Whoever came up with the concept of “one size fits all” really wasn’t thinking clearly. One size does not fit all and never will…it is impossible. You know what else doesn’t fit all? A health and wellness regime.
One of the reasons people yo-yo diet and give up on exercise is because they tried to fit into a program that wasn’t meant for them. We have always heard that we should consult a professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. While very few people heed that advice, it is actually a very important step to a healthier you.
Have you ever talked to a friend who has just started a new diet and she sings the praises of how easy it is….how much weight she’s lost…how much energy she has…and how much more soundly she is sleeping? So you hang on to her every word, take notes, hit the grocery store, stock up on all the necessary supplies, and give it a try. After all, it worked for her so it’s got to work for you too.
NOT TRUE! In fact, her awesome new regime may actually be detrimental to your health.
Our bodies are unique. No two are exactly alike. So it stands to reason that each body has different requirements in order to help it run like a well oiled machine. What can you do???
- Listen to your body. For example, if you start a new diet and its making you feel tired and sluggish (after the initial detoxification effects have worn off); it might not be the right diet for you. If the new diet is making you give up an entire food group and after a few days you’re bingeing on everything in sight, this is not going to be a good long-term sustainable plan for you.
- Consult your physician. If you haven’t had a physical in years it’s time to consult your doc. You won’t know what makes your body run efficiently unless you know the current status of your overall health. All too often I hear, “If I don’t take action while I’m inspired I will lose motivation so I don’t want to wait to see my doctor. I’m sure it will be fine.” This is like skipping A, B, and C and going straight to D. It’s a bad decision. Adding certain foods or removing certain nutrients from your diet can end up causing major health issues. A simple blood test and a discussion with your doctor is a must! Now, I don’t want to sound like messenger of doom and gloom but the fact is that while you may feel amazing, there could be hidden issues. Low iron, high sugar, blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and more.
- Make sure your new diet is conducive to your health needs. For instance, your friends new diet may include products with the ever popular coconut oil but did you know that if you have high cholesterol you should be avoiding (or at least limiting) coconut oil? Veggies are excellent and an important part of every daily diet but did you know that if you are borderline diabetic or a diagnosed diabetic you need to steer clear of potatoes, corn, cooked carrots, peas and more? Giving up sugary drinks and juices is generally a good idea but did you know that if you have low iron you need to avoid tannins? That means tea. There is a good chance that your friends new diet plan includes a fair share of green tea.
- Hire a professional to be team leader. When navigating the ever confusing world of health and wellness, it is helpful to consult with a wellness coach and/or trainer in creating a long-term lifestyle plan. Not only can these professionals help to determine what works best for your body and lifestyle, but they can provide you with the moral support and accountability necessary to succeed.
So you see, all health and wellness regimens are not one size fits all. I urge you to start smart and consult your physician, then listen to your body and consider hiring a trainer/wellness coach to be your guide. The last thing you want is for your new healthy focus to cause more harm than good.