food for thought

I am happy that at age 52 (gulp) I finally get it.

There is no short cut to weight loss and fitness.  There is no magic pill or program.  There isn't a miracle product or new discovery or medical breakthrough.  It's great when you finally realize that, because only then can you get down to the important business of eating right, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle.

I shudder to think of all the money I have burned up over the last three or four decades on diet products or programs.  It is a very rich industry.  Have they helped in the long run?  Not much no.

Maybe it's because I'm older now and I know my body better, but I gauge most activities and even food choices by the way they make me feel.  My body feels good when I put good things into it.  Not rocket science.  It feels good when I work it.

I like to indulge in treats too, but now realize too much makes me feel bad, so I'm learning when enough is enough.  Too much of a good thing isn't a good thing anymore.

I enjoy a bike ride and a brisk walk.  Hopping on the elliptical feels good when I'm finished.

I'll never be a hard-core anything.  I've always been a pretty balanced, moderation sort of girl and that's okay.

But you won't see me buying the next product that comes down the pike, or plastered on your TV screen or magazine.  They can keep their various extracts, detox programs, pills, gimmicks, and all the latest trends.  I'll keep with my "program" of a balanced diet and exercise to get me where I want to go... and spend my money on fresh fruits, vegetables and delicious real nutrition and ingredients instead.

We don't have to be perfect either.  Whatever that is.  There is beauty seen in the face and smile of someone who enjoys life and has learned contentment.