Are you feeling tired, overwhelmed, and not your best self these days? With all that’s going on in this crazy world, it’s more important than ever we remember to take care of ourselves. Stress can and does kill. Here are just a few of the simple ways to be a fitter and healthier you!
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Hey you! You can have your cake and eat it too! 😁 #health #healthydiet #selfcare #bloggingcommunity
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I have a little confession to make. Growing up and well into my adult years, I hated vegetables and fruits. My taste buds craved fast, ‘comfort’ food. Every now and again, they still do! Okay, okay, who am I kidding? I have to really keep a check on cravings! 🤣
Our diets have a huge impact on how we feel. Indulging in a diet of comfort food and junk food may be tasty at the moment, but has long-lasting health complications. I’m an advocate for healthy living because I’ve witnessed the amazing results first hand.
Enjoying life and your favorite foods are great! I personally believe ‘diet culture’ is dangerous and unhealthy, teaching us we aren’t okay the way we are. We shouldn’t have to feel guilty about treating ourselves. Food isn’t our enemy. It’s how we relate to it that can cause problems.
Balance is key. A healthier, more balanced diet, will always help you to feel better inside and out. Who doesn’t want/need more energy to tackle their dreams and ambitions in life? I sure do!
Not all of us are people who love to attend the gym each day. In fact, some of us have physical (or mental) limitations that keep us from being as active as we’d like. That’s okay, even small amounts of movement can improve your physical fitness and overall health.
Starting a healthy routine is often the hardest part. Once you start feeling better, it’s easier to ‘stick with’ goals you’ve made.
Consider these small changes for big results:
- Consider tracking your heart-rate, steps, and activity level, with a FitBit. I absolutely love mine! It has helped me on my journey to healthy living changes more than most.
- Walk to places instead of driving, when possible. Or consider parking farther out from your destination in the parking lot.
- Be realistic in your goals so you don’t get discouraged easily. Start small and watch them add up to big gains over time.
- There is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ body type! Look in the mirror every day and remind yourself that there is no ‘size standard’ to meet. The only goal we need is healthy. What’s healthy is different for every body.
- Stop comparing yourself! It robs you of joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment in who you are & how far you’ve come.
Comparison with myself brings improvement. Comparison with others brings discontent. – Betty Jamie Chung #wisdom #motivationalquotes #healthy #health #blogger
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Most of all, if you really are serious about fitness, being comfortable during a workout is critical! I can’t tell you how many times I cut a great workout short because I was tugging and pulling at my clothes! It’s very frustrating!
Just because I am walking doesn’t mean my clothes should be walking into spaces they don’t belong! 😲 That’s why I’d consider investing in some high-quality active-wear. Sites like curvesncombatboots.com could be a good place to try finding the right fit for you!
While it is important to start eating the right food and being more active, it is equally important to ensure that you take care of yourself and your well-being. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
Find the funny in life and laugh often! Find ways to boost your mood naturally so you can live more freely. Don’t neglect your favorite ways to pamper yourself. Find a quiet spot in nature and disconnect from all that life is demanding of you. Simply be.
What lights your heart up with pure joy? Do that often! Activities you love to do reduce your stress hormones and boost your happy hormones – all without pills!
There is a difference between self-care and being self-centered. We must remember that our needs do matter. You can’t give from an empty well. #selfcare #bloggercommunity #wellness #healthy
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Did you know: approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water? Our brains, 75% water! It does everything from act as a shock absorber for our brains and spine, to flushing toxins out of our systems.
It’s no wonder then that even mild dehydration can affect our moods and well-being. When experiencing stress, dehydration is even more likely.
Drinking more water doesn’t just benefit your mental health. Here are some other physical benefits you can expect:
- Improved sleep
- Hormonal balance
- Healthier skin
- Increased energy levels
- Decreased pain
- Detox your vital organs
- Helps lessen or eliminate some forms of headaches
- Maintains healthy blood pressure
- Aids in weight loss by helping you feel fuller, longer
- ….and so many more!
A Fitter and Healthier You Is Easier Than You Think!
I know life is crazy right now and we’re already facing so many changes. Don’t let creating a healthy lifestyle become a source of stress for you too! Start slow, easy, and pace yourself.
Over time, I’ll go more in-depth with ways to improve our mental and physical health. These are just a few simple, easy to start right now ways to see big benefits from small changes.
In my own life, I’ve gone from bed-ridden, near death, to walking toward wholeness. God is good and I’m living proof! His way works.
