My Health Care

Listen to Your Body When it Comes to Fitness and Illness

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wZk-BIUzRzz2qWsNR7aNqel-E5iCC9im5ZWZcScyLNoBbsbLvEMytJqZpAtbxjhLCksJqJ3hNtEdlRIW0L8r4RnedDudsWlMR9x_v9JLQ8NO6M4bFvfLDIMLKR3gcG-8rZxeGzZYRP6V/s1600/IMG_9350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wZk-BIUzRzz2qWsNR7aNqel-E5iCC9im5ZWZcScyLNoBbsbLvEMytJqZpAtbxjhLCksJqJ3hNtEdlRIW0L8r4RnedDudsWlMR9x_v9JLQ8NO6M4bFvfLDIMLKR3gcG-8rZxeGzZYRP6V/s320/IMG_9350.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Have you ever had a severe sinus infection? I have experienced a couple and they can really put me down for a few days. I couldn't believe how horrible the symptoms were and I sympathize with anyone who has suffered through it. Bad sinus infections can take a while to recover from similar to any severe illness. For those of us who rarely get sick, this is quite a humbling experience.<br /><br />Symptoms can include a severe headache and I would say more like entire face pain. Also, the inability to breathe and high fever are typical signs of a sinus infection. Sleeping can feel impossible and eating is often limited as our appetite decreases. Sinus mucus coming out yellow, green or even brown are obvious infection markers. Fitness is pretty much out the window when an illness of this magnitude comes calling. This is the time to focus our energy on getting better. <br /><br /><a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/02/bit-by-bug.html" target="_blank">Illness can happen and does</a> and it's okay to relax with your fitness program. In fact, your body will recover faster if you take time off to rest allowing your antibodies to build and work to your benefit.<br /><br />There will be things we don't want or like to do but are necessary to recover from illness. I had to take antibiotics for my sinus infection for example if I was going to get better.<br /><br />Put workouts on hold. Our body is working hard to recover and taxing it with a training session is really not the best idea. I'm not talking about the sniffles here, but a severe illness requiring a few days of bed rest. If you're too sick to get out of bed, you have no business in the gym.<br /><br />Listen to your body. If you have a fever, vomiting, unable to breathe, and find it an extreme effort to get out of bed, then stay there. Also, listening to your body means knowing when to see the doctor. Not all illness will go away without some assistance. Trying to tough it out for too long can actually work against you.<br /><br />It's better to heir on the side of caution and let a doctor diagnose an infection or virus. A virus typically runs its course without medication but an infection usually requires antibiotics. If you just don't feel right, are feverish, and not performing at what feels like you, then you may want to get it checked out.<br /><br />It's okay to chill out and miss days at the gym. Diehard gym rats will struggle with this. Missing my regular fitness routine is difficult for me as well, but recovering from an illness the right way is part of being fit and healthy.<br /><br />You're not going to lose your fitness just because you got sick and missed a few workouts. Not allowing time to recover from illness or even returning to workouts too soon can cause our body to relapse. Relapse of an illness can occur by ignoring your need to rest and get well. Relapse is said to be ten times worse than the original bug. It's better to be down for a few days than several weeks, right?<br /><br />Drinking plenty of water, and replenishing electrolytes are essential when recovering from illness. Consuming chicken soup and broth are old remedies studies show nourish our body and replace sodium lost through fluids.<br /><br />The bottom line is to <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/03/realistic-expectations.html" target="_blank">think realistically when it comes to fitness</a> and illness. Taking time to recover will actually better prepare your body to return to the gym faster. Illness is something out of our control but we do have control over how we treat our body when it happens.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by my Blog. Remember to subscribe and never miss a free update.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ3YcrbO3ESBHZIIe6hmCtgI4uIf-e9PJmymRx2q0qdyseQaLKNYToej2_fTeP6r7AhTRHQPAjwnRoKCU8P45bgWfW_P0sWWIDX_skHIR4AQGZFUm5bACCwhIcR40L1183KJ7mcFHzrwr/s1600/Darla2+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ3YcrbO3ESBHZIIe6hmCtgI4uIf-e9PJmymRx2q0qdyseQaLKNYToej2_fTeP6r7AhTRHQPAjwnRoKCU8P45bgWfW_P0sWWIDX_skHIR4AQGZFUm5bACCwhIcR40L1183KJ7mcFHzrwr/s320/Darla2+%25286%2529.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be well and Stay Healthy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />

Listen to Your Body When it Comes to Fitness and Illness

Have you ever had a severe sinus infection? I have experienced a couple and they can really put me down for a few days. I couldn't belie...

