Getting healthy and losing weight is a journey more than a destination. It’s a journey that ends only when we do, and the better we handle that journey, the longer it lasts. The beauty of the journey is that there are many routes, and it’s up to us to decide which route is best for us. It’s also important for us to not be sidetracked by false promises of an easier route or a shortcut.

I’ve mentioned time and time again that I’m not a fan of the rigorous workout route. It’s just not me. I don’t enjoy it, I don’t feel good doing it, and I don’t get that sense of accomplishment some people do. While I do exercise for overall health, I’m never doing it because I like it. Therefore, my exercise plan is one of necessity and it is what I would consider a bare minimums exercise plan. However, I know people who LOVE exercise, working out, challenging themselves, and pushing themselves to their physical and psychological limits. AND THAT’S COOL! I wish I were one of these people, but I’m not. With that said, I don’t look down on these people; rather, I look at them with respect, awe, and wonder. They are doing something I cannot and will not attempt.

There are those who are all about following fads and trends to keep themselves interested in weight loss and better health. They follow the blogs, magazines, and news for trends in weight loss, looking for anything that will give them an edge. Again, I’m fine with this. As long as they are staying healthy and monitoring the effects of the diet or plan they’re on, both physical and psychological, then I’m cool with it. Some think of Paleo as a fad or a recycled Atkins Diet, and while there are similarities (cutting back on carbs), there are much greater differences in execution. The point is this: if what you’re doing helps you lose weight in a healthy way that has no negative impacts on your quality of life, DO IT!

There is the path I’ve taken which is to adopt a scientific and common-sense approach to foods. Based on research and a lot of empirical data as well as successes achieved by people very close to me, I chose to do a Whole30 and then go Paleo (and Keto from time to time). I spoke with medical staff, nutritionists, and lots of people who have done both, and after doing months of research, I decided that it was the way to go for me. I understand that it may not be the way for everyone else. I get it. But I can’t argue with the successes I have experienced and keep achieving. It’s why I recommend Whole30 and Paleo so strongly.

The people I worry about are those who are looking for shortcuts and engaging in risky diets or weight loss plans. It’s only human for us to find the easiest way to do something, but when it comes to your life, the last thing you should be doing is finding shortcuts. Efficiency is one thing, but trying to circumvent natural processes and time is another. I’ve known people to jump on the latest bandwagon only to find that not only did it not work as advertised, but they spent a lot of money to get no results or even take steps back in their health or even death. An example of this was Fen-Phen.

All I ask is that whatever it is that you do, be safe. Make sure it’s healthy. Whatever your program is, do a Google search on the name of the program and add “review” and read unbiased scientific reviews. If I were to invent a program called “JarheadEdge Diet Plan,” then you’d search on JarheadEdge Diet Plan review. Be very critical of any path you choose to follow and weight the evidence for veracity and bias. Once you identify a plan that’s right for you, DO IT AND DON’T LOOK BACK!!!