5 Simple Changes to Make Today for a Healthier Lifestyle

I know that my health really needs to be a number one priority in my life. Actually, this is the first time in my life that I’ve gotten more serious about a routine – I mean, I’m not getting any younger, and my health has not exactly been ideal these days! I think as a mom, I feel guilty carving out time to do things alone and put myself first. For one, I don’t have free time. But, I have to get my priorities in check. We make time for things that are most important to us, like kids. However, if we are not in good health and feeling our best both mentally and physically, then what good are we actually doing for our kids?

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It’s been hard to make life changes, but now that I’ve passed the mid-thirties mark, I know that things HAVE to change and and make it stick for good! And I am not the type of person that can just dive head first into a brand new life and make it stick. I have to ease into it. So today I am sharing with you all the little changes that I’m making in my life to become a healthier me!

Having access to drinking water ALL the time. I will be the first to admit that I’m super lazy! Sometimes I don’t feel like going downstairs to fill up my glass even when I know I need to drink more! One thing that really helps is to carry a large water bottle – this way you will have a lot more water with you before you have to fill up again! It’s great for work, too. Luckily at work I have a supply of bottled water whenever I need it, but if you don’t have this, then bring a huge bottle and fill it back up whenever you know you will pass the fountain!

 

Making a plan to work out. You guys…I hate working out. There, I said it. I have never been a fan. And not only that, but I had no idea when to work out! I could definitely make time to work out after dinner, but I never want to work out after a meal like that, and once I’m home from work, working out is the last thing on my mind. I am just not an evening workout person, so it will not go well for me. BUT if I get up early and stick to a schedule, then it works for me. That way I can get as sweaty as I want but I shower and get ready for work afterward, and then I don’t have to worry about it later. I also find that it helps me sleep better!

I joined a gym and committed to working out at least two to three days per week (which right now is the only feasible time to get away with my schedule), so I stick to that. And if I ever get up a little too late, then I just work out in my basement instead. Scheduling this time in advance is key for me! And I have found that if I pack my gym bag the night before, then I am much more motivated to actually go to the gym in the morning because I’m not rushing around trying to get all of my gym gear when I’m barely awake!

The importance of vitamins. Have you ever had bloodwork done to get your vitamin levels checked? The results might surprise (or even scare) you. I started feeling pretty terrible in January and had some pretty scary symptoms including some numbness and tingling in my limbs! How terrible is that! I felt super weak and worn out and extra tired. And I blamed it on the dreary winter. I was partially right – the weather had something to do with it. My doctor told me word for word that my “Vitamin D levels are garbage”. Ha! That’s not a thing that you ever want to hear, honestly!

What I didn’t know was that just a lack of Vitamin D alone can cause all of those crazy symptoms! So I was prescribed an extra strong dosage of it until my levels got better. They rose slowly and I slowly started feeling better, but it’s something that could have been prevented! Daily vitamin D is a good thing to take, especially during the winter months when we aren’t in the sunshine as often. I’m happy to say that my levels are finally normal, but I am still planning on taking Vitamins daily!

One thing I also started taking daily also is collagen. Collagen makes up about 40% of the protein in our bodies. And taking it daily brings in major benefits! It supports your bones, muscles and joints, cuts recovery time after working out, aids in hair and nail growth, helps detox the body and may even help with weight loss! I was recently gifted some powder collagen that can be found at wellnessplease.com to try. It’s pretty great honestly because it’s odor free and tasteless – you can add it to your coffee, smoothie or even soup!

Taking walks. I realize that this goes hand in hand with working out. BUT. There for days where I cannot make it to the gym or fit working out into my schedule. I try harder to make an honest effort to get a walk in on those days! Besides the fact that it gets you some exercise, walks are a great way to get that Vitamin D in (all you need is about 10 minutes!), get the blood flowing, and honestly, good for a mental break. I stare at a computer all day, so my eyeballs alone appreciate the break. Even if it’s for 5-10 minutes!

Taking control of your diet. This is a hard one. I have absolutely tried some fad diets and have tried to lose weight before. And although weight loss isn’t everyone’s goals, eating a balanced diet should be. We are all guilty of falling off the wagon at times! But it wasn’t until the doctor ORDERED me a very restrictive diet that I thought, wait! Wow. I let it get to this. Sure, there are factors that are out of my hands. But what you eat can directly reflect good or bad health.

I was feeling terrible all the time, and I have digestive issues. I happen to be on a diet called Low FODMAP right now, which is not meant to be a permanent state. Basically, it’s an elimination diet. You start off by removing many parts of your diet (such as gluten, high fructose corn syrup, etc). Then let your digestive system have a rest from eating easy to digest foods only. Then you can slowly add back different foods to see what kind of reaction you get from them based on your symptoms.

It’s super smart honestly. And although I can safely say it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done (for a month now), it’s also been super beneficial and very eye opening. I am definitely not fully better yet. But it certainly makes me more aware of what I am putting into my body. And I think I will be more mindful of ingredients forever! I do personally feel that having treats or foods that you really wants sometimes is always okay in moderation. But if I know that a certain foods triggers symptoms for me, then is it really worth it? Being mindful is key for sure!