Stop to get Started

​It is getting close to the New Year and many are starting to think ahead to what their resolutions will be. We wanted to offer up a different approach to give you a jump start on any resolutions that you may be thinking about. We are calling it "Start by Stopping" and think it will help many reach the results they are searching for much faster.

The concept is really simple. Instead of starting something new, we want you to stop doing something that is making you less healthy. It's that simple. The following is a list of 15 things you can stop doing right now to improve your health.

Stop:

Sitting so much - Set a timer and get up and move your body every 15 minutes.

Staying up late - Every hour of sleep before midnight counts as 2.

Drinking every night - excess calories from alcoholic drinks can add up and the bigger issue is the effect on your sleep.

Ingesting Chemicals - Chemicals are in everything from food and drinks to common cleaning supplies and health and hygiene products. Labels are your friend, start reading them. 

Drinking Sodas - Hopefully common sense by now.

Watching a TV or staring at a TV screen just before bed - The blue light sends signals to your brain that it's day time and delays the onset of sleep.

Thinking you need to kill yourself with exercise to see results or be healthy - Think quality over quantity and go for the minimum effective dose.

Eating Vegetable oils - Canola, corn, cotton seed, soy, sunflower, and safflower oil are in just about every packaged thing you can eat and none of them are good for you. They are pro-inflammatory, lead to gut and autoimmune issues and should be avoided at all costs.

Taking antibiotics for viruses - You do not need another round of antibiotics every time you start to feel a bit off. The damage that is done to the microbiome of your gut can take years to reverse.

Popping pain pills like Tic Tacs - There is a strong link between frequent use of NSAIDs like, Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, Aleve, Celebrex and Asprin and intestinal permeability.

Taking your mobility for granted - You need to perform some form of movement or stretching everyday even if you do not get a workout in.

Skipping workouts - While you don't need to kill yourself in your workouts, the best way to see results is to be consistent. 

Self defeating thoughts - You can often be your own worst enemy. Stay positive about the journey towards a healthier life and the process is much more enjoyable.

Mindless eating - Food is fuel for your body. Eat when you are hungry and eat until you are full. Don't eat because you are bored or just because it's there.

Giving up so easily - Recovering from years of poor health choices can take time and be hard work, but there is nothing in the world more important or more worth it.

​As we head into the resolution season, think about stopping some of the above before starting something new.