2 Health is a journey, not a destination

Life is going to throw many things at us which we are unable control. Yet, in many cases, our health and fitness isn't one of them.

Yes, family history, environmental factors play a role, but in most cases, no one plays a bigger role on our health than ourselves. One of the most prevalent, yet avoidable health problems in the US related to the standard American lifestyle is obesity.

According to the medical journal, PLoS Medicine, obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., causing an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. It contributes to countless diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.

Many of us have seen family members and even some friends be plagued by these health problems. In recent years, this has made me become more health-conscious than ever. 

I've read countless health books, I had a gym membership back at home in Philly, I even went vegetarian a few times in the past few years, yet, I face a problem which many people face when it comes to getting healthier.

But do you know what my number one problems is?: INCONSISTENCY

... And that word is in bold for a reason, because when it comes to health and fitness, I can be one of the most inconsistent people in the world.

For example: One day, I drank a blended kale smoothie at 5pm, and ate chocolate chip cookies at 6pm...

Yeah, chocolate chip cookies can be a problem.

This guy know what I'm talking about...

On top of that, I'd allow myself to become lax in my diet, I'd skip workouts, and just begin to succumb to generally laziness... and I believe that when you allow yourself to be lazy with one aspect of your life, such as health and wellness, it starts to play a role on other aspects of your life as well.

So, I'd like to invite you all to join me on a journey of creating the habit of living a healthy lifestyle. 

In addition to all of the other stuff that I write about society, entertainment, (or whatever topic is on my mind that week) I also I'll share recipes, nutrition tips, workouts, discuss some of my role models as it pertains to fitness, etc.

But as I share my progress I'd like for you all share yours as well, so, just shoot me an email at mdebose310@hotmail.com sharing steps which you are taking to live a healthier, more active lifestyle, and I'll share them on my posts

Or, you can share in the comments section of my posts.

... and let me make it clear that this isn't a race, nor is it a competition, because when we take steps towards a healthier, more active lifestyle we all win.

But first, we have to leave some of these common excuses at the door:

1. I don't have time to workout

One of the main things which I learned in college is that people make time for what they want to do. We make time for TV, video games,  social networking, etc. That means that we can take time to dedicate ourselves to something IMPORTANT.

And for those people who are too busy being productive to take care of themselves, the same applies to you. What's the point of being busy if you aren't healthy enough to enjoy the rewards which you gain from your work? Make time, you'll thank yourself later.

2. It costs too much to eat healthy

Yes, some high-quality foods are pricey. Yet, in later blog posts, I'll talk more about inexpensive healthy foods. But we have to remember that our health is the most worthy investment in the world. 
As the rapper Stic. Man from the group Dead Prez once said, "Food is costly, but being sick is more expensive."

So join me on this journey of growth, improvement and development. I'm sure it'll be worth the time.