How to Get Started

So you’ve decided to make a change and start living a healthier life. Now what?

Once you’ve made the decision to live healthier (congratulations - that alone is already a huge step!) it can be difficult to get started because there is SO much (and often conflicting) information out there. We live in a world where we are simply bombarded with everything. Have you tried to buy a new cell phone lately? There are an impossible amount of options, depending on your budget, if you prefer Apple or Android or something else, how fancy you want the camera, what you plan on using the cell phone for, etc. How are you supposed to sort through it all? (I recently bought a new cell phone and it took me 6 months to figure out what to get). And that is just one example! If you stop and take a look around, you will see endless information swirling around us and we are left to try and sort it all out - and information about nutrition and fitness is no different.

My biggest recommendation to get started with a healthier lifestyle is to find someone to help - someone who can help you figure out the best route for you so you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. Even though I spent years learning many things on my own, I still needed help getting started. My own health and fitness journey started with a weight loss clinic and a mentor who helped me sort through the intricacies of good nutrition and redirect me when I wasn't following the program. This was by far the biggest and most helpful step to being healthy, because I am 99% sure I would have given up without her help and support. You are more than twice as likely to be successful with help.

We can all use a little extra support and a hi-five

There are many potential mentors out there! If you work out at a gym, ask if there are any free consultations available with a trainer. If you participate in a group fitness setting, ask the instructor if they work with clients individually or if they have any recommendations. Ask your doctor (my doctor is the one who recommended the weight loss clinic to me in the first place). If you have family or friends who have been successful in their own health and fitness journey, reach out to them. There is help out there - you just have to take the initiative and ask.

Daphne’s tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, guidance, or advice. Just like most people don’t expect to learn college algebra in one day on their own, no one expects you to learn healthy habits (so don’t expect that of yourself, either) the same way. But be aware of who is giving the guidance! Anyone can have an Instagram page nowadays where they are throwing out nutrition and fitness advice. Check out their credentials and see if they have the education and/or experience to back up what they’re saying. Be a savvy consumer and pay attention - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for getting started:

DO’S

• Ask for help

• Step outside your comfort zone

• Let your friends, family, and coworkers know you are making some lifestyle changes

• Try something you haven’t done before

• Be open to suggestions and feedback

DON’TS

• Be shy

• Think you have to figure it out yourself

• Stick to only what you know

• Be afraid to try new things

• Give up

If you find yourself with no one to turn to for help, reach out to me. I would be happy to have a conversation with you about how to get you started on your new lifestyle :)