Is it time to make lifestyle changes for healthy living?
We usually don’t pay attention to our health until a serious chronic condition, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer develops. Then, we are caught up in the “sick-care” model.
Let’s change that.
As a Registered Nurse and Lifestyle Medicine Coach, my priority is on true health care, which focuses on prevention.
Unfortunately, our “health care” system is failing us because it is focused on keeping us sick. Insurance companies make money with high premiums, deductibles, and costly medications.
The reality is that most common chronic health conditions can be prevented using lifestyle medicine.
Lifestyle Medicine addresses the simple health behaviors that are the root cause of more than 80% of chronic disease, premature death, and healthcare costs. While our medical care system provides episodic, reactive, sickness-based care, Lifestyle Medicine works to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease by helping individuals improve their food choices, get enough physical activity, strengthen relationships, get adequate rest, manage stress, and limit or eliminate toxic substances.
Many people struggle with habit change. Lifestyle Medicine Coaches provide evidence-based education and specialized training to help individuals reach their health and wellness goals.
Making lifestyle changes to improve your health may seem difficult, but making small changes over time can have a BIG impact on your health. As you start to see and feel the benefits of modifying some of your daily lifestyle habits, it becomes easier to stay the course. Here are a few tips to kickstart your journey for healthy living:
Prioritize self-care
Our health and wellness is always last on our to-do list. You are just as important as the people you take care of. You are worth your time and effort, so give yourself the attention you deserve.
Think of physical activity as good medicine
Research has shown that exercising regularly can decrease the risk of developing chronic illness, prevent weight gain, and decrease rates of depression.
Make time to de-stress
Our lives can be very hectic, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress affects our mental and physical health. We can reset and recharge when incorporating strategies and modalities that make us feel calm and centered. Taking time in nature, meditating, reiki, and yoga are just a few ways to relax the body and mind.
Focus on healthy eating and food as medicine —and not on dieting
We are bombarded with many types of diets to lose weight. Making simple changes to the foods you eat can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent chronic diseases, and support your mental health.
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins and fats, and less processed foods can help you lose those extra pounds, give you more energy, and improve your overall health and well-being.
Are you struggling to meet your health and wellness goals? Maybe you’re feeling stuck and frustrated.
At Coaching for Healthy Living, I’m focused on helping you create sustainable lifestyle changes, one step at a time.
Habit change is not always easy, but when you work with a Board-Certified Health and Well-Being Coach, you get the support and accountability you need to stay on track—as well as evidence-based information to help you make informed choices for your unique lifestyle, goals, and challenges.
