FAQ: Where Do I Even Start?

Information on eating well and exercise has never been more complicated, convoluted, and overwhelming.  But I have some great news!  If you are asking, “where do I start?”, you have decided that what you are currently doing isn’t working for you anymore.  Technically, one could argue that you have already started. 

Eating and moving are a part of LIFE.  You are doing it now and will do so until the end.   It may not be the ideal version of those activities but they are happening.  And if you are thinking you need to “start” (aka improve those activities for health or other reasons) then you are thinking about change.  That means it’s time for action. The BIGGEST mistake I see people make is thinking there is a single best way/program/method and a best time to initiate this plan and they can’t do anything until they have identified it.  This combined with the mindset that there is a start and a stop will keep you from taking action.  I used to say it too:  I’ll start on Monday.  I’ll start next month. I’ll start after this, that, and the other.  
 
Most of us aren’t going to be eating or exercising 100% ideally all of the time.  Life happens.  What we must strive for is to keep certain habits going (even in complete chaos) that will keep us on the path of health and wellness even if we aren’t able to do all the things as well as we’d like.   So to “start”, it’s mostly a mindset change followed by creating some key habits that will keep you on the path you are working to create (Like bumper guards that keep you on the track even if you spin out occasionally!)
 
Sooner is better when it comes to making changes that will improve your quality of life.  Eating well and moving well will do that, guaranteed!     If you are asking where to start, you are ready to make some changes to support your well-being, health, and happiness.   And I promise that you are doing at least a few things right already.

Step one:  Identify what you have going well and what’s not going so well.  Consider food, sleep, stress , exercise, and general movement.
 
Step two: Start thinking about where you’d like to be down the road and what actions you could take to get there.  (If you have NO idea, it’s time to think about investing in some guidance such as a registered dietitian, coach, trainer, etc.)  Think about how these actions fit into your REAL life.  Your messy, beautiful life and not some ideal version that is going to be occurring later.  Circumstances may differ in the future but your life will never be without some messiness!

Step three:  Choose ONE area of focus in the dietary choices realm and ONE area of focus in relation to the exercise/movement/sleep/stress realm.  Think of each change you attempt as an experiment.  You are exploring ways to improve your well-being.  There is no right/wrong or pass/fail.  You are learning what works for you and what doesn’t.  Start small.  Make it consistent. 

Step Four:  Build from there.   

Eating and movement are life.  You have thought about what you are doing now and how that isn’t working for you anymore.   You think you aren’t sure where to begin.  You’ve been inundated with health and fitness advice and information.  Stop overthinking and placing too much emphasis on what’s ideal.  You will figure it out along the way.  Identify a few areas you know you need to improve.  Start small. 

If you want someone to help you through the process of determining where you are and what steps you should try out first, message me.  One-on-one coaching sessions can provide valuable insight, feedback, and accountability.  You’ve already started.  You just need to keep going.