It is human nature to take the easy road. It's built into our DNA to help us conserve energy for survival. So is a taste for dense calorie foods with sugars and fats (to fuel our long pioneer treks across many lands when food could be scarce). So it's totally natural to want what we now consider "treats". The danger now it that they are so readily available.
You would think that since nutrition has been my hobby and passion for about two decades, and I've been a fitness instructor and coach for years, that all this healthy stuff would come easy for me. And I'll admit, it's much easier than it used to be. In college I remember only being able to afford one zucchini as my vegetable for the grocery trip, and then throwing it away when it rotted. As a new mom I remember realizing one day that I hadn't exercised for about 3 months (I couldn't actually remember the last time I had). And I do much better now!
And though early in my health journey I was mostly motivated by vanity (I wanted to look good in those pants again dangit!), I have come to realize the blessing of health and how valuable it is. Especially when you begin to see the lack. And when it hits home.
Last fall, a business associate called me asking for help with his health. I took the time to meet with him, assess his needs and make recommendations. He decided it wasn't quite the right time to make big changes and start a whole program. So I honored his decision and kept in touch loosely, suggesting small, positive lifestyle changes. I was shocked to hear of him less than two months later hospitalized for a "hypertensive event" which eventually lead to the replacement of a kidney. I can't make choices for other people, but I realized then that I could have done more. I stepped up my coaching business, and became more bold about suggesting changes.
Last week my 2nd grade son came home from school using lots of big words and talking about diabetes, a concept he could barely grasp. He said his friend at school got it (almost like it was like chicken pox), the teacher had been talking to the class. My heart went out to him for having to handle such a difficult concept like his friend getting shots all the time, when they should both be carefree children on the playground, bursting with life and health. I was sad for the child that would have to deal with this disease daily and for a mother that no doubt feels like a failure for allowing this to happen.
These days even a "home-cooked" meal will often come from a box or a deli. School lunch in my town doesn't usually go a good direction, even with recent changes. There is candy for incentives from the classroom to the doctors office. Healthy habits need to start and become natural at home. But what about working parents, all the games and activities, and everything that seems to keep us from quality time at the kitchen table? It seems our modern world is geared away from the healthy, whole foods that could heal us.
What finally has sparked this post is the recent death of a friend this week. It came as quite a shock, he was only 47 years old. He too had asked me for help several months ago, we had talked, and he decided to do a high protein "paleo" style plan and then get back to me. I have never want to come across as a sales person, so I didn't push. I didn't want him to feel like I didn't care.
He was a great person, but had some unhealthy habits. Now he has no more option to change. All the things in life that were waiting for him, he will never get to experience. Again, I realized I could have been stronger in my approach. I could have emphasized the need for whole foods, which for centuries have been recognized as the best medicine. I could have given him easy recipes, taught him to use time saving tools. It's hard to look back sometimes. All you really can do is move forward.
Now it's time to be more bold. It's time to get LOUD about doing things that will change people and literally give life! "Being healthy" is not just something cool, or something to put on you to-do list. This is a life and death matter. The people I work with are not just clients, they are friends and beyond that they are people that deserve a life where they have time to become who they can be, serve others, spread joy and memories, be a friend, discover their potential, make an impact and experience all that is offered to us in this existence. Taking care of your body matters!
It can be hard if you have never done it or if you are out of the habit. This is where I have a chance to help make changes, help start new patterns. It's not just about losing pounds for a reunion or squeezing into the dress. This is about teaching real people that need help how to take responsibility for the temple that carries their amazing soul through this life. And hopefully creating a ripple effect that will spread far beyond.
This is why I am passionate about spreading health with tools that will make it easier. I'm busy too. I'm a mom of four beautiful children, and we all want to eat every single day. That's a lot to do! I want to share what's helped me get to this point where I feel good about myself, healthy and strong, even ways to make exercise an automatic part of who you are. Yes, there are still holiday treats right now (more than there should be), but what you focus on expands in your life. My goal is to help as many people as possible focus and expand health in their life and help others to do the same.
So much of the pain of living and of losing loved ones can be attributed to the diseases above. We can change it! We can take the biggest risks completely off the list! But it starts with one choice at a time.
I hope you consider joining me, both in creating a life of abundant health for yourself, and in helping others that are clinging to a sinking ship because they don't know how to get into the life boat. If you found this post, maybe it's time.
Please contact me, and begin to learn how whole, raw food, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and give you the life, the health and the nutrition that is your birthright from your Creator. Click here to learn more about Blendfresh and Blentec, two of my favorite tools for bringing excellent nutrition into your own life the easiest and most economical way possible. Let's talk and find how to make real, vibrant health a part of your daily life too!
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