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CONFLICTING INFORMATION: How to Tell the Truth from the Fluff

There is a LOT of conflicting information out there, especially when it comes to health and wellness. Honestly, I study health, nutrition, weight loss, movement, etc., all the time and I’m still left scratching my head in confusion sometimes.

Keto or Mediterranean?

Cross Fit or Yoga?

Meditation or Journaling?

Alcohol – yes or no?

I think you get the idea. Every day there is a new report, study, or finding coming out to inform us about what is considered healthy and what is not. Or what might be better than something else (walking is good, HIIT is better; chicken is good, salmon is better; etc.).

And there are a lot of questions asked about what is the BEST way to improve your health. What is the best/fastest way to lose weight? What is the best diet to follow? What are the best exercises to do?

There are absolutely guidelines out there for living a healthy lifestyle, important nutrition information, what and how much we should be moving daily. The basics are pretty clear. Across whatever route you might be thinking about when it comes to nutrition, movement, or health in general, the basic principles are mostly the same.

So why is there so much conflicting information? Why do we struggle to follow those basics, or stick with a plan that works for us?

Two things:

1.  We are all UNIQUE individuals. Like, literally. Down to the cellular level. We have the same physical functioning and how our bodies work, but just because Jane likes pink, runs 5 miles a day, and loves avocado toast doesn’t mean Sally is going to like those same things.

Which brings me to:

2.  The best thing to do is the thing you will ACTUALLY DO. I’ve said it before but I’ll keep saying it – don’t try doing what you think you’re “supposed” to do, and start doing things you’ll ACTUALLY do! 

I am NOT a runner. I hate running. Not going to go for a jog. I really enjoy walks. I’m not fast, but I don’t need to be. I love throwing toning exercises into my day. It’s fun for me and I feel good when I do it. I love Mediterranean style foods. I’m learning more and more about it and I have loved a lot of those recipes. I’m not a huge Keto fan. The two are not mutually exclusive and it's possible to use Mediterranean flavors with Keto recipes, and it’s possible to cut some of the foods with certain carbs (pasta and bread) from a Mediterranean dish to make it more Keto friendly.

And a third point I’ll add is that this is why I think it’s important to experiment with what you like and dislike. Keep what you like and works, ditch the rest. If there is no way you’re going to get up early on the weekends to cycle for 25 miles just because a friend is doing it, why buy expensive cycling equipment (bike, helmet, shoes, etc.)? Would a basic bike work for simple rides around the park or your neighborhood?

So, understanding you’re a unique person, focusing on what you’re actually willing to do, and trying things to see what sticks and what doesn’t are the fastest, most effective ways of cutting through the different information floating around out there and improving your health and wellness.

Focus on the “basics” (nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep, stress management) and find what works for you in each of those areas. Your journey will be much more fun and long-term if you do.

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