As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. Amidst the holiday rush, the celebrations, and the resolutions being planned for the new year, I have a simple but profound question for you: Are you fit?
Take a moment to think about it. If your answer is a confident yes, congratulations! You’re among the fortunate few who prioritize their health and well-being. But if your answer is anything less than a resounding yes, it’s time to ask yourself why—and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
What Does It Mean to Be Fit?
Being fit isn’t just about having a toned body or being able to run a marathon. True fitness encompasses:
- Physical Health: How strong, agile, and energetic do you feel in your daily life? Are you free of chronic pain and illness?
- Mental Clarity: Do you wake up with focus and clarity, or do you feel drained and foggy?
- Emotional Balance: Are you in control of your emotions, or are you overwhelmed by stress and mood swings?
- Longevity and Vitality: Are you laying the foundation for a long, healthy, and meaningful life, or are you slowly succumbing to preventable health issues?
If any of these areas feel lacking, it’s a sign to reassess your lifestyle and make changes.
Why Aren’t We Fit?
The reality is, most people aren’t as fit as they could be. Why? Here are a few common reasons:
- Unhealthy Food Choices: A diet of processed, cooked, and fast foods leads to weight gain, low energy, and chronic health issues. Many of us eat for convenience, taste, or habit, not nourishment.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Modern life is full of sitting—at desks, in cars, and on couches. Lack of movement weakens the body and mind.
- “Sick Care” System: Many people rely on medications and treatments to manage symptoms instead of addressing the root causes of their health issues. This isn’t healthcare; it’s sick care.
- Lack of Awareness: Many simply don’t know how much better they could feel with the right choices. They’ve normalized fatigue, aches, and stress as part of life.
How Can You Get Back on Track?
If you’ve realized you’re not as fit as you’d like to be, the good news is you can change. Here’s how:
1. Take Responsibility
Your health is your responsibility. No one else—your doctor, family, or friends—can do it for you. Acknowledge where you are today and commit to making better choices. As you reflect, ask yourself:
- Am I eating for energy and health or out of habit and compulsion?
- Do I prioritize movement and physical activity?
- Am I making excuses, or am I ready to take charge?
2. Reevaluate Your Diet
Your body is fueled by what you eat. If you’re feeding it processed, cooked, or nutrient-poor food, how can you expect it to perform at its best? The answer is simple: switch to plant-based raw food. Here’s why:
- It’s packed with the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
- It’s free of toxins, preservatives, and artificial additives.
- It’s naturally energizing, cleansing, and healing.
A raw food lifestyle is more than a diet—it’s a return to the natural, life-giving foods your body was designed to eat.
3. Move Your Body
Fitness isn’t just about food. Regular physical activity is essential to keep your muscles strong, your heart healthy, and your mind sharp. Start small if needed—walk daily, stretch, or try a new activity. The key is consistency.
4. Involve Your Family
Health isn’t an individual journey—it’s a family affair. Ask yourself:
- Are my loved ones fit? If not, how can I help them make better choices?
- Am I setting a positive example for my children, siblings, or parents?
When you adopt a healthier lifestyle, you inspire others to do the same.
5. Break Free from the “Sick Care” Trap
Stop relying on quick fixes like medications and fad diets that mask symptoms rather than solve problems. True health comes from prevention, not treatment. By prioritizing raw, plant-based food and mindful living, you can avoid the pitfalls of the “sick care” system.
6. Embrace Change
Change can feel overwhelming, but it’s the only path to growth. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—start now. Even small steps, like adding more raw fruits and vegetables to your meals, can lead to big changes over time.
The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
This year, ask yourself:
- Do I want to stay in the same place, or do I want to improve?
- Am I ready to prioritize my health and happiness?
The best gift you can give yourself isn’t material—it’s the gift of health, energy, and vitality. By adopting a plant-based raw food lifestyle, you’re not just choosing fitness; you’re choosing a life full of joy, clarity, and meaning.
Take Action Today
As the year ends and a new one begins, take this opportunity to reflect and reset. Fitness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey that starts with a single step. Make this the year you say “yes” to your health and “no” to excuses.
Remember, your health is your greatest asset. Don’t let it become your biggest regret.
So, I ask again: Are you fit?
–Axay Shah
Raw Food Guru
RawFoodiest.com
