This was originally posted on Sheridan Wellness Council Blog April edition

“There are really only two requirements when it comes to exercise. One is that you do it. The other is that you continue to do it.”

 ~ The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes

A Fitness Professional leads an interesting life. We do research and continuing education on the same subjects that most people read about in magazines in the grocery check-out aisle.  We are the life of every dinner party as discussions of weight loss and workouts intermingle over appetizers and alcoholic beverages. Our passion often circles around what the latest food, diet and exercise crazes are and sometimes it’s hard not to sigh and roll our eyes as a new trend hits our community.

The truth of the matter is that information is conflicting and confusing in the quest to be healthy. People looking to improve their bodies and their lives are challenged with headlines and studies on a daily basis….

 “Drink milk. Dairy is toxic.”

“Grains are good.  Grains are bad.”

“Gluten is bad. Going gluten free will make you gain weight.”

“Eat low carb.  Eat low fat.” (What’s next? Eat low protein???)

 “Eat whey protein.  Nope, only choose soy.” 

“Soy is good for you. Soy will give you excess facial hair and man boobs.”

“High fructose corn syrup is the devil.  Or is it artificial sweeteners that are the problem?”

“Running is good for you. Running causes heart attacks”

“Exercise can help you lose weight. You can’t out exercise a bad diet”.

And the list goes on….

After getting sucked into my own crazes, supplements and endless paths to perfection I have come to the conclusion that it really isn’t what you do that makes a difference…. It’s what you continue to do that makes the difference.

Keep it simple! Transforming your body isn’t as complicated as people make it out to be.

●You see results when you enjoy your activities and perform them several times a week.

●You see results when you fill half your plate at each meal with more colorful veggies.

●You see results when you replace empty liquid calories (soft drinks) with water.

●You see results when you replace typical snacks (pretzels, chips,) with a nutritionally complete snack.

●You see results when you eat foods with less ingredients on the label (aim for less than 5 per food).

●You see results when you make changes that you can live with forever, and not until you “just lose the weight.”

●You see results when you start planning ahead and stop flying by the seat of your pants.

●You see results when you start to sleep more consistently and regularly.

So… focus on keeping it simple one day at a time, set realistic goals and commit to MAKING IT HAPPEN!