(OCEANSIDE, CA June 8, 2012) – Do you know the saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step? The same can be said about adapting a healthy lifestyle: if you start with two simple changes - watching less television and eating more fruits and vegetables – you will be on your way to better health.
This is the finding of a new study from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, which shows that taking these two small steps will encourage people to continue adapting other good habits and behaviors that will lead to a sustained healthy living.
“Just think about it: watching less television means you will get off the couch and start moving, and if you eat fruits and veggies instead of, say, sugary snacks, you’re keeping your weight under control and filling up on vitamins at the same time,” says Coach Berry R.B., a fitness expert and owner of Dare to be Fit Personal Training Studio in Oceanside, CA. “Before you know it, you will make significant strides forward.”
This is good news for people who realize they need to exercise more and eat better, but are too overwhelmed at the idea of taking that first step in the right direction.
“Even if good intentions and motivation to get active and healthy are there, many individuals don’t know how to make this happen – where and how to start this process,” Berry says. “They may be thinking that they must immediately begin an intense, all-out exercise and diet program, rather than taking it a step at a time.”
Not only that, but if you are a couch potato who is determined to start exercising, the first rule is to take it slowly and easy; in any case, Berry points out that inactive, sedentary individuals will probably not be able to work out strenuously for an hour from the get-go without hurting or overexerting themselves.
Making gradual but steady improvements to your life, however, is likely to bear better results, as the research has shown.
Instead of doing too much too soon, Berry suggests breaking the big goal – a healthy and fit lifestyle - into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example:
Commit to making one positive change every couple of weeks by giving up whatever bad habits you have and replacing them with good ones. As shown in the research, turning off TV and eating fruits and vegetables each day is a great first step.
Gradually replace processed and sugary foods, as well and those that are full of saturated fat, with whole, low-fat alternatives.
Work with a trainer to devise a fitness program that starts “small” but gradually adds exercises that will build up and boost your heart function, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall conditioning.
About "Dare to be Fit" Coach Berry’s Personal Training Studio:
Coach Berry R.B. is a Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with over 30 years of experience keeping Marines and Civilian personnel in top physical condition. From a passion to help people change their lives through health and fitness, Coach launched the "Dare to be Fit" program in Oceanside, CA, North County San Diego, CA in January 2001. Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.rb-berry.com. To learn more about Coach Berry's weight loss program, he can be reached at rbberry@cox.net or 760-967-6847.
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About Coach Berry R.B., Fitness Expert:
Coach Berry is a fitness and nutrition professional with a Masters Degree in Physical Science and holds two additional diplomas in nutrition and fitness. He has 30 years of experience in the fitness and weight loss industry. Coach can be reached at rbberry@cox.net or 760-967-6847 and is available for media interviews on a wide range of topics related to health, wellness and fitness.
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