Today will be more of a personal blog I would like to share with everybody.
For those of you that know me, I am a transplanted Long Islander living in Westchester County... and a few weekends per month, I like to go back to the Island to recharge the batteries.
There is something about the traffic on 495 aka the Long Island Expressway that really gets my energy flowing (wink wink).. but in all seriousness, I enjoy seeing friends and family... and reminiscing about where my journey began.
This past weekend, I was speaking with my father about "aging" and how you "must" take your health-game to the next level when you hit your 60s... because the declines happen very rapidly and are very difficult to turn around once your physical health starts to slide. It's like blood pressure.... once you start taking pills to regulated blood pressure, it is very difficult to get off of them...
Balance is harder to regain, strength deficits become more apparent when climbing stairs and lifting from the couch and that "forward leaning, old man/woman" posture begins to creep in with a vengeance.
All of this can be avoided if you take some time each day to focus on your health-game.
So.. for a carb loving, cigar shop hanging, dining out specialist like my father...What do you recommend?
The goal is to keep lifestyle preferences in consideration when creating an exercise prescription like the joy of eating out at restaurants, monthly travel to Florida, the desire for carbs and a strong distaste for water..
Tough case right?
Not really... if you keep it simple.
Here is what we came up with...
1. Instead of straight water, we will buy HINT Water that is naturally flavored and free of artificial flavors... (if you haven't tried this.. my favorite is watermelon)
2. Cut the carbs... starch carbs on the weekends only... so if you crave a bagel... choose the flagel and it can only be on the weekends.. so worst case, you are having carbs 2-days per week instead of 7.
3. MOVE. Work with a trainer/ coach 2x per week-- this way you have accountability and somebody to hold you accountable to your health goals. On the in between days, ride the bike, elliptical, or speed walk for 30+ minutes with "bursts"..
This is not the recipe of how you would work with a competitive Olympian, but it is how you get somebody in their 60s to start the process of health reform... and it works.
Simple, practical, easy to digest solutions that will get you headed down the right road. Good habits eventually lead to great habits.
My friend Riley loves something sweet after dinner.. instead of just saying "NO"... he chooses a teaspoon of natural honey.. awesome! This is a great alternative to the typical bowl of ice-cream or sliver of cake most would choose.
These are strategies to help you win at your health-game... small changes that fit your preferences so you don't feel deprived, but instead you feel like you are staying true to yourself..making "changes/exchanges" for more nutrient rich foods and habits.
With these changes comes delayed aging/ disease process, reduced body fat, and a better functioning system due to more movement and more vitamins/ minerals.
Remember 70+% of your body is water.. (coffee and tea do not count as hydration) a lack of hydration can cause havoc on your gastrointestinal and muscular system... so give your body what is needs... and it will give you what you want. Nutrients, Movement and Hydration. #livelikeapro