What has made the biggest difference for you in your fitness and health? As always, I love hearing your thoughts!
Thank you so much for sharing if you have found this helpful. ♥
All My Love,
I used to run but can’t anymore. One day I’d love to get back to it.
I think finding things to smile about lead to a healthier you.
Hi, Eliza! 🤗 I always love hearing your take on these posts. It breaks my heart that you had to stop running for the moment. It can be very hard on the body, but I understand why you enjoy it. My prayer is that your health returns, better than it was before, so you can return to doing what you love!
I second your thoughts on finding things to smile about 100%. Some days that’s easier said than done but the extra effort is always well worth it. Sending loads of love to you, my friend. You are appreciated! 💕
I’ll try running again when I’m living without ED. I think dizziness is worse when I’m not eating enough, but it may be either way. Will see.
I hope you are doing okay…
Love, light and glitter
Oh sweet Eliza. 🤗 I am praying for you, my friend. I am so sorry that ED has robbed so much from you! It is a wretched demon to have tormenting your mind with the constant, obsessive thoughts. I pray some day you know that you are absolutely perfect, fearfully and wonderfully made, exactly as you are. I pray that trustworthy people around you come to encourage, inspire and help you heal. I pray that peace would flood your mind where there has been chaos. Most of all, I pray for your days to be filled to overflow with joy and purpose. YOU are enough. Sending BIG hugs to you with lots of love too. ♥
Thanks. I really appreciate this…
I have a question, which you can say no to.
I wrote a letter to someone who ended their life once, after they did. I wish I could have told you this before you killed yourself. I’d love to put together letters from all different people. Such letters. Not sure exactly how to do it. But can see when have the letters. As a resource. Of hope. Of life. Of love. Would you write such a letter? Or know anyone who would? The only thing is it can’t be at all religious so that everyone can be comfortable reading it.
I really like your idea, Eliza. Suicide is tragic for both the victim and the loved ones left behind. Coping with the loss is never easy and takes time. Writing out what you wish you could’ve said could be very therapeutic. This is one of the reasons I wish we focused more on living in the present – not missing the moments to tell others how we feel.
As a woman of deep faith, it would be hard for me to write from a perspective of not including it. Knowing how much hope, life, identity, and love, faith in God adds to my life, they are core parts of who I am and what I share. 🤗 I do encourage you to talk about this on your blog, though. I guarantee others, especially those who have been touched by suicide, would love to participate in a worthy cause.
I don’t know how to write such a request on my blog….
If you read my letter, you’ll see there is some faith based, but it doesn’t quote specific faiths. I get where you’re coming from though. It’ll happen 💕
Hey friend! I think you might be surprised by the response if you wrote a blog post about it. Maybe entitle it, “Letters To Loved Ones Passed On,” or something similar. Then explain why you love this idea, how you’d like to go about it, etc. Then you could ask them to submit their letters to your email address. Once you received the amount you’re happy with, you could publish them or share them however you’d like. 🙂 Just a thought. I pray you will do it and see that others share in your vision. 💕
Hmm. That’s a thought.
I don’t have many followers, and did mention it in one of my posts, although not as a post. I’ll try.
I think what will end up with – if it happens- is 3. One universal. One jewish. One Christian.
Great post and reminder Holly! I haven’t been as diligent lately and I need to get back to putting my health before other things. Instead I get to the end of the day and am so tired I don’t make time to workout. Eating hasn’t been great because of some of the shortages. But time to stop making excuses and start making progress! Thanks for this reminder!
I hear you, Shell! You are definitely not alone. Getting back into a ‘healthy pattern’ to me, is the hardest part. Our brains are so reward-oriented that once we feel the benefits from dietary or activity changes, we begin to want more of what makes us feel so good! The trick then is to simply maintain. I know, I know, it is easier said than done sometimes, especially when everything around us is so chaotic! Personally, I just try to remember how much better I feel in my body and mind when I make healthy living a priority.
I get what you’re saying about not feeling like exercise at the end of the day. For me personally, I found that if I exercise early in the day or during a lunch hour, I feel much better. It gives a natural energy boost and clears any cobwebs blocking our creative minds. You might try that technique yourself? It doesn’t take much to really feel the benefits.
