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Time to stop dieting and start living

“Don’t start a diet that has an expiration date. Focus on a lifestyle that will last forever.”

“Don’t start a diet that has an expiration date. Focus on a lifestyle that will last forever.”

The lack of optimal health seems to be an ongoing struggle for not some but most. After this weekend. After next.

It’s not about finding the right time to “diet;” it’s about stepping into the journey of a lifestyle — and then to just keep stepping into it. Daily.

Your life is right now. And so should be your health.

The funny thing about our indulgences is they are really unnecessary. We could really step up our game if we wanted. When you break free from cravings, your body feels better and life can start to feel a whole lot better too! Follow these steps to really enjoy your health journey:

— Educate yourself. Watch Food Matters, Hungry for Change or pick up the Detox Prescription by Dr. Woodson Merrel. The more you read, the more you become empowered. For example — hydrogenated oils found in our cereals, crackers, cookies, snacks and packaged foods are found to increase cancer rates, heart disease and cause inflammation in the body. According to webmd.com, a Nurse’s Health study showed women who consumed these transfats in their diets had a 50 per cent higher risk of heart attack. Why would you want that in your body? Choose the crackers without.

— Embark on a cleansing regime. As much as this sounds like a diet or regimen, it’s necessary to kick your butt from wanting the unhealthy stuff. If people could understand where their cravings were coming from — unhealthy environments created from unhealthy choices. Get someone who knows what they are doing to coach you through that! Check out www.innerglownutrition.ca to get support.

— Get out of your excuses and can’ts. This isn’t about being perfect. “If I eat healthy, I can’t have this.” “If I am healthy, I can’t have that.” You can have whatever you want! The goal is to get your body in a space where it just doesn’t crave the sugars and processed foods. “I can’t be social.” Yes you can! Enjoy the company of friends — just don’t see it as a time to stock up on food if the food you will be surrounded with will be less than nourishing.

— Get excited about feeling good! Most people forget how good feeling good feels. Once you hit the gym and build a regimen, it feels good! Once you get out for a walk in nature, it feels good! Find a health food store or an organic market that you like and look forward to going every week to stock up on the foods that nourish you. Keep your mindset positive — even through the tough times.

— Calendar in the important stuff: food prep, yoga, exercise— fun stuff! Get out of your to-do list head and just take care of yourself in ways you think you might enjoy. The more you take care of yourself, the easier the to-dos get done.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact it should be simple. Get on the journey and watch the weight shed, the energy skyrocket, the clarity come back and the real fun begin.

Kristin Fraser, BSc, is a holistic nutritionist and local freelance writer. Her column appears every second Thursday. She can be reached at kristin@somethingtochewon.ca.