Things I've learned from making simple, healthy changes in my life

I have been trying to change to a healthier lifestyle over the last several months. I think I am doing much better and have learned some valuable lessons!

I started in January with my simple changes. I had physical goals that I set. My idea was to start slowly. So I did; drink more water, walk the dog, etc. Then I discovered that the college had a fitness center and I could use it since I was a student. So I rented a locker and added weight training three times a week. I loved it! I was starting to feel better!

I slowly changed my eating habits and really started making better food choices. I have cut back on the processed foods as much as I can and have increased the amount of water I drink daily.

Then school got out. No more fitness center. So I decided to run. I love running. I am happy to say that I have slowly increased my exercise levels and now get a good workout in 6 days a week. I take Sundays off.

So what have I learned?
Lesson 1 It's ok to go slowly. I learned that I couldn't just jump in and go gung ho. I needed to slowly work up to working out 6 days a week. Even still my workout are slow. I've been running since April and am still only on week 2 of my 8 week training program.

Lesson 2 Listen to my body. I learned to listen to what my body needs. There have been times when I could only complete a portion of the workout. I learned that stopping did not mean I quit, I still got some exercise in and to avoid injury, it is best to listen to what the needs of my body are.

Lesson 3 Eating healthy is key! I learned that making better food choices is essential to overall better health. My body had no problems letting me know when I stopped paying attention and made bad choices. I am to the point where even my 1 soda a week doesn't sound good. I don't deny myself anything and I am not on a diet, I just changed what I was eating. More whole foods and less processed and junky types of foods.

Lesson 4 I like how I feel now. I really like me now. I feel better, happier and more healthier. Some of my physical aches and pains have gone away, my joints don't ache and I sleep better. I still have problems with my knees but I am learning how to modify exercises and take proper preventative measures to insure I don't have problems later.

Overall I am very pleased with my progress and can't wait to continue. I have participated in 3 5k races already this summer and found I really enjoy them. My goal is to be able to run the entire Kohl Elementary 5k next May.