Eat Smart. Train Hard.

As I sat watching the basketball tournaments unfurl during March Madness, I better understood that each team’s path to the Final Four is a long, arduous journey with a common goal of “being the best” in the end. It was then that a light bulb flickered in my head and I began to research articles on what makes a great athlete. As I read on, I identified a list of characteristics that were not only the key components to athletic success but were also crucial elements in achieving great health. 

As a Googled, I came across quotes from renowned athletic coaches that resonated with me. Basketball Hall of Famer’s John Wooden said, “Success is peace of mind……. in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable.”  And Vince Lombardi, arguably the greatest football coach of all time said, “There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything,” as well as, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” All great advice. 

I really thought I was onto something, so I decided to brainstorm a list of attributes of an athlete and came up with the following: 

Attitude, Commitment, Discipline, Focus, Self-Belief, Support, the list went on and on and continued to align with what it takes to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Health improvements require balance and a sustained, life-long commitment to making healthy eating choices and getting regular physical activity. It’s not always as simple as eating less and moving more. Here are some strategies to help you get started: 

Draw on support from others: 

While some of the aforementioned traits are innate, others are learned, but most are developed over time. All can be facilitated by the intervention of mentors, who offer personal and professional levels of expertise. Mentors, like great coaches (and dietitians!), help to identify natural abilities, develop strengths, and are instrumental in providing the essential tools to achieving success. They help support you along the way, and are individuals to whom you are accountable. Mentors motivate and encourage you to be your best. 

If you are trying to get yourself into a healthier lifestyle, surround yourself with positive influences and attitudes, and by those who will honestly tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Be around those who will help you balance your diet and not deprive yourself from your favorites like a soda, ice cream or snacks but teach you the power of moderation. Find those that will be there to hit the gym with you to maintain calorie balance. But don’t lose sight of your own role in the process. People who believe in you and your abilities are important, but self-belief is pivotal.  

Make a commitment:

Working to make successful lifestyle changes is not easy. It demands focus and commitment on your part. Workout or menu plans are valuable templates but there will always be challenges and obstacles that may derail you from them. You work late and grab take-out on the way home. Your children have soccer practice or dance classes and you can’t get to the gym, yourself. Your meeting ran late and there’s no time to eat, so you hit the vending machine down the hallway. The ability to be resilient and to endure and overcome obstacles like these leads to long-term success.

In it for the long haul:

Consistency is a critical piece in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Making smarter food choices can’t just be to lose a few pounds before a wedding. Sustaining a daily eating pattern encourages habits, as well as improving self-control and self-discipline. Without a daily routine, it’s easy to have the back-and-forths, and ups-and-downs that may eventually derail you… for good.

Wanting it:

The rewards of good health can bring a renewed sense of self-confidence. Weight management enhances our self-esteem, and exercise strengthens and energizes our bodies. Achieving the results you want comes from making an effort and having a desire for improvement. You are doing it for yourself and not for others. You have to be dedicated to the process and persevere, and you need to be in it for the long haul.

In the end, success is not handed to you. You work hard for it; every single day. As Gayle Sayers said, “…if you want it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it.” Achieving the results you want comes from setting realistic goals and having the passion and commitment to disciplineyourself each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Think of your journey to good health as your own personal trip to the Final Four, and you too, can be a winner!