The shortages have been tough, I agree! Produce has been easy to get here, but I don’t know about there. Experimenting with different flavors and spices can make bland veggies a whole lot more appealing! 🙂
I have full faith in you, my friend. After all you’ve overcome, this is but a walk in the park! Sending love to you, my friend. It is always a blessing to hear from you! ♥
I definitely need to start exercising in the morning. It’s part of that “putting myself first” that becomes such a struggle for many Christian moms. Why couldn’t ali work out WHILE listening to worship music or a Bible app reading? There is no law that says I couldn’t watch a sermon while doing it. I know we should focus on one or the other but I also know God wants me to be physically healthy to be a better witness to the youth and young adults! Then at the end of the day when I’m immersed in study, I can use that time as my dedicated time and conversation. After all, if someday I get married then my husband would be working out with me and that time would be spent with him, ideally, so why not share it with God now. Instead of feeling it had to be fully focused on worship, prayer, etc and then going full throttle into work and not having time to exercise at all! Thanks for the encouragement.
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Hi Dolphin Girl. Thanks for your visit!
I agree 100% with you that “‘diet culture’ is dangerous and unhealthy Holly. What restrictive diets teach us is that food is either good or bad, and therefore, what we eat determines whether WE’RE good or bad. That’s a horrible narrative to have around something that we have to have every day. It’s important to eat healthfully, but there’s also room for treats in a healthy diet. As you said, balance is the key. Sharing this on all my SM. Sending love and hugs your way sweet friend!
Yes!! I fully agree with you and love what you said, Terri! WE don’t become good or bad for any reason other than our character choices in life. Food has nada to do with that! The only reason the diet culture has ‘shamed us’ into losing weight is so they can sell more. What a disgusting marketing tactic that is! Most of all, you said it best, it IS a horrible narrative for something that has the ability to give us life!
I value you so much, my friend. Thank you for your thoughtful comments, social shares and support. You are loved. Reading your blog posts and comments here on my blog posts always makes my day brighter. 🌺
This is all such great advice! I especially agree with the part about starting small with achievable goals. When I first began exercising, all I did is walk briskly for about 30 minutes. Now I have progressed to jogging for 20 minutes, and then doing some sit ups and push ups. It’s more intense and more invigorating. However, I have been slacking with my exercising lately, and am starting to have some problems with my knees. I hope to do as much as I can for as long as I can.
Aw, you are so kind! What a joy it was to receive & read your comment – thank you!
I am nodding my head in agreement with you about fitness goals. Isn’t it a great feeling when you realize that what once challenged you, no longer does? You can’t help but smile and think, “Wow, all of this hard work has paid off! I feel so much better!”
Good for you on progressing so much. That’s amazing! It sounds like you’ve found the routine that works for you, and I think that’s the right way to do it. What works for one may not be the right fitness routine for someone else. Knowing our own individual bodies and what we need is key. And you’re right – it is invigorating! 🙂
I am so sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your knees lately. Knee pain or joint pain in general is frustrating! Have you found that exercise is one of the best ways to relieve it? It has certainly been the case for me. Not overdoing it, but enough of a challenge that the muscles and joints have to do their fair share of work! 😉
Awesome comment, thank you so much. I really do value your thoughts! Sending blessings your way in hopes that you & your loved ones are well!
I think that exercising my joints is important to keep them moveable, however they are usually sore after running, especially if I run outside rather than on my treadmill. I love to run outside, but my treadmill must have some built in cushioning that really helps. Thank you for the encouraging words. 😊
I love the cover art you’ve made for this post, it looks great. I spent too long looking at the chips in the bottom right corner though. Mmmm those look goooood!
“Or consider parking farther out from your destination in the parking lot” – Absolutely! Every little helps with getting moving a little more and we have to go by what we’re capable of. It doesn’t have to be joining a gym and sweating it out for 2 hours on an elliptical machine, it could be as simple as walking a little more, even in the supermarket car park. I try to get a walk most days to the local shop, which I think is better than nothing and I do feel better for it. That said, I’m not doing that as regularly now because of the pandemic and I miss it.
I could do with paying more attention to all of these and focusing more on my health again. I can get so caught up with illness and business that I don’t think of the ways to support my health, mentally and physically. I’m actually starting to drink less water for my health, so that’s the only one here I’m doing the direct opposite of. Turns out I was drinking dangerously high amounts of water (7L+ each day) that caused brain swelling and low levels of sodium, hence the problems with my head a couple of weeks ago. I feel pretty stupid now knowing how close I came to dying because of my water intake 😂 That said, I’m in the minority with this I think. A lot of people will find they could do with upping their fluids so it’s a good idea to keep track for a few days of what you’re drinking to get an overview of where you could add a few more glasses of lovely H20 in.
