One thing I have promised myself to do over and over during my health journey is to be curious. Before you can adjust one’s lifestyle one first has to identify the issues.
I always say start small. Focus on the little things because the big things will always take care of themselves over time. But the little things are things we often ignore until they become a large problem.
Do yourself a favor, look in the mirror and think about your own daily habits and analyze how you might be self-sabotaging your own health. For some, this is a first step. Others know their issues and simply opt to ignore them because change is hard.
For others, it’s a state of confusion and a learning process.
It took me a while, but I learned I stink when it comes to making drastic lifestyle changes. From snacking to happy hour to BBQ’s to family birthday parties, major change was impossible.
I finally had it back in 2019 where I decided I am just going to take change one bite at a time. I wanted something manageable that would work for me—not because some health coach or life coach wanted me to go cold turkey and shock my body with change overnight. I knew deep down that would be a failure and I would be back to square one within weeks.
So, what did I do?
I started with my best bud coffee. I divorced him from sugar. I know what some of you are thinking, all you black coffee drinkers, coffee tastes better this way. You are wrong! For me, this was a difficult and challenging first step.
This slight change was not for just a single cup of coffee, I typically would have 3 to 4 large cups in a day. That meant sugar!
But doing the math, it will amaze you just how much sugar I have cut out of my daily routine. My body thanks me for it and here I am 2-years later without sugar in my coffee.
That is 3 tablespoons a day at 365 days per year. That comes out to 1,095 tablespoons. Which comes out to 34-pounds of sugar that no longer enters my body! Over a two-year period, that is 68-pounds of sugar.
Who knew something as small as a tablespoon in a cup of coffee could be such a self-sabotage act in my mission towards fitness and health goals?
I challenge you to identify that daily habit in your own life and do something about it.
My coffee intake is actually down because I have added new routines to my lifestyle, one that includes a daily drink of AXIO which is a smart energy nootropic supplement, my favorite flavor is cherry. It contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. I love it because it provides energy without unwanted calories and sugar. It has allowed me to feel capable throughout my day without the jitters or crashes.
For me, it was sugar. For you, perhaps it is carbohydrates? Too much candy, cookies, ice cream, fast food, or even wine. Be honest with yourself, find the “little things” in your daily life and start small. It will soon become large like mine did.
I realize we all have different goals, but we have to start somewhere. Start small.
For those of you who have made changes, what did you do and what was the substitute you swapped to your daily routine? I am curious if it is something I could try and incorporate into my life.
For those of you who have tried to push forward but have failed, chin up as no one is perfect. Start again. Day by day. No one is perfect, but we do deserve to feel our best and if you need a little help, just email me and perhaps I can provide you with some tips.
Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up if you have to start over, like me, do it one cup of coffee at a time. Remember, starting over is better than giving up or not starting at all.
Senya Borrelli is a resident of Contra Costa County who is a wellness advocate and a distributor for LifeVantage. She is a wife, a mother, teacher and a coach. If you have any questions, you can email her at [email protected] .
For more information, visit her at www.activatewithsenya.com.
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