Insignificant Changes Make an Enormous Difference

By Cami Checketts 

The difference between a normal-weight person and an overweight person is just a hundred calories a day. An extra hundred calories a day adds up to ten pounds of weight gain in one year! Can you believe that? A hundred calories is half a Twix bar!

It's amazing how seemingly insignificant choices can make an enormous difference in our health.

1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” This scripture tells me that I am responsible to care for my body (or temple) spiritually, mentally and physically. Taking care of ourselves physically can increase our capacity to serve others and serve the Lord. It can keep our minds strong and our spirits free from the debilitating effects of depression. But how do we go about improving our physical bodies?

Start small with baby steps. Baby steps are the key to making lifelong changes. Begin with one change at a time. Little differences can add up to big results. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to completely change your lifestyle. Instead of going on a crash diet to lose weight, which always comes back on,  or starting an ambitious exercise program and getting injured or burned out, take it slowly and change one thing at a time.

One change a month is a great goal. In a month you can make something into a long-term habit, and if you concentrate on one goal you won't be so overwhelmed. For example:

•January – Make a goal to eat five servings of fruits/veggies a day.
•February – Outline a plan to lift weights twice a week.
•March – Decide to use only child-sized plates and bowls. It will force you to eat smaller portions.
•April – Convince your family to go for an after-dinner bike ride or walk every weekday.
•May – Trade white bread for high-fiber bread.

Let’s make our main goal to be healthy and fit for life, not just to lose weight because we have a trip or class reunion coming. Prepare to take a baby step by writing on your calendar what your month’s goal is going to be. I write my monthly goals on my desk calendar so I’m reminded of them many times a day. My latest goal: Not to eat treats while sitting at my computer or reading a book. Even though it seems easy, it will really help me to savor my treats rather than consume them mindlessly.

Change your diet slowly and you’ll be amazed to discover that healthy food will become tastier to you than the junk. I still haven't given up my chocolate (I don’t believe any woman should!), but believe it or not, I can hardly stand greasy food anymore.

It takes time to change your diet and exercise habits. Remember this: Insignificant changes can make an enormous difference in your health. Decide on one area and take that baby step today. I promise you will like the long-term results!
           
Cami Checketts (www.camichecketts.com) is a wife, mother, author and exercise scientist. Her third book, The Sister Pact, will be released in July 2009. Visit her blog– fitmommas.blogster.com for fitness advice and exercise routines.  © 2009