I know that I've busted the myth that eating well and exercising has to be so expensive, but still that message prevails in today's modern world. We constantly told that your health isn't worth quality, real foods or a small break in your day to just breathe.
Contrary to the truth, we are constantly told that we "need" this pill or this device or product to make us perfect and healthier. So, thanks to clever marketing schemes, we believe this message and buy into the idea that our health is worth some $10 weight loss pill or that $19.99 device that will give you 6-pack abs in 6 weeks. Our magazines cover rave about the latest 1200 calorie diet that will get you in shape for summer. It's everywhere!
Unless we take a step away from all the nonsense, it's so easy to get swept up into the latest product that will surely get us healthier and happier.
But we've been a victim in this vicious cycle for a couple of decades now, and has it gotten us anywhere? Anywhere at all?
Are we any healthier because of all those fat burner supplements?
Are we any thinner because of those endless hours on that stupid elliptical?
Are we any happier because of that new electronic or device we had to have?
Unfortunately, I think more often than not, the answer is no - we aren't better off.
But, when we choose to make our health a priority and decide that yes, we are worth it, things change. We may not fit into what society deems as perfect or desirable, but we are uniquely ourselves, and that's what truly matters.
Making our health a priority means fueling our body with real, whole food - and enough of it too! Starving, limiting, and counting really isn't the way to get your there - trust me, I know! By making sure you are fueling your body with enough real food (especially from animal protein, vegetables, and healthy fats), you are allowing your body to get the message that it's okay to let go of some of the stress it has bottled up. It allows your body to heal and become your healthiest self - inside and out!
Making our health a priority also means taking some time to breathe and just be. Spending time in the moment, away from all the demands of our busy lives, gives our body a change to settle down. When we are constantly in fight or flight mode, our body will never have a chance to relax and recover. And when this builds up over the course of a couple of weeks, months, or even years, the results accumulate into something that isn't pleasant. Again - trust me on this one - I know!
Making our health a priority isn't easy though - we have to go out of our way to make it happen. Cooking real food most days of the week isn't easy. Free time doesn't just magically appear.
But, if your health is worth it, and I know you don't want to spend the rest of your life unhappy and dolling out all of your money for medications or products that never get to the root of the problem.
Take a step back today - are you sinking into those marketing messages telling you that you aren't enough and need this pill or this product to be better? Are you tearing out the pages of those magazines with those 1200 calorie diets (don't worry - I did too!)?
Ask yourself this - are you worth it? Is your health worth it? If not for you, but your friends and family as well?
xoxo Olivia
