Taking the first steps to changing your health and your lifestyle is never easy. Giving up the things you are used to, even if they are bad for you. Donuts … so bad, yet so, so good. Trading an hour of Netflix for an hour walking? Absolutely, torturous some days.
When the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) decided to create a program to help cut the nationwide diabetes rate, they looked toward human nature and behavior. Humans by nature are social creatures. We strive to achieve, be noticed, supported, and participate in the lives of others. So when a difficult task is taken on, these are the exact components that can make or break someone.
After careful planning, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was born. It’s a year-long course that people diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes can enroll in to learn how to make solid lifestyle changes with the help and support of others striving for the same goals.
According to the CDC’s website:
During the first half of the program, you will learn to:
Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love
Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time
Deal with stress
Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work—like how to choose healthy food when eating out
Get back on track if you stray from your plan—because everyone slips now and then
In the second half of the program, you will enhance the skills you’ve learned so you can maintain the changes you’ve made. These sessions will review key ideas such as tracking your food and physical activity, setting goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers. You may learn some new information, too. The lifestyle coach and small group will continue to support you.
When it comes down to it, changing your lifestyle is usually going to be a pretty uphill battle. If it was great to begin with, you wouldn’t need a change. The first thing to do is take the first step and get started. The second step is to gain some accountability. Through a workout buddy, friend who understands you, or a program like this. Having a rounded source of support is imperative to making the change with the least amount of resistance. If you are in it together, it makes you all stronger.
Find a program in your area by visiting the CDC website – click here.