What is it about the word “health” that makes everyone think about extreme changes? In the name of health, we’re constantly marketed to with drastic changes that will elicit even more drastic changes to your weight or fitness level. The internet bombards us with a new crop of superfoods you must try, diets that will work for everyone, and that workout routine that guarantees ripped arms and a flat stomach.
When you’re looking for a place to start, the sheer volume of information available to us now at any time is just plain overwhelming. How can all these different options work for everyone? Well, the simple answer is that there isn’t just one answer that will fit each person - Kara loves goji berries, and I can’t stand them. Intermittent fasting didn’t fit my early morning workout routine. Kara gave CrossFit two tries, and it just didn’t work for what she was looking for. The good news is that we can help you along the path to find what works for you and your family. Something that works for you can never be the wrong choice!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hype over the new “darling” of the health food world. We can all remember some examples from recent years: kale, coconut oil, moringa, avocados, etc. While some of these certainly have staying power, others will fade away to the corners of the health food section until the cycle repeats itself and that food is “new” again. The key is to not get too overwhelmed about that one new food or ingredient, and whether you’re missing out on something if you don’t add it to your family’s dinner table. As long as your plates are full of whole foods, you’re already doing a great job, and can take your time in coming around to these “newcomers”.
When it comes to food choices and the right fit for your family, we want to hear your goals and what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. Focusing on a few big picture goals is a good way to avoid the anxiety of not being able to stick with an “extreme” diet that completely changes your way of eating. For example, if you’re looking to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your kids’ diet, you don’t need to insist they polish off mounds of brussels sprouts or broccoli at every meal. It can be as easy as putting out a tray of sliced apples, sweet peppers, and sugar snap peas on your kitchen island and see what happens - it’s amazing how quickly that tray empties.
Are you interested in more fiber and improved heart health? A quick add-in of flaxseed to your morning smoothie is so easy, it’s almost an afterthought...you’ll never taste it, but your gut health and cholesterol levels will certainly take notice. With a focus on fresh whole foods, you really almost can’t go wrong. According to the Integrative Nutrition model, it’s as simple as adding in easy changes like these fresh foods that will naturally crowd out the bad choices you already know you don’t want to make.
Exercise and physical activity is definitely an area where diversity reigns. There are so many different ways to get moving, and all the choices can result in “paralysis by analysis”. It also doesn’t help to be bombarded by social media posts, internet ads, and endless gym commercials all promising the best workout routine. The good news is that you already know the answer to what works and what doesn’t work for you at this point in your life.
If you’re just getting back into exercising again, starting out with a walk around your neighborhood might feel perfect. If you’re a regular runner but have been wanting to feel stronger, your body is telling you to look into a new strength routine. If you’re a regular lifter but have been feeling tight, listen to this information and add in a stretching routine. Try something out and remember that you can always change things up if they don’t work!
Our six month health coaching programs are individually tailored to you and your lifestyle. When you start with us, you are making the first step towards a healthier life. We will work with you to develop your goals and help make the changes that are right for you and your family.