This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

5 Excuses that Keep You Unhealthy (and How to Destroy Them)

When it's all said and done, we DO become what we think. Learn how to identify and change the self sabotaging thinking that can prevent you from living a healthier lifestyle.

1. “Before I can start, I’ve got to plan.”

You know how it goes: “Before I start, I need to get workout clothes that fit. And shoes. And join a gym. And load some new songs on my iPod. Then I’ll get a meal plan and go shopping, and I’ll be ready to start!”

Build some momentum by doing something small every day. Go outside and start walking or get on your bike. Go in one direction for just five minutes — fast when you want, slow when you want. Enjoy yourself — play — then turn around and come home. Do it again the next day, and the day after that, feeling free to gradually do more as your body allows you to.

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

2. “I’m so out of shape, it’s overwhelming to think about getting healthy.”

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Don’t focus entirely on the long-term health goals right now. Take note of how you feel, paying particular attention to your mood and mindset — that’s where the changes will show up first.
 

3. “I don’t know how to cook, nor do I have time for it.”

The best part of the Medifast program is that it is simple and the food is easy to prepare or take on the go. Find five minutes to search for healthy and simple Lean & Green recipes. Many won’t take you even half an hour to prepare. Look at cooking as an opportunity to work with your hands and to be present in the moment, focusing on that one thing only.

 

4. “People will laugh at me when I exercise because I’m out of shape.”

When people see you working hard to get in shape, it reminds them that somewhere, they’ve got that fight in them too. Without realizing it, even if you’re doing this only for yourself, you become a leader by example. People are drawn to that.

 

5. “I’d like to exercise with a group or class, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up.”

The quickest way to get better at something is to hang around people who are getting the results that you want. Let the group know, beforehand, that you think you might have trouble keeping up. Tell them that if they need to go ahead, you won’t be offended, you’re just thrilled to work out with them and learn from them.

 

Getting yourself to start is the hardest part. As you begin to experience results and your new habits are reinforced, it becomes easy. You’ll discover that the more energy you use, the more you have, and being healthy is actually really fun.

 

 

Original article posted on ZenHabits.net.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?