That's Fit

Life Fit ... Mind. Body. And More.

Being Life Fit is about your total health, including the health of all of your relationships. Life Fit is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Check in each Tuesday to Life Fit with Laura Lewis, author of 52 Ways To A Healthy You, as we explore our total life fitness. Then, weigh in with your own thoughts over at Laura's "Life Fit Chat" each Wednesday through Friday for further discussion on the week's topic. For more information visit Laura at www.LauraLewis.com.

Did you know: It really is okay to break the rules every now and then. As a matter of fact, if you take all the pleasure out of life, what is left to enjoy? Therefore, the solution is to become a moderate extremist!

A moderate extremist is an individual who steps outside the normal realm of average effort and takes life to the fringe of extreme without going overboard. If you desire to have optimal health and longevity, the best approach is gradual versus full-throttle. Making one healthy and positive change per week will prove to be more effective than total immersion.

During the first phase of your journey toward optimal health, you may want to work on reducing fat intake. The next week, focus on substituting "good" fats for bad "fats" in your diet. Relaxation and stretching might be your next step, and so on.

The Balancing Act: Improve your health by eating a diet that is low in trans fats yet includes "good" fats , whole grains, a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables along with moderate lean protein intake. Exercise regularly, practice stress reduction techniques and maintain a positive attitude to maximize the physical, emotional and mental impact of a proper diet. As a reminder, check out the USDA's Food Pyramid website!

The Treat Plan: Many people are eating way too many "feel good" foods. To make a significant impact on your life, you have to commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, this lifestyle commitment should include "treat days." There is something to be said about the benefits of enjoying life's little pleasures -- just not every day.

Watch Out For Triggers: Some people literally cannot have a high sugar snack on occasion in the beginning stages of a new program. The sugar might trigger them to go on an eating rampage. There is a biochemical connection to cravings that effect some more than others. Genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, depression, or poor nutritional status might also increase cravings. You will find that has you get your health moving in an optimal direction that your appetite will become more normal.

The Bottom Line: Make your best effort. Focus upon how great you will look and feel, not just in a few weeks, but also ten years from now. Being a moderate extremist, along with eating well, staying active and maintaining a positive attitude, might just put the fountain of youth within your grasp.

Action Tips

• Be a moderate extremist. Still experience the fun in life without being indulgent in the "feel good" realm ... of eating that is.
  
• Affirm to yourself daily, "I am a healthy eater! Being fit and healthy comes easy to me."
  
• Know that you can do this and feel it in your heart. You deserve the best. To feel the best, to look the best, and to be happy!