Make a Difference Monday -- Healthy Choices

I am late! I do realize today is Tuesday and not Monday, but, well, better late than never, right? :-)

This week, I am trying to make a difference by making healthy choices. Truth is, I am a nominally healthy eater, I exercise on occasion, and get at least 7 hours of sleep most nights.

But I could do better. A lot better.

I am one of those blessed people (don't hate me...it is hereditary, I assure you!) that can sit around eating pretty much whatever I want and never gain an ounce.

I said don't hate me!

Believe it or not, there are negatives to that!! Let me explain...I can eat whatever I want with seemingly no consequences.

But there are consequences to every poor choice we make, and poor eating/exercise habits are no different. I am beginning to realize that I do need to make healthy choices...for my sake, for my husband's sake, and for the sake of my children who will follow in my footsteps.  Aargh!

So, what changes have I been making?

*I bought whole wheat bread...the good stuff. Not the enriched wheat bread that is only a step up from white.
*We are keeping track of what we eat and how often we exercise. To do this, we are using Supertracker, a free website that charts our progress in achieving health and fitness goals.
*We are snacking better. Instead of chips, we are eating sunflower seeds, nuts and trail mix. Instead of juice, we are drinking water. Instead of candy, we are eating fresh fruit. I'm including more vegetables with meals and eating fewer sauces and less butter.

 *We are more conscious of the amount of protein we are getting each day, something that our diet lacked. This lack of protein left us tired and less focused. I can already feel a decided difference!
*I have cut back on coffee. I know, I know...coffee is good for you, right? Well, the sweetened flavored creamers I use are most definitely not!

How about exercise? Well...I worked out twice. Call me old, call me a lame duck, but I hurt so bad that I just gave up! Now that I've had a few days to stop hurting, I plan to pick up exercising...but maybe something a little less intense this time. :-)

So, how have you made a difference this week? What are you doing to improve the quality of your life and the lives of those around you?

After all, if I want to live a long and healthy life I need to start making a difference today. How about you?