11:11:00

I Respect Everyone Trying to Get Fit

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UHoMfqsy7pp7s4-2GctDZ2YgCTUmn9IsTv_dmPsO80BBSKpJGG87gcPkUaP1unRAYs5-P0XVtU2RCNZAPSe9rzk-tJdWqqYx9S2mIvwJvCK3khEiEK_B8RkSaWKWHJ7Llf3I1rplpOVG/s1600/darla3+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UHoMfqsy7pp7s4-2GctDZ2YgCTUmn9IsTv_dmPsO80BBSKpJGG87gcPkUaP1unRAYs5-P0XVtU2RCNZAPSe9rzk-tJdWqqYx9S2mIvwJvCK3khEiEK_B8RkSaWKWHJ7Llf3I1rplpOVG/s320/darla3+%25282%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We may all differ in our fitness levels but all share the same goals ... health improvement. Getting fit takes changing our life and daily habits to become healthier people. This choice is inspiring and <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/09/fight-frustration-with-motivation.html">motivating to me</a>. I respect everyone trying to get fit. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The decision to get in shape can feel overwhelming for some of us and even vulnerable. Being over fat can come with a negative stigma and society can make people feel bad about themselves. The same goes for muscular women and skinny men. Body shaming has no place in our fitness journey. Making the choice to become our <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2015/07/eat-like-fitness-expert-to-achieve-your.html">best healthy self</a> is a great decision regardless of the stares or opinions of others. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We don't need to be told we're too fat, too skinny, too muscular or not muscular enough. We all know the condition of our health and body without negative lip service. What we all need is positive support and motivation on our journey to achieve fitness goals.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part of achieving fitness goals is accepting where we are right now and taking responsibility for our part in being unhealthy. This has nothing to do with body shaming or judgments and everything to do with self-love. We have to own our actions to <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/09/you-have-to-change-to-change.html">change our actions</a>.   </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All people deserve to be treated with respect while working to improve their fitness. We definitely shouldn't be throwing stones when most of us live in glass houses. There are many people running around unhealthy not wearing it on the outside of their bodies. Imagine if everything about everyone was exposed automatically for all to see. There would be a serious decline in judgment and body shaming. </span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all need to feel safe to share our reasons why we allow ourselves to be unhealthy. This is critical to successful self-improvement. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">ll of us want to be healthy and supported through the </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">process.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It will be our responsibility to create that healthy life regardless of our size, shape and even the lack of respect from others. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The healthy choices we make today will form our healthy tomorrows.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by my Blog. Remember to subscribe and never miss a free update. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnBkSsCmQRmEXnluq2jT1WxR3HRsWprzaRIpRQG93ITTSR51YhSLvFnBF2iVr1bymytS0srYQp4vX97JIYVRBY6hZRKa-dBSHNT2cu6YIrlnb35ElTfzJ9Ck2zLBXKTKPJMUbaWWpTrxF/s1600/Darla1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnBkSsCmQRmEXnluq2jT1WxR3HRsWprzaRIpRQG93ITTSR51YhSLvFnBF2iVr1bymytS0srYQp4vX97JIYVRBY6hZRKa-dBSHNT2cu6YIrlnb35ElTfzJ9Ck2zLBXKTKPJMUbaWWpTrxF/s320/Darla1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be well and Stay Healthy</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>

I Respect Everyone Trying to Get Fit

We may all differ in our fitness levels but all share the same goals ... health improvement. Getting fit takes changing our life and daily h...

