April 26, 2011

Three-Peat Your Way to Health

Last week, I was reading through all the "usual" health and fitness blogs and I came across a simple, yet profound entry from one of my personal heroes, trainer Jillian Michaels.

She presented all of her readers with a three-part weekly challenge, and I'd like to offer the same challenge to our loyal bene-fit readers.

First, try not to say a negative word about yourself this week.  Seriously.  If all you see when you look in the mirror are negatives...well, get rid of your mirror!  We are harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else - how many times have you said something cruel to yourself that you would never think of saying to a friend or family member?  If you slip into negative self-talk, reverse it: refocus on something positive, forgive yourself, and move on.

Second, do your best to eat every meal at home this week.  Pack your lunch, bring home a rotisserie chicken if you don't have to time cook from scratch, bring fruit with you for snacks, and take the time to eat a bowl of oatmeal in the morning before you leave the house.  Take a few moments to plan and reap the many bene-fits of home cooking, including smaller portions, lower levels of sodium and sugar, and yes - actually spending time with your partner, family, or even just your pets!

Finally, try a new exercise this week.  Whether it's a new form of bicep curl or an entirely new exercise trend, diverge from your regular routine (and if there is no routine at all - work out!) and give something new and different a shot.  Whether or not you become a Bikram yoga devotee, it's a great way to get out of a rut (especially if that rut has come with a weight-loss plateau) and reenergize yourself for the daily grind.

Take some advice from the world-class fitness professionals and make this week a three-peat of health and wellness - it's easier than you think!