Everything I did to create a healthy lifestyle that no longer involved willing myself to actually live healthy
“Health and wellness” was always difficult for me. And honestly, I blamed myself most of the time. I blamed myself for not being able to give up the junk food and I blamed myself for choosing laziness over being active. It’s only now, after I have overcome all of the obstacles that prevented me from reaching my health and wellness goals and feeling good, that I realize it wasn’t my fault.
I didn’t grow up in a house where living holistically was a thing. Talking about health and wellness wasn’t a thing. I didn’t have any knowledge around health and wellness. So, when I was old enough to make my own choices around food and lifestyle, I failed miserably. Because of my poor choices, I felt terrible and looked even worse. Worse than that, my choices in life were a direct reflection of how I was feeling.
It wasn’t like everything changed overnight. Breaking unhealthy patterns takes work. I had to start small while also take big leaps to make changes. Overtime, after putting in the work I finally got to a place where I no longer had to will myself to be healthy. I finally got to a place where I felt and even looked better.
Before we get into exactly what I did to reach my health and wellness goals, I want to start by telling you where I was going wrong.
My Hydration Tips And Lineup
Hydration has always been an important part of my healthy lifestyle (as it should be because water = life) but when I became pregnant with my third I became determined to make it a priority— more than I ever had before.
When I began making hydration a priority, everything in my pregnancy changed. I felt significantly better- better energy, better mood and healthier digestion. Even now that I’m no longer pregnant it is supporting me in more ways than one. It supports my body while breastfeeding, through my workouts and more.
I am not just talking about drinking water, although that is important. I am talking about true hydration which includes what you eat, what you drink and how you replenish your body after things like spending time in the sun, working out, breastfeeding, etc..
This is not about obsessing. This is more creating the habit of becoming hydrated so you can feel and be your best from the inside out.
Many of us don’t even realize we aren’t drinking enough water or that we are dehydrated. It’s easy to miss the signs and chalk up how you feel to being tired, moody or low energy. But often those feelings are actually signs of dehydration.
Hydration can easily mess with your hormones, gut health, brain function, sleep, energy, mood, and beyond.
The Goals And Habits I’m Focusing On In September + Everything I’m Staying Stocked On For Healthy Eating
I am almost four months postpartum and I feel like a fog has been lifted. I feel ready to begin integrating new habits, build strength and focus better on nutrition.
September for me (and I am sure you can relate) feels like a reset button. There is something about this month that makes me want to set and reach goals.
Of course, I am still in the postpartum era. I’m juggling 3 kids without a lot of help so my routine as well as how I eat reflects that. I think that is something that is really important when it comes to setting achievable goals and creating habits around those goals.
You must center your routine and habits around your life. Not the other way around.
If you are beginning a new routine (especially if you are like me and have just added a little one to your crew) then try these 10 things before you begin your new wellness journey. I do this every time I “begin again”.
The 7 Day Mama Wellness Plan (Fall)
If you’re a mom of little kids, you probably know the feeling: you want to move your body, eat nourishing food, drink more water, have a few quiet moments, and take better care of yourself… but life has other plans!
Life with littles is busy and let’s face it… it requires a different kind of wellness plan.
While life is busy, I truly believe there is a way to fit it in without having to set aside time without your kiddos!
Welcome to The 7 Day Mama Wellness Plan.
The 7 Day Fall Glow Reset
If you’re anything like me, the end of summer can leave you feeling a little out of rhythm.
Maybe your meals have been more spontaneous, your bedtime has gotten later, your workouts have been inconsistent, your kids’ schedules have been all over the place.
Then fall hits. The perfect time to reset and get into a new routine.
My Complete Sunday Meal Prep
I don’t believe Sunday meal prep needs to mean spending three hours in the kitchen with seven containers lined up in the refrigerator.
As a busy mom, that isn’t realistic for me. And honestly, I don’t want my entire Sunday to revolve around food prep. I’m sure you can relate.
Instead, I’ve created a simple routine that gives me a head start without taking over my weekend.
I prep a few breakfasts, one snack, some produce, a couple of lunch components, and one dinner shortcut. Then I take a few minutes to look at our schedule and figure out what the week actually looks like.