13:27:00

I Allow For Moderation to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qGUc8ai_VP2pvyxO7fkWERZVUd-AqqxP-CptOfBM2Z1RHHbh8Cen7kGTZABv89Vd6kX50AZ8IzakcinoyIm2COr76mXFKZ1XKNAvprpx1Vws8bZhJc3WHLVmB-W6TyGhrGM6SEqltXMB/s1600/darla3+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="938" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qGUc8ai_VP2pvyxO7fkWERZVUd-AqqxP-CptOfBM2Z1RHHbh8Cen7kGTZABv89Vd6kX50AZ8IzakcinoyIm2COr76mXFKZ1XKNAvprpx1Vws8bZhJc3WHLVmB-W6TyGhrGM6SEqltXMB/s320/darla3+%25282%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>Living a healthy lifestyle is not about restriction but allowing for moderation. It's not realistic to eliminate a favorite food forever from our diet. I consider my occasional splurges as treats and not even cheats. Because eating them in moderation is an enjoyable experience. It's called living a balanced healthy life.<br /><br />I don't believe having a fresh baked brownie now and then is cheating on my fitness program. <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2015/07/eat-like-fitness-expert-to-achieve-your.html">I follow a 90/10 rule</a> consuming a wide variety of <span style="color: black;">good carbs</span>, <span style="color: black;">lean proteins, </span>and <span style="color: black;">healthy fats</span> 90% of the time. I allow for 10% indulgence like a glass of <span style="color: black;">wine</span> or dark <span style="color: black;">chocolate</span>. These small treats won't derail my efforts as many of us are taught to believe. It's what we do consistently that defines what our body looks like.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I will even apply the 80/20 rule eating healthy foods 80% of the time and allowing 20% for indulgence. This comes in handy when on vacation or during the holidays. I will not turn down a piece of my Mom's home-baked pie or biscuits with butter and honey ... are you kidding me?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>I do feel indulgences need to be quality. I don't waste time on packaged process junk foods but will splurge on home baked goods made with real ingredients. I also enjoy a good burger, gourmet pizza, and frozen yogurt with toppings. When I treat myself, I still want to be in control of the quality of the food. I also don't believe in having a free ticket to binge on thousands of calories on splurge day. That is defeating the purpose of a splurge meal or day. If I want a burger and fries, I enjoy the meal and move on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkzMJYdDT6HTvCGCyK3hV_dLWf30DLOcIb0Vf3oPNoo1UrCgFbWTd-uP7brWxIAhnxEXpq8MOHCC_4deHr_pu6VmC3bzRnmHudbXFVOaypmxRFVYmiTT6bf5mj-MUD9ju-O1xZNTjzJ82/s1600/5+RULES+OF+CHEAT+MEAL+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkzMJYdDT6HTvCGCyK3hV_dLWf30DLOcIb0Vf3oPNoo1UrCgFbWTd-uP7brWxIAhnxEXpq8MOHCC_4deHr_pu6VmC3bzRnmHudbXFVOaypmxRFVYmiTT6bf5mj-MUD9ju-O1xZNTjzJ82/s400/5+RULES+OF+CHEAT+MEAL+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I don't plan a treat day either but listen to my cravings. I work hard, eat clean 80 to 90 percent of the time and know eating a slice of <span style="color: black;">apple</span> pie Ala mode is not going to break my fitness bank. I will savor every bite of my indulgence and eat slowly. I eat slowly anyway, but really take even more time when eating a treat.<br /><br />Having treat meals are always a personal choice. Sometimes there are physiological and psychological issues to consider. Those suffering from emotional eating disorders may not be good candidates for <span style="color: black;">treat meal</span><span style="color: black;">s</span> and should be under the guidance of a physician. Also, newbie fitness adapters may not be able to manage treat meals just yet and succumb to past triggers and old behaviors. Medical issues like diabetes require food monitoring and certain treats may not be in their best interest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi1EjoZx_wTVfshyJeSoJunobEW2ymRMNSeQ5xrT9QscKn67QWnl_cr3NTRwqugM90eCdTpsOBjz5pOiQb-1Ae1QuF1vLay_A6NHW320tpkotQPJCqPtm2fSWysFRdj9nW0Klhl00K5O5/s1600/haywood-fitness-health-fitness-workshop-2014-presentation-9-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi1EjoZx_wTVfshyJeSoJunobEW2ymRMNSeQ5xrT9QscKn67QWnl_cr3NTRwqugM90eCdTpsOBjz5pOiQb-1Ae1QuF1vLay_A6NHW320tpkotQPJCqPtm2fSWysFRdj9nW0Klhl00K5O5/s320/haywood-fitness-health-fitness-workshop-2014-presentation-9-638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I utilize treat meals for balance in my healthy lifestyle. Thinking we can sustain on boiled fish and broccoli is not realistic. I enjoy some sort of sweet treat or fun meal a couple of times weekly and still maintain a healthy body. It really comes down to how we apply treat meals. It's not a reward for being deprived all week or for completing a hard workout.<br /><br />There is a <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-count-quality-not-calories.html">place for eating healthy</a> and allowing for treats in a healthy life. Living a healthy lifestyle shouldn't feel like a burden or deprivation. If that's the case, a review of your current nutrition plan is advisable. An unsustainable nutrition plan will cause many of us to return to unhealthy eating habits. Life is too short not to eat healthy and it's also too short not to enjoy some splurges along the way.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by my Blog. Remember to subscribe and never miss a free update.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLJMcwXz6nyPGs2GJewdSndXLxY1XRiOmdJzLbdr1llZDQYWuKYuu8l5uadZkH3ANdCxmq1JPsBnUTuAXRUoDChEy_9nfY-Fq0nIASOcEC0T_i-Tj32S-aUz20Zp0FrZUQeqPsGwT3X_Y/s1600/Darla1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLJMcwXz6nyPGs2GJewdSndXLxY1XRiOmdJzLbdr1llZDQYWuKYuu8l5uadZkH3ANdCxmq1JPsBnUTuAXRUoDChEy_9nfY-Fq0nIASOcEC0T_i-Tj32S-aUz20Zp0FrZUQeqPsGwT3X_Y/s320/Darla1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be well and Stay Healthy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />

