Does Being Healthy Mean Eating Like A Rabbit?

Hello Empty Nester!

Now that the house is empty it’s time to take care of yourself.  If you’re like me you’ve neglected yourself while taking care of everyone else. I know I managed to add a few (uh hmm, several) pounds, lost sight of who I am and basically became last on my list.

That’s why I started this site 😉 . To get back to my healthy weight, figure out who I want to be now and to begin putting myself first.  I even purchased a planner to help me (hopefully) follow a plan. The one I’m currently using allows you to add in extra pages, such as meal planning pages or fitness and weight loss pages, like these.

Let me ask you this. When you think of being healthy, do you think of eating salads for every meal, dieting on some new outrageous weight loss plan or drinking tasteless protein drinks every day? Do think of the emaciated Victoria’s Secret model or the Dove Chocolates ad?

Does it mean exercising hours a day?

Is being healthy just about how your body looks?

I don’t think so.

I believe being healthy means you are in balance between your mind, body and soul. It means eating mindfully in moderation while being active doing things you enjoy. It means a healthy relationship with yourself, others and your spirit.

Being healthy comes from within. It’s not about your body size or shape, or how toned you are. Health begins on the inside and radiates beyond our physical body. When we have a healthy mind, body and spirit, we radiate happiness and confidence.

That’s why I journal my thoughts daily. I’ve been doing this more consistently in the last year as I’ve had a lot of changes in my life and emotions that are all over the place.

How do you Achieve a Healthy Balance?

It’s not as hard as you might think. It’s learning and actively doing the things necessary to be healthy and make you feel confident and well.

You can achieve a healthy balance in several ways.

Eat Healthy

Instead of stressing about the next diet you should be doing because you think you need to look like a fashion model, go for a healthy way of eating. This includes real foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein all in moderation. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the occasional piece of cake, though. I have to have my chocolate regularly.

Get Annual Check-ups

Get annual check-ups to address annoying problems like allergies, aches and pains. Go through the physical wellness exams needed every year.

Make Daily Wellness A Priority

Daily wellness can include your overall sense of well-being: are you pain-free?

It includes how we feel emotionally or mentally: are you happy or stressed? Are you taking care of yourself -meaning do you take care of your needs?

Do you mindfully put on your lotion or take time each day to meditate or pray?Do you use aromatherapy to help you relax?

Are you using a planner or journal to help you prioritize what’s important and to release what’s pressing on your mind?

It includes taking care of our bodies  everyday: are you eating clean, unprocessed foods and getting some form of physical activity everyday? Are you taking vitamins or drinking herbal teas?

It includes relationships: are you cultivating healthy relationships with your spouse or significant other, your family and friends and your social circle?

Do you tell your loved ones how much they mean to you regularly? Do you avoid people who are negative and bring you down?

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

Shift your thoughts from fears, negativity, worries, and insecurities about how your exterior looks to how you feel. Simply by eating clean and healthy, managing stress and getting regular, enjoyable physical activity you begin to take care of your health.

How do You Define Healthy? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment  below or connect with me on my Facebook page or join my Facebook group where we explore how we’re feeling, get tips and support on dealing with the overwhelm of living in an empty nest.

Hugs,

Carol