Throughout the years, Ive faced a variety of issues ranging from depression, body image problems, creating boundaries, and obsessive food behaviors.

Unfortunately, I let fitness become my ruler and I was its servant willing to do any and everything for results. This worshipping of fitness no matter what, may bring results for a short time period, but in the long run, isnt something that will last.

Below are 12 commandments that help me fit fitness into my ideal life while staying stress-free.

I tried a 28-day liquid diet where I had nothing but shakes and I lost 15 pounds at the end of it (mostly water). I also got sick, moody, had achy joints, and all my weight came back as soon as I started eating whole foods again.

Its not worth it to sacrifice your long term health just for short-term gratifications. A healthy approach to nutrition doesn't feel like a struggle.

Life is meant to have rich experiences. Fitness is a key component of being able to do those things, but it doesn't have to become your ruler. Lifestyle first, and then find the workout routine and nutritional method that suits your personality and preferences.

I started working out weighing 165 pounds and became an athletic and muscular 200 pounds. I should be happy, right?

Not exactly. The problem was my mindset never changed. I was exercising and putting on muscle out of hate and not feeling enough as a man, not for health or enjoyment.

You cant hate your way to losing weight and improving your self-esteem. If you dont address your inner world, those perceived deficiencies will still be there.

Make decisions and eat for longevity and find methods that you can keep up with for the long run, not just for a season.

Look at social media and walk by the various magazines on newsstands and everything concerns fixing and improving the physical aspect of ourselves. But, there is more to us than just a body.

Theres a mental, emotional, and spiritual side of fitness that needs to be accounted for our overall well-being.

I know, maybe youre tired of seeing this on every health article, but its important. Weight loss, productivity at work, better (and healthier) relationships and your mood rely on you getting optimum amounts of sleep on a nightly basis.

Try meditating at night, cutting off electronics 90 minutes before bed, having an orgasm (Oxytocin is benefited), or reading a hardcover book to help fall asleep.

Maintaining a fitness regimen while juggling work and personal life can become overwhelming. Therefore, its great to find some accountability in the form of a gym partner or an online community.

Its important to get to the core root of why you want a particular goal.

Are you doing it for someone (kids, family, partner, etc)?

Whatever it is, search deeper than just relying on how your body looks. If youre searching for deeper meaning, start with asking yourself why three times about a desire for a particular goal.

What good are you to the world if youre burnt out, overweight, moody, lethargic, and sleep-deprived? Youre doing the world and those around you a disservice if youre letting this happen because the best version of you isnt showing up.

Set boundaries by scheduling time in the day for yourself. Block 30 minutes to exercise, have a quiet bath, or some time to meditate.

Paleo, whole 30, intermittent fasting, and the ketogenic diet work. If theres a caloric deficit, then youll lose weight. The key factor is making good food choices and enjoying your plan.

Its better to workout for 25 minutes a day than to overcommitment to 60 minutes and only workout one day. Set realistic goals and realize that repetition, time, and consistency are the true ingredients to long-term success.

Micronutrients help your metabolism, help against chronic illnesses, and helps your body function optimally.

Thanks for checking this article out. As a thank you, I have a free 4-day course, Simple Weight Loss which gives you stress-free advice on how to lose weight.

See more here:
The 12 Commandments Of Living A Fit And Healthy Lifestyle - Huffington post (press release) (blog)