Fantastic advice as always, Holly! Right now, in the midst of the uncertainty and focus on ill health during the pandemic, it’s so empowering to look at the changes we can make, no matter how small, to benefit our health.
Stay as safe & well as possible lovely xxxx
😂 They do look delicious, don’t they? Dang, now you’ve got my stomach growling! In all seriousness though, Caz, thank you for your sweet compliments! You made my day! (You often do!)
I 100% agree with you about not having to go to the gym. For one, it can be very time consuming. Two, it can be difficult to use equipment if it’s packed. Being able to get our activity during our every day life is a much easier and fun way to do it, if you ask me. I love your idea of walking to the local store each day. I’m so sorry though that you’ve been unable to do it recently because of the pandemic. 😔 I bet you do miss your little daily getaway. Helps your stress level a lot, I bet?
Oh my goodness!! I am so sorry to hear about your recent health scare. Several of my family members have dealt with that very same condition. It can be very scary and painful. Are you feeling better now that your sodium levels are going up again? It just goes to show – just because we think we’re doing something beneficial for our health, may not make it true!
*nodding my head in agreement with you* So much may be out of our hands right now, but many things aren’t. Focusing on what hasn’t changed can be a grounding feeling. Hey, who knows, maybe we can come out on the other side of this pandemic in better health than we started it. 🙂 That’d be nice!
Thank you again for such a thoughtful comment. I always appreciate hearing from you and learning more about the experiences you’ve had. You’re awesome. I hope you are staying safe, well and will get some rest this weekend! ♥
I need to do all of these! Thank you for the motivation! Hugs 🙂
Hi, Christina! It’s great to hear from you. How are you and your family doing?
You’re welcome for the motivation. 🙂 Most of all, I hope you are taking some time to rest, relax and enjoy this upcoming weekend. My bet is you’re working on yet another brilliant masterpiece of a project! 🙂 Sending love & hugs your way!
Smiles. The part where you mentioned, wearing fit clothes during work out made me smile – my imagination caught up with me. 😊
And yes, staying hydrated helps a lot. I recently became intentional about walking and taking in more water and it has been of great help. And the emphasis on taking it slow – one step at a time does help a lot too. Consistency is what matters.
Hi, friend! ♥ I am glad you enjoyed the part about fit clothes, because it was certainly meant to bring a smile or two! It’s true, we’ve all had those particular items of clothing that we’d rather donate, or, toss in the trash once the day is done. 😁
You’re absolutely right, consistency means so much! Once we form the healthier patterns, it’s much easier to keep going. Getting started can be a bit tricky though. 😉
I love your idea of taking in more water and walking. Isn’t it amazing how much more peaceful you feel after a nice, refreshing walk? God knew what He was doing in Creation. We should be enjoying it and reminding ourselves of the peace only He can provide when we quiet ourselves in His presence and Creation, just for us! ♥
Sending my love to you, sweet sis. Thanks for another great comment!
These are such great tips! And you crack me up with those carbs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could eat all the cake and not gain a pound? And it would keep us healthy, too? A girl can dream. 😅
About 5 years ago I went to the doctor with severe chest pains, which turned out to be terrible indigestion, thank goodness. But it turned out that I had high triglycerides, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and I was pre diabetic. I started following the Dash Diet and started walking 30 minutes a day. The only meds I’m on now is for high BP (it runs in my family). It was amazing how much having a healthy lifestyle changed my life!
Shared this wonderful post so others can benefit, too!
😂 A girl can dream, I agree! Maybe one day when we arrive in Heaven, there will be our favorite cakes waiting for us with no worries about our health! For now, I guess we’ll just have to suffer. ha ha. I kid!
Oh my goodness, Michelle. I’m so sorry to hear you had that kind of scare. Chest pains, even when they are unrelated to the heart, are very painful, and scary! I’m grateful to hear you went to get checked out, just in case.
I agree with you wholeheartedly — a healthy lifestyle really does make a world of difference. Even the smallest of changes for the better. Plus, once we realize how much better we feel, it’s easier to continue adding more healthy changes. It makes me very happy to hear you’ve found the right solution for you. I hope it continues to help you feel better. We need you right here, spreading the kind of joy only you can. ♥
You are so sweet for sharing and for supporting me. I am so grateful for all you do, my friend! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🤗
Those cakes in Heaven sound wonderful. I’ll be eating for all of eternity!! 😀
Aww….thank you! You’re so sweet!!
