Jul 31

Jul 31 360º WHOLISTIC HEALTH GOALS [A PROJECT BEFORE I TURN 40!]

Six months ago I turned 37 and promised myself [God-willing] to become the healthiest version of myself by age 40. Not my thinnest self or hottest self, but physically and mentally healthiest possible. Having a goal is one thing, but breaking it down into tangible steps is how to make it happen. I am not affiliated with any of the resources posting, but I am sharing in case it is helpful to anyone else looking to improve their health through meaningful habits.

SWEAT APP: What I love about this app is that it’s flexible, customizable, synchs to my Apple Music playlists, circuit-focused and concise. What I mean by that is that it shows the name of the exercise with the trainer performing the exercise on a white background, looped, eliminating the chatter common in women’s fitness. The chitchat is not annoying the first time, however; hearing the same jokes and comments multiple times can get stale so the Sweat App’s approach stays fresh.
CREATING AN EXPERIENCE: The best motivator for me is to create a pleasurable experience. Cute workout clothes, an organized workout space and awesome workout playlists makes is something I look forward to.
TRACKING AND PORTIONING: Weighing and tracking my food religiously is unhealthy as someone who has.a long standing history with an eating disorder, however; a few days a week I try to track my days just to remain mindful of my caloric intake and nutrition to help stay on track.
PLATE-BASED DIET: I’ll be the first to admit that I need to improve in this area, however; the idea is that isn’t overly complicated and restrictive but aims to be balanced using visual cues. Half the plate is plants, one quarter grains & starches and the remaining quarter, protein.
INTENTIONAL EATING: During recovering from an eating disorder I first learned about “mechanical eating.” It’s exactly how it sounds- eating at fixed times around the clock to relearn hunger and satiety cues. “Intuitive eating” is an approach to listening to what your body is craving. I still don’t fully have that trust with my body [and my body wants alll the tacos lol] so I have customized a hybrid version of the two. I listen to my body, but with nutritional information in mind. To ensure I can hit the appropriate ratios for the plate-based diet, flexible meal planning is very helpful. I plan about 7-10 family dinners at a time, plan a few lunch and breakfast options, snacks and also treats. I also have a non-vape vape [contains no nicotine and no heating] from Füme which is essentially just flavoured air which helps with hand to mouth habits. Mindless snacking is a vice of mine and breaking a new habit with a better one is helpful.
PRIORITIZING SLEEP: It’s so obvious, but I can often make poor choices in this area. Bedtime procrastination for us mamas is real. I’ve realized I am not a super early riser and since my lifestyle doesn’t require it, 11 pm to 7 am is a good routine.
MINDFUL OF MENTAL HEALTH: I will forever take medication for my mental health. I sometimes require or benefit from therapy. Honouring and acknowledging my needs helps prevent mountains turning into molehills. I still feel guilt when I avoid making plans to stay home however; regrouping and recalibrating as an introvert is investing in my well-being. Of course their nuance to this. Extreme isolation, coined in Japanese as “hikkomori” is not the desired outcome and as I’ll discuss the importance of relationships in my life, including quality time in social settings is importance. It’s all about balance, baby!
CREATIVE EXPRESSION: As a naturally creative person, planning, dreaming and creativity ignites a fire in me. It can be something simple like trying a new recipe, designing my home for myself or clients, making music and even planning a family gathering.
COMMITMENT TO LEARNING: Attending school, brushing up on my French for my son’s benefit, reading, listening to podcasts is enriching and prerequisite for a fulfilling life. One semester in school and I have noticed a part of my brain that was dormant has been reactivated teaching my the importance of life-long learning.
NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS: My marriage, children, parents, extended family, church family, friends… all these groups of people in my life are invaluable. Motherhood can swallow other relationships, and certainly dynamics change, yet my life is immeasurably richer from my connection and relationships.
KEEPING THE FAITH: When deconstructing, I was unsure where faith- and if faith could fit into my life. I have come to the realization that people will get things really wrong, but Jesus never fails me and for that through His Word and His Church I can remain rooted in Him. I am very much a work in progress. I would seem less devout to an onlooker, but I am working on finding a less “fundie,” healthy and thoughtful approach to faith.
LONG-TERM VIEW OVER A QUICK FIX: At the supermarket check-out line the trashy magazines will have headlines promising, “Lose 10 points in 10 days” and all sorts of concoctions and elixirs that will deliver #bodygoals in the blink of an eye. I have learned that health is a longterm game. The Bible refers to our bodies as temples and with the care and detail applied to the physical building of the Temple in Judaic times, it’s evident to me that this is a lifestyle and not crash diet.
GETTING OUT IN NATURE: From vitamin D, to lowering stress levels..etc, there so many benefits of getting outdoors. Having a dog and kids really helps with this. From feeling grounded, to improvements in my mood, nature does wonders.
TREAT YO SELF: Capturing beauty in everyday moments, planning adventures, choosing joy and taking pleasure in the big things and the little things is what life is truly all about.