How To Get The Best Return On Your Health Investment
Optimize Your Shopping List
Is your shopping cart full of nutrients or processed goodies? Would you say that your shopping experience takes place in the middle of the supermarket or in the outer isles? Your choice of food plays a major role in your health. In fact, our consumption of ultra processed food is linked to the increases in health problems such as diabetes and obesity.
What is an ultra processed food? The definition is not pleasant. If this does not scare you away from eating ultra processed foods, hopefully the knowledge you acquire from this article will help you, at least, choose better. Ultra processed foods are industrial formulations that use additives to imitate sensorial qualities of minimally processed foods. Moreover, besides high amounts of sugar, salt, oil, and fat, they are made of substances not used in culinary preparations.
Your time has come to ditch these food products. How? Let’s make this as simple as possible.
- Is the food natural? Think fruits, veggies, and lean meats. You know the foods on the outer isle of the super market.
- Check the ingredients. First of all, if sugar, salt, fat, oils are the first ingredient, you should consider rethinking your choice or use it in moderation. Most importantly, if the ingredients include flavors, colors, sweeteners, emulsifiers, or other additives unrecognizable to you, throw it out of your cart. Likely, these foods are in boxes or containers in the inside isles of your grocer.
But, but, but, the cost is too much! In most scenarios, choosing healthier foods does come at a premium. Yet, you can set a budget and a meal preparation plan to help you maximize your food expenses. How much is your health worth? You can pay up front or face the cost from doctor related trips due to disease and disability. It is up to you.
Exercise Machine or Clothes Rack?
If the title resonates with you, you own one of the most expensive clothes racks. All levity aside, you bought that exercise apparatus for a purpose. Do you remember why you needed it so bad? Likely, you desired to improve some aspect of your health. Rediscover that why.
Great, you are getting passionate again about your why. But, what prevented you from maximally utilizing that exercise machine? Did you set a goal? Was the goal dialed in? Remember to set S.M.A.R.T goals and that clothes rack will become your life enhancer. Not to mention, you can benefit financially. How do you do that? Obviously, one who is healthy has less doctor visits. Most importantly, you can cancel that gym membership you are not using. For a fun option, join a health challenge or download an app that pays out for success.
Health Club Blues
Are you a donor or a member at your health club? Do not worry; you are not alone as about 67% of Americans do not use their gym membership.
There are gyms that rely on the 67%. If your club is not trying to greet you and more importantly trying to get to know you, it is time to find an environment that cares about you and your successes. This will help you stay accountable and more likely that you will be a participating member, not just a donor.
Okay, you have tried the gym thing and it is not for you. No sweat! Not literally. You can take the monthly dues and invest it in your health in other ways. Here are some options.
- Buy a Peloton. This indoor bike has on and off the bike workouts. It is also trending in the fitness industry.
- Get help from a virtual Personal Trainer. If you need a great coach, Whelan Training and Fitness is my recommendation.
- Up your nutrition game. Whether you want to add more natural foods, go organic, add more probiotics, there are many options to boost your nutritional density.
- Buy your own exercise equipment. Do note; you need to be very disciplined to make this purchase worth your investment.
- Get your hands on some exercise technology. There are so many apps and devices on the market today. Find one that triggers or inspires action. If you like or need a daily push, the Apple Watch has rings that represent calories burned, exercise minutes, and standing time you have to complete. If you just want your monthly and yearly values, the Strava App will provide you with a recap of your success. There are many more so play around until you find the best one for you.
Everything can be an asset to your health. In the end, you have to find what will best serve you on this quest. Just remember these choices on investments in your future health. Rise and shine, my fitness friends!
