Don’t Give Up on Getting Fit!

I spoke to a patient of mine today, who has struggled with her weight for years. The interesting thing is, when she has gotten committed in the past and she has all of her oars in the water, so to speak, and she is exercising daily and following the nutrition plan which she knows brings her the results she wants, she is able to consistently get down to her ideal weight.

When she gets there, there is not a happier person on the planet. She feels great, can wear the clothes she wants to wear and she says she has energy to accomplish anything she wishes, with some to spare.

The problem she runs into is, inevitably she gets overwhelmed with the demands of being a mom, as well as feeling she is somehow taking away from her family, when she exercises consistently. In fact, she says, “I have plenty of time to exercise and plenty of time to plan and prepare everything that I really should be eating each day… I just start feeling guilty that I’m taking care of myself during that time and then I stop doing everything I know really improves my health and my mental wellbeing.’

She says, “I don’t want to give up on staying fit and healthy because I know rationally, that it is my best chance of being around when my kids are grown.”

In fact, I hear stories like this all the time. If you happen to be struggling with the same issue, just remember, it is virtually impossible to take care of someone else if you are not well or if you are in poor health. Please give yourself the gift of time to take the best care of yourself that you can. By doing so, you will be ‘GIVING’ back to your children, your family and your friends, the best of yourself and you may actually improve your odds of being around in good health, down the road when your kids are grown.

Take care of yourself. There is nothing selfish about doing so. Get fit, eat well and stay healthy. It’s the best gift you can give to anyone that truly loves you and relies on you:)

Richard Kelley, M.D.