For the latest on my 100 Days to Health, click here.
And if you’ve joined the madness adventure…how the heck are you doing?
Speaking of health…
I gave a talk to about 400 ladies over a period of 2 days {during my lean & fit *BC years} at Youth Haven Ranch for their “Ladies Day” about how vital it is that we treat our bodies with the respect and care that is due them, being aware that the way we were {stunningly and brilliantly} created was with mind, body & spirit enter twined.
My talk was aptly entitled “Temple Care 101”.
Here’s what I handed out to the ladies who endured me for 45 minutes:
The 10 Commandments of Health & Wellness
1. Thou shalt move…whenever possible!
Having a 20 minute exercise routine is better than having none. Even having a 10 minute routine is better than none. The key is being prepared. Many people find themselves with 10-15 minute pockets of time during their days where they have nothing to do {okay…maybe not if you’re a mom}. This is the best time to squeeze in a walk, a few crunches, squats, lunges, etc. Just do something physical as often as you get the chance!
2. Thou shalt get thy beauty sleep
Even almighty God rested on the 7th day – not because He needed to, but to set an example for us. Sleep is incredibly important – your body repairs itself during this time.
3. Thou shalt drink water… and lots of it
To keep your body functioning at maximum efficiency, you need fluid. Many people compromise their exercise and weight loss programs by not drinking enough water to flush out their systems and keep their metabolism fired up.
4. Thou shalt not skip breakfast
You would think that the people who are severely over-weight would eat a king’s breakfast. They don’t. In fact most of them don’t eat breakfast at all. Not even the stuff that is nutrient poor like pancakes, bagels and waffles! When you skip breakfast, your metabolism never “wakes up” from your sleep and your body thinks there’s going to be a famine. This means it holds on to food in the form of fat, making your waistline expand, and your energy levels drop.
5. Thou shalt take thy vitamins
Studies show that the majority of people, even those few who maintain a relatively healthy diet, are deficient in some key nutrients. Taking a good quality, highly-digestible and absorbable vitamin daily, and supplementing in other areas you may be deficient (i.e.. calcium, iron, vitamin C), will help fill the gaps in your diet that your meals leave.
6. Thou shalt eat smaller, healthier meals
Successful exercise and weight loss programs hinge on the time you make for yourself to eat healthy meals. Everyone is “on the run”, whether they travel, have kids, work 12 hours a day. Planning is the only way to integrate healthy eating habits and exercise into their daily routine. Just like anything, you have to think about it and make a conscious effort to change your habits in order for them to stick. When you buy fruit and veggies, spend some time prepping and cutting as soon as you get home from the store so it’s always easy to grab on the run. Let’s admit it, when you’re hungry, you grab what’s available.
7. Thou shalt have a positive attitude
Scripture tells us to hold each thought captive – your thoughts, and what you choose to dwell on, have the power to make or break all efforts to get healthy. Make a choice to stay positive and have a good attitude!
8. Thou shalt set goals
If you don’t know where you’re going you’ll never get there. Exercise and weight loss programs go absolutely nowhere if you don’t plan for your success. Write your goals down, track your progress, maybe even put together a collage and put it somewhere you will see it all the time to be reminded of your quest.
9. Thou shalt enlist a buddy
Accountability is vital when it comes to implementing good habits into your lifestyle (and getting bad habits out!). Find someone who will be supportive, yet firm, and who will cheer you on as your pursue your goals. Someone with similar health & fitness goals makes a great workout buddy!
10. Thou shalt rely on the Lord for strength
Scripture is clear about the importance God puts on your health – be diligent in prayer about the areas of your health you struggle with (over-eating, laziness, unhealthy habits, etc) and trust Him to help you succeed! You can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens you. And when you fall, know that his grace IS sufficient for you. Get up and get going again: think progress, not perfection.
* BC = Before Children {but rest assured…I’m determined to get back there, even AC, hooping all the way, baby!}
