Blog # 9

The biggest obstacles I face regarding regular exercise and a healthy diet are what I refer to as the three C’s: commitment, consistency, and challenge. Whereas I consider myself a very health conscience person, and do whatever I can to lead a healthy lifestyle, there always seems to be external and internal factors that create hurdles to overcome in order to maintain my healthy goals. Habits and routines are difficult to break or adjust because they require change, and getting out of one’s comfort zone. In addition to these behaviors rationalization can often be a psychological war fought with ourselves. If not vigilant, this thought process can win, defeating the good intentional goals set.

Commitment is the biggest obstacle I face when it comes to exercise and eating a healthy diet. Busy schedules, weather, and attitude can hinder the commitment needed to make any kind of change especially those that require additional energy when one is already tired from a busy day at work or school. As with exercise, eating a healthy diet also requires commitment and pro-activeness. Energy drinks, Starbucks, and quick snacks are very tempting when in a hurry or just too tired to take the time to prepare a meal and sit down to eat it much less enjoy the taste and nutrition healthy food has to offer.

Consistency in maintaining pro-active behavior towards living a healthy lifestyle is the second biggest hurdle for me to overcome. Changing a behavior for a short period usually is not that difficult compared to making a lifelong commitment. When the weather is nice walking, cycling, swimming or any other outdoor activity that I enjoy is easy to maintain. As with many regular or scheduled activities when consistency is broken for any length of time, the harder it is to get back on track.

Challenge is the third obstacle I have and the one that requires the most diligence. Due to the high level of activity I require to keep boredom and monotony at bay, changing the types of exercise and foods eaten on a regular basis is imperative to leading a healthy and quality life. I believe lack of variety is the reason many people fail to be successful at losing weight or attaining other personal goals. Honesty towards recognizing negative and positive self talk, behavior, and the level of involvement one is willing to engage in will determine how successful any life change will be.

These obstacles will continue to require maintenance not only for the next five years but for a lifetime if I want to live a healthy lifestyle. I have incorporated many useful tools such as keeping a daily food and exercise log that has aided in my success. Reading current and accurate information regarding health issues, maintaining regular medical checkups, and developing relationships with others that have similar health goals has been beneficial in keeping my motivation and desire to stay healthy. The bottom line is to decide what you want, and how you want to live your life. I want to feel and look good, and have a quality filled life. In order to obtain these things takes work, having a positive attitude and outlook, being pro-active, and knowing that I am empowered to accomplish whatever I want.

Michelle Dukes