As I’m getting older, I find myself fighting to stay younger. I’m not ready to just sit back and grow old. I’m fighting it with every cell in my body. I know that what we put in our bodies can make a huge impact in our overall health, and that we are only as healthy as the food that we eat. So, I want to share with you my personal food goals to maximize youth and wellness. Some of this is similar to my longevity post, but here is how I personally implement these strategies for health and vitality.
The first three goals are my big ones. If nothing else, this is what I strive to do everyday. I know that these three things will keep me healthy and glowing.
1. Drink plenty of filtered water. This is the only drink that our bodies needs. In order to have glowing skin, we have to stay hydrated. My goal is eight glasses, but I have a hard time making this goal. Most days I get six glasses in, but having a goal of eight makes me continue drinking.
2. Drink a fresh fruit and vegetable smoothie daily. This is another way to drink to your health. In the winter, I find myself craving citrus, so my drink has had a lot of oranges, limes, and pineapple. Then I throw in a handful of spinach to make it green, and some chia seeds to keep me satisfied. When it’s warmer, my smoothies are heavy in berries.
3. Eat at least one large salad a day. You need your greens, and raw is best! Since I plan our meals, I know which evenings that we will be eating a salad with dinner. On the days that we aren’t having a salad at dinner, I make sure to eat one for lunch. Sometimes I get wild and have a salad at lunch and dinner.
Before becoming vegan, I was a longtime vegetarian. As a vegetarian, I did not eat veggies. Vegetables were just things that I threw into potatoes or pasta. I just really didn’t like them. I barely ate salad, and when I did it was iceberg lettuce covered in ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. Basically, I think I covered everything in ranch and cheese…. which may be why I never wanted to go vegan. You know what, though? Tastes change. I started watching documentaries and reading books about health, and it became clear to me that I needed to eat veggies. From there, I read cookbooks, and learned how to prepare them. Now, look at me. I’m a veggie loving vegan, who now gags at the smell of ranch dressing. Yeah… tastes really do change!
4. Reduce coffee. Yeah… this one has been tough. I used to drink about three cups of coffee a day, but now I max myself out at one cup. So, a lot of mornings, I’ll drink a chai tea instead, and I’ve come to love it!
5. Ditch the soda (Dad). I have succeeded at this one. Soda no longer has it’s grip on me!!!! I’m free!!!! If you are still drinking it, try reducing your soda intake daily. Try replacing one soda with a glass of water. The more water you drink, the less soda you will drink.
6. Exercise. Okay… my goal is five days a week, but I’ll be honest… It hasn’t happened yet. I’m still working on this one. It’s hard to make time with a busy schedule, but it’s important and I know that this is what I need to really step up my game! Can I start tomorrow? Just kidding!
7. Sleep. My goal is eight hours, but let’s be realistic… it’s difficult. I have children and a special needs dog, so most evenings I am up for someone. However, I do know how important it is. When I don’t get enough sleep, it’s really obvious in my appearance.
What are your food or health goals?… I want to know! Leave me a comment below!
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