An apple a day...

Let me start off by saying this... I hate to exercise.  I hate going to the gym where I am surrounded by people who love to workout, which leaves me feeling awkward.  I don't like getting all sweaty.  Gym clothes are ugly.  And I don't run.  Ever.  I may make an exception if I was being chased by a bear or something... but I can't make any promises.  As for eating healthy... why eat carrot sticks when you can eat something slathered in butter, cream, oil, or my favorite, cheese.  If it has chocolate or basically just sugar, I'll eat it.  What can I say?  I love sweets.

Lately though, I have been having some convictions about not being healthy.  It all started one day in my science class when my professor decided to take us on a "field trip" and basically point out all of the things that our school could do better.  We had to pick one area and try to think of a way to improve it.  With fast food options on campus such as Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, and Subway, and vending machines that sell nothing but cookies, candy, and chips, my class decided that our university needs healthier food options.  While discussed how bad junk food is for you, I began to feel a little uneasy.  It remained in the back of my mind for a while.

A few weeks later I came across an awesome website called Healthy is the New Skinny.  The site promotes that being skinny is not important, being healthy is.  As I browsed the site, I began to think about the awesome message that it puts out.  But then I started to think, "But wait a minute, I'm not even healthy!"  Needless to say, it got me thinking about how unhealthy I am and how I need to do "healthy things" like eating right and exercising.  Once again, it remained in the back of my mind for a while.

A little over a week ago my friend Amy (you can check out her awesome blog right here) and I decided that we would participate in our local Heart Walk with a club that we are members of.  I thought it would be fun and that it would raise money for a good cause.  Then as I looked over the Heart Walk website (you can find out more information and find a Heart Walk near you by visiting their website here) I realized that the Heart Walk, which is put on by the American Heart Association doesn't just raise money for people with heart disease, but they help to educate communities on becoming healthy.  I thought to myself, "how can I promote something that I don't even practice myself?"  Finally I came to the conclusion that it is time for me to try a little harder to become healthy.

Obviously I will not become healthy overnight.  But I am taking baby steps to try to improve.  My husband loves to work out, so I have agreed to go to the gym with him when he goes.  I have already been twice (like I said, baby steps).  I have also started to look for some healthier dinner options.  We even bought some healthy snacks like grapes, apples, and bananas.  Yes, I know I'm off to a slow start, but I really would like to make a change for the better.

So what about you?  Do you live a healthy lifestyle, or do you find yourself like me, wanting to make a change but not quite sure how to do it?  How do you live healthy?  Do you have any tips or healthy recipes for me?

"I like vending machines, because snacks are better when they fall. If I buy a candy bar at the store, oftentimes I will drop it so that it achieves its maximum flavor potential." 

- Mitch Hedburg