Choosing Healthy Habits

So... Eating healthy... It's freaking hard. Sometimes you just crave those salty things, or the crunchy snacks, or the sugary goodness... But I'm here to help you adjust that! It's really easy to get in the habits of grabbing something that sounds good. But let's get in the habit of grabbing something that not only sounds good, but is good for you... I'll start off with, I am in no way a dietitian or a healthcare professional. I am the kind of person who struggles with grabbing the wrong thing because it sounded good, or because it's easy, or because " screw it, I'll eat something healthy later ". And then I never do... And frankly, I am tired of being like that.

I have come to the conclusion, or the assumption, that I have an addictive personality. In the sense of, I get addicted to things easily and it's hard for me to get out of it. The definition of addiction... No, it's never been drugs or anything like that but it's just little things here and there. Including, sugar! I feel like sugar can be addicting. You crave it... You want it all the time... It makes you feel good... And then it doesn't... But I have found that you have to be very disciplined. A lot of self-control. And a lot of respect for yourself. I want to cut out more sugar, bad fats And just junk food in general, to be healthier and live longer and happier with my children.

If that sounds like something you'd like, please follow along! I'll put some links in here for some research I've done from actual professionals haha. But a lot of this will just be what I've witnessed, experienced, and believe. I also want to give you a heads up about some affiliate links I've added. I have partnered with different companies and I share their products for a small profit but there is no extra cost to you!

A personal story for you, a few years back my ex and I decided to try keto... Don't get me wrong, it's not for everyone. But my body LOVED IT! I was happier I was healthier I had a ton more energy and I slept great... Doing the keto thing helped me pick out healthier snacks when I was grocery shopping. Helped me pick out healthier options at a restaurant or quick fast food when we were having a busy day.

I should quickly add, when I say "healthy" or "something good for you", I'm not a crazy vegan, and I'm not a crazy carnivore. I'm not saying go on a diet! I think diets are ridiculous. But slowly implementing healthier things into your daily eating habits will help you eat better in general. So for example, instead of getting Cheetos for my children, I get a healthier crunchy, cheesy option for them. They still get that crunch and that salty cheesy goodness, with the healthy fats and protein.

Also, I love sweets! Chocolate mostly. Instead of grabbing a regular chocolate bar by the register at the store (you know they do that on purpose, right?!) try some granola bars with oats and chocolate in them... Maybe chocolate protein powder? Add a couple chocolate chips on top of your morning oatmeal 🤷🏼‍♀️. There are so many ways to adjust how and what you're eating so you don't have to give up the things you love!

More on, The Dangers of Sugar

Additionally, I struggle with gluten and carbs. It helps me to know that my body doesn't react well to gluten so it somewhat forces me to stay away from bread and pasta and some of my favorite things.. I heard something awhile back that was like, if you really think about it, you don't crave the boring, plain noodles... What you are craving is the yummy baked chicken and broccoli with cream sauce! 🤤

So hun..., Go make you some yummy baked chicken and broccoli with that cream sauce!! YUM! If you're sensitive to gluten or wheat products like I am, there are so many substitutes or alternatives out there. I love to use sandwhiches as an example... How about instead of peanut butter and jelly on a bunch of bread, put some nut butter or powdered peanut butter in a berry smoothie? Add in some protein for some extra fullness! Don't use a ton of bread for ham or turkey sandwhiches, wrap it in lettuce, double up on the meat and cheese, dress it up how YOU would like it!

Pros and Cons of Wheat and Gluten

Those are just a few examples of how to slowly and carefully adjust how you eat and what you eat. Like I was saying before, you may have to put your foot down with yourself. Set goals, what do you want?! I'm serious... Ask yourself out loud... What do I want? Do you want to be unhealthy and lazy and a literal couch potato? Or do you want to be able to run outside and play soccer with your kids? And be happy about it!

Now here's a challenge for you, next time you go to the grocery store stay on the outside aisles. Unless obviously you need flour for baking or oatmeal for breakfast... The outside aisles of the grocery stores are more basic, whole foods. No more processed crap... No more crap mac and cheese... Have you looked at that label?! Next time you go to the store, do it! Check out different brands instead! There's some gluten-free and sugar-free and all-natural brands out there. It doesn't hurt to try... I can't think of the exact quote but there's a quote out there that goes along the lines of "Even if there's a slight possibility of happiness at the end, it's worth the risk" ...