In the pursuit of better health, many people embark on a journey full of dietary and exercise changes, often with a variety of motivations. Preventive medicine expert Michael J. Orlich, MD, sheds light on the common reasons behind these lifestyle changes and provides valuable insights for maintaining sustainable health habits year-round. To do.
“People choose to change their diet or physical activity for a variety of reasons,” Orlich says. “They want to feel better, look better, improve their health and prevent diseases like high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.”
He emphasizes the importance of setting health-centered long-term goals that have strong underlying motivation and are linked to realistic short-term goals.
“Write it down, talk about it with those close to you, and keep reminding yourself of it often. For example, putting a note on your refrigerator door that says, 'I eat well because I want to be near my grandkids' can make a difference.” '' Orrich said.
But Orlich warns of the dangers of adopting extreme diet and exercise habits.
“Rapid or sudden changes often make people feel bad and give up,” he warns. Instead, it advocates for gradual, sustainable changes that individuals can build over time. For example, starting with short exercise sessions and gradually increasing the intensity can lead to long-term success.
Practical tips for sustainable change:
leave a record
stay consistent
set realistic goals
Start small and work your way up
buddy system
Aurich says to record your daily exercise in a notebook or calendar and review it once a week. He can do something similar with his diet (for example, write down how many vegetables he eats each day).
“Keeping records takes a little effort, but it pays off,” Orich says. “This strengthens your commitment, keeps you accountable, and helps you notice when you're making progress or when you need a little more focus to stay on track.”
According to Orlich, the key to progress is consistency. He suggests establishing a buddy system to stay motivated and accountable, whether you exercise with a partner or regularly check in with friends who are making similar dietary changes. I am.
Setting realistic goals is also an important aspect of sustainable health habits. Orlich recommends starting with modest, short-term goals and adjusting as needed. “The better you get at setting short-term goals, the better you'll get at estimating long-term progress,” he added.
Preventive medicine plays an important role in guiding individuals toward consistent and sustainable health habits. Orlich values the expertise of experts such as coaches, personal trainers, nutritionists, and preventive medicine physicians to provide customized guidance and recommendations.
Orlich recommends that everyone schedule an annual physical with their health care provider. These appointments provide an opportunity to receive evidence-based preventive care, including recommended tests and immunizations.
By prioritizing your long-term health and wellness, you can embark on a journey that will lead to lasting vitality and well-being. For more information about our Preventive Medicine Clinic, please call (909)558-4595 to schedule an appointment.
