I used to enjoy writing blog posts and reading everyone's responses, but like any habit, it can be relatively easy to do but easier not to do, and once the habit is lost, then getting it back can take time and focus.

One habit I have been pretty consistent with, though, even during the crazy times we have had these past few years, is fitness and keeping moving. You may say that is my business (I am a health coach), which is true, but walking the talk can be left behind when children arrive (I have a 22 month old and another on the way), pandemics happen, wars arise, and all the other reasons to push and ease us off course from good intentions.

I read this the other day, which fired up my wanting to write this message;

• Never before in history have so many people tracked their macros, calories, sleep, and activity levels.
• Never before in history have people worried so much about sugar and carbs.
• Never before in history have people had so much access to nutritional information from experts.
• And never before in history have we been this overweight as a populous.

Some Food for thought there, I am sure you'll agree!

I gave this some thought and would add counters to these statements like;

• Never before in history have so many people tracked their macros, calories, sleep, and activity levels.
• BUT Never before in history have we been so busy and so stressed out. Also it can be stressful tracking all of the above for some people.
• Never before in history have people worried so much about sugar and carbs.
• BUT Never before in history have we had access to so many addictive, flavour full and nutrient deficient foods (that we can especially get triggered to eat when we are busy and stressed out)
• Never before in history have people had so much access to nutritional information from experts.
• BUT Never before in history have we been so confused by all this information and as we all know; 'If you confuse them then you lose them'. And thus paralysis from over analysis happens and we do nothing, well apart from eat more addictive, flavor full and nutrient deficient foods!
• And never before in history have we been this overweight as a populous.
• Well, see all of the above and a million other reasons this is happening.

You could add your own comments to the above or not, but my point is that when we zoom out to see the bigger picture, it is not always quite so black and white.

It is very easy to point fingers and make flippant statements like people are lazy or all you have to do is eat less and move more and hey presto, you're in great health and shape. Empathy is needed by more people in this day and age, generally speaking.

But coming back to habits, where I started, have a little think about what I have said and if you feel the need, then what is the number one step (pun intended) you can take towards better health tomorrow.

Sure there may be many reasons not to take that step, but let's filter those out as once a step in the right direction is taken, then another and then another, then we find ourselves getting to a place of more energy, clearer thinking, a more optimistic mindset, an improved immune system, and a reduced belt size to name a few.

Small things like drinking more water, walking further, committing to exercise for 30 minutes 2 - 3 times a week, not drinking alcohol so much or even reducing it completely during the week, eating veggie 2 - 3 days a week, having a method of fasting once a week, practicing mindfulness for 5 minutes a day, being grateful about something (anything) once a day, starting a new hobby or even taking back to a hobby you used to enjoy!

Naturally, you can do some of these together after time to fast-track feeling better.

The list is endless. If you can tie it into what you enjoy, all the better. No pressure, just make the commitment.

Anyway, I enjoyed writing this. I hope you found some value, and I hope you can take some steps towards a brighter, expanded in terms of fulfillment, you.