Healthy Lifestyle Hacks
Was one of your 2019 goals to get healthier? Working on my health is something I always strive for. Some days I win, some days not-so-much. But with each stride I learn more hacks to make some of my favorite foods and activities just a bit better for me. Balance is important to me. Anything too restricting just won't work for me. Because, well, life happens!
Making gradual changes is key. Don't force yourself into the new lifestyle cold turkey. Most people aren't wired to handle that much change and life disruption all at once. You will have greater success if you make small changes gradually over time. For example, in January, cut out refined sugar. In February, aim to take 10,000 steps per day PLUS continue to cutout sugar. In March, add more greens to your plate PLUS the goals from January and February and so on. Small changes don't feel as overwhelming. But overtime, the changes will add up to big ones! And they will be much more sustainable this way.
Making workouts accessible is time saving. For me, I don't like having to drive to a gym and back. That is wasted time and I'll find any reason to not go. Plus I'm a busy mom. After working all day, the last thing I want to do is leave my kids yet again to go to a gym. But when I have all the items I need at home in my basement, then there is no excuse to lift some weights or do some yoga while watching my favorite shows on Hulu or Netflix with my kids playing nearby. Those minutes pass so quickly when I'm comfortable at home.
Working out should be fun. This one is probably the one thing I no longer compromise on. I will no longer force myself to move my body in a way that I dread. I used to run 3-4 miles everyday. Wanna know a secret? I HATE RUNNING! Wanna know what happened? I STOPPED RUNNING. It was not a sustainable form of body movement for me. I didn't look forward to my workout. It felt more like a punishment. But what I do love is walking/hiking, yoga, pilates, barre and hand weight exercises. I could do any of those for hours on end without evening thinking about what time it is! So you know what I do now? ALL THOSE THINGS. And I no longer dread getting some exercise.
Replace some of the white flour in your favorite recipes for a healthier alternative. Adding protein powder to my favorite baked goods is a trick I have known about for quite some time but it has taken me a while to learn the best ratio. Too much protein powder can cause your baked goods to be too dry. But I have found that if I replace 1 cup of flour with 1/3 cup of protein powder, that the ratio works out much better. It is also kid and husband approved, especially in our pancakes! I take my normal pancake recipe favorite (ours is from the Joanna Gaines Cookbook) and just replace one of the cups of flour with the protein powder ratio equivalent. Simple as that! Our favorite brand is from Mtn Ops! We have every single one of their protein powder flavors and love them all.
I hope these tips will help you in your journey, wherever you are. What are your favorite healthy living hacks? Share with us in the comments below!
