Ditch the excuses - drop the pounds

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After listening intensely to others around me, I have come to the startling conclusion that the world is filled with exceptionally skilled masters in the art of excuses. The truly accomplished excuse gurus have been using their talent for years. The virtuosos are most commonly heard showing off their skills in topics concerning their health.

For those of you who are in the habit of making excuses, it's time to stop. Excuses will only lead you down one road; failure. The only way to put an end to all these excuses is to stop making them. You should have, could have, but you didn't and now it's too late. Wrong. Now, it's time to make it happen.

You hear the same ones all the time - family life is too hectic; I have to pick up the kids and do the laundry; it's my friend's birthday so I have to go to the pub after work...

Quit putting blame or pointing fingers at circumstances! There is absolutely nothing preventing you from accomplishing your dreams. You are in control of your destiny.

Don't let excuses take the place of your goals and aspirations. This is especially true when it comes to your health.

Staying healthy affects all aspects of your life. The benefits of exercise and eating nutritiously balanced foods are never-ending. Time, strength, knowledge and inspiration are all valued treasures that excuses steal from you every day.

It's easy to convince yourself to accept an excuse. Once you start thinking about the consequences, you will become aware of what you are really doing, denying yourself of your dreams.

Here's a list of common excuses that keep you away from making changes to your health and some actions you can take to make those excuse masters disappear, once and for all.

Not having enough time

When it comes to eating healthy and exercising, this excuse is, without a doubt, the most contradicting. Taking care of your health will only lead to a longer and happier life. It is possible to incorporate exercise into your schedule, no matter how hectic it may be.

Proper planning is the key. You can get up an hour earlier, make it a family affair or integrate it into your workday. For example, park in the farthest parking space and take those extra steps to get inside the office. Or, instead of a sit-down meeting, take a walk while you talk. Where there's a will, there's a way.

This also applies to eating nutritiously. Plan your meals ahead of time. Pack healthy snacks, bring your lunch or, if you eat out, try to choose the healthier items on the menu.

Too old to start

One wonderful fact about health is that it's never too late to start. Older adults benefit the most from exercise. All the health problems associated with aging can be arrested or even reversed with proper nutrition and exercise.

It will never happen for me

This excuse is only valid if you never give yourself enough credit to make it happen. You have the power to make the changes, but you have to make the effort. George W. Carver said it best when he said, "Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." Believe in yourself and you will succeed.

I don't have the proper equipment

The only device you need to equip yourself with is motivation. You don't need all those fancy machines in the gym. All you need to do is start moving. Walk, dance, jump and use your home appliances to add some weight. When you put your imagination to work, the possibilities are endless.

I don't want to miss out on my favourite foods

The secret behind nutrition is that most of the foods you love are healthy. You just have to learn how to make them nutritious. For example, instead of fried, choose baked; instead of canned, go for frozen; and instead of white, choose brown. Eating healthy does not mean forgoing foods that taste good.

I don't want to hurt their feelings

True friends want what's best for you. They will get over the fact that you passed on the double chocolate cake. Just let them know about the changes you are making and ask them for support.

I'm too out of shape to even start

You don't have to be a certain size to start making changes. The key is to make gradual changes. You can start slowly by making minor adjustments to your schedule. For example, use the stairs instead of the escalator; choose walking over driving, and incorporate fruit and vegetables in all your meals.

Every week give yourself a goal and stick to it.

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