Thanks for such a beautiful and motivating post Holly ! I love your writing style. You make it sound so easy and have so nicely summed it up food, exercise, self care and water intake . I could not agree more , I believe in having a good balance of eating well balanced diet , the diet culture is something I can’t relate to and have never really tried it. Setting small realistic goals for exercising is sure to bring more motivation rather than comparing with others or trying something difficult to achieve instantly. Self care and the benefits of water are all so important. We all needed a reminder once in a while .Appreciate this wonderful post and hope it inspires and motivates everyone who reads this.
Nisha, your comment has hit me right in the heart. Bless your heart, what kind words! “I love your writing style,” was particularly touching. As you know, we bloggers/writers can be very tough on ourselves. Heaven knows I sure am! You’ve really made my day, thank you sweetheart!! ♥
I was overjoyed to hear you don’t partake in the toxic diet culture. Thank goodness! It’s really only a bunch of marketers trying to lower our self-esteem so we will buy whatever it is they’re selling. We don’t need it! If we are healthy and living well, we’re doing just fine if you ask me! 😊
Yes, exactly! Small realistic goals make a world of difference. “I want to add more movement to my day,” is a whole lot more attainable in the short-term than, “I want to lose 20 pounds.” It’s too easy to get discouraged when we set ourselves up for failure from the start. Plus, most importantly, smaller goals help us examine the ‘why’ behind our bigger goals. If we want to lose weight, for example, for all the wrong reasons – it’s time to find a new goal anyhow!
You are such an encouragement, sweet Nisha. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being you and for being so incredibly special. I treasure you! ♥ Praying you & yours are safe, happy and richly blessed this day and always!
You are very welcome my friend! Thank you for your kindness , good wishes and prayers and I sincerely wish you and yours also the same.So grateful to have found you in the blogging world.God bless.
The water is clutch for sure, but it gets so easy to forget it sometimes! I think your idea of balancing with doing good things for yourself is the perfect mixture 🙂
Hi, Jen! So sorry that I missed your comment. I’m not sure what happened!
You’re absolutely right. Drinking plenty of water can be easily overlooked in our hectic lives. I guess it goes hand in hand with doing good things for ourselves. If we are slowing down and enjoying life a bit more, perhaps we’d be more likely to not forget our water too? 😉
Thank you for your comment. I sincerely appreciate you! ♥
[…] Simple, small changes can often mean big health gains over time. […]
This is so well written. Love all the points and completely agree with you. Watching what you eat, exercising and drinking loads of water is something I have started consciously doing since the last few months or as they say I am really listening to my body.
Hi, Nisha! ♥️ It sounds like you’re on the right track over there. Listening to our bodies is key, I think. What you need may not work for me and what I need won’t work for you. If we trust our intuition and listen to it, we will be far healthier.
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. I love hearing your thoughts.
Those are wonderful tips, Holly, for staying healthy. It was interesting to know what you went through and getting better. And now being able to help others, and share your story. This is incredible transformation.
I don’t like the word diet, and every time I used to say it to myself, my mind would go to like an eating mode, and I would end up eating more during the “diet time”. So now it is more a lifestyle or a healthy routine that I try to stick to. Also, I used to go to a weight-loss support group, and there I learned about the importance of water. Though I need improvement in the self-care area, I hope that I am slowly getting better. Have a pleasant evening.
Aw Svet, thank you so much for your kind and uplifting words. You are such a special woman!
Amen to what you said about dieting! What you said is true – a healthy routine and lifestyle are what it’s all about. I enjoy the intuitive eating way of living because what we need from day to day will vary. Restricting for the sake of restricting or binging on food are two extremes that diet culture tends to create, in my humble opinion. Neither is sustainable or good for our well-being. It’s especially tough on our self-esteem!
I’ve been amazed at the difference upping our water intake alone makes, have you? Not only in physical health but also in mental health. I do hope you will become better at self-care because you’re worth it. You’re a lovely person, inside and out. You deserve all the very best. Always remember that you are loved, appreciated and that YOU matter! 🤗
Sending my love and hopes that you are well, happy, and blessed. Take care, Svet. It’s always refreshing to hear from you!
[…] for medical reasons, it’s just not a good idea! A healthy, well-balanced diet, along with simple lifestyle changes, add up for big results that […]
[…] diet for medical reasons, it’s just not a good idea! A healthy, well-balanced diet, along with simple lifestyle changes, add up for big results that […]