E Squared for Fitness

By Sheryl Lozicki, RD, MBA

E Squared stands for both “Eating and Exercise”.  You need a healthy dose of both everyday to become and maintain physical fitness.

Principle 1: Habits not diets.

Principle 2: Eat breakfast daily.

Principle 3: Drink plenty of water.

Principle 4: Get 60 minutes of exercise every day.

An honest appraisal of your health habits will help you understand which parts of E Squared are already very good, and where you might need a little improvement. You may want to have a friend or family member keep a journal as well and then exchange journals for additional feedback. As you analyze the information together, each person can ensure that the other’s goals are reasonable and include those necessary to promote a healthier lifestyle. Be specific in your journaling, because it will make your goals easier to identify. Finally it is important to be timely. Our memory does not always want to work well, especially if we have snuck in a few extra snacks while driving in the car, preparing dinner, or late in the evening.

A while ago, I was going through physical therapy for a running injury and saw a sign posted on the wall which read, “THIS IS GOING TO HURT YOU MORE THAN IT IS GOING TO HURT ME, BUT THIS GOING TO HELP YOU MORE THAN IT IS GOING TO HELP ME”. This saying applies so well to the commitment you have made. Changing habits requires that you take an honest appraisal of where you are today, and in turn sincerely commit to your future goals. Breaking from the routine is rarely easy or comfortable, but it is required because the ultimate E2 person is someone who exercises regularly and eats a well balanced diet out of habit. Like the Nike logo “Just Do It”, the E2 person just does it.

3 Simple Tips to Keep in Mind as You Complete Your 5 Day “Pre Fitness Journal”

1. Be honest.
2. Be specific
3. Be timely. Carry your journal with you whenever possible.

Carry your journal with you whenever possible.  An honest appraisal of your health habits will help you understand which parts of E2 are already very good, and where you might need a little improvement.  You may want to have a friend or family member keep a journal as well and then exchange journals for additional feedback.  As you analyze the information together, each person can ensure that the other’s goals are reasonable and include those necessary to promote a healthier lifestyle.  Be specific in your journaling, because it will make your goals easier to identify.  Finally it is important to be timely.  Our memory does not always want to work well, especially if we have snuck in a few extra snacks while driving in the car, preparing dinner, or late in the evening. 

A while ago, I was going through physical therapy for a running injury and saw a sign posted on the wall which read, “THIS IS GOING TO HURT YOU MORE THAN IT IS GOING TO HURT ME, BUT THIS GOING TO HELP YOU MORE THAN IT IS GOING TO HELP ME”.  This saying applies so well to the commitment you have made.  Changing habits requires that you take an honest appraisal of where you are today, and in turn sincerely commit to your future goals.  Breaking from the routine is rarely easy or comfortable, but it is required because the ultimate E2 person is someone who exercises regularly and eats a well balanced diet out of habit.  Like the Nike logo “Just Do It”, the E2 person just does it.