It's pure and simple: If we eat clean, we feel better. We have more energy. We're more alert. We can think clearly. Inside, our body functions at its optimum.
When we need to eat gluten free--and actually do it--then we feel it. We feel it in good ways. When we eat "off," we feel it too. That moment of ecstasy with the cookie comes back to haunt us later--and it's so not worth it.
Let's take it a step further: To feel the absolute best, exercise has to be in the equation. I'm assuming that you know the value of exercise. I'm even assuming that you have more than the basic knowledge about cardio, weights, and training. So what keeps us from exercise and working out? Honestly, there are too many reasons--So let's forget listing the reasons. Let's just get down to making it happen. Here's what to do:
1. Get the right gear. There's something to wearing gloves when lifting; it feels better, protecting your hands, making the lift easier. There's something to having a good shoe--walking, running, kickboxing...the shoe DOES matter.
I found this out big time. On the treadmill over the last couple of months, I was having knee pain...the bad kind. Knee pain hadn't been a problem for me on the treadmill before. Talking to my runner friend, she said, "So, how old are your shoes?" Duh! Why didn't I think of that? My shoes were years old, broken down, and yes, I was rolling. The fix: Good running shoes. The difference is amazing. Check your equipment!
2. Get the right clothes. The right clothes motivate. The right clothes feel better. The right clothes keep us cool in the heat and warm in the cold. The right clothes make a difference.
I live in Michigan. Lately, we've had some terribly cold days. Even the thought of getting out made me shiver (something I do a lot of from September to May). Yet I knew that I needed fresh air and exercise. I decided today that I was tired of being cold--and that my body was tired of sitting around. So I went to Gazelle Sports, the store in town with the best selection of running clothes (and right now, with the best winter blow-out sale, too). I found the right jacket and the right pants. I went home, got dressed, got the dog, and off we went. Revelation moment! I didn't get cold! The right clothes matter.
By the way, I also find that waking up and getting dressed right away into "real" workout clothes motivates. When I worked out of the home, I brought the "real" clothes to change into at lunch time. That way, I was more likely to have "real" exercise.
3. Make a date and time...schedule it...plan what you're going to do in it...think about it...and ruminate about how great it will feel and the fabulous results that you'll get. Exercise doesn't just happen. YOU are the one to make it happen. Make the thought process one of anticipation, expectation, and exhilaration. I'm not kidding. This works.
When I put the results in my mind, I get there. And you will, too.
4. Get a bud. Never underestimate the power of the buddy system. Call it accountability. Call it teamwork. Call it valuable time with someone who has the same values as you do. It could be a friend, a family member, or a personal coach. Working with someone is all of that and more. Find that person (or persons) and keep regular conversations--and time together--with your workout. Commit. Enjoy the time. And watch the results.
What are the results? FEELING GOOD. I want to feel good. You want to feel good. Take action steps. Eat clean gluten free...and exercise! YOU CAN DO IT.
All my best until next time,
Erin
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