So many diets, work out programs, creams, serums and beauty procedures! Makes one’s head swim. Sure, you want to be healthy, fit and attractive, but how to wade through all the options available today? Well, you may be surprised to know that the key to health and attractiveness lies within you, not in a specific diet, product or exercise program.

Yes, do find the exercise program, diet, and beauty products that fit your lifestyle and budget. A little research can help you make informed choices and understand the benefits of, and realistic results to expect from, workout programs and products. However, here are three basic concepts to employ toward your health and attractiveness that you already possess.

Consistency

Once you have found the right exercise program for yourself, whether it be walking, jogging, gym workouts, yoga, Pilates, or a specific proprietary program, the only way to make it effective is to be consistent in its application. This is where self-discipline and a bit of planning are all important. Create an easy schedule to follow and stick with it. Results are accumulative for any exercise program, so for maintaining health, especially as you age, it is up to you to make it happen. Make the commitment to yourself!

The same is true concerning your diet. Whether you are maintaining a healthy weight or are shopping for a weight loss plan, once you are on your way, be consistent. Regardless of which eating plan you choose to live with, remember that fresh and natural is always best. Keep packaged foods to a minimum and make a habit of reading food labels to understand what you are eating and how it may affect your health. Eating fresh, natural foods delivers the nutrition your body needs while avoiding excess chemicals and preservatives your body cannot process.

Balance

As we have established that consistency in a healthy lifestyle is key, remember that balance is critical as well to maintain that consistency without burnout. Whether you cook or eat out, make wise food choices.  Feel empowered to ask questions of restaurant wait staff regarding food preparation, and know that in most cases you can order combinations of foods that are not listed together on a menu to suit your diet. If you do indulge once in a while, don’t criticize yourself too harshly.  A bit of indulgence can be satisfying, especially in a shared social setting. Just know that you will return to your healthy eating lifestyle. The same is true if you miss exercising occasionally, or suspend it during the winter holidays. Just remember that getting back into the routine will take extra disincline and planning.

Attitude

You may be familiar with the debate of whether attitude controls behavior or behavior drives attitude. You will find that a purposeful change in behavior, even a small one, can be inspiring toward a positive self-attitude. If you are unhappy with your health, weight, or attractiveness, small changes in behavior, such as starting an easy exercise program, or changing a few things in your eating habits, can be encouraging. Once encouraged, you will find yourself motivated to do more, to dig a bit deeper for the self-discipline needed to develop consistency and balance in your quest for health. Having a judgment-free attitude toward yourself is important for developing a positive self-image. We all tend to be our own worst critics, but go easy on yourself. A positive self-image, an acceptance of yourself as an attractive, valued person, will result in a positive energy that will emanate health and beauty, and attract others to you.

So, consistency, balance, and attitude, mixed with informative lifestyle choices, are your keys to health and beauty. The choice is yours!