“Baby steps to the elevator…”
“Baby steps on the bus…”
“Baby steps to 4 o’clock…”
-Bob Wiley (Bill Murray in What About Bob)
I’ve been told that my health and fitness level is intimidating. I thought this was absurd, but then I started to see how it could come across like that. Both my hubby and I are pretty passionate about fitness, and try to make healthy choices. But this was not always the case, and it did not happen all at once.
We rarely eat out, and our meals are cooked with healthy ingredients, but it did not start this way. When my hubby and I were first married I ate toaster strudels for breakfast. After lunch I would eat a candy bar pretty much everyday. For dinner we ate a lot of frozen meals and instant potatoes.
My hubby is a proponent of protein shakes. He now uses a pharmaceutical grade whey protein. But over a decade ago he used soy protein. It was causing lumps to form in his pectorals. Too much soy can do wicked things to our bodies.
I started running in high school, but never long distances. It started with just a few miles to stay in shape. Then this hot guy (not yet my hubby) asked if I wanted to run a 5 mile Thanksgiving day run with him…. Then I completed a 10K…. Then a 10 miler…. Then a half marathon…. Then a marathon…. Then 15 more marathons….
The point is, we made and are still making gradual small changes to become healthier.
Baby Steps
Why not take Bob Wiley’s advice and “baby step” to a healthier you?
~Prepare meals ahead of time so there are healthy ones ready and available.
~Swap canned veggies with frozen.
~Switch to organic in one category at a time. Organic food can be expensive if you switch everything all at once. Start with just bread. Then switch the meat. If you gradually switch over, it won’t be such a shock on your wallet.
~Replace sodas with sparkling water and a lime/lemon. Don’t get me wrong, this is a sacrifice. But it does satisfy the craving for something with fizz.
~Replace chemical-laden household and beauty items with natural ones as you run out. Don’t feel like you need to dump all your cleaning and beauty items in the trash, that would be wasteful. And we all hate wasting money!
~Add to your workout. Maybe this will be just 5 extra minutes. Or an extra mile. Or an extra day a week. Or a new workout. If you’re not exercising, then start with something that is manageable.
There are still ways that I know I can improve and become healthier. For instance: I buy mostly organic, but not totally. And I still eat snacks that I know are not the healthiest option. And I still have a weakness for doughnuts. But the point is to be making progress. It doesn’t matter where we are on the journey. Just that we are on the journey.
Before you know it, you’ll be saying:
“I feel good. I feel great. I feel wonderful!” (Another Bob Wiley quote. Now go watch What About Bob!)
xoxo