I Allow For Moderation to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle is not about restriction but allowing for moderation. It's not realistic to eliminate a favorite food forever...

08:37:00

How Fitness Can Be Lost With Two Little Words

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RwaFW3At-8XPDJdhha2cmzoP4G9zN8yn1D4gX4rAcFnDHNRtLVfLXHFMYZf0U7-8w31ZDjawdFW2Cmp8s6hosFyD4xA-oy7ycw92PxlaDPWOQPTXwWNwvZau2tW5tV9Jp_xSyc7R-gAR/s1600/darla2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RwaFW3At-8XPDJdhha2cmzoP4G9zN8yn1D4gX4rAcFnDHNRtLVfLXHFMYZf0U7-8w31ZDjawdFW2Cmp8s6hosFyD4xA-oy7ycw92PxlaDPWOQPTXwWNwvZau2tW5tV9Jp_xSyc7R-gAR/s320/darla2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">How many times do we justify unhealthy choices using the 'it's only' intro? Whether <i>it�s only</i> five pounds more, a small bag of chips, or one missed workout, it's easy to keep going once we start. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">These two little words can be the start of losing our fitness. The occasional treat turns into <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2016/01/fitness-is-all-day-long.html">daily choices</a> leading us in the opposite direction of our fitness goals. The five pound gain turns into ten, two cookies are suddenly five, and several workouts somehow get missed. Two innocent words have suddenly derailed all our hard work. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The '<span class="">it�s</span> only<i>'</i> dilemma can happen at any time but appears to creep back into the picture once <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2016/05/achieve-fitness-one-day-at-time.html">fitness results are achieved</a>. What we thought wouldn't make a difference in our fitness has taken us back to an unhealthy lifestyle and body.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These two words are not as innocent as one might believe. Saying 'it's only' is only for those with a strong mental game who really mean it for one time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let�s look at the time it takes to break the cycle of sugar craving. This is approximately two weeks or twenty-one days. If a</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> person is two days shy of that goal and decides to break the rules for <i>its only</i> one time, it could snowball into continued unhealthy eating. All that hard work down the drain. This is hypothetical but happens more often than not.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am all about moderation but <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2016/01/no-matter-what-you-do-its-still-about.html">starting a healthy lifestyle</a> requires structure and discipline. Success happens when we don't cave to thinking 'it's only' is acceptable. Why risk losing the accomplishments of several days/months of hard effort?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's no denying two innocent words can take a person from success to digress in short order. Within a few weeks, we may stand in bewilderment wondering what happened. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It happened because 'it�s only' became the tool used more consistently than <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2015/07/eat-like-fitness-expert-to-achieve-your.html">healthy choices</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pay attention to that inner voice tempting you towards unhealthy food choices and skipped workouts. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be aware of friends and family who may sabotage your efforts with <i>it's only </i>for this one time. Besides, you deserve it, right? Wrong. What you deserve is making the best healthy choices for yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Becoming aware of the two words (it's only) and how we use them to justify unhealthy choices is important to <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/12/wishing-wanting-and-doing.html">our fitness success</a>. When we're able to identify the behavior, we can avoid setbacks in our fitness life. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by my Blog. Remember to subscribe and never miss a free update. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilysa83eKtONyvoXczy2GG3kMvLfvIulolVNAhYG8ysCvWih-mDSOI7HL-PTwPgDuJ2y5SfbHZtjtTRegDnZvB6tuxHxdvtAvqR8K_RjK1RYXKWthqkoohK307Cml1tlHTNFGroJ6FFvYN/s320/IMG_1358.JPG" width="289" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.com/">Be well and Stay Healthy!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.48px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.48px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

How Fitness Can Be Lost With Two Little Words

How many times do we justify unhealthy choices using the 'it's only' intro? Whether it�s only five pounds more, a small bag of ...

