We are seven weeks in to the new year and I have implemented a small change each week. Each small change builds upon one another to help me with my goal of living a healthy and active lifestyle.
So far, I have made 7 healthy changes and have continued those changes the following week(s). I have made a commitment to eat a healthy breakfast upon waking (every day), drink more water (atleast half my body weight in ounces), take a daily multivitamin, eat more fiber (atleast 25g) , record my food in a food journal increase my protein and last weeks focus to eat five square meals a day.
As a busy mom I often find myself going too long between meals… or even *gasp* skipping meals. The hunger pains result in a cranky, hungry, Mama… and at times cranky, hungry kiddos. Having a plan to eat five healthy meals during the day by spacing them accordingly has helped ease that crankiness.
Via: 5 Meals A Day Infographic
My plan of action this past week was to eat a healthy breakfast (whole wheat bagel, hard boiled egg, cheese, juice), mid morning snack (2 clementine), lunch (varies), afternoon snack (protein bar), and a well balanced dinner.
Knowing that I was going to eat again in 2-3 hours reduced my desire to binge on unhealthy items. I eat small meals. When I did feel a hunger pain I drank my water or chewed gum. That hunger pain dissolved and shortly after it was time to eat again.
This journey the past few weeks has taught me a lot about myself. I am stronger than I think. I actually need to trust my body and listen to my body. By starting the day with a healthy breakfast, drinking my water, focusing on fiber & protein (keeping it all in balance), being aware of what I put in my mouth, and eating often to keep my metabolism going… I feel healthier, happier and more in control of my body than I have been in months!
The past 7 weeks I have focused on adding one small change each week covering the topic of nutrition. This coming week I am going to shift gears and begin goals focusing on movement.
This week my healthy change focus will be:
Get Routine Activity Each Day – Move!!
Living an active life improves the quality of life, reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. It can also help reduce your risk of some cancers, strengthen bones and muscles, improve your overall mood… and help prevent injury!
Baby steps. One small change at a time!
Commit to making regular movement throughout your day.
What small changes do you make during your day to MOVE MORE?
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
Love small meals! Pinned it. 😀
Emily B. says
What a great blog and post! You can tie your water drinking together with the moving more- I find that the more water I drink, the more I need to use the restroom, so the more I have to get up and walk to the restroom. Good luck, you’re doing great so far!
Kierston says
Small meals are perfect! You’re getting in all your essentials and keeping your body healthy. Great job with the new program 🙂
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
You have stumped me! I think the smallest change would be that FitBit. It allows me to see how much movement I’m actually getting during the day. I think that’s a good way to track it.
Steph @fitmomtraining says
Small meals throughout the day has always been a go-to for better eating for me. I find waiting for the next “big” meal always results in eating too much, feeling overfull and being cranky in between meals which almost always leads to the unhealthy snacks.