Lifestyle Choices: Will Resolutions Ruin Your Life?

by Bruce Geary February 17, 2016

In a world where everything is personalized, have you personalized your lifestyle choices so you're living the life you want? The time to start is now!

Every new year, I hear a person saying, “My New Year’s resolution is . . .”, only to see that they have failed within the first few weeks. We have all fallen into that trap. We go on some fad diet, lose a few pounds, stop the diet, gain the weight back, and then some. Why does this happen? I believe many of us set ourselves up for failure, then after we feel sorry for ourselves, which we feel excuses us to emotionally binge on some sugar or unhealthy food. We follow a diet that does not support the body long term. Often, New Year’s Resolutions are short term fads that do not serve you. Instead, how about creating Lifestyle Choices you can continue to follow for the rest of your life.A lot of people think that if they eat less to the point of starving, that they will be healthy and lose the excess pounds. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with eating less, but let’s focus on eating less processed foods, less fatty and oily foods that can work against the body’s needs in order to remain strong and healthy. Instead let’s place our focus on eating more foods that will improve our health and immune system.Good Lifestyle Choices are easier to make than you think:

Stop buying pre made food

I know people who purchase so-called “healthy” prepackaged goods, and they truly think they are eating a healthy meal and following a healthy lifestyle. I then turn the package around to read the nutrition label only to find it loaded with sodium, fats, and sugars. So, learn to read labels. Even better, learn how to cook for yourself. Why? Because you know what’s going into your dish when you make it yourself. This isn’t the tedious task people imagine it to be. When you explore the different flavors and recipes out there, you will probably never turn back and maybe even decide you love cooking. Maybe down the line you will want to open your own healthy cafe. There are an array of healthy recipe books to be found on Amazon. I like to follow the no-meat recipe books. I like John Mcdougall, Rip Esselstyn, and Caldwell Esselstyn.

Eat your veggies and fruits

Load up on greens and mixed color veggies. There is absolutely no need to count calories. Make sure you add your cruciferous vegetables to the mix. Explore spices to add different flavors. I prefer to steam my veggies, but baking and boiling are good too, or just eating them raw. Focus on getting at least 1.5 to 2 pounds of veggies in. It may seem like a lot, but it really isn’t. A great way to get some of your greens is to just make a smoothie. A lot of people freak out when it comes to sugars from fruits. They compare those natural sugars to processed sugars. There is no comparison. Eating 5–8 pieces of fruit a day is cleansing.

Eat your nuts and seeds

Not only do nuts and seeds offer good fiber but they also provide good fats that will support your body.

Lower your sodium intake

Some may find it unnecessary to add sodium if one is eating about 2 pounds of veggies a day, as the minerals will be obtained from the veggies.

Eat your beans and legumes

Not only are these a good low fat and protein source, but they also have lots of fiber which will help with regular bowel movements.

Make water your number one hydration source

Put down the carbonated drinks, especially the ones that contain corn syrup and aspartame. These are known to cause disease. Make sure that the water is from a clean source such as spring water. Do not consume chlorinated and fluoridated water.On the same note on water, consider using a shower filter that removes chlorine and chloramines.

Movement, Movement, Movement

You must move. We were designed to run, jump, play. Do yoga, go for a walk, whatever your preference. Find an activity that suits you. The more we move, the happier we will be.

Sunshine

Get at least 15 minutes of sun each day. This will help with vitamin D production.

Meditate

Take time for yourself each day to relax. Whether it be meditation, an Epsom Salt bath or some ambient music to allow yourself to unwind, give yourself at least 15–20 minutes each day to reset. Find your breath and let go. Nourish your body and mind.These are just a few ideas of how to start making healthier lifestyle choices. So will your resolutions ruin your life? No. Not if you don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of the fad. A good life comes from good lifestyle choices.

Bonus! Healthy pizza idea!

I used an Engine 2 Go pizza crust. I made my own base sauce from chopped tomatoes and purée tomato, garlic powder, Italian herbs and more Oregano and pepper. I then added diced red pepper, mushrooms, spinach, olives and chopped onions. After I cooked it I topped with cilantro and purple cabbage. Very tasty and easy to make. Good lifestyle choices can taste great!Enjoy!