Taking Responsibility for Your Health

Sitting in Biology class at the end of our session, our lecturer said to us "So who wants to know the secret to weight loss?" And most of us went quiet of course, an experts' secret was about to be told...... "There isn't one" she said "eat less and exercise more"

But first, what exactly is Personal Responsibility?

Well, personal responsibility is a mindset. It is the complete knowledge that you are the owner of your life; that you are responsible for every single thought, action, and circumstance occurring in your life. It is taking conscious actions and knowing the consequences of those actions.

And exactly how does it relate to our health?

Our Health is directly related to our Diet, and our diet is our responsibility. The risk of diseases such as Cardio- vascular disease and Diabetes can be reduced through healthy eating. You know at the moment more than one third of U.S. adults-more than 72 million people-and 16% of U.S. children are obese.1 We choose what to put in our mouths (and our children's mouths) every day and what to put in our shopping basket each week. We also choose how often, or even whether or not we exercise.

It is actually very easy for us to sit in our comfy chairs, watching sports (add in own preferred program) on TV, blaming our genes, (I'm 'big boned' because my mum/dad is), our metabolism, fast food outlets, our finances and even the government for our health problems. But is it really easier than a health diet and exercise? A colleague of mine Jay Kubassek has said in his article 'The urgency of importance' "taking care of your own body now is important because it may help you to avoid a future consumed by illness and urgent visits to the doctor". What would you prefer?

So how can we change?

The hardest and most important thing is to Change Your Mind.

This is where the decision takes place to change your life. It is a 'shift' and once you've made it the actions required will be easy. (By easy I mean you will be motivated by your decision to work through any challenges)
Next thing is Education

Education will help you make better food choices. This can be as simple as reading the labels at the supermarket and choosing the 'jar' with no preservatives, or becoming aware that choosing sushi is a much healthier choice than hamburgers and chips. There are heaps of good books on the market, choose books based on nutrition for life rather than quick fix fad diets.

Eat Consciously and Enjoy your Food

This ties in with Education and knowing exactly what it is you are eating but also involves being present and aware while you are eating. For example when you are watching TV eating, you're not really aware that you are eating and are more likely to get hungry again sooner. On the other hand, sitting down to a healthy meal with family and friends, being involved in the cooking, and experiencing the smell, look and taste of the food is far more satisfying. And you are likely to feel full for longer.

Take Action

They key to your health is you, you are responsible, so choose well, eat well, drink water, exercise and rest.
And in the words of Nutritionist Deanna Latson . 'Be conscious of what you put from hand to mouth and your body will thank you for it.... Eat To Live 90% of the time and you will avoid the illnesses that affect the masses'.
Change your life today, Only you can do that.