A Habit a Day Keeps the Heart Attack Away
There’s an interesting moving called “Run Lola Run.” In this movie, ‘Manni’ is in trouble and needs 100,000 Deutschmarks. He calls his girlfriend Lola. Lola must find and bring him the money or he’ll meet a horrible demise. What makes this movie so interesting is how the filmmakers play with this premise. They explore how the outcome of the story changes when Lola’s choices cause her to run just slightly faster or slightly slower. We watch Lola’s journey 3 times! In each case the slightest choice along the way causes a different chain of events to transpire which ultimately affect the outcome. Does Manni die? Does he live? Does he do something stupid? It all depends on the choices Lola makes in her journey to bring him the money.
Ok. So that’s nice. But what does it have to do with your health? Well, it’s an interesting metaphor for living. Just as Lola saves a life (or doesn’t) your daily choices create good health, or don’t. Shu2 says it in a comment on the “Pinnacle Moment” - “small changes consistently make it a way of life and not a sacrifice.”
So if you’ve just hit your pinnacle moment and are wondering where to start. I recommend looking at the small stuff. Forget the big overhaul - the sudden crash diet - the massive hours spent at a gym or building a whole new video collection. Not only is it painful, it doesn’t stick in the long-run. Instead, examining your daily routine can lead to simple changes that add up to a long-term positive effect.
Starting your day with a trans-fat laden donut or muffin has a different effect than having fresh fruit with a high protein, high fiber cereal. It’s a simple choice. And that choice affects your health every day of your life. If you skip breakfast, it’s time to start eating it. Breakfast helps jumpstart your metabolism, and your metabolism burns the calories you consume. Start by finding a healthy, high protein & fiber cereal such as Kashi Go Lean High Protein, High Fiber cereal and add some fruit.
Taking the elevator three flights has a very different effect than walking. It’s a simple choice that doesn’t take much effort to work into your daily routine. Over the course of your lifetime, these choices add up and affect the journey.
We’ll examine many of these ideas in depth with future posts, but for now, take some time to think about your daily routine. I’m willing to bet you’ve already identified a number of habits that you could work on. If you’re struggling think about the basics:
- What do you eat for breakfast? Is fruit involved? Is there protein? Any fiber?
- What about lunch? Do you pack it, or eat out? When you eat out, how much is fried?
- What are your snack choices? Sugar or protein-based? Do you have bowls of candy or chips near your desk while you work? If you have kids are feeding these to the them too? Yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds are great alternatives and because of their protein content you feel full longer and will have better stamina.
- Do you drink a lot of water during the day? Consider swapping sugary drinks for good old fashioned water. Start with that afternoon soda - change it to water.
- When you encounter an elevator do you take it, or do you use the steps?
- Do you park your car close to the building or further away to encourage a little walking?
When you’re finished take some time to review the list deciding which are easy and which would be nice, but maybe a little unrealistic right now. Pick the easiest one and work on it until you’ve established a new routine. Choosing the easiest sets you up for success over the long haul while also having a positive impact on your day. One down, 783,040,340 to go! 
If you’re looking for help on any of your items, post it in the comments section and we’ll respond with some strategies.