I bet you didn’t know, just by looking at me, that I walk or run a mile to two miles five days a week! Or that I exercise, workout or I spend lots of time on the elliptical at least 3x a week. Running or walking is my way of clearing my mind and keeping me motivated, active and allows me to really bring out my creative side and working out, well – it keeps me healthy and helps with my asthma. A few weeks ago I was in a grocery market when a lady snickered at the fact that I had picked up a pint of ice cream… basically saying… “Are you sure you need to be buying that?” I let it go, but I then realized that there is such a common misconception that if you are plus sized, or larger than most that you are obese or overweight. The fact of the matter is, yes – I could stand to lose about 100 pounds to make myself healthier for my children, my husband and me – but that doesn’t mean that I’m necessarily unhealthy as so many will assume that I am. Prior to having children, I was a size 8, petite in body with a large bust and behind and after having children certain medical ailments have assisted with my weight gain. I’m not an over eater, but because of my physique – I often get pegged as “the fat girl”. I realized a few years ago that while I’m on my journey to get healthy and stay healthy (regardless of my size), many will not see it as such. So – now I am categorized as a plus sized lady and hey, at this moment in time… it’s who I am and I’m okay with it. The important thing is that I continue to live a healthy life to the best of my ability – regardless of what the social standards may outline. Yes, I do have extra baggage on me, but – I do live a reasonably healthy lifestyle. Today – after giving this topic some thought, I figured it would be a great way to not only share my story but also a few tips that can help you make small changes to your life for a healthy lifestyle. 5 easy, healthy lifestyle changes anyone can make and anyone can do. Feeling a little frumpy or just feel like you need a boost of endorphins or happy thoughts or need a little pick me up? These tips are simple, easy and you can do them too.
Drink more water
This particular tip may seem like a no-brainer, but the fact of the matter is… most people do not consume or drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. I love water and I love that I can add a little bit of lemon to my water and I am hydrated for longer periods. I’m really good at drinking the recommended amount but if I don’t I make sure I have a trusty timer go off every so often so I do not forget. Having a bottle with you at all times helps A LOT. I fill up my Hydroflask with ice and water and take it with me whenever I’m on the go so I always have water available that is cold and refreshing whenever I need it. Just adding the 8 glasses of water to your daily intake each day will make a huge difference in a healthier lifestyle.
Get up and move, walk your way to healthy
It may seem like it’s no big deal, but walking increases not only your oxygen but also helps in you regulating your breathing. But, I get it – life can get busy and sometimes you can’t find the time… as a busy mother, I know this all too well. There are still so many ways to get your walking in. Park further away from the store, at the back of the parking lot (be careful to watch your surroundings if you are by yourself) and get a little extra walking time in that way. I hate battling for parking stalls – especially when I’m at places like Costco or Walmart, so I’ll just park far and walk – exercise and a little extra steps are worth it. You can also park your car at the end of the drive way instead of right near the house. Since my mailbox is at the bottom of the drive way and we have another house in front of us, I like to walk back and forth to the mailbox a few times if I know I can’t devote any time to walking that day. And, sometimes walking by yourself is boring… so head to your local big box store like Target, Walmart, etc. and just walk around the store window shopping (if you can avoid the need to make a purchase) and get some walking done there. Last week while walking around target I clocked over 1200 steps just browsing the store and it didn’t feel like exercise to me.
Got a sweet tooth? Don’t let it get the best of you
Let’s face it – we all have it… that dreaded sweet tooth that makes us crave those favorite goodies that satisfy our souls. For me, it can be ice cream, gummy bears or the occasional chocolate. Thankfully – I am not the type of person that feels the “need” to have them, but I do have my moments. Instead of letting these things get the best of me, I just don’t keep them around me but I also don’t deprive myself if I have a craving. The key is moderation and control. Since I know I like ice cream – I will either replace my ice cream with a frozen smoothie with frozen fruit or make a sorbet and if that really doesn’t work, I will eat some ice cream, but make sure to choose the smallest bowl in the house to serve me in. Sometimes all we need is the taste on our tongue to satisfy that craving and a little of it will go a long way. Also – stock your house with fruits, when you want that snack – have a small bowl of fruit and you will be amazed at how fast it will curb that craving.
Stop drinking soda or try to eliminate it the best you can
I never drank soda growing up and once I was really introduced to the taste of it in my early 20s, it was hard to ignore. I’m a Pepsi girl and my husband and I both enjoy Pepsi soda as well (who do you think introduced it to me? haha). It was a hard one to battle and while we don’t stock soda in our house, we still treat ourselves from time to time. I NEED soda with Pizza. I know, I know – no one needs soda… but it’s something I look forward to when I have a piece of pie to eat. So if we really find the need, my husband and I will share a can of it together. That way – we get the flavor, the satisfaction and we are not stuck with a huge case of it in our house and feel the need to drink it all. We can go a whole year without it and then one day, we find the need to taste the yummy, sugary carbonated flavor we enjoy and we’ll treat ourselves. If you can quit cold turkey – do it… if not, just try eliminating it to the best of your ability until you don’t find the need for it any longer.
Get up – stand up, stand up for your life!
As someone who works from home, I can find myself on the computer for hours at a time trying to work on campaigns, type out posts, answering emails… etc. Like with any job, the time can get away with you when you have a deadline or are busy working. But, you should always remember that it’s important to get up once in a while, stand and stretch – walk away from your desk. This will not only allow you to take a breather, maybe have a second to gather your thoughts, but also stretch those muscles and move. Standing up is so important to help in the blood flow of your body and it also helps to give you a little boost of energy that you may be needing after sitting a while.
While this is just a starter list, there are so many more things you can do to make a healthy lifestyle change. Remember, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable to do and it shouldn’t make you feel like you are dreading it each day. Living a healthy lifestyle could mean that you are getting an extra 10 minutes of walking in, each day or you cut out your favorite junk food. Rome wasn’t built in a day and things take time. These steps and tips are there to help you be more confident in your choices. If I can do them, well – you certainly can too. Remember, a little at a time and you’ll see a change. Also – if you are in the same boat as I am, know that no one can make you feel terrible – but yourself. Have faith, think positive and know that I’m cheering you on. A healthy lifestyle isn’t about killing yourself at the gym or starving yourself… it’s about being healthy so you can live life. Good luck!
Like posts like these? It’s been a while since I have done these types but I promise there will be a lot more coming soon. 😉
xo
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. I was not paid to provide my thoughts and this post is not sponsored.
