This week was the first official week of the Health Quest and we saw a lot of happy and excited people as well as some very disappointed ones as they stepped on the scales for the first weigh in since the kick-off on February 26. For some, it was a huge victory with high numbers but others may have missed the mark. Remember, this is just the beginning. You have many more weeks to go so if you did not see the results you wanted this week, there is always next week. Attitude is an important factor when you are changing habits in your life. My husband has always told me you can not break a habit, you must replace it. I have found that to be true over the years. So if you have a habit of getting down on yourself when you come up short on a goal, try refocusing your efforts and staying positive; search for ways that will help you produce a better outcome next time. If you slipped up and did something you have been working hard to stop, don’t just give up on it; tell yourself everyone makes mistakes and work a little harder next time.

When it comes to exercise, progress may not always be shown on the scale. Too many times, people look at the numbers to tell them whether they are doing better or worse. It easy to forget that progress towards a healthier life can be measured in the way you feel. Can you move a little easier through the day, do you feel stronger climbing a flight of stairs or picking up the kids? Do you breathe better doing a particular activity, and can you spend more time being active? Exercise is tough in the beginning but staying consistent with it yields results such as stronger muscles which allows more blood flow to all those working muscles and a more efficient body! But all of this starts with a good attitude! You have to believe that you can do all these things and then start putting your ideas into practice. If you slip up, it’s okay..everyone has done it before. Refocus yourself and continue down this road to a healthier you.

One of my favorite quotes from a movie called the Great Debaters is “We do what we have to do so that we can do what we want to do”. Do what you have to do over the next 24 weeks so that you can do what you want to do throughout your life and keep a positive attitude in the process! Keep up the great work!