5 Ways to Prioritize Health and Wellness in Your Real Life
It's not going to be perfect, and we have to stop waiting to make changes
Hello, Friend! Happy Tuesday!
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In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often neglecting our health and wellness. Especially this time of year. Especially with kids. Especially if you work. Or do household tasks. Or take care of others. Oh, that’s pretty much all of us?! Right.
The reality is that no matter how we spend our days, chances are that we're not going to become less busy in our lives. We’ve got to stop waiting to make changes and do what you CAN right now to move your health and wellness forward. Anything you can do. Start small and build over time as you can!
As a nutrition coach, I understand the importance of making conscious choices to prioritize our well-being. So today, I want to share practical tips on how to integrate health and wellness into your everyday schedule. None of these have anything to do with removing any foods or eating less, but instead about things you can include or do to support yourself!
Start with breakfast. If you start the day with a balanced and complete breakfast that leaves you feeling full and satisfied, chances are that you’ll continue to make healthy and hearty food choices the rest of the day. Once we’re on a solid path, we’re more likely to stay on it. Alternatively, if you start the day with just a donut (and I have nothing against donuts, just that they don’t make a full meal in themselves) chances are you’ll continue to indulge because you already have, and you might overeat because you’re hungry!
Hydrate. I’d argue that even on the craziest of days, it’s possible to chug a glass of water every now and again. Or sip from your cup while you’re driving. Or at your desk. Staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful way to prioritize your health. Make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day. Water plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.
Take movement breaks. We can’t always fit in a whole workout. And even if we can, it’s still beneficial to NOT be sitting all day otherwise. So, where you can, take movement breaks. Even if they’re small walks to get water and back. Or 10 squats every time you get up to go to the bathroom. Or a 5 minute walk outside. Whatever you can do to break up sitting is great and helps with NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) anyway!
Have access to easy protein. I get that having a protein source at each meal, or aiming for a certain protein target each day, can be challenging. So, I recommend always having access to an “easy” protein source for when you’re in a pinch. These are things that won’t go bad, you can eat quickly and not have to prepare, and gives you a good amount of protein (25g+). Things like protein powders, pre-mixed drinks like Chobani Completes or Fairlife milks, tuna, frozen premade chicken, etc.
Seriously, get some sleep! Quality sleep is often underrated, and we make all the excuses in the world as to why we can’t sleep more… some of which are “realer” than others. But, sleep plays a crucial role in overall health. Create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before sleep, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. And if that’s literally not possible, at least aim to increase from where you are.
Bottom line here: Prioritizing health and wellness doesn't require drastic lifestyle changes. It's about making small, sustainable choices that contribute to your overall well-being.
As a nutrition coach, I encourage my clients to find a balance that works for them, considering their unique preferences and schedules, using strategies like those above. By incorporating simple steps like these into your daily routine, you can foster a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Need help with creating a routine or tips that are specific to you? Reach out in the comments or send me an email at sara@nutritionforlifeproject.com!
As always, thank you for reading!
xoxo,
Sara
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