A 4th of July Tribute: Independent & Healthy - Operation Muffin Top ...

Independent. By definition, independent means not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting to oneself. Let?s discuss.

Most recently I have spoken to quite a few friends who are on a new health kick. A few are trying their best to lose weight by eating clean and avoiding all processed and sugar-infused foods, refined carbs, etc. They aren?t ?dieting? by counting calories or skipping meals. Others just want to be healthier and are juicing, making fresh smoothies and incorporating superfoods in their every day diet. Kudos to all of them! But one very common thread amongst all is the lack of support from some group in their life ? whether it?s their own family or friends, others don?t seem to hold back the roll of the eyes or loud sigh and comment, ?You?re too healthy.?

?Too? healthy. I know these ladies who are on their exciting new health journey and they are, without any doubt, going about losing weight and educating themselves about nutrition and holistic health in a very healthy way. They aren?t obsessing over foods, over-exercising or under-eating. I?m not sure I would call those extremes ?too healthy? but rather ?unhealthy?, but in other people eyes, this change in diet and lifestyle is unacceptable, unnecessary or just ridiculous. Perhaps they just don?t understand that my friends are learning more about their bodies and what works for them, and are starting to feel more energized and happier about themselves.? Or because of other people?s heritage, the types of foods they serve at parties are the right foods and they?ll always serve and eat those types of foods. And maybe others want to be where my friends are, but can?t and are taking the criticizing approach instead of the accepting approach. I don?t know, but whatever the reason may be, my friends are being challenged with this regularly.

Support. After thinking about ways in which I can help my friends face the support battle, I was reminded how important it is to actually have a support system in place, especially when you are trying your best to change your lifestyle in a positive way.? In addition to reminding them to stay independent of their beliefs and maintain their goals, one suggestion is to explain their goals and results with others, maybe even help educate them on facts and information they are learning on their road to better health. It?s a hard pill to swallow when someone can?t accept the fact that you are bettering your life and your body in the food and drink choices you make. It?s very sad in my eyes, but if we can all stay grounded and breathe and accept that every one is entitled to his/her own opinion, the process may get slightly easier?maybe.

Advice? My advice to you is to keep going, remain focused, but be respectful (not that you are not respectful already!!). I have faced the support battle at some point and it?s not easy, especially when you are in someone else?s home. You never want to dismiss the food that is put on the table when you are not in your home! But that seems to be the battle with most. Perhaps you can bring a dish that you think others would enjoy that perhaps wouldn?t be served otherwise. And again, let others know what you are changing about your lifestyle and diet, but always let them know WHY. Do you feel less bloated, have more energy, feel stronger?? Let them know the positive results you are seeing and feeling ? maybe they?ll want to change themselves! Have you lost weight, learned that you have a gluten intolerance or realized dairy should not be in your diet? Explain what you have learned throughout your wellness process and offer up some insightful information. I know at this point your lifestyle still may not be accepted by others, but that is OK. You can push the horse to water, but you can?t force it to drink. At the end of the day, everyone will have their own opinion, but please remain independent when it comes to your health and your body. My dad, who is my supportive fan, has always told me ?You only have one body? and that is the truth. Take care of yourself, you?re doing great!

For more great recipes at tips from Liz visit WWW.CAROZZAFITNESS.COM

Source: http://blog.ctnews.com/carozza/2012/07/06/a-4th-of-july-tribute-independent-healthy/

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