"Pretty Healthy"

I read a book that really helped me define my thoughts on living a healthy lifestyle.....

"Live a Little" by Susan M. Love, M D and Alice D. Domar PhD

I never had a problem with my weight until I was almost 50 years old! I was always painfully THIN! SKINNY! heehee!

But things change and even I found myself gaining weight! I had never even weighed myself over the years. At 40 years old.....5 ft 4....I weighed 105 !!! So here I was a little older and at the same 5 ft 4.....weighing 'WAY' more!

I lost some weight using the Atkins plan a few years ago and didn't gain it back until last year! I got comfortable and was not paying attention and guess what? I gained weight!

So before it got too much out of hand, I decided to change my 'diet' and get back into some regular exercise. I set my goal to lose 22 pounds and I DID IT! YAY! It took me about 4 months to really have the 22 pounds off (and a little more).

So I am starting the year feeling great and having the energy to do the things I want to do!  I am NOWHERE nearly as thin as I was at 40 but that's OK, too!

I checked this book out of the library and before I returned it, I wrote down some quotes that helped me! So this is not really a 'book review', just quotes that helped me! Here they are....

"You can trade in your illusion of becoming perfectly healthy for something much more fun : being pretty healthy. Pretty healthy means that your health habits contribute to, not distract from, your enjoyment of life."

In the chapter on exercise, this quote from Mim Nelson sounded like something I would write!

"Why do you exercise?"  "Because it improves my quality of life. I'm happier when I'm active, I sleep better, I can eat more good food, I'm less stressed and I feel that I am doing something good for myself. And because I want to live for a long time and enjoy life to it's fullest. Sounds corny, but it's all genuine!"

More quotes from the book....

"Let's say it again : fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, fish, nuts, low fat dairy and moderate amounts of wine."

"If you're going to be Pretty Healthy, you have to find a way to stand confidently in front of our culture's massive smorgasbord and select foods that will truly nourish you.  If you want to follow a moderate, reasonable, enjoyable eating plan, you will need the strength to resist temptation and you will also need to know when to give into it and have a treat."

"Let only the good stuff into your home - make the home a healthy environment."

"If you want to maintain your positive changes - whether you are trying to lose weight or simply eat more healthfully, you will need to find ways to continue the positive reinforcements. You'll have to find a way to applaud yourself for performing a really hard job well. Think of ways to applaud yourself on a long term, continual basis, maybe with inexpensive but attractive clothes or extra time for yourself."

I keep a journal and write in it every day of my life! So I really enjoyed keeping a log of my weight, exercise, the vitamins I took, and what I ate. I think this helps keep you on track when you are seriously trying to make changes. (my quote)

The last quote from the book is this one......

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and shouting, "Holy smokes.....what a ride!"

Enjoy your life! Enjoy being 'Pretty Healthy" and celebrate each and every day!

Do you think this would be a good goal for the new year? Please give me your thoughts!

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