A New Year and A New Healthier You
Happy New Year friends!! It's been a busy start to the year with getting back from our vacation and unpacking while trying to get all of my Christmas decorations put away and our house organized and clean. It's been crazy, but I'm happy to be back and feel like I have things somewhat together. I am usually very big on New Years Resolutions and writing everything down and focusing on lots of different goals, but this year I feel like we're trying to simplify a little and I want to give myself more grace and patience to take the time preparing and enjoying this new baby we have arriving soon and letting some of my goals happen during the second half of the year. Since most people make fitness goals for the new year, I thought I'd share some of my current favorite workout items and a few tips on what I want to work on this year. Instead of trying to reach a number on the scale or get to the gym so many times a week, I have to be patient with my pregnant body that is growing a life inside of me and will need time to recover and instead try to be the best version of myself which means being healthy in all aspects of life. I think that when you are taking care of yourself then you are able to give back to those around you whether it's at work, with your husband/boyfriend, or taking care of your kids. Don't be afraid to take time for yourself to help with the things that you need and try to make just a few little goals each week to make yourself better than the last one. [Also included below is a protein powder which tastes great if you add it in my protein power ball recipe, and our juicer that we have and LOVE so I would highly recommend investing in one for the new year.]
TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER NEW YOU
1 | DRINK ALL THE WATER [we all know how important it is for your body to stay hydrated and get enough water throughout the day - not only for your body internally but also for your skin to stay hydrated and glowing. find a water bottle that you love and carry it with you all day long and make it a goal this year to avoid other sugary drinks and instead go for some fruit infused water]
2 | FUEL YOUR BODY [instead of focusing on counting calories and cutting out foods you shouldn't eat - try to fuel your body with the best nutrients you can to look and feel your best. Make veggies a part of every meal, eat a variety of fruits, nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins like eggs, fish, turkey, or organic chicken. When you fill your body up with food that is good for you then you won't crave the other processed stuff so much.]
3 | GET MOVING EVERYDAY [try to get atleast 30min physically activity everyday whether its a run or walk outside or a quick weight circuit at the gym. Just try to keep your body moving and your muscles working. And don't forget the importance of stretching after every workout.]
4 | TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE [carve out a little bit of time each day that is your very own moments of peace and take this time to either pray, write in a journal, calmly meditate, or just relax and let your mind rest. I feel like my day goes so much smoother when I take the time to pray and meditate before my day begins.]
5 | SEEK OUT KNOWLEDGE [as we get older I think it's important to continue to grow and learn, especially because there is so much knowledge at our fingertips these days. We have been trying to cut down on netflix/ TV show time at our house and instead my husband and I have been reading at night and it's such a refreshing change. Find atleast 3 books that you want to read this new year and take the time for yourself to make them happen. I have also found some of my favorite podcasts this past year that I've learned from so give those a listen when you are workout out, driving in the car, or cleaning the house and you'll be surprised at how many you can get through in that extra time]
6 | DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE [this practice of gratitude that I recently learned from The Alison Show is so amazing and I can't wait to take it with me into this new year. It really is so true that when you are grateful for everything that you have, you realize that you already have everything you need. try to write down or say aloud what you are grateful for everyday]
7 | SLEEP IT OFF [the old saying of early to bed and early to rise is really such a great way to live and we are trying to make this more of a habit in our lives this year. Sleep is so important and I feel so much better when I get to bed early and am able to wake up feeling rested rather then dragging my feet in the morning when the kids are up. Plus when I don't sleep well the first thing that happens is I usually get sick]