8 Step Plan: Goal #3

Congrats on coming back for goal number 3. This means that you are now properly hydrating yourself and eating your vegetables. Sounds like two small details, but they make a huge difference so keep up the good work. Now moving on to the third goal of the 8 Step Plan.

Goal #3: NO FAST FOOD

Why Do It?- Here are some negative aspects of fast food:

- high in sodium (salt)

- high in calories

- high in refined sugar

- high in unhealthy fats (saturated and hydrogenated)

- high in oxidized fats

- low in dietary fiber

Here are some of the health conditions that are linked to these negative aspects:

- hypertension (high blood pressure)

- diabetes (Type II)

- high cholesterol

- heart disease

- obesity

- many types of cancer

How To Do It- Most of it will come down to good old fashion will power, but here are a few tips to help:

- Verbally commit to it, tell people that are around you on a regular basis that it is your goal

- Be accountable to yourself, at the end of the day be honest and hold yourself accountable, if you don't no one will

- Keep healthy foods readily available, cut up vegetables and fresh fruit and have them in the fridge and ready to go. Most people eat "bad" because it's convenient, so make healthy foods more convenient to you by always having them around.

- Make it a habit. Eating "bad" can be unlearned just like it was learned and eating healthy can be learned. At first it will be hard, but the longer you go the easier it will become.

- Make the change gradually. Just like how this 8 Step Plan makes small changes that add up to a big difference, if you are someone who eats fast food five times a week then quitting cold turkey may be very difficult. If this is the case try cutting back to three times a week, then once a week, then none.

I have noticed that usually at this time I wish you good luck and tell you I'll see you next week. This week I would like to make a change. Lets get rid of good luck because really luck has nothing to do with it. It has to do with courage, hard work, commitment, and self respect. If you have all these things, and everybody does they just need to use them, then who needs luck. These changes are going to happen and you are going to reach your goals because you are going to make them happen. So instead of good luck lets say Go Get It!

I will see you next Monday! As usual any questions, concerns, progress updates, or anything at all can be posted on comments or e-mail me at ajzeglen@gmail.com.