So, if you have been reading, you know that I am having some difficulty with my diet and other aspects of change in my life. I am trying to make some pretty big lifestyle changes that I think will benefit both me and my family. Again, if you have been reading you know my mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We found out today, that it is an invasive, semi-aggressive cancer. For me, this makes me concerned for her, concerned for me and my sisters and concerned for my niece and my daughter. As of now, 3 generations in a direct line have had breast cancer, this includes my great grandmother, my grandmother and her twin sister, and now my mom. There are also a number of other health issues that make me want to start changing my lifestyle now, while I am in my late 30's vs waiting for something to happen and then start making the changes. The biggest lifestyle changes are: diet, exercise, organization, and attempting to limit my stress.
Diet:
With regards to my diet, I am attempting to move more towards a plant based diet with some raw foods added in. I think that eating a more vegan diet will help my overall health and also since I seem not to tolerate dairy well, I think it will specifically help my digestion. I have been making a green smoothie for breakfast every day this week and have to say that since I have been doing that, I no longer have the daily headache that I was having for more than a week. Now, that just might be a coincidence since I was recovering form a monstrous cold/flu and was definitely dealing with sinus issues, but I haven't had a headaches since at least Monday, if not before that. Either way, I am no longer starting my day off with the carb loaded breakfast that I was used to. I think just starting off my day with something good and healthy is the right way to start any changes. I am still having some set backs, but given how I was eating before, I am finding that I am overall heating a more healthy diet, and I think I owe it all to starting my day off right!
Exercise:
I don't really have much to say on this yet. The winter here in the Boston area has been terrible. If we had had so much snow, I would have bundled the 3 kids up and taken them for walks, but there is just too much snow, and I am sure that the side walks would never fit a double wide stroller. And, having 3 kids with the oldest not quite 3, certainly makes exercising in the home that much more difficult. Since we are nearing the end of February, I am looking forward to the spring thaw. I can't wait to be able to get out with the kids and just walk. Maybe this will even be the year that I start running (wouldn't that be a nice goal to complete?). Now that the kids are older (right now they are 2 and almost 3), I'd like to maybe start taking them into the local hiking trails and going for mini hikes with them. I am going to try to set aside time to exercise in the house and see if I can include the kids in that process!
Organization:
Just a quick little note on organization. Right now, things are a little chaotic with changing schedules. We had cleaned up nicely for the twins' birthday party, then Tom and I got sick and the house was left a little more than it should have been. Now it's time to get back on track and keep it that way. This goal will ultimately help with the other goals that I want to work on.
Stress Relief:
This is, in large part, something that I really want to make a priority. Again, eating right, exercising, and being organized are all going to play a major role in this goal. I want to keep making sure that I find time for my hobbies. I think that in general, people don't take enough time to actually do the things that they enjoy. for me, this is doing something crafty. That means, while I am sitting watching tv, (or even better turn the tv off and do a project) I pull out some knitting, sewing, scrapbooking etc and work on completing the project at hand. I also want to actually start meditating and doing yoga. I just need to make time for this practice. I also want to make sure that I take time to spend alone time with my husband to ensure that our relationship stays strong.
Conclusion:
These are just some of the goals that I have in my head. I would also like to learn more about diet and nutrition. I am enjoying reading people blogs and finding out what are good resources to have to make the dietary changes that I want to make. I am so looking forward to meeting these goals and starting to make new ones. For now, though, I am working towards making changes that I can maintain in the long run!
Amy
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