So what is healthy, really? Well, according to everyone's favorite online dictionary, “healthy” simply means, “possessing or enjoying good health or a sound and vigorous mentality.” But you and I both know that healthy means a lot more than that.
But then what truly encompasses “healthy,” and why is it so important?
So, it’s complicated. Personally, over the past few years, “healthy” has possessed quite a few different meanings, and I had to go through a sort of roller coaster of perplexity and experimentation before finding my happy medium. And that happy medium is exactly what I hope to help you find today.
I’ll begin with a little story. A couple years ago, to me, healthy meant “skinny.” “Healthy” meant that you don’t eat too much, but you work out as much as you can. Looking back, that wasn’t healthy at all. I deprived myself of trying new things because I was worried about how many calories I would consume in a single bite, even though it might have been my one chance to try some intriguing new food. I worked out so much, that eventually it was too much for my body and I had to give it a rest. There was no “happy” or “medium” in that healthy at all.
A couple years later, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve realized that “healthy” solely means taking care of your body and your mind, equally I might add, in a conscious, but not overly domineering fashion.
What do I mean, and how can you do this too?
Well, I think that the easiest way to answer that question is to give you a brief outline of my habits, and allow you to form a certain version of this that best fits you as an individual.
Morning: Big breakfast
Key Points: It’s not so much the amount you consume as much as what’s in it. It’s important to have a good-sized breakfast to jump-start your metabolism in the morning. But be careful. When I say “big breakfast” I don’t mean ten pounds of nutrient-free pancakes, I mean pairing scrambled eggs with fruit and yogurt, or oats, or a smoothie, and so on. What I mean by big breakfast, is make sure you get enough to eat of something that won’t harm your body, and don’t skimp out just because you’re worried about the calories. Hint: Eating three meals a day is actually more likely to generate a healthy weight than skipping a meal to save a few extra calories.
Mid-Day: Lunch
Key Points: Your lunch doesn’t actually have to be as big, but make sure you balance out your meals with various nutrients throughout the day. For example, if you had a lot of fiber in your breakfast, try to make sure you have enough vitamins and protein in your lunch.
Evening: Dinner
Key Points: As I mentioned earlier, balance is incredibly important. If you eat “healthy,” but you only eat the same kind of food all day, everyday, and neglect other important nutrients, it’s almost the same as if you weren’t eating healthy at all. Balance is essential in all things, so don't be afraid to mix it up from one meal to another. And Pinterest – it’s a lifesaver. Simply search for “balanced eating” and you will find all kinds of delicious suggestions for a well-rounded diet.
Working Out:
And this one’s essential. First tip that I would give you is to find a good balance between strength and cardio. If you don’t have access to a gym, Pinterest is your go to for anywhere, anytime workouts, but either way, just give it a shot – most likely, you will feel better afterwards and you’ll thank yourself for taking the time to take care of your body, and your mind. Hint: Working out releases endorphins and increases blood flow, allowing for a healthier, happier you!
Extras:
What about snacking? And sweets!
Okay, snacking is absolutely okay! In fact, it is actually recommended to have one snack in between meals to keep your metabolism going and to avoid over-eating during your main meals. However, don’t abuse this. It’s okay to pause for a yogurt, some fruit and nuts, a mini-smoothie, what have you… but it doesn’t mean reach for the pile of Hershey’s bars every time you’re ready for your snack. Granted, that doesn’t mean you can’t have sweets from time to time, and it certainly doesn’t mean you should hold yourself back when trying new things. But try to set a limit. If you’re a big dessert-person, start by cutting down to four times a week, and slowly try to get yourself down to only one or two. Like I said, don’t restrict yourself with anything in any way, you’ll be miserable, and “brain-healthy” will go out the window. But at the same time, make sure you’re taking care of yourself; and nine times out of ten you’ll actually feel better after taking on a healthier meal and workout plan, even if it may seem difficult in the beginning.
The Take Back:
Be kind with yourself! That means your mind as well as your body. It’s absolutely essential to find a good balance, so don’t overdo it - remember, you’re looking for progress and not perfection, so don’t go all in right away either. But step-by-step, I know you can do it, I have faith in you! Because truly, it’s what your body needs, and what you really want. You just have to take the first step. So good luck, I wish you the best on your journey! And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out, because I’m more than happy to be a helping hand.
