The power to transform your life is in your hands

Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to just eat without worrying about how many calories you are consuming? Good grief. How exhausting it must be for some people who are beginning their own transformation journey.

What if I were to recommend not doing that and simply focus on real, clean food? Would you think I’ve completely lost my mind? Perhaps you would feel a little relieved? Maybe a little of both.

Here’s the deal. The biggest mistake I see individuals make is to subscribe to the “all or nothing” approach to health and wellness. What’s THAT mean? They decide that it’s time to improve their health. They change their nutrition, they start working out and everything runs fairly smooth until there is a small hiccup in their plan. Your cousin Betty is getting married and ya gotta attend the wedding where all kinds of food will be served. (Insert eye roll and deep sigh here.)

Let me tell you a little secret: One meal is not going to mess up your health transformation. What will interfere is the all or nothing approach— again. It’s foolish to think there won’t be any circumstances that will come into your life that may derail one meal. Your choice at this point is to not allow it to affect the next meal and the next meal and the next week or meals. You get my drift.

Plan for small hiccups within your own personal journey. It’s called life and we all have them. It’s no big deal. Let go of the all-or-nothing approach and welcome the simplicity that comes with a plan.

For those of you that have been following my column over the years, I’m certain that by now you are well on your way to living a healthier lifestyle.

No doubt you have created your own personal fitness routine and are enjoying your physical and emotional transformation.

Some of you are 50 pounds lighter, some of $64,000 question for you is: What are you doing to feed your newly transformed body?

Do you know how many calories you ate yesterday? Do you know how many grams of protein you consume or actually need? How much sodium did you have? How much sugar did you have? Do you know the difference between a pointy toe, strappy sandal or mule when it comes to women’s shoes?

OK. I admit, the last question doesn’t really matter when it comes to your overall health — but, the previous questions do and you should know what you are eating. It will affect your weight and your health, as well as your spouse and children.

This week’s focus on reading your labels, you will be shocked and amazed at what you are eating.

Whether you have the time for fine dining or you are eating on the run, you always have the option to select healthy choices.

You are the reason why you are overweight. You are responsible for the movement of your hand to your mouth.

When you are ready to live a healthier lifestyle, pick up the phone and contact someone that can help you. Most qualified fitness trainers should guarantee results. You have nothing to lose but your weight and everything to gain.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.