Choose a Healthy Habit

I love this picture. A determined runner. The storms are raging, yet he is focused on the goal up ahead. My prayer for each one of you this week is that you will NOT lose your focus, that even when temptation strikes, you will remain strong. Whatever your battle is, fight it with gusto this week! Live life like you mean it! Remember your goals and stand firm! "Anything worth having is worth fighting for!" Life isn't meant to be easy, but it can be fulfilling.

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Choose a habit from this list to focus on this week (your choice) and by the end of the 12 weeks, you will have healthy habits to maintain your healthy lifestyle.

1. Buy a journal...and use it
In this journal, write down...
What you eat...
When you eat...
Why you eat...
Then, be honest with yourself and see where your eating habits need to change!

2. Read The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko
This one is especially for the men! This is a great book for keeping all of us lean for life!

3. Commit to Building Muscle
Our personal trainer, Jonathan Doyle, will help us learn how to do this correctly.

4. Commit to Aerobic Exercise
At least 30 minutes of aerobic activity is recommended by the experts these days. The truth: figure out how much time YOU can devote to physical activity and stick to it. Don't overdo it. Don't beat yourself up for not doing it. Just do as much as you can do!

5. & 6. Focus on eating these foods: (taken from The Abs Diet)
We'll talk more about these foods as the weeks go on. These are our power foods, the foods which will give our bodies the nourishment we need to live strong, healthy, and lean.
Almonds and other nuts
Beans and legumes
Spinach and other green veggies
Dairy (fat-free or lowfat milk, yogurt, cheese)
Instant Oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored-you can add your own goodies!)
Eggs
Turkey and other lean meats
Peanut Butter
Olive Oil
Whole-Grain Breads and Cereals
Extra-Protein (Whey or Soy) Powder
Raspberries and other berries

7. Focus on 6 meals a day
Six a day, spaced relatively evenly throughout the day. Eat snacks 2 hours before larger meals.

8. Get the "Spirit"
Knowing that there is someone greater and more powerful than YOU to help you is key to this journey. YOU cannot do it on your own. This journey is not just about willpower. YOU need others to help you, YOU need a GOD who cares about YOU and can give you the strength to reach the finish line successfully. If you don't know Him, I'd love to introduce you!
My suggestions for getting in the "Spirit": Read the Bible, Go to church, and Pray!

9. Drink lots of water
Water flushes fat and nourishes your muscles. Drink at least 8 glasses a day.

10. Take a Multi-Vitamin everyday

11. Eat almost NONE of these:
Refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup.

12. One meal a week eat whatever you want
This one is pretty self-explanatory!