Food, diets, eating habits and nutrition information in general are always hot topics of conversation — especially when people are concerned about being healthier or starting a fitness program. But sometimes, there is just too much information to take in which leads to some confusion. In today’s society, we wake up each day and have a choice to consume many different foods. Whereas, centuries ago, our ancestors who were hunters and gatherers would have awakened to a much different environment where food was not abundant and had to be hunted, caught, dug out of the ground or picked off of wild plants or trees. Our current environment allows us not only to choose from many different foods, but we also have it available in excess 24/7 and many scientist believe this, along with reduced physical activity, is why we have increased levels of overweight, obesity associated diseases throughout the world. For many generations humans had to expend great amounts of energy each day outdoors to provide food for survival. Today, we can have it delivered to our door or office and usually at very affordable prices without even lifting a finger to prepare it. So has society become so food friendly and food overloaded that we have become desensitized to why we actually need food? The simple fact is that in order to survive and thrive, we must get adequate healthy nutrients into our bodies. Getting fit requires consumption of the right nutrients but also participation in some type of physical activity to improve both cardiovascular and muscle health.

The simple fact is that in order to survive and thrive, we must get adequate healthy nutrients into our bodies.

Today, many eating occasions have become a social event to meet with friends and family and there is always an over abundance on the table. Refrigerators and pantries likely contain more snacks and ‘unhealthy’ foods than we need. And even when we are ‘in a hurry’ there are options for all sorts of ‘on the go’ and ‘fast’ foods. Dietitians, nutritionist and exercise researchers have studied people to determine why our bodies store fat and why it’s difficult to ‘burn’ off body fat. And they have studied why we choose the foods we choose. And how ‘when’ we eat can alter our metabolism. There is a lot of evidence that provides many suggestions for what we should eat and how much we should exercise but there are still many questions that have not been answered. If you are struggling with what to eat, how much to eat or how to start a fitness program you are not alone. What’s most important is that you are thinking about these topics and want to make a change.

Here are a few simple tips to get you started:

1. Start the day with a nutritious whole food breakfast (no shakes or energy bars)
2. Get your move on (get outside and take a walk)
3. Meditate (don’t overthink food and fitness…keep your mind clear and focused)
4. Drink a little more water (hydrate with half your body weight in ounces of water per day)
5. Write down one fitness goal (walk for 10 minutes without stopping; doing 10 push ups unbroken).

Most importantly you have to enjoy life (Do something everyday that you enjoy and tell others about it!)