Step into a healthier lifestyle

I have been in the fitness business for more than 20 years, and I have traveled around the world helping folks just like you to become healthier. Then one day I realized that my greatest challenge was my family, my community and my church. I was tired of seeing loved ones suffer and die from illnesses like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Most of these illnesses are directly related to lack of good nutrition and physical activity. We can pray for good health, but the Bible says faith without works is dead! Big Momma used to say that if you take one step, the Lord will take two. It is important to take a big STEP toward a healthy lifestyle. To help others understand the importance of taking that first step, I've broken down the word into an inspirational theme.

"S" is for sacrifice. We have to give up a few things if we want to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle. Anything worth having is worth making a sacrifice for. Think of the sacrifices we make to keep our hair looking good. We pay $50, $70, sometimes $100 every two weeks to get our hair done, whether we own it or rent it! We drop another $40 to $100 for our nails. Yet we say we don't have money to buy a $5 pedometer to measure our steps or $10 for a pair of weights or $20 for an exercise video like Sweating in the Spirit (Oops, a shameless plug)! We say we don't have time to walk during our lunch break yet we spend two to three hours at the beauty shop.

"T" is for tenacity. We have to stick firmly to our plan. Our goal should be to honor and take the best care of our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. If our temple is unhealthy and needs a tune-up, our plan should be based on "Energy In (eating healthier) and Energy Out (increasing physical activity)." With the right fuel our bodies will function better. That is why it is important to drink eight glasses of water and eat five to six servings of fruits and vegetables each day. And no, peach cobbler does not count as a fruit! Also, think moderation. If your plate is so full of food that you can't see the bottom, you have too much. Focus on smaller meals throughout the day.

"E" is for excitement. We need to be excited about a healthier lifestyle, charged up about a new you! Aside from eating healthier foods, it's important to move your body (energy out). In order to lose weight, energy in must be less than energy out. The body needs movement to stay healthy; the more you move, the more you lose. Find activities that you enjoy and perform them most days of the week.

"P" is for prayer. We need to pray out the excuses (I'm too fat. I'm too old. I'm too tired. I don't have time. I can't afford it.) as to why you don't keep your temple healthy and strong. If you increase your level of physical activity and eat healthier foods, you will lose weight. You are never too old to start a fitness program to improve the quality and increase the longevity of your life. You have to expend energy to get energy. When you take better care of yourself, fatigue and stress will decrease and you will have more energy. Walking, dancing and doing calisthenics are free! However, a small investment in a pair of walking shoes or enrolling in an exercise class offers an excellent return. You say you don't have time, but you have time to watch television, go shopping, meet friends for lunch, and talk on the phone.

When you take better care of yourself, you decrease your risk of debilitating illnesses. If you are concerned about messing up your hair, pin it up, pull it back, go natural wear a wig or hat--or braid, weave, loc or twist it. Sisters, no more excuses! It is time to make our health a priority just like we make our hair a priority.

DONNA RICHARDSON JOYNER, fitness guru

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning