A healthy lifestyle is a marathon not a sprint. People ask me frequently, “what diet are you on?” And I answer, honestly, “I’m not on a diet.” I know I won’t lose weight quickly.
No offense to you who believe in all the different plans, shakes, meals, points or whatever. I just made a handful of lifestyle changes and have stuck with them. I drastically cut back the amount of sugar I consume — sodas, desserts, etc. I make healthier choices when I go out to eat. Yes, I still eat stuff I shouldn’t occasionally. But it is rare. My body doesn’t want junk any more. I have become the product of my daily choices. And if I have a choice, I’ll eat right.
I exercise, too. You know that if you read this blog. I ran 5.12 miles this morning after a light week last week. Exercise does more than help me lose weight. It also helps my mood and gives me time to think.
I’ve learned over the years that we are a product of our day-in and day-out choices. I didn’t get fat in a day. I won’t get skinny in a day. But what I do today will contribute to which direction I’m heading. You don’t run a marathon in a minute. But what you do in that minute will take you to the next one and then one after that. Before you know it, you’ll be at the finish line celebrating victory. But remember this, as you go, you must remind yourself, “this is a marathon and not a sprint.”