Current healthy habits

Several years ago, I wrote about the struggles of “adulting” with a partner. There are several adjustments that come with growing up, from chores (folding that damn laundry), to figuring out a budget.

With time, I’ve realized that the hardest part of being an adult has actually been maintaining healthy habits. Growing up an athlete and suddenly losing the most active part of my identity has been difficult—I struggle with consistency and motivation, and I think a lot of other people do too. Additionally, I know that in marriage especially, it can be hard to go on a health journey alone or have different goals from your partner.

Though I struggle, I have come to realize that it’s important to give myself a little grace. I’m not the same person I was 10 years ago, and I never will be. I won’t look the same, I won’t think the same. I’m not a teenager anymore, in a teenager’s body. It’s time to adjust and accept and thank my body for all that she does for me. I’m surviving and thriving in many ways, and I think a little kindness goes a long way.

As I pave my way through my health and wellness journey, I want to share what I’m into right now. I change my mind a lot, so this could look differently in a few months. That’s how I’m built, and that’s okay too.

My current healthy habits

How I move

I try to mix things up to compensate for my short fitness attention span. Lately I’ve been trying to get 90 minutes of exercise, split into two different activities. It’s a little aggressive and I can’t do it every day, but it gives me something to work toward and breaks up my otherwise (very) sedentary day. Sometimes I:

• Go for walks (weather pending). I aim for 10k steps a day, which really depends on whether or not I get outside. Sometimes I take Wally, which is more about keeping him on track than about me getting a good workout, lol. I would eventually like to transition into jogs, but I’m not a runner and don’t really know how to safely start.
• Walk around the house. Though this might be silly, I sometimes start my day by playing music loudly in the house and walking laps. I’ll drink my coffee and cruise for 20 minutes. This can be a really nice jump-start to my day, if I have time.
• 21 Day Fix Real Time. I’ve been using this Beachbody program to guide me. I hope to finish this one, then move on to 21 Day Extreme Real Time, then T25, then 80 Day Obsession. This is a long-term goal for me, and it will be quite an accomplishment if I stick to the plan.
• Country Heat. If I haven’t gone for a walk and still feel like I could do another half an hour of exercise, this low-key cardio program is a great option. This kind of line dancing is pretty mellow but still manages to get my heart pumping.
• Play catch. I’ve been playing catch with Chad whenever possible.
• Yardwork. As the weather warms, I try to spend some time outside clearing out parts of our yard. It’s a workout!
• Rollerblade. I’m trying to teach myself! It’s tough here, with very few flat areas. Lol.

What I eat

Lately I’ve been trying to restrict my calories and eat in a deficit, though I’m not keeping track every day. I aim for veggies as often as possible and let a little loose on the weekends.

Here are some go-to meals and snacks that I’ve been really vibing with lately:

• Chia seed pudding. Chia seeds mixed with nut milk (I use hemp milk) and a squeeze of agave. Refrigerate, then top with coconut flakes and cacao nibs when ready to eat. Delicious!
• Evolve meals. This company sends refrigerated meals that are reheated in the microwave. They’re really, really good, extremely easy, and very healthy. A favorite so far has been a carnitas pork meal with potato wedges.
• Acai bowls. I used a frozen acai packet from Target, blended with a banana and some fruit. Topped with coconut flakes, hemp heart seeds, pumpkin seeds, and granola.
• Salad kits. We get a few salad kits from City Market. My favorites are the Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Asian chopped salads.
• Spinach wraps. I use a spinach tortilla wrap, then typically add a condiment (vegan mayo, salsa, or pesto are all great), turkey, fake cheese, lettuce, cucumber, green pepper, and tomato.
• Non-dairy yogurt (I use Silk brand, because that’s all we have at the grocery store, lol) with granola.
• Carrots and hummus. This is an underrated combination!
• Steamed carrots and broccoli. They go good with most dinners and lunches.
• Water! I’ve been trying to drink as much water as possible. I find that a water bottle with a straw really helps me to stick on track.

Things I take

Vitamins and supplements! Woo! I’m notoriously bad at taking my vitamins, and always have been. However, I’ve been on a kick lately.

I take a gummy women’s multivitamin, calcium, super B complex, a prebiotic, and the Alani Nu Balance pill, which is linked to clearer skin, mood enhancement, hormonal balance, weight management, and increased fertility (though that’s not exactly (or at all!) what I’m looking for).

For workouts, I drink the Alani Nu pre-workout or drink one of their delicious energy drinks. I finish each workout with the Alani Nu BCAA recovery drink.

For the mind

Part of being healthy, for me, is engaging my mind. Reading is one of my favorite ways to do this. Though I go through dry spells (February and March were really tough for me to pick up books), getting back into the swing of reading always feels good.

A break from my phone and screens is always welcome, though it sometimes feels harder said than done.

Though it’s been a while, a DIY project (especially around the house) also fills this need. So does painting (a picture, not walls) (I hate painting walls). I’m trying to learn the guitar a little bit, and that’s hard but also incredibly rewarding. Writing for this blog also drives a little creativity, too.

My best advice: find something stimulating that you like to do. Do it when you can. Don’t feel guilty when you can’t.

What about you?

What are some of your healthy habits you’ve been forming, and how do you stay on top of them?