Justin from Jacksonville, FL writes:

I am 42 years young and I need to lose about 30lbs. I keep getting started and then can’t keep it up. I just don’t have enough time in the day to get exercise in. Also, I find eating healthy meals is tough too. What can I do to stay on track?

No Excuses

I can't. No really...you don't understand my lifestyle, my responsibilities, and my workload. I realize that life is full of tough times.

I realize that it can be hard to balance all our responsibilities. However, we all have time to make a difference in our health. Think about it. If you have time to eat a meal...why can't it be a healthy one? If you have time to go shopping, why can't you park on the other side of the parking lot and get some walking in? If you are running around at work with deadlines and meetings, why can't you get up thirty minutes earlier and do some walking?

My point is that there is always time to pursue health, we are just programmed to find reasons why we can't. Instead, let's make new reasons why we can. When you decide you want your health to improve...guess what? It will. It all depends on the way you think. Turn your excuses today into reasons to DO something for your health today. I know you can. The Great Physician, who designed you, knows you can. Those special people in your life, whether family, friends, or co-workers, all need you to be healthy. You are a gift to this world. Make reasons why you can be healthier today than you were yesterday. The only one that can do that is you.

Here are 7 steps you can do today to live a healthier life:

1. Control the way you think. Start telling yourself what you can do rather than what you can’t.
2. Follow a low inflammatory diet plan. This will reduce inflammation, help eliminate disruptive food allergies, reduce acidity in the body, and aid in weight loss.
3. Get Moving. Start walking 20-30min a day. Try doing it with your friend or spouse.
4. Go to bed earlier. Rest is crucial for repair of the body. Try to get in bed by 10pm. Your sleep before midnight is much more important than after.
5. Write your goals down. Know where you want to go and how you will get there.
6. Stop drinking sugary drinks. Certain sweeteners and corn syrup may be challenging on your health goals. Try drinking pure, non-chlorinated water with lime or lemon.
7. Get your blood checked twice per year with your doc. There is power in the blood. Know how all the systems in the body are working. All the information you need is in the blood.

Keep Going. I believe in you. Until next time... 

Your Best Days Are Still Ahead!