Stop Dieting, Start Living!

By Kristin Fraser

“Don’t start a diet that has an expiration date. Focus on a lifestyle that will last forever.”

A lack of optimal health seems to be an ongoing struggle for not just some, but most people. “After this weekend… After next…” But it’s not about finding the right time to ‘diet’. It’s about stepping into the journey of a lifestyle – and then continuing to take another step. Everyday.

Your life is right now. So it follows that your focus on your health should be right now too. When you break free from cravings, your body feels better and life can start to feel a whole lot better too! I’ve come up with 5 simple steps to help you on the path to really enjoying your healthy journey.

Step One

Educate yourself. Watch Food Matters, Hungry for Change or pick up The Detox Prescription by Dr. Woodson Merrel. The more you learn the more you become empowered. For example – did you know that hydrogenated oils found in our cereals, crackers, cookies, snacks and packaged foods are found to increase cancer rates, heart disease and cause inflammation in the body? According to webmd.com, a Nurse’s Health study showed that women who consumed these transfats in their diets had a 50% higher risk of having a heart attack. Why would you want that in your body? Now that you know, you can just look at the label and choose the crackers without hydrogenated oils.

Step Two

Embark on a cleansing program. As much as this sounds like the type of diet or restrictment you are trying to get away from, it’s necessary….at first. You need to clean house and derail your cravings for the unhealthy stuff. Its important to understand where your cravings are coming from – unhealthy environments created from unhealthy choices. Get someone who knows what they are doing to coach you through it too! Check out Inner Glow Nutrition to get support.

Step Three

Give up your excuses and I cant’s. “If I eat healthy I can’t have this…”, “If I am healthy I can’t have that…” You can have whatever you want!! The goal is to get your body into a place where it just doesn’t crave the sugars and processed foods. “I can’t be social”. Yes you CAN! Enjoy the company of friends – just don’t see it as a time to stock up on food if the food you will be surrounded with will be less than nourishing.

Step Four

Get excited about feeling good! Most people forget how good feeling good feels. Once you hit the gym and build a regimen – it feels good! Once you get out for a walk in nature – it feels good! Find a health food store or an organic market that you like and look forward to going every week to stock up on the foods that nourish you. Keep your mindset positive – even through the tough times.

Step Five

Calendar in the important things – food prep,Yoga, exercise, fun stuff! Get out of the ‘To-Do list’ mentality and just take care of yourself in ways you think you might enjoy. The more you take care of yourself the easier the ‘To- Dos’ get done.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact it should be simple. Just start your journey and watch your weight drop and your clarity and energy skyrocket!

And I’ve got the perfect recipe to get you off on the right foot. Click here to see my Orange Miso Rice Wraps… and me! There’s a video at the bottom of the page…enjoy!