post comes to us from Martina, a Holistic Nutritionist here in Ontario, Canada. As a rule, holistic nutritionists attempt to look at the body as a whole and the changes you can make to various systems and not just one program.
So instead of just telling you to “eat more veggies”, Martina aims to balance the body and all it encompasses. Below are three changes she believes everyone could use in their lifestyle.
“Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen.” – Jack Lalanne
Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen.” ~ Jack LalanneClick To Tweet
Exercise and Nutrition, to founding components of a healthy lifestyle. In order to have a successful change in your body, you can't have one without the other. If you are on the journey towards healthy success, you are in for an entire lifestyle change. So, you have to be ready!
If you're currently striving for better health, start by giving yourself a huge pat on the back! Embarking on a journey to the best version of you is a challenging but rewarding one. A warning ahead: It can be a tough time. This process will challenge you mind, body and spirit as you make changes and focus on YOU.
As you begin to make changes to your habits, tread slowly. Altering our knee-jerk reaction can be tricky and making long term alterations doesn't come easy. Below are three areas you should focus on daily (or weekly) in order to make your health changes lasting ones.
Change #1 Treat Your Body As A Temple
Our bodies literally are the only one we have! Take some time to really connect with your body. What do you notice about your feelings toward yourself and your body? How will this program change that? I recommend starting with just sixty seconds of quiet time each day. Not necessarily meditation just taking note of your body, your feelings and if the path you're on is beneficial for those aspects.
Change #2 Access Your Support Systems
Whether it’s your trainer, nutritionist, family members or friends, or coworkers, use your resources for support! Let them know you are going to be making a lifestyle change that is important for you. This will take some pressure off you as you make positive changes in your diet and lifestyle.
Having someone to rant to, bounce ideas off of and share successes with it crucial to your long term goals, never underestimate the power of your social circles.
Find What Works For You On This Journey
Everyone is unique and thus everyone's path towards their goals may be slightly different. Find a schedule, routine, or meal-prep time that works for you. This may take time over the couple weeks as you fine-tune your schedule, but this is something only you can figure out. Trial and error before you set anything in stone. Whatever system you chose, make sure it fits into your day to day lifestyle and doesn't cause more stress.
Don't Forget To Pin These Tips For Achieving Health Goals
Goals should be challenging, but realistic. Think about changes you can actually make that won’t set you up for failure. A good goal setting technique is to think about three things you are able to let go of that will not serve you anymore on this journey. Then, think of three things you are committed to either keeping or adding into your schedule that will help you achieve your goals.
Remember to express gratitude each day for this journey and the experiences that come up.
Biography
Martina Biljan H.Ba, RYT, RHN Registered Yoga Teacher and Holistic Nutritionist
I first began my journey of mind-body connection through the practice of yoga. From this practice, I came to understand that we all crave movement and expression of the body, no matter our physical state. This I believe you can accomplish by surrendering to the unknown all while still having fun.
It was through my private yoga clients that I began to see the value in nourishing the body not only through movement, but also with proper nutrition. I was inspired by the changes I saw in my clients who had began a healthy relationship with their body and the food they put into it. Not only were the physical transformations inspiring, but the mental evolution and balance I saw was truly something else. It was then that I was inspired to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Love these tips! So important!!
Thank you! It’s one of those things that’s so simple you overlook it. And yet they make a huge difference 🙂
Love these tips. Clear, concise and straight to the point!
Thank you! It’s the simple things that make the biggest difference 🙂
These tips are so helpful! I am on a journey to a healthier lifestyle as well 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad you like them. They’re helpful and practical. God luck with your journey! Check back soon if you need some inspiration 🙂
Great post. I especially like the idea about the goals being realistic and not setting yourself up to fail. Too often I try and change the entirity of my life in one go and unsurpirsingly that doesn’t work, then I give up altogether! It always works much better for me when I change little things regularly exactly as you mentioned. Thanks!
I think it’s a hard balance. We WANT to jump all in with both feet but most of the time it just doesn’t work, we become overwhelmed and we give up. Simple steps add up more than you think so taking it slow is often best. Good Luck!
great tips – so simple, yet so easy to forget, or have trouble maintaining – especially like your thoughts on yoga implementation – this used to be such an important part of my routine but since getting married I’ve totally floundered… working to get back into a groove, like you said! 🙂 xx Bee
You’ll get your groove back! Sometimes life just gets in the way but you’ll get back to it- congrats on getting married!
Proper nutrition is so very important and having loved onees that have your back makes it easier to reach the goals.
It’s true! Surrounding yourself with supportive people makes all the difference.
I completely agree with this post. It is important to understand what fitness journey works for you and your body. I learned this after making so many mistakes
You and me both! There`s so many ways to go about goals that it`s a bit of trial and error as to what works for you and also what you actually enjoy! It`s worth it when you figure it out though 😉