13:14:00

Discipline Enables You to Keep Going When Motivation is Lacking

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3joA_S2TaQCnA7-XQKCis72vSc_BsL5qf9fpPdwiZ6OBauA6lCsJj8d69BjcWvTTCD1Q0ii9lfwOw4jwajjJ6F-dCH3km3JEtfrKf4oeAIFoKCLXrtDBWR9jVEIqucZ4s0DMNlidGIYov/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3joA_S2TaQCnA7-XQKCis72vSc_BsL5qf9fpPdwiZ6OBauA6lCsJj8d69BjcWvTTCD1Q0ii9lfwOw4jwajjJ6F-dCH3km3JEtfrKf4oeAIFoKCLXrtDBWR9jVEIqucZ4s0DMNlidGIYov/s320/IMG_6519.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have all experienced lack of motivation and it's actually normal during our fitness journey. Nothing goes perfectly and results can take longer than we thought. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When results are slower than expected, frustration can feel overwhelming. Staying motivated can be difficult during this time. Our </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">feelings can move past frustration straight into pissed off and angry. </span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Lack of motivation causes many of us to consider giving up. We doubt our efforts and think nothing will work. We may even return to old unhealthy habits. Before the <span style="color: black;">negative mental game</span> stops you completely, consider <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2014/01/motivation-mojo.html"><span style="color: #351c75;">using discipline instead of motivation</span></a>. When we struggle, it will be discipline carrying you to the finish line and beyond. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">The truth is we're all working toward the same fitness goal but at differing rates of progress. <span style="color: black;">Health is a process</span> of small steps taken over time that provide big results. Just know each positive step to improve your health is working. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our bodies know something good is happening, even when we're unable to see it. It's during times of the unseen we must have faith in the process. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be motivated by the good</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> being done to become a healthy person. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Throwing in the towel and <span style="color: black;">going back to old habits</span> will create nothing but further unhappiness and frustration. It will rob you of all the effort accomplished so far. This is not the time to quit, but to stand strong, stay disciplined, and keep going. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Relying on discipline instead of motivation will require an inner strength we all possess. Discipline is what will get us up for an early morning workout or take us to the gym after work. It's a drive stronger than motivation.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Discipline is a choice to love ourselves at this moment no matter what the scale says. It requires daily acknowledgment of your efforts <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2015/07/eat-like-fitness-expert-to-achieve-your.html">like eating healthy</a>, completing a workout, <span style="color: black;">a daily goal</span>, or whatever has been the most difficult struggle finally accomplished that day. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Having a positive attitude will also help you stay disciplined when motivation has tanked. It gives you the strength to remain<span style="color: black;"> consistent with healthy habits even when we don't feel like it. Discipline is your inner voice keeping you on track with h</span>ealthy eating and exercise. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Discipline allows you to focus not so much on the overall goal, but what can be achieved today. This strategy minimizes frustration and promotes feeling motivated.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">Following through with discipline can also decrease stress because you know you're doing your best each day. Eventually, disciplined habits revive motivation as you see the results of your continued efforts. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif";">When you <a href="http://stayhealthyfitness.blogspot.com/2015/11/appreciate-we-have-incredible.html">relax about getting fit</a> and stay disciplined, health falls into place. Getting fit is an imperfect process with plenty of ups and downs. As long as you remain realistic through struggles and become flexible with your methods, goals are always achievable. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by my Blog. Remember to subscribe and never miss a free update.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSPNUmUAtOGfmmkmWUBNNIPKYmRjYEzcQeh97i532A1x03jO3h44tlKJIY0Ftr-bsQHWXJckHXI8LqjX_yg_tPgxaEcc985nWYBnfIV9wGm42atZ7p4r751HNGQtO886qtoQq4VoCOT_5/s1600/Darla1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSPNUmUAtOGfmmkmWUBNNIPKYmRjYEzcQeh97i532A1x03jO3h44tlKJIY0Ftr-bsQHWXJckHXI8LqjX_yg_tPgxaEcc985nWYBnfIV9wGm42atZ7p4r751HNGQtO886qtoQq4VoCOT_5/s320/Darla1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be well and Stay Healthy</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div>