by Lorri Weisen, Founder, Greenbody Greenplanet

Trying to make healthy choices for you and your family is not always an easy thing to do. It seems that we’re constantly bombarded from every direction with voices telling us what to do, what products to use, how to eat, how to live – it becomes difficult to know what, exactly, is the right thing to do. From the early morning newscast until the time our heads hit the pillow at night we’ve likely heard at least 20 different opinions on one simple subject.

While this can be overwhelming, and in some cases even annoying, I believe we should celebrate the fact that we have so much information available to us and that there are so many alternatives on the shelves. You may spend a bit more time reading labels or doing research online, but you’re also enormously empowered to make the best choices for you, your family, your lifestyle and budget.

The key is to listen to your gut and use common sense. Believe it or not, there was a time (not that long ago) where we all used to grease up with olive oil or baby oil and lay around on metallic blankets to reflect the sun and give us that coveted all-over tan. Or, as was more often the case, an all-over burn. We didn’t have choices then, there were no sunscreens available, and we didn’t know any better. Thank goodness we do now.

The power to choose is one of the most incredible gifts we possess. Embrace it and allow it to work on your behalf. Here are a few tips to help you make healthy choices that best fit your lifestyle:

• Do your research, but don’t go overboard. Getting obsessed with making the “perfect choice” will backfire and leave you overwhelmed and empty handed.

• Don’t second guess yourself. Once you’ve made a choice, know that you’ve done the best that you can for the circumstances you’re in.

• Believe in the choices you make. It builds confidence and helps you make better choices in the future.

• Don’t judge. What’s best for you may not work for someone else.

For myself, I try to live a chemical-free lifestyle and avoid putting chemical-laden cosmetics and lotions on my body at all costs. But if I was on a beach in the middle of a sunny afternoon and had only a tube of chemical sunscreen, I would happily slather it all over my body. The choice between burning, risking sun damage or skin cancer or using a chemical-based product is a great example of making the best choice at the time and I’d feel good about that.

The next time you’re faced with a choice, whether it’s a product or a life-impacting service, remember that YOU decide what’s best for you. How do you avoid getting overwhelmed by choice?

Lorri Weisen is the founder and CEO of Greenbody Greenplanet Organic Hair Care and an advocate for safe cosmetics. Her husband’s battle with cancer inspired her to create her organic line and her passion is to help others live a toxin-free lifestyle. Visit Greenbody Greenplanet at www.greenbodygreenplanet.com. Also, get connected with GBGP on Facebook.