Healthy Eating and Exercise- Why Wait for The New Year?

I have been in this struggle for many years and this year I am determined to win!  I know many of you have the same battle, but how can we win with busy schedules?  What about the cravings?  How can I claim a healthy lifestyle when part of it is out of balance?  I feel guilty about the broken promises to myself, especially when I have won this battle in the past.  This is it!  I am going to eat healthier and exercise! 

When I manage to accomplish the task of eating healthy I always feel better!  I have more energy, I am focused and I am more confident.  How can all of these good things be lost to my appetite for fast food?  When I examine this illogical behavior it becomes painfully clear...

1. I am always rushing
2. It is easier to eat fast food, than cook a good meal
3. Old habits are hard to break
4. I do not plan to eat, it just happens when I get hungry

I have to admit, I am not overweight and this can be deceiving.  I look decent on the outside, but I am more concerned about what is happening on the inside.  I want to be able to climb a flight of stairs without feeling winded!  The only way to accomplish this goal is to expand my healthy lifestyle.  I could start the first of the year, but I think it is best to begin now.  I have been looking at some diets, but they say diets are not good.  I got some advice from one of my physically fit friends, DeShawn Ray Penman.  He said I should start with no sugar and no bread for 90 days!  Yikes! 

What is a junk food junkie to do?  I am starting off slow!  I think the way for me to be successful is to plan my meals out.  I have been looking at the healthy eating websites and some of the meals are not very appetizing.  I can not imagine myself eating goat cheese tacos, yuck!  I have decided to following the recommendations of The American Heart Association.  I have a family history of diabetes and heart problems.  Why not be proactive!

The American Heart Association has a really great tool.  It helps you build your grocery shopping list with healthy food choices.  It is called "My Grocery List."  I have learned that as much as I love cheese, it is best to get lactose free brands.  This is going to be a tough adjustment, but I am going for it!

I will keep you updated.
photos via: womanshealthmag.com, buzzle.com via google images.