Some of the things I learned in 2012

By Gabrielle Reece

I have shared most of my healthy secrets, but some things have come back into focus for me in 2012.

PORTION CONTROL.

I am a huge advocate for putting meaningful nutrition into your mouth. Green, whole, live, organic I’m in.  However, 2012 reminded me that portion control is still one of the major keys to weight management or weight loss.  I realize it’s very difficult to eat clean all the time, but we can all try to monitor how much we put in our mouths.  One of the tricky parts is that processed foods do not make you feel full so they lead to over eating.

What about eating that slice of pie or a cookie? If you are going to go for it, then what about half instead of two? Guilt is a waste of time in general how about a little self restraint going a long way.

SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE

I know a lot of people who are intense about their physical regiment and diet.  I really aspire to be the best I can in both areas, but there is such a thing as over training or the stress one feels around food being harmful.

I have been reminded in 2012 that pounding your body six, seven days a week can be harmful.  Not getting enough rest can lead to getting behind the eight ball.  Injury, never fully recovering, not benefiting from the exercise you are doing and impacting your ability to handle stress.  My other favorite is when people are so strict about food they can barely eat or read every label.  I have seen many of my friends almost get blocked in their day to day living by the inability to find food they are willing to ingest.  At a certain point if your plane is grounded due to weather, eat.  “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food.”

I’m all about full throttle, but not at the price of running into a brick wall or creating paralysis by over analysis.

I CAN STILL STRIVE TO BE BETTER TOMORROW THAN I AM TODAY

No matter how old I get I had a situation in 2012 that reminded me that I can keep striving to be better.  No I don’t have my 22 year old skin or rear and I never will, but I have several other areas I can keep improving.  I find it critical not to set yourself up in this.  I’m not trying to be better looking or something I’m not.  I choose things I can control like I can be more flexible or stronger, continue to try and have better perspective, or speak my mind directly and lovingly.  These are just a few of the ways I know if I work at, I can continue to improve.

The things that are gifts should just be received and say “thank you”.  The things that are in our control are the ones we should pursue with a white hot vengeance. Tricks are for kids, and I’m talking about going for the big items.  Not how does my hair look?

FOR 2012, NOW AND ALWAYS SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIKE MINDED PEOPLE WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH

I’m not suggesting don’t have any other types of friends. I’m merely saying that if you want to live a healthy eating and active lifestyle YOU MUST have people around you helping accomplish this everyday task.  NOT ONE of us can do it alone.  Well, except for that guy who lives in the forest alone, receives his food from nature, stretches 3 hours a day, and is not driving on any freeway.  Let’ stay in the reality zone. We can do it, but we need each other.

 THERE IS NO GREATER ASSET YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW POSSESS THAN THEIR BODIES

With all the bad news in 2012 (economy, tragedy, storms, war, political hatred) I am always reminded that our bodies are a gift.  A gift that should be treasured, nurtured, nourished and properly worked.  I don’t care if you are 40, 50, 100 pounds overweight you and your body are valuable.  Don’t pick on yourself.  Love yourself and your body and take care of the most bad ass thing you will ever possess.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2013!  Go out there and follow your dreams.  Sure it’s scary but the alternative is boring.  Lest us not forget that EVERYTHING TAKES WORK, so may as well be something you can be passionate about.

Gabby

2012 Gabrielle Reece . All Rights Reserved.