The secret ingredient

In the recent movie "Kung Fu Panda" an idea critical to the plot is learning the secret ingredient
of a particular dish. My take on the secret ingredient (my answer is not the spoiler to the movie
is that in life, the secret ingredient is you.

The expert of your life is you. It's great to have other experts on your team, professionals with
whom to consult about the different areas of your life. The decision to take their advice or not is
up to you. You are captain of your ship.

For many people, that's a scary thought. Ultimately you are accountable to yourself for your life and for your body. What does this mean in day-to-day life? Well, how many times a day do you blame someone else for something happening in your life?

A client mentioned that at her workplace, cookies and candy are available every day. Yes, it's
difficult to say no particularly when you're tired and others are eating what's out, however
options exist. No is a perfectly fine option. Half a cookie 2x a week is a perfectly fine option.

Another client mentioned the challenges of eating out and drinking with clients at evening
business meetings. Again choices exist. You do not have to justify your food/alcohol intake to
anyone. One client says she's getting over a recent stomach flu for why she's not drinking.
Another client nurses a single glass of wine for a whole meal.

The point is that you decide what's best for yourself at any given moment. Yes, there are social pressures, family pressures, work pressures. There will always be pressures and stresses. How do you want to take care of yourself (your body, your mind, your spirit)? You wear your
decisions-how you care for yourself is obvious to most everyone. Just ask your friends. You may be surprised by their answers.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad diet or exercise craze, ask yourself: what does optimal health and fitness mean for me? What small, manageable steps can I take today to support my ideas of health for myself?

BTW, go see the movie. It's fun and entertaining.

In health,

Laura