No one is immune from struggle. We struggle with finding the balance in life, finding the time for exercise, finding the time to eat healthy, finding that perfect day to start working out. Zen buddhism says that we should be thankful for our 82 problems because we do not have 83 problems. My struggle is managing the knowledge I have with what I see going on around me daily.
As the epidemic of obesity spirals out of control I see several factors that stem from struggle:
1) Stress! Stress has many negative effects - decreased immune system function,hormonal imbalances, mindless eating (stress eating), and loss of sleep. All of these factors can lead to weight gain and general unhealthy lifestyle. Take quiet time, unplugged, for 10 mins a day. Just sit and breathe deeply.
2) Poor food choices. We ALL know what we are supposed to eat - fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, very little oils and saturated fats. But we struggle to make these healthy choices when the time comes. It is easy to start tomorrow because tomorrow will never be here. Start your day with Vegetables and your body will thank you (eggs and salsa is easy and healthy).
3) Drinking your calories. This is an insidious struggle. Most people do not know that a 12 ounce can of soda is 1.5 servings. So 20 ozs of soda is nearly 3 servings. If you are drinking 1 20 oz serving of soda/day you are getting almost 1/4 of your calories from liquid.Not only do most people "forget" to count these calories they are unsatisfying and devoid of nutrition. When you give your body nutrition deficient calories, it WILL ask for nutrients from somewhere. Drink plenty of fresh, clean water - calorie free and great for your body.
4)Caffeine overload! I have had to struggle with this in the past. I used to drink as many as 4 grande coffees in 1 day. When you give your body a high dose of caffeine it thinks it still needs caffeine to function. As the caffeine level drops you think you need more when what you probably need is more sleep which can be thrown off by drinking too much caffeine. Vicious cycle. Since I started drinking Shakeology I usually only drink one cup of coffee per day. I don't feel I need it most days but I enjoy the taste and the ritual.
If there is anything here that you struggle with just know that you are not alone. Everyone struggles, how we deal those struggles is what separates us. Find support in your struggles, not enablers. Search for ways to solve your current struggles rather than deny that they are there. Seek out a coach to help you manage your time, energy levels and exercise.
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