Gosh, doesn’t it just sneak up? Although we don’t know where the years go, and complain that time flies by way too fast – it is what it is; birth certificates don’t lie, unfortunately!

What I do know is that I’m a little wiser, and I continue to learn about health and life: a never-ending education. I spend my days motivating and inspiring people to take better care of themselves, as I truly believe health is the foundation of our happiness. Are there things that I wish I had known sooner? Of course! Although there’s no looking back (as I’m never going to go that way), if I got hold of my 20-year-old self now, here are some of the things I’d say:

1. Don’t diet – they never work; they cause us to become disheartened and obsessive about food, while robbing us of any body and self-confidence we may have once had.

2. There are no fads or quick fixes for getting fit and healthy, or losing weight. It’s an ongoing process whereby we work with our body and our mind, and not against them.

3. As boring as it many sound, the best tactic is to keep everything in moderation.That way, you never become unhealthy or overweight. This does not mean depriving yourself, but there are some smart tools you can use.

4. “There’s a healthier version of everything” – so there is no need to give up any of your favorites. As you learn how great healthy foods make you feel, you will never go back to wanting the alternative. Give yourself time to learn this.

5. No one truly has an interest in your health, so you need to take control of this. The food companies are out to make a buck, and any of their marketing ploys are focused solely on this. Governments will do as the food lobbyists suggest, and, more often than not, doctors will give you a pill (or two) without truly understanding what’s causing the problem. This is because they are simply too busy or don’t understand the connection between nutrition and lifestyle, and your health. So when you’re not feeling your 100% best, a great place to start is to look within.

6. You don’t have to exercise non-stop to be fit and healthy – do it because you enjoy it, keeping it fun and social.

7. Accept compliments graciously – don’t offend the giver by brushing it off, denying his or her kind words. Be that confident young lady that you are entitled to be.

8. Watch your language – focus less on ‘thin and slim’ when talking about how you look and feel, and also when paying compliments to others. Tell someone they look healthy, positive and glowing, as opposed to focusing on physical attributes.

9. Appreciate your body and your mind – for all it has done, and all you want it to do going forward. Our body is truly an amazing gift, and we get only one.

10. Lighten up – being healthy should be fun! Obsessing about your physical looks really gets you nowhere, and who’s to say you aren’t ‘perfect’ as you are. Focus on getting and staying healthy, as this nourishes your body and your mind so that you become positive, strong and healthy.

As I continue to learn on this amazing life journey, I would love to hear some of your thoughts and experiences. If you are interested in learning about the many practical steps you can take, the many small changes that will make a big difference to your health, then please do get in touch, as I would love to help.

To our health!

Liza

Visit the Health & Vitality page to find out more about Liza's business.

_{Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Friends Enjoying Drink And Snack from Shutterstock}

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