Recently I wrote about the many problems I 've encountered while trying to become a runner -- from asthma to shin splints to plantar fasciitis . Some of you supported the idea that overcoming obstacles is the right choice , while others suggested I listen to my body and give up the idea of running altogether . As I 've started to lead a healthier , more active life , I 've tried to find as much information as possible related to health and fitness . If you 've ever tried to research any particular topic related to health , you 've probably found what I did -- information overload ! To add to the confusion , much of the information provides conflicting advice . This seems to be true whether you 're looking for nutritional recommendations , training programs , or even deciding what type of exercise equipment is best . The varied opinions , even from professional trainers and athletes , can leave your head spinning . Why being part of a team matters . Given all this conflicting advice , people may fail to even start an exercise program because they 're afraid of doing something wrong . `` How can I become healthy if I do n't really know what 'healthy ' means ? '' I know I 've asked myself this very question many times over the years . For example , a simple task such as finding the right running shoes can seem overwhelming . We encounter terms like pronation , stability and foot-strike . Do we want more support or is a minimalist shoe best ? Training programs pose their own particular brand of `` in your face '' information overload . Are you training for strength or endurance ? Are you best working out at a gym or at home , with free weights or weight machines ? How do you tell the difference between boot camp , CrossFit or Zumba ? Does it make a difference if you are training for a 5K or a marathon ? The questions you can ask yourself and the answers are endless . Nutrition provides another source of even more conflicting advice . We 're all familiar with the celebrity trainers , each taking unique approaches to help you properly fuel your body . Should you eat a meal every four hours or just make sure to eat several small meals throughout the day ? Are all carbohydrates bad and all proteins good ? How do you fuel your training ? Do you exercise best on minimal calories first thing in the morning ? Do you prefer a later workout and a small meal a couple of hours before you hit the trails ? To say these different nutritional ideas are confusing is an understatement . Get fit and others will follow . I never really considered before I joined the Fit Nation team that my needs might be unique . Each of us responds differently , so each of us has to find the right combination of nutrients and meal times to make our workouts count . I 've found that I need a small meal with as little processed sugar as possible about one to two hours before I work out . Too long before and I run out of energy ; too close and I 'm too full to work at my full potential . In many cases , the best plan is to minimize the information overload and focus on the simplest pathway to your goals . For example , the simplest nutritional advice I received was to concentrate on unprocessed , whole foods at the edge of the grocery store and keep my meals colorful with a variety of fruits and vegetables . It 's straightforward , easy to remember , and most importantly , easy to understand . We also need the right equipment to make that training count . Most of us have a local running store ( or cycling shop or gym ) where the experts can offer their guidance . With their help , you can try a few options and find out what works best for you . How to make your workout seem shorter . If you do have a particular health-related concern , your first stop should be your physician 's office . Your doctor can help you cut through the conflicting advice and decide what plan may work best for you . My physician knows about my training program and has helped advise me how to prevent certain problems that could derail my progress . The jungle of information should not stop you from pursuing a healthier life . I 've found that there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for success and health . Variation and experimentation are the keys to discovering what options work best for you . I decided it 's my responsibility to learn as much as possible so that I can give myself every opportunity to succeed , but I wo n't let conflicting information slow me down . Are the choices I make and the program I follow right for everyone ? Maybe not , but they are right for me right now . As long as I keep learning , listening to my body and making informed decisions , I hope to keep training and continue on my journey to lead a healthier life . Follow Stacy on Twitter @ TriHardStacy or on Facebook .
Researching a health topic can lead to confusion , frustration for newbies . Each celebrity trainer has their own way of fueling and working out your body . You have to decide what 's best for you , Fit Nation member says .