Hi readers!
I like to think that I'm generally a healthy person. Given, I never was a healthy person in previous years. Let me explain.
I was the type who wasn't particularly comfortable with my body up until recent years. I remember being in second grade and thinking I needed to go on a diet. I was never overweight. I was your typical kid--ran outside, took dance classes, full of life and energy. But I felt that I wasn't "perfect" unless I was stick thin, Vogue model skinny. This ideology carried with me for several years.
I tried all sorts of "fad diets" but most of them resulted in being thin, celebrating, and then gaining the weight back (again, I was never overweight).
I don't know what it was. I've had so many positive influences in my life over the past few years, so maybe that contributed, or maybe it was starting this blog and losing a fear of sharing myself with the world, but whatever it was I'm not sure. I woke up one day realizing that it was more important to be healthy over "skinny". For me, I started with cutting out sugar (I'm not saying everyone should do this, I mainly did it for health reasons like headaches and whatnot. It's a whole other story honestly). After a few painful days of withdrawals, I felt so, so much better. I was energetic. I wasn't falling asleep in class, I had this new energy and positivity. No, I'm not completely saying that the lack of glucose instantly made me a new person, but it was the start to a healthy lifestyle.
You see, my thirteen year-old self didn't realize that a healthy lifestyle was way more important than having a thin body. If being healthy lead me to my goal weight, then great. If not, that's ok. I'm focused on taking care of myself above all.
These tips won't help you lose 20 pounds by tomorrow, or get a bikini body in a week. These are my tips from personal experiences on how to life your most happy and positive life!
I like to think that I'm generally a healthy person. Given, I never was a healthy person in previous years. Let me explain.
I was the type who wasn't particularly comfortable with my body up until recent years. I remember being in second grade and thinking I needed to go on a diet. I was never overweight. I was your typical kid--ran outside, took dance classes, full of life and energy. But I felt that I wasn't "perfect" unless I was stick thin, Vogue model skinny. This ideology carried with me for several years.
I tried all sorts of "fad diets" but most of them resulted in being thin, celebrating, and then gaining the weight back (again, I was never overweight).
I don't know what it was. I've had so many positive influences in my life over the past few years, so maybe that contributed, or maybe it was starting this blog and losing a fear of sharing myself with the world, but whatever it was I'm not sure. I woke up one day realizing that it was more important to be healthy over "skinny". For me, I started with cutting out sugar (I'm not saying everyone should do this, I mainly did it for health reasons like headaches and whatnot. It's a whole other story honestly). After a few painful days of withdrawals, I felt so, so much better. I was energetic. I wasn't falling asleep in class, I had this new energy and positivity. No, I'm not completely saying that the lack of glucose instantly made me a new person, but it was the start to a healthy lifestyle.
You see, my thirteen year-old self didn't realize that a healthy lifestyle was way more important than having a thin body. If being healthy lead me to my goal weight, then great. If not, that's ok. I'm focused on taking care of myself above all.
These tips won't help you lose 20 pounds by tomorrow, or get a bikini body in a week. These are my tips from personal experiences on how to life your most happy and positive life!
1. Drink a hecka lot of water!
I know, you've seen this eeevryyywhere. But it's true! Drinking water has so many benefits. Brighter skin, no more muscle cramps, not to mention the simple joy of being hydrated! Buy a cute water bottle so you can have a new accessory to carry around with you. Personally, I love Klean Kanteen water bottles and for the summer, cute tumblers! My sister bought me a Lily Pulitzer one for my birthday and I love being able to have an adorable accessory AND carry my water around!! (I am starting to sound like an infomercial. I'm sorry).
2. Gradually replace junk
Instead of reaching for that bag of chips when you're hungry, go for some fruit! I used to pig out on chips or Goldfish or granola bars after school but I soon realized that A) it made me feel gross and B) I was super full when dinner came around. Now I typically go for some raspberries or an apple or a light snack, such as popcorn. Swapping the junk for a more refreshing, even natural food will make you feel better and even more motivated!
3. Don't be afraid of new recipes
Check out some new and healthier recipes! I personally love Pinterest for this (and every aspect of my life). Pinterest has introduced me to the beautiful smoothie bowl (smoothie bowl post coming soon) and soooo many other recipes I would've never been open to in the past! Make a Pinterest board to compile all of your findings and save to easily access later. Considering I have trouble making boxed mac & cheese, I don't think I'm the right blog to provide you with recipes but Pinterest will provide a copious amount of healthy, yummy meals & snacks!
4. Just! Do! It!
This is more of a mentally healthy tip. When you say you're going to do something, or if you have a task that needs to be done, just do it! Or at least get it started. I've been doing my homework on Saturdays for the past few weekends (gross, right?) but it makes my weekends so much more enjoyable knowing that it's done and over with. I promise you that maybe that one task might suck, but it'll feel so much better when it's done and you're not stressing over it (and this is coming from the queen procrastinator).
5. Become a "morning person"
Sound impossible? I know. I am the least bit a morning person. But creating a few habits to make mornings a little easier makes a big difference. Stay off social media when you eat breakfast or sip your coffee. Have a quiet time. Turn on some jams. Whatever floats your goat. Just try to start your day with a clear mind. You can't create when your canvas is full of unnecessary paint.
6. Get Movin
I danced for eight years, so as a kid, it was awesome to have something to keep me moving. But now that I'm older and am only enrolled in one ballet class (which I'll be quitting once the season is over), I find myself sitting around a lot. Most of my interests (art, blogging, reading, history, writing) don't require too much movement. So just a few weeks ago, I joined the gym! Finding something that can get you moving will not only be beneficial to your fitness health, but also is a huge stress reliever. Whether it's simply watching YouTube fit videos, or going to local yoga classes, or even joining a gym, any little bit helps. You'll never regret working out! If you're like me, and you're intimidated of the gym, bring along a friend! My mom is a gym guru so she got me acquainted with the equipment and how the whole "gym" thing goes. (bonus: for yoga videos, I love Yoga with Adriene .
7. Stop glorifying "busy" and take care of yourself
Yes, I know you have 12 AP classes and play four different sports and still have stellar grades. But taking time to yourself to breathe is way more important than people say. Take an hour out of your day to do something you love. Read a book that you love. I know, it sounds ridiculous. But you'll be so much more successful knowing that you got adequate sleep and are ready to conquer the world running on more than just coffee.
I really, really hope these tips help you. Bringing positivity into your life and welcoming a healthy lifestyle is so, so important; I cannot stress that enough.
I hope to be blogging a lot more since summer is coming in just a few more weeks and I have so many ideas for this summer! Ciao readers, as always, I wish you the best.
xx,
Sarah
I really, really hope these tips help you. Bringing positivity into your life and welcoming a healthy lifestyle is so, so important; I cannot stress that enough.
I hope to be blogging a lot more since summer is coming in just a few more weeks and I have so many ideas for this summer! Ciao readers, as always, I wish you the best.
xx,
Sarah