Welcome to the first blog post in April where we will discuss how to make better choices and live a healthy life. Spring signifies growth and with growth comes challenges. For this Spring, I launched a wellness challenge that is perfect for those looking to test their limits and practice self-growth.
Will you take advantage of this new opportunity? To find out more on this challenge, check out the signup link here.
Be mindful. Be selective. How are you fueling your body? Food is fuel! Your energy levels and performance are greatly affected by the quality and quantity food you consume. You may not literally be what you eat, but your body will reflect the way you feed it. Listen to your cravings and understand why you want that slice of chocolate cake. Depriving yourself can induce rash decision so use cravings as a way to practice portion control. Or you can decide to have a small piece of cake at a later time of your choosing. Still, try to fuel yourself with fresh, nutrient dense foods.
Listen to your body. If you aren’t hungry, try to go for a walk, stretch a bit, or meditate. Why do you want to be healthy? It is important to think about your answer to this because you will identify your priorities. Such priorities may include:
- Live a longer life
- Feel better mentally and physically
- Increase your physique and self-esteem
- Think with more clarity
Substitute your foods. When the opportunity arises, swap those fries for fruit! Try seltzer instead of soda, nuts or popcorn instead of chips, and red pasta sauce in place of white pasta sauce. Be creative with it. Instead of eating a bowl of Fruit Loops every morning before work, try unsweetened whole grain wheat squares and add a cut-up banana for sweetness.
Get your heart rate up. You don’t have to carve out time in your day to head to the gym in order to meet your daily exercise goal. Increases your energy expenditure by scheduling more walks, take the stairs instead of the elevator, dance around the house while doing the chores, go hike at a new location, play tennis at the park with a friend, or go for a swim. Raising your heart rate is not only great for your health, but releases endorphins that boots your mentality.
Tackle new challenges. The Spring 30-Day Challenge is the perfect opportunity to practice making better choices and living a healthy life. From new recipes to mini challenges, Trying new things makes living healthy more interesting. You will not be doing this challenge alone! The support from other members, Kay, and the interns will help improve moral if you’re struggling. Take the plunge and resister for the challenge today and click the link here!
- Click here to watch the Latest Sweet Life Wellness Podcast Episode on How to Enjoy Mindful Eating.
- Click here to listen for FREE on Apple Podcasts.
- Want to listen for FREE on Spotify? Click here.
Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
Candice Shipley, Student Nutritionist
Nutrition & Food Science – Dietetics
University of Maryland, College Park | 2023