It’s a funny thing when you think about it. The whole year goes by and it’s not until the end of it that we think we should look back and review. Review everything we did and didn’t do throughout the year. Maybe we should do it more often, every week or every 6 months. Funny or not, it’s a good excuse to think about why you didn’t quite achieve your goals.
Let’s look at 3 realistic and achievable goals for your health in 2017. I chose 3 because it’s a good number. It’s not too many goals that you get overwhelmed trying to achieve and it’s just enough so you don’t get bored.
QUIT SUGAR
It sounds hard but trust me, it’s not. When I say quit sugar I don’t mean entirely and forever. The initial stage to success is to reduce your sugar intake and learn about what’s in your food. I had no idea how much sugar was in a lot of the ‘healthy’ food I was consuming. Fructose is the bad stuff. The only organ that can process fructose is the Liver. If not processed and burnt as energy it turns directly into fat. It’s highly addictive and always has you wanting more. You can see more about recent scientific studies re sugar and it’s harm on the body here.
When you remove sugar from your diet you will be surprised. Surprised about how delicious ‘normal’ foods taste. Vegetables are sweet, they really are ! The idea of quitting sugar is to reset your body by eliminating it and allowing yourself to then indicate how much you need – which you will learn is not a lot at all. I still enjoy fruit, but my low fructose fruits like berries. If you need a little guidance Sarah Wilson has a very achievable 8 week program to launch your sugar free life.
BECOME A YOGI
Not a hard-core yogi but a relaxed and slightly dedicated yogi. Remember, We are focusing on setting achievable goals so don’t go over bored. If you incidentally become a hard-core yogi – awesome. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter because that’s not what we were aiming for.
Why yoga ? It’s been around a long time, like your grandma, and has exceptional health benefits. It’s an ancient Indian philosophy that dates back thousands of year ago (so maybe a little older than your gran!).
Researchers have discovered that the regular practice of yoga may produce many health benefits, including increased fitness and normalisation of blood pressure – Better Health, VIC. – Better Health VIC
Cardiovascular system (heart and arteries) – asanas are isometric, which means they rely on holding muscle tension for a short period of time. This improves cardiovascular fitness and circulation. Studies show that regular yoga practice may help normalise blood pressure.
Digestive system – improved blood circulation and the massaging effect of surrounding muscles speeds up a sluggish digestion.
Musculoskeletal – joints are moved through their full range of motion, which encourages mobility and eases pressure. The gentle stretching releases muscle and joint tension, and stiffness, and also increases flexibility. Maintaining many of the asanas encourages strength and endurance. Weight-bearing asanas may help prevent osteoporosis, and may also help people already diagnosed with osteoporosis (if practiced with care under the supervision of a qualified yoga teacher). Long-term benefits include reduced back pain and improved posture.
Nervous system – improved blood circulation, easing of muscle tension and the act of focusing the mind on the breath all combine to soothe the nervous system. Long-term benefits include reduced stress, anxiety and fatigue, better concentration and energy levels, and increased feelings of calm and wellbeing.
BOOK A FITNESS RETREAT
It’s been on your mind for a while now, I can tell. So 2017 is the year to take the leap. A fitness treat is perfect for anyone. If you need to kickstart your fitness regime, reboot your old one or take a week to mix fitness and relaxation – it’s for you.
I wrote a blog about why a Fitness Retreat is a definite 2017 goal. Read about it here
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