There is so much information out there about the best way to achieve optimal health, to reach your ideal weight, and to retain or re-gain youthful energy and vitality. Sometimes it is hard to know what and who to believe: sometimes so hard that, when faced with these confusing and sometimes conflicting options, you simply throw up your hands and do nothing.
The reason there are so many approaches to diet, exercise, and healthy living is because WE as human beings introduce so many variables into the mix that it should make your head spin. We all have a different genetic makeup, for starters. Consider the fact that we live in different environments and we have different stressors in our lives. We all have a different story as to how we came to our present state. We have different live events and different ways of coping with them, all of which affect how we are doing today. The reason there are so many types of diets, so many types of workout programs, and so many conflicting pieces of advice surrounding organic foods, protein requirements, and supplement advice is that these things generally work for SOMEBODY, but it all doesn’t work for EVERYBODY. That is why individualized health and fitness programs are necessary for best results.
A huge problem arises when you try to copy the behavior and choices of a person who has a body that you admire. Who’s to say that they look the way they do BECAUSE of their training? They might look the way the do IN SPITE of the way they eat or exercise, because they were born with a tendency to look a certain way. Your body won’t necessarily respond the same way even if you do the exact same thing they do. You may wonder, “How am I supposed to know what to do to get the results I want? Do your own research and experimentation, or look to the expertise and experience of a professional: a.k.a. a fitness trainer.
You need to find a program for diet, exercise, supplementation, lifestyle, and health practices that--
(1) you enjoy, or at least don’t hate, and
(2) gives you something back for your effort and investment of time and money.
Keep in mind, sometimes you don’t realize how you are benefiting from something until you STOP doing it and watch how you deteriorate as a result. For example, I have had people say to me, “gee, I never seem to lose a pound in spite of all my exercise.” Meanwhile, they don’t realize that they would likely be GAINING weight if they weren’t working out—not to mention they would have much less energy, put themselves at higher risk for a heart attack or cancer, and start feeling those aches and pains coming back.
If you are already happy with your results from your current way of life, keep doing what you’re doing, and ignore the latest fads that come out. If you’re unhappy with something, or believe you can achieve more, try other things that you may be able to integrate into your program. One thing we can count on is that there will always be a new diet, a new belief about the safety and/or positive effects from certain foods, a new type of exercise or approach to exercise, a new supplement, and a new system for weight loss, muscle gain, better health, and a return to youthfulness. Rather than think of them as “right” or “wrong,” take what you can out of each new idea. Compile your own ideal system for success with your weight, your fitness, and your health. I’d love to know what works best for you! As a trainer I can’t provide THE solution for you, even though I am familiar with a laundry list of them. I CAN help guide you as you discover what makes you thrive…and I will do my best to support you and keep you motivated along the way.
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