Healthy B.P.M.

Everyday we play Russian roulette with our health and well being. We eat things that we know aren’t good for us, in unhealthy portions. We smoke, drink and have unprotected sex. Always taking a chance with our health. Each time we practice unhealthy behaviors we get a little braver and keep doing it. All the while thinking we’re getting away with it. Still there’s a bit of anxiety or even downright worry, carrying the knowledge that our luck could run out at anytime.

We could gain lots of weight, have diabetes, heart disease or some other horrible condition. Yet we keep doing it, because there is no tangible evidence that we haven’t gotten away with it. So you’re living in a dual world, taking chances with your wellbeing and getting the instant gratification from what you’re doing. Is that more comforting than doing everything in your power to take care of yourself. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable and relaxed knowing that your lifestyle puts you on the safe side? Of course there is much to be said about genetic disposition, but that doesn’t have to be the norm. When you know better you can do better.

When we play Russian roulette we feel like we’re getting away with something, so we do it again. We go for the instant gratification and we keep doing it. At the same time, we don’t know what’s going on inside. How do we turn that around? Perhaps the first step is redefining what instant gratification means, or what it feels like. Better yet, why does it have to be instant? Wanting anything instantly means you’re looking for the shortcut, and therein lies the challenge. How many times have we said/heard; slow down, stop and smell the coffee, roses etc? Getting everything when we want it only makes us want more, so the cycle continues.

Though I’ve made it through my instant gratification phase (several times) I’m far from being an expert on the topic. Sometimes you ask very simple and basic questions. One is ‘does the taste and satisfaction of overeating ____________, exceed my desire to be as healthy as I can be? If yes, why? We also have to rid ourselves of the idea of depravity. This isn’t about all or nothing, with food or exercise.

We can get healthy, lose or maintain or weight and tone our bodies without hours and hours of grueling activity. The one thing I want to stress more than anything else is that our bodies know how to take care of themselves, if and this is a big IF, we listen. It is naturally and even recommends that you have a lifestyle that promotes taking care of yourself outwardly. That is losing excess pounds and trimming some inches but don’t be obsessive about it. It would be awesome if people would approach fitness/wellbeing form the perspective of optimal wellness. Then everything that you do is successful. Every workout is a success; every healthy meal is a success because you know you’re doing something good for yourself. There is no anxiety about getting on the scales or trying on clothes. You have no idea how much pressure that relieves. That way you can get on with your life.

Surely I’m not implying that you adopt a haphazard attitude about what you eat and how you craft your fitness plan. Just enjoy it and relax, already! It’s great to have expectations and wonderful to set them to what you really want. The kicker here is to appreciate all you have and all you’re doing. That sure beats the heck out of being disappointed that the pounds are melting as quickly as you want them to.

The first step is always the most challenging. However, if you keep taking more steps towards your well-being, you’ll be lighter on your feet.