Achieving Good Health for the Long Haul

BY GUEST CONTRIBUTOR NICHOLAS SPENS

ow that spring is here, the “New Year, New Me” progress has started to show. However, health and wellness are not a sprint or a quick fix. This spring don’t ride the coattails of temporary success but invest in the prosperity and health of your future.

The biggest and hardest aspect of life to change is nutrition. Between the quick fixes and Instagram health gurus, the information is overwhelming and extremely processed. The best plan for nutrition is to keep it simple. If you are focused on weight loss, burn more calories than you eat. If you feel lethargic, look at the quality of your calories. Plenty of calorie trackers provide information on macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats to assist with your decision making. No matter what decision is made, please remember nutrition is about finding your best fit. There will be some trial and error. There is no silver bullet for success. Warmer weather is here; it is time to avoid the couch and get moving. Whether it is prepping the boat, yard work or walking the dog, health isn’t only found at a gym. Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, or NEAT, is just as important as the work you put in the gym. According to Dr. James Levine, the Mayo Clinic researcher who first described and continues to study this phenomenon, NEAT can vary between two people of similar size by up to 2,000 calories a day. Just ensure you aren’t bent over the flower bed or other stressful movements for too long. No need to get injured doing something you enjoy.

These little tidbits of information should help continue the progress you’ve made or provide some insight if you are just getting started. If something seems out of place or too good to be true, please reach out to a registered dietitian or your medical provider with some tailored questions. This journey of wellness is about your best fit. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are provided – both by technology and nature.

Nicholas Spens is a nationally certified trainer at MAC GYM, which has locations in St. Clair Shores, Fraser and Mt. Clemens. You can reach MAC GYM at (586) 2187933 or Thegymjt@gmail.com