Create Your Own Personal Health Environment

Purging your kitchen of all the high fat, high sugar processed foods is a great start, but that’s not my point. Focusing on what you want instead of what you don’t want, getting your environment weight-loss ready is about what you put in your environment, not just what you take away.

Healthier eating habits

Since you’ve taken my advice to purge your kitchen, your new, healthy kitchen will be filled with healthy foods and snacks, like lean proteins, healthy fats, and herbs and spices. You can assemble smaller plates and measuring cups for proper portion control and keep them within easy reach. Plenty of light can help you relax and avoid overeating.

Staying active

In addition to aerobic and resistance exercising, there are plenty of other tried-and-true (and calorie-burning) activities you can incorporate into your daily activities. Retire your television’s remote control, get up and change the channel. Map out some walking routes in your neighborhood and walk as often as possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Yes, these are minor activities but remember the goal is to set up an environment of health.

Healthy sleep habits

Get the proper amount of sleep (7-8 hours). Make sure your bedroom is an environment for restful sleep. Muted colors and relaxing scents support healthy sleep habits, and so does replacing the bedroom television with inspiring books and calming music.

Emotional well-being

To get and stay healthy, surround yourself with reminders of what’s important, beautiful, and valuable in your life. Pictures of your favorite places and people, as well as images of beauty and peace, will lift your spirit. Most important of all is your human support system-your network of upbeat, positive people who are living the healthy habits and the ideals you admire.

Anthony Pica is a health coach who lives in Laguna Beach. For more information about health coaching and successful weight management, please visit his website at www.123slim.tsfl.com.