We are definitely on overload when it comes to the the amount of ‘wellness’ information that is available to us.

I always tell people that the real challenge is deciphering fact from fiction; not locating the info or even learning more.  I mean have you ever Googled the word "fitness," or "wellness"…"healthy living" or "healthy lifestyles"?

The response and websites listed are, well - overwhelming! 

If you are new to wellness, no worries. Just recognizing the need for change and bringing yourself to the right frame of mind is the hardest step.  No one decides that an hour of fitness a day or cutting back on chocolate treats is easy…but changing your mindset from thinking of health and wellness as a chore to having it become a welcome part of your daily living is a first step to success.

In an attempt to keep the truth about health and wellness simple I have listed some beginner steps below. They are easy to understand and easy to implement and will get you going in the right direction. These are NOT cure-alls for all that ails you and they are not going to bring you to A+ fitness status overnight because being well and fit is a life long journey based on gradual steps and positive healthy living.

So let’s get started…

1.  What’s your Motivation?

What brought you here? Only you, can motivate you. Making healthy lifestyle choices cannot be or anyone else but yourself. It’s one of the few times in life that being selfish is ok.

2.  "Good" Foods vs "Not so Good"

"Not so good foods" are just that - they LOOK good and may even taste real good but they are not so good for your all-around health.  Remember the saying “If it looks too good to be true…”?

Many items labeled as fat free…i.e., fat free cookies, artificial sweeteners etc. have always been bad and they still are even if they suggest they are new and improved because they now have things like fiber, daily vitamins and mineral allowances in the mix.  If it looks and sounds too good to be true - it usually is.  Stay with “raw” sugars, agave nectar or honey. And if you sugar in your morning cup (or two) of coffee a day...live it up with the real thing... the average calorie count for a teaspoon of sugar is after all only 15 calories…

3.  Taste Your Foods

Before you bury "real" food in extra calories and 'bad stuff', i.e., too much salt, butter, ketchup, mayonnaise or BBQ sauce…TASTE it!  Then if it is a bit bland try some seasoning...Spices are varied and great tasting…they add a great deal of flavor and a little goes a long way.

4.  Pace Yourself

I cannot stress this enough!  Do not over-do your fitness!  Do not plan out a routine you will NOT stick to! Start gradually and commit to small increments.  If you start out at 1 hour a day while juggling a job, home, kids, pets etc…chances are you won’t last long.  Instead plan for 15 minutes of stretching in the morning, 15 minutes of walking at lunch and maybe 15 minutes of Wii fitness after work…you will be far more likely to commit to this.

5.  Find Your Space

Find a quiet place to clear your mind and regroup even if it’s only for a few
minutes each day. A recharge, no matter how small, will do volumes to quell
anxiety…peacefulness brings inner peace. Really...who of us can't use a little extra 'inner peace'?

6.  What is success?

It’ll be a little bit different for everbody. You will have to decide on a goal for
yourself…write it down, carry it with you and when you make strides toward it
celebrate. Wellness is a journey, not a destination. So, getting healthy and staying healthy is always evolving. Recognizing successes along the way are key to staying focused and on goal.

7.  Talking ‘simplified’

They must have know what I was thinking because they simplified the food pyramid and made it a PLATE!  I sure don’t know about you, but for me visualizing a plate that shows how much space each food group should take up makes a lot more sense than a stick figure walking up the side of a food pyramid ever did!

Have you any other suggestions…let us know here!