Happy Monday all! Welcome to Week 1 of our year-long series: 52 Weeks to a Healthier You! Today we’re starting with our very first step: taking an honest health self-assessment.
In the past, I’ve often jumped right into a new workout plan or a new diet without taking the time to look at myself to see what I’m doing (and not doing) right now. Naturally, the few healthy changes I would make wouldn’t last for very long.
So, this time I’m starting by looking at my lifestyle, including my good and bad habits, to see what I’d like to change. That way, I can decide how to go about changing them for good.
Disclaimer: I am not a health or fitness expert. Please consult a medical professional before starting any new health or fitness regimen.
Image: NOBU / Dollar Photo Club
Your Honest Health Self-Assessment
Current Health
First, let’s talk about our current health. Use our free Honest Health Self-Assessment Exercise to record the following:
Age:
Height:
Current weight:
Goal weight:
If you’re unsure about your goal weight, try this BMI calculator to find out what weight range is healthy for your height and body type. (NOTE: I do not believe that BMI is the absolute best way to calculate health. Sometimes it can be really off. But if you’re unsure about where to begin, it may give you a good starting point.)
Now, I am NOT about to post my current weight here. 🙂 But I will say that my goal is to lose 20 pounds. That still keeps me at the upper range of my BMI, but it’s a good weight for my frame.
By the way, take a picture of yourself! You don’t have to show it to anyone. But it will be a great way to track your progress as the program continues.
Good Habits
Now it’s time to think the healthy habits you’d like to form this year. Of course, the temptation here is to write an extremely long list of completely unrealistic things like running an ultramarathon, giving up coffee for good, or becoming a raw vegan. Those are actually great goals, but if you’re living an unhealthy life right now, those are definitely long-term goals.
Instead, think about five healthy habits you’d like to start this year and write them on your health assessment. Try to restrict them to habits that are actually reachable. If you’re drawing a blank, don’t worry! We’ll be sharing some in the upcoming weeks that you can incorporate easily into your life.
Bad Habits
And, finally, we have to look at our bad habits. You know, the things you do that you know are unhealthy. I mean, I don’t have a degree in Physical Education, Nutrition, or Kinesiology. But I know that eating an entire package of Lemon Oreos in two days is not a good thing to do. (I’ve done that before.)
So, on your health assessment activity, write down the five bad habits you want to get rid of this year. We’re not going to focus on getting rid of them first. Instead, we’re going to focus on adding the good habits. Eventually, they’ll likely end up replacing the bad ones. 🙂
After you finish your health self-assessment, feel free to share your goals in our 52 Weeks to a Healthier You Facebook group! Or share your plans in the comments below!
And – get your free Honest Health Self-Assessment Exercise by clicking the link or the image below! 🙂
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