Those of you who know me are aware that I practice yoga as regularly as I can. I also workout at home and at the gym (whenever I can). Working out makes me feel good all over. It makes me feel fit and confident. Regular workout makes me feel lighter and gives me a healthier glow.
But like everyone else, I struggle to get that balanced diet. Although I don’t do it regularly, I eat fastfood chicken (not burgers). I also give in to sweet cravings from time-to-time. I’m an ice cream and cake person, but I sometimes love devouring chocolates, too. And I drink soda (especially during my period).
Then again, I also do not eat lechon anymore. And I eat more chicken and seafood than pork and beef. I don’t eat fat and pork skin like I used to. I’ve gotten used to this diet already, but I’m not really that satisfied yet.
I’ve been planning to go back to my “no-fried” diet, but I just cannot. It did me a lot of good, but it got to a point where I wasn’t eating enough anymore, just greens and carrots. So I went down to 97lbs. My doctor advised me to go back to eating rice at dinner, so I did (but only a half cup to one small cup usually). This was also what our family doctor said, especially because I worked out regularly. I followed their advise and it worked.
Anyway, now that I’m in my perimenopausal stage (pre-menopause), it seems like no matter how hard I workout and how strictly I follow my diet, it does not have the effect that I desire. I feel bloated all the time. Then my hypochondriac self would surface and I’d imagine feeling all sort of things and start to panic. This is why I decided to go back to my regular workout routine instead of the 15-30 minute mini-exercises I’ve been doing for months now. It has helped push away the negative thoughts and feelings. Positive energy flows around me nowadays.
Additionally, I also started drinking Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with pure honey. This may be a small thing for some, but it has done a lot of wonders for me.
Right now, I’m doing my best to go back to a healthier diet. I’m trying to lessen fastfood and soda intake. I’m adding more water to my diet, too. I try to sleep earlier and I now take note of my sweets intake. But I’m allowing myself a “cheat day” because I believe it will help me learn how to discipline myself when it comes to food.
I still cannot workout on a daily basis, but I do so at least three times a week. Also, in between work tasks, I squeeze some time for relaxation. I read a book, play on my phone, watch a TV series, or color. Relaxing helps reduce stress, which is a major contributor to an unhealthy lifestyle.
It’s perfect timing that I decided to do this healthier lifestyle switch this month because, as we all know, July is Nutrition Month all over the Philippines. This year’s theme (courtesy of the National Nutrition Council or NNC) is “Healthy Diet, Gawing Habit for Life!”, which is exactly what I am trying to do.
I don’t know if I will succeed or not, but I am determined to welcome whatever positive changes will come my way. I’m doing this because I love myself and I love life (and not because I want six pack abs!). I’m doing this because I want a happy life.
I’m not forcing you to do what I’m doing, but I want to remind you how valuable your life is and how special you are. Remember that we only have one life to live, so we should live it well.
Cheers to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Make healthy diet a part of your life. Make it a habit now!
