Have you ever thought to yourself, I really need to improve my health? The first place you think to look is the internet. This is a great idea until you start reading.
Try Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Count Your Macros…
Go gluten-free, dairy free, avoid seed oils…
If you are over 50 you must do this, but don’t do that…
Walking is as good as running…etc.
The information can be overwhelming and contradictive at times. So where do you start and what do you focus on first?
Great question. Let’s break it down.
Your journey should begin with some soul searching and self-reflection. What do you want to accomplish? What does your body need? Where are you lacking? What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing?
“Health” and “Wellness” are very broad terms used to describe many factors or components of our wellbeing. The fitness industry uses them interchangeably and often as a marketing ploy. There are several basic “pillars of health/wellness” that must be addressed in order for us to be our best selves. Some of those pillars include nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and mental health. If one is neglected for too long the others will suffer. If you are not getting enough sleep or managing stress well your physical body will not perform well or feel its best.
Our goal is to help explain, clarify and/or simplify some of the information out there to help you decide what is best for you. We have been given stewardship over our minds and bodies. We can receive personal revelation about what is best for ourselves and our families. There is more than one way to effectively accomplish any goal. Our goals can and should be unique to our individual needs. And the plan or way in which we achieve them can be just as unique as we are.
Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk in general conference in 2007 titled, “Good, Better, Best.” He said,” We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” The basic premise of this talk was the idea that there are things that vie for our time, attention, and resources. We must decide how we spend our time and what we do each day. When deciding what to fuel our bodies with there are many good choices, some better choices. And the best choices will help us accomplish our goals faster.
The Lord has given us some guidance in the form of the Word of Wisdom. Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants gives us a good starting point and principles to follow. The promised blessings of obeying and following the Lord’s counsel is included in the instruction. The spirit of the instruction is “moderation in all things” except for things specifically forbidden. This concept can be used broadly and across the board; it doesn’t just apply to food or nutrition. Exercise is important; too much can become an obsession. Dessert is delicious; too much can have negative health outcomes. Sleep is vital; too much or too little and we will have a problem.
Armed with better insight into our goals and some clarity where to look and how to decide, we are ready to start. Taking basic gospel principles, using concepts taught by the Lord’s anointed, we can begin to navigate our journey to self-improvement.
Going back to our original question, where do I start and what is best for me? The answer is … it depends, and it is totally up to you! .
Celeste is a West Coast kid, born in California and raised in Seattle Washington. She received her Bachelors of Science from Western Washington University. Celeste participated in both basketball and track & field while receiving her degree in Exercise & Sport Science with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. After college Celeste spent 4 years playing professional basketball in New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal and Finland. While traveling the world she came to love and appreciate a more diverse and holistic approach to health and wellness. Once her playing days were over, Celeste met and married her husband, Steve, and moved to Virginia. She is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit, spending the last decade leading, coaching, educating and motivating others. She is a certified group fitness instructor, lifestyle coach and continuing education instructor. Celeste has married her love of sport, the human body and helping others unlock their own potential in a holistic approach to wellness. Her three children keep her busy with their active, athletic and adventurous lifestyle.