Healthier Living

Every year we set goals of what we want to fix or do better in the new year. Among the things on the list include to live healthier and break some cycles. It's to the extent that a person makes declarations, such as joining a gym or program to ensure we are working out and eating right. We sometimes find that we start strong on these diets and see some results, and then we fall back into bad habits because our decisions were temporary fixes. Then we go through the emotion of how I get here, I got to get back in the zone, and I don’t know how to. We get to the point that we become defeated.

Well, that has been me several times. I have always been plus size for the majority of my life. I am from the south, so we have every southern meal you can think of, and there is always a reason to gather to eat. As I got older, I realized that my view of food was unhealthy, and I needed to break the cycle. See, I enjoyed food like there was no tomorrow or any consequence. When I moved north, I started to be more conscious of my eating habits and my exercise. During my process, I became vegan in which I committed to for five years.

During that time, I was able to see how my body reacted to the food I put in. I started like most vegans on a challenge trying to do a reset to my system and saw that my body responded well to it. I was not having any flare-ups, my skin was clear, and I was losing weight. However, it took a few attempts before I became vegan. See, first time, though I saw some changes, my mind wasn't there, so I tried to incorporate meat back in and get back on a regular diet. I quickly found that my body didn’t process particular foods as well after eating clean. I saw that with different types of foods, my body became sluggish, broke the food down slowly, and felt like it was just sitting in the stomach. So, I went back on another challenge where I went longer without meat and dairy and saw great results. But I wasn't completely ready to go without meat, so I tried to add back, and this time when I tried to eat meat again, I got sick. So, my diets of being a vegan for select periods became a lifestyle and no longer a diet. I tried different foods I never ate before and took the initiative to see what benefits the foods provide to my body. I checked labels to see what was in my food and became creative with my meals to not get bored. However, over time, I got bored and added seafood to my diet, where I became a pescatarian. With this change, I have become satisfied, but I still go back to vegan at times. So, I have had various experiences with different diets that helped me determine what works best for my body in my journey to healthy living.

Over the years, I have found that it is best to listen to your body when seeking a healthier lifestyle. Every diet doesn't work for everyone, so you cannot go off what someone else does. You have to take note of what your body is communicating with you. For instance, when I’m not watching what I eat or exercising, I’m fatigued, I’m not functioning properly at work, and my stress levels are through the roof. I have to listen to my body when the signs come, and I get moving on getting back on track. I also learned over the years that I have to fast periodically throughout the year, where I focus on juicing and smoothies to allow my body to take a break from certain foods like sugar and carbs. This understanding has provided me with the knowledge that we have to reassess our bodies because as we get older, we find that some lifestyle changes don't work. When encountering a lifestyle change, we want to enjoy it and not feel like a chore or diet. So that starts with changing our mindset about food and exercise. We have to embrace a lifestyle change and understand that it won't always be perfect. We can have room for things we like and not go overboard.

When encountering a lifestyle change, it is essential to have a system in place for yourself. That may include a support group that helps to keep you accountable. They can challenge and workout with you. They may