3 Simple Steps to Better Eating Habits and More Exercise

Part of my job as a financial professional is listening to people talk, and one thing I hear a lot with regard to diet and exercise is what I affectionately call the when I, then I game. It goes something like this:

“When I get that promotion, then I’ll get a membership to the gym.”
“When I finish this stressful work project, then I’ll start cooking at home.”
“When I complete this basement remodel, then I can make time for exercise.”

Sound familiar? Many of us have been playing the “when I, then I” game for so long, we might not even be aware that we are doing it.

What Should We Be Doing?

It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking that we should wait for the right time to begin doing what we know is best because, well, we want to do it right. And yes, the American Heart Association does have set guidelines as to what the “right” amount of exercise per week should look like:

2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) every week combined with weight training or muscle-strengthening activities (like yoga) 2 or more days a week.

1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like jogging) every week combined with weight training or muscle-strengthening activities (like heavy gardening) 2 or more days a week.

Your own mix of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity combined with weight training or muscle-strengthening activities (like working with resistance bands) 2 or more days a week.

What Are Most People Doing?

If you are reading these recommendations with a sinking feeling in your gut, don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 18 percent of Americans are following these guidelines. The rest of us have room for improvement.

Eating out less and preparing your own food at home has also been shown to have positive health benefits that go beyond just physical fitness – they also improve family life and the well-being of children.

But how do you make time for these healthy choices?

Start Making Better Food & Exercise Choices Now

If you are waiting for the right time to get healthy, I have news for you: waiting means it won’t happen. Circumstances aren’t likely to be ideal, life is always messy and there is never enough time.

Instead of waiting, ask yourself, how do you want to spend your retirement? On your own two feet or in a hospital bed? Having adventures or monitoring medication? What good does all that money in the bank do you if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy it?

3 Simple Steps to Healthy Lifestyle Investments

Don’t wait until you can do it right. Start now with a small goal that is realistic for you and work up to your ideal. Follow these three simple steps and make the most important investment to the achievement of your RichLife goals – taking care of your primary asset – YOU.

Step #1: Choose one area of physical health you can begin investing in today: Exercise, Healthy Eating or Rest
Step #2: Commit to one realistic goal in that area and be specific. State how much and by when. For example:

I will pack a healthy lunch that includes one vegetable and one piece of fruit three days a week starting on Monday, June 8^th.

Step #3: Make it a habit. Understand that it will be hard at first and then it will get easier. Habits are created by pushing through the hard days until the easy days start to come.

Healthier choices come with their own rewards because you’ll start noticing the benefits: you’ll feel better, look better and have more energy.

Do you have a question about success with money, your business, or life? You can ask Beau anything by visiting AskBeau.com and sending your question(s) in to RichLife HQ!

Helpful Links:

What counts as exercise?

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html

Can I get my own downloaded copy of the AHA recommendations?

http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@fc/documents/downloadable/ucm_469557.pdf

How much exercise should your kids be getting?

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ActivitiesforKids/The-AHAs-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Children_UCM_304053_Article.jsp

References:

American Heart Association

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/American-Heart-Association-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Adults_UCM_307976_Article.jsp

Harvard Health Publications: Harvard Medical School

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/americans-lag-on-exercise-20101006590