Planning for Healthy Success

By John McCain

When people ask me what’s the single most important tip to losing weight and keeping it off, the answer is very simple: Stay committed to the program you are on that works best for you. If that means having two shakes a day and then a reasonable meal, do it every day. Treat the food you put into your mouth like fuel, fuel for your mind and your body. Great fuel for your mind and body will help you not only feel good but you’ll also have more energy. More natural energy means you don’t have to rely on outside stimulants to make you feel energized. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a day where you go off track a little bit, but just be sure to get right back on track the next day.

Think about this: How much better do you feel when you put the proper nutrition in your body? Not only will you lose weight but you are more productive during the course of the day while you work. You’ll also have more energy after work as well. One of the best ways to enjoy greater energy all day is by replacing sugary snacks with fresh fruit.

Plan your meals for the week. Be sure you have an idea what you’re going to have for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday etc. After all, you’re probably already planning your work and when you’re picking up the kids from soccer practice etc. So, why wouldn’t you plan your meals for the most important person (you)?

Make yourself a priority. I understand that people don’t want to be selfish, but if you have an obligation to other people that you love and care about, then taking care of yourself should be the first priority so you can help other people that depend on you. Reverse the thought process that says, “I’m a selfish person if I take care of myself first.” If you take the precautionary steps to feel better longer, you’ll enjoy your life more and you’ll have more energy to help other people too. When you have more energy and vitality, you’ll be more giving to others because you took the time to service your own account. Take care of your health and well being.

Good health will actually save you money in the long run if you take care of yourself now. Then, twenty years down the road, you won’t have to take drastic measures where you have to alter your entire life due to failing health. If you take small little steps along the way, you will achieve big results over an extended period of time.

Don’t focus on the things that you are giving up. Instead, pat yourself on the back whenever you replace a bad habit (junk food) with a good habit (healthy food). Over time, when you’ve made a habit of eating healthy every day, when you do have that greasy fast food, it doesn’t really taste that great. Chances are, you just acquired a taste for it, which means you can reacquire a taste for good healthy food and really see the difference it makes with how you look and feel.

One final tip: If you want to lose weight and enjoy greater health and energy, don’t skip breakfast! Instead, make more time for yourself in the morning and enjoy a good breakfast. Eat something that is nutritious that will fuel you through the morning. You just slept for 7-9 hours with nothing to eat, so your body was still working and maintaining your body’s function as you slept. Next, be sure you have something nutritious for lunch and then an afternoon snack if your energy starts to fade or your appetite kicks in. After work, reward yourself for dinner by hopefully making a wise decision. Of course, it’s all up to you. Since you’ve made the first two of the meals healthy, if you want to cheat a little or have something that’s not very nutritious, it’s not as devastating as if you ate poorly all day.