For most of us, to maintain a healthy lifestyle is sometimes a herculean task. One moment, you seem to have everything under control, and the next, you fall back into bad habits of eating foods that are not good for your body. Phew! This endless cycle perfectly describes my journey, and even though I wrote an article on this in 2022 with the hope of getting it right, I am still in this battle.
This year, I have mostly focused on learning what works for my body- what to eat, cut out and how to live a healthy lifestyle daily. While I haven’t been as consistent as I would love to be, I have made considerable progress. Here are a few steps I have taken to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Nutrition— Understanding What Works For You
There is so much information out there about nutrition— what to eat, drink, and which diet plan to follow. But the most important thing is knowing what works for you. I tried out a couple of things before finally settling on a diet that works for me. The first thing I reduced was my sugar intake. Watching Dr Lustig talk about glucose on DOAC was an eye-opener for me. I also cut down significantly on refined carbs.
Over the years, I noticed that carbs made me add weight, but every time I ate less of them, the weight dropped off. It doesn’t help that our staple foods are mostly carbs. Right now, I am working on a low-carb diet; no, it’s not a Keto diet, I still eat rice, just not as often.
These days, rice is twice or thrice a week, pasta is maybe once in three weeks to a month, and bread is currently off my diet.
Not all diets are for you. I recently did a 3-day vegetable smoothie fast, and let’s just say I ate like a hungry lion the following week. It was like I had never seen food before. I was craving everything, including foods I had cut out of my diet. I realised that restrictive diets are not for me. At least not for now. While I am not ruling them out totally, I have decided to choose balance over extremes. Thankfully, I’ve settled back into my routine.
Now, I focus on reducing my portions, eating mostly fruits as my first meal, a regular meal for lunch, and salads or soups(pepper soup, okra soup, etc) for dinner, and it’s working just fine for me. I try to do intermittent fasting— the 16/8 window, from time to time.
So whatever it is— a 3-day water fast once every quarter, keto diet, vegan diet, portion control, or simply cutting out some particular foods, find out what works and stick to it. What is important is that you eat mostly whole foods and ensure your best beverage is water. Keeping your gut health clean will prevent some diseases.
Exercising to Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
I used to like going to the gym, but as some of the classes got harder and the sweaty armpits of people around me got smellier, I realised it was time to focus on my YouTube instructors. To say it was the best decision I made is an understatement. The joy of being able to control my time and do workouts that align with me made it an overall great experience.
I found a few good workouts on YouTube; a mix of aerobics and strength exercises, that get the job done without my heart bursting out of its position. In addition to my workouts, I try to take brisk walks at least twice or thrice weekly. Some of the benefits I have experienced from exercising are increased energy, increased productivity, boosted mood, better bowel movement and better sleep. Let me also add that I have lost 2 inches around my waist (I don’t know why it’s so slow. Phew!).
So, if you haven’t been exercising, please start now, even if it’s a 30-minute walk daily. Your body will thank you.
Regular Health Check-Ups
Recently, a friend of mine told me how she had gone for her yearly health checkup. After doing the necessary tests, she found out she was pre-diabetic. She immediately changed her lifestyle, cut out sugar, reduced her carb intake and dropped two dress sizes. Now, her blood sugar is back to normal, and she’s healthier than she has ever been. For those that might not know, prediabetes is when the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be treated as type 2 diabetes.
If she hadn’t taken the time to go for her yearly medical check-up, it could have been another story. But thank God she did. The importance of going to check your health status cannot be overemphasised. It has saved many from illnesses that could have affected their health.
How many times do we say we would go to the hospital but never book that appointment? and then postpone it to the next year? I am guilty of this as I have been planning to go for the past two months. I will definitely do mine before the year runs out. If you haven’t done yours, you still have some time too.
Find A Community Of Health Enthusiasts.
Being part of a supportive community can play an important role in your health journey. I have found motivation through connecting with other people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am part of a group where we check on each other and sometimes share pictures of our meals. Recently, a friend of mine and I started taking evening walks together. And the fact that we chat while brisk walking, even as we catch our breath, makes time fly faster. So yes! If you have people who can motivate you, join them already.
Mindfulness and Stress Management
Mindfulness has been a total game changer for me when it comes to stress and overall health. Taking a moment to pause, breathe and focus on the present helps me calm down and get through the day. Stress is a part of life, but how we respond to it matters. Practising gratitude and not overthinking everything, especially things beyond my control has been liberating.
There was a season when I worked late almost every night, which affected my productivity the next day. Once I started prioritising sleep, everything changed. I felt more relaxed, had more energy, and could think more clearly.
Now, I make sure I get enough rest, and I don’t worry too much about things I can’t control. Sleep, calm, and focus on positive things are little steps that can have an impact on you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try getting enough rest and letting go of unnecessary worries. It works.
It’s Not About You Alone
Remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just about you but your family. I watched my mom take care of herself over the years. She cut out sugar from her diet, cooked with less oil, ate mostly whole foods, and exercised. Now, at the age of 79, she is very healthy and strong. She still cooks her food and takes walks to the supermarket near her house.
There has been no cause for her to be admitted at the hospital because she’s always in good health. I’m grateful to God for keeping her, but I am also grateful to her for maintaining her health. This has saved us the trouble of going from one hospital to another. I am now learning to emulate her. Ultimately, prioritising our health will not only benefit us but also bring peace of mind to family and friends.
What changes have you made recently to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Please share in the comments.
No Comments