Too often our goal is pulling off the pounds that we disregard the need to care and nourish our body. Now is the time to say goodbye to weight loss programs and hello to self care.

We need to train ourselves to care for our beautiful bodies. If you were to purchase a new car, maintenance is essential to ensure it runs well. It would be foolish to run a gasoline car on water as it would destroy the engine. It is no different with the human body; if you consume large amounts of any food group the body will be dysfunctional. The human body, like the motor of a car needs fuel and consistent upkeep.

Sufficient sleep, a well balanced diet, frequent exercise and a focused mind is the recipe to self care with results of weight loss. To avoid facing the facts that self care is essential we use excuses such as "I'd like to exercise I just don't have the time," "it will be easier to eat healthy after the holiday" or "I have lot's of other people to take care of, there's no time for me." Gordon Cochrane, a family physician wrote "self-efficacy arises from a sense of self-worth." By refocusing one's efforts on self worth and self care one will realize the need and importance of cultivating a healthy lifestyle. Obviously this is easier in theory and far more difficult in reality.

Our next Health Bulletin will offer suggestions that will help you begin the journey of self care. We will answer questions such as:  

• How do I stay focused on self worth?
• How to make healthy choices easy?
• How to make exercise a reality?
  

Be prepared to develop a sense of worth, confidence, determination and knowledge of what your body needs through this journey of self care.