Need a Little Rescuing?

The end of the month is approaching. Have your New Year’s Resolutions withstood the first few weeks of the year? I am hoping so….but here is the reality: those of you who would really like to change something about your body this year are facing a major feat. Not because change isn’t possible. And I am not saying that because I am a pessimist (actually, I may be an optimist to a fault when it comes to these things!).  But, pessimism and optimism aside, let’s examine what is real.

• Over 66% of Americans are overweight or obese.
• Over 90% of you with weight loss or fitness related goals (in the New Year or whenever) will fail (gasp!…seriously….that is breathtaking).
• Heart disease is our number one killer in America (and yes, I plan to repeat these stats next month when cardiovascular health will be highlighted).
• Every 20 seconds an American has a heart attack.
• Every 34 seconds someone dies of heart disease.
• 25.8 million people have diabetes (that’s almost 9% of our American population!)

Why am I harping on these depressing statistics in an article about rescuing your New Year’s Resolutions? Because, clearly, those 4 out of every 5 people who set health or ‘body’ related goals this month are not taking the right approach. If we were reaching the goals that we set, then the state of the nation’s health would not be how it is. The above snapshot is sad and dismal.

So, while I certainly do not believe that our humble MissFIT blog will solve the nation’s health issues (by in large PREVENTABLE health issues I might add), I do believe that we can help those that do read our words to take a different approach.

The old adage, ‘let’s not reinvent the wheel’ does not apply here. The wheel is indeed broken….let’s fix it. Let’s start back at the beginning, get back to the basics, stop searching for the non-existent miracle pill or quick fix and start truly and honestly examining our own personal responsibility in the state of our bodies.

And first, let me say this: Every body is different. Every woman should look different. We all have different eating preferences and are drawn to different types of hobbies, professions, and lifestyles. We have varying body types, genetics and predispositions. So, rather than trying to fit us all into one box (ah hem….diets and fad fitness trends), why don’t we really take a look at how we can meet our goals within our own personal lifestyles and preferences? Rather than committing to a program that doesn’t feel like a good fit, find one that does. Rather than mimicking what your neighbor or even your best friend is doing, I challenge you to decide on your own how you will fit fitness and living well into the top spots on your priority list.

And remember, we are all on a journey. The road twists and turns. So should your fitness and self-care practices. We should all be finding solutions that fit for us NOW, not re-attempting what worked when we were 25 or even what worked to lose that five pounds last year.

Here’s what works for ME at this point in my life (snapshot: 34 year old single mom of 2 and 4 year old girls, business owner, house manager, and ah yes, a widow):

• I wake up at 5 or 5:30am to respond to work emails and tie up loose ends from the day before. Then I take my mental health pill: I workout. Yep! That gets a smile. That is my personal bubble, my space. I am almost guaranteed that the girls will not wake up before 7am—so I usually have about 45 minutes to exercise (and God help them if they do—did I mention that it is my mental health?)
• My workout: well these days it consists of whatever I need that week. Because I understand my own imbalances and the progression of exercise programming, I know what I need to include each week and so I can vary my workouts (I am my own personal trainer!). But, if I am feeling stressed, tight or in need of serenity the week revolves around yoga and cardio. If I am feeling anxious or need to get my blood pumping so that I can perhaps think through a presentation that I will be giving, some intervals or high intensity circuits fit the bill.
• Eating to fuel this MissFIT is nothing other than eclectic. I don’t adhere to any one ‘diet’. I love food…I love eating…I adore the idea of nourishing my body with eatable opportunities and I love a variety of flavors (including sweet…it’s no secret, just read some past blogs!).  Here are just a couple of examples of my  vast preferences:  Breakfast favorites include Ezekiel English muffins with natural peanut butter and berries with a cup of coffee. Lunch is almost always some variety of salad with raw greens and either a leftover meat or some legumes and, of course, whatever I feel like finishing from my daughters’ plates…mind you, they eat healthy as well. Dinner always has a green and an orange vegetable (well, 90% of the time). Then, a protein gets into the mix as well. Snacks exist, at least twice a day and vary a lot: nuts, a homemade granola bar, fruit, some dark chocolate and even ice cream when the mood strikes me right.
  

  An example of the lunch I might 'share' with the girls alongside my salad...not so bad, huh? Apple, spinach, quesadilla on Ezekiel tortilla and guac.

• My key: mindfulness and resting on my own personal ‘sanity strategies’ (I use writing in my journal, forcing myself to get enough sleep, prayer and my devotions). All of the above is based in making daily choices, knowing what I need and recognizing when I need a little rescuing. I do not always remain within the above ‘healthy living’ parameters. I expect to swerve off the road at times. But, because I expect it and because I have practiced self awareness, I know that getting back to my routine, doing some journaling and my devotions will help me back into the healthy lifestyle where I feel the best.  That’s what works for me.

So, not incredibly conventional. Early morning workouts, eating quick and easy meals some of which comes from my daughters’ plates and placing my foundation on the mindfulness. So, two points:

1. MY picture is not necessarily what will work for YOU. You have to start creating a picture. Sometimes it will be messy sometimes the lines will be straight and precise. Be flexible and forgiving.
2. The steps outlined by a diet or other program are not what makes a difference in your life. It is the ability for you to adjust, make good choices, find a good fit for you and then recognize how to rescue yourself. Stop thinking singularly about the number of calories you consume and start committing to real, more meaningful self-care strategies.

You set your New Year’s resolutions…you can re-write them. So, sit down and start creating a picture that suites your very own life, desires and goals. In my opinion, it is only then that we will begin changing the state of the nation’s health: when we EACH take responsibility for creating the picture of health that fits our own life.

Mindfully Yours,

Katie

Katie Oldham