I’ve found that people usually have one of three excuses for not living as healthy of a lifestyle as they would like: time, money or desire. To a certain extent, these “explanations” have some validity, however if we examine them further, there really is no excuse to justify the argument.
I’m busy. You’re busy. I get it. Modern-day life takes its toll on everyone. But life and jobs aren’t valid excuses for making poor choices about your nutrition and exercise habits. I know it’s stressful when you have a full day of meetings, emails, errands, transporting kids to-and-from practice and whatever else life may throw your way. The last thing we want to do when we get home is spend a bunch of time in the kitchen preparing something that is supposedly “good for us.” All too often I see a line of cars at a fast food restaurant during rush hour inevitably ordering their double bacon cheeseburgers. However most people (even if they won’t admit it) can find one day a week to prepare some simple meals at home that they can freeze and take out for future convenience. In the same vain, if you can’t get a workout in during the day, challenge yourself to turn a meeting into a walk with a co-worker. You’ll feel better and may even find that the lines of communication open up much better than a stodgy office setting. This is a great time of year to get outside!
Excuse #2 – Money. This is my least favorite excuse. Or perhaps it should be my favorite as it is the easiest excuse to overcome. You don’t need that membership to the exorbitant health club. Or if you insist that it is necessary, eliminate a latte here and there and cut out the lunch time visits to the fast food joints and your membership is covered. A win-win. When it really comes down to it, it costs a lot more (figuratively and literally) to be in poor health than it does to be healthy.
And finally, it comes down to desire. Again, if you’re reading this, chances are you already make healthy choices for the most part. And you’ve got to respect when someone admits that they don’t have the desire – at least they are being honest (but hopefully not bringing others down with their gluttony!). I challenge everyone to make small changes in their daily habits. I think you will find that eating healthy food, if prepared correctly, can be very enjoyable. Adding moderate exercise has numerous benefits – including allowing you to think more clearly.
Excuses are lame. Living a healthy lifestyle requires effort and a commitment to yourself. However, most people find that they feel so much better and are generally happier when they reward themselves with health. It sure beats the alternative.