It is the start of a new year. Resolution time is here. They may be in your mind, on your computer or on a piece of paper. Personally, I stopped making resolutions years ago. Not because I don’t need self improvement but because I figured I need so much improvement that I should be thinking about it more than once a year. However, the end of one year and the beginning of another is a good time to reflect on how we choose to live our lives.

Many, many people will sign up for various weight loss programs, buy weight loss books, and start a fad diet this month. This is the busiest enrollment month for gyms as folks try to lose the Holiday pounds. The choice to be conscious about your weight, exercise and nutrition is a good one. The path may take longer than you wish.

It reminds me of the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The hare was so confident that he would win the race against the hare, that he took a rest and lost the race. While the tortoise just plodded along consistently, one step at a time and never gave up. True weight loss and fitness can be like that. Initially, (like the hare) everyone who starts a program will lose weight quickly regardless of which fad diet you choose because you are conscientious about what you are eating and perhaps even keeping a food journal (which is a good  idea).  But it is what happens over the long haul that matters the most. Did you stop your program after three months? Have you continued to exercise? Do you continue to make wise food choices for you and your family?
From a health and fitness aspect, the tortoise will win because it is the consistent, small steps that we take over a lifetime that matter the most. And your choices matter.

Your choice to walk up steps rather than take the elevator matter. Your choice to choose fruit instead of cake for dessert matters. Your choice of foods to serve at dinner matters. Your choice to walk every day matters. They matter for you, for your children, grandchildren and for our future generations. In our house, I am the candy police. The sweets are rationed and I am pretty firm that my kids don’t eat too much. They also have to eat something healthy first. Over the summer, while at the beach, I was walking and talking with my six year old daughter on the boardwalk. I told her that when I was her age I loved cotton candy. It was after dinner and she chose cotton candy for her treat that day.  Then I told her that I just outgrew the taste for it and I don’t like it now. She grabbed my hand and said, “You keep us healthy.” I consider that a great compliment. It doesn’t mean we don’t ever indulge or that she doesn’t still throw a fit to try to get more candy but she understands the value of choices.
The tortoise may not see significant changes at once. The amazing thing about the human body is that it is never too late to start your health program and wherever your starting point is, positive changes can occur. Over time, other health factors will improve: energy level, endurance, strength, blood pressure, stronger bones,  impoved blood sugar levels, lower heart rate and even loss of weight. Take consistent small steps and make wise choices.  Have a Happy New Year!