I am often asked where to start when planning and commencing a health building lifestyle. My first suggestion would be to analyze three things:
1. What are your health goals? What do you want to focus on? What is your greatest health concern?
2. What have you been doing? Analyze your lifestyle – diet, activity, job, demands, stresses, and time.
3. What are you willing to do? Are you ready to start all over and stick to it? Do you want to gradually ease into your new life? How dedicated are you to your new healthy body?
Once you have determined exactly what it is you are in for, you can then start educating yourself on your options.
If you have determined that you are at risk for some chronic health concerns, your need is more immediate. You have decided to focus on preventing your body’s progression in that direction, you can do some research either on your own, or with a licensed natural medicine practitioner. You will need to determine activities, lifestyle and nutritional requirements to support your decision. And often you will need guidance.
If you have determined that you need to upgrade your present lifestyle and make some solid steps towards healthier living, again research is in order. You will find each practitioner will have their own “tried and true” protocols.
If you are working at a recovery from illness, surgery, or injury, I strongly suggest to start with a competent licensed natural medicine practitioner after or even while working with your medical doctor.
You will definitely need to work with a trained complimentary medical professional at some point in your quest as their education and training allows them to offer suggestions and/or protocols that are specific to your particular situation. Shop around and ask for referrals from people you trust. Most practitioners that have a good reputation have many years of clinical experience with their patients.