Managing your attitude and your weight

After a long absence from this website, Stephanie Parente (formerly O'Brien, pictured at right) returns with her latest in a series of articles on healthy lifestyle choices. Stephanie, a 2004 graduate of Watkins Glen High School who just moved back to the area with her husband, is currently studying to be a personal trainer.

By Stephanie Parente

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 6 -- The way we treat our bodies is a direct reflection on how we feel about ourselves. The human body is an incredible machine that requires maintenance just as your car or home does, but in the form of exercise and diet. We are given one body, and how we take care of our body should be more valued than our homes, vehicles, or material items. So why do we neglect our bodies the most? Why do we spend the least amount of money on nutritious food or on exercise equipment? It’s because Americans do not put value on their health. Simple changes can make this possible and put your health back on top where it needs to be!

Exercise does not have to be strenuous or looked upon as hard work. Exercise can be fun, a natural stress reliever, and a major motivator. It all comes down to what works best for you individually. You may be a gym-goer where the intense atmosphere serves as your motivation, or you may be a power walker who loves to exercise outdoors, rain or shine! No matter what motivates you to move, find it and use it. There is no greater challenge than your own mind when it comes to being active, so get in the right mental frame and your body will naturally follow. By finding exercise that you enjoy, you are more likely to see improvements and success, and also stick with a program long term.

Nutrition, just as exercise, does not have to be complicated. Food is a wonderful part of our being, and we need food to keep our systems running properly. Discovering that food can be healthy yet still full of flavor is where change can be made. Using fresh, natural ingredients is the best way to enhance flavor in your meals yet reap all the health benefits that are inside! Shopping healthy doesn’t have to be expensive either. Can’t afford fresh vegetables? Get a bag of frozen veggies that are just as fresh for half the cost! Just microwave or steam for excellent side dishes or to enhance a main course. Get creative and use the internet for recipe ideas! Instead of that big bag of potatoes, use a bag of frozen cauliflower and make mock mashed potatoes for the same taste but fewer carbohydrates and calories!

There are fun, healthy ideas all around us; we just have to be willing to use them. Change is always bittersweet, but healthy changes to your lifestyle can not only save your life but give it new meaning. When your body is healthy, your mind is healthy and is a direct reflection on how you value yourself. Find what works for you and run with it. Life is waiting for you, and these small changes will help get you there!

Live, laugh, love!

Comments are always welcome at sobrien417@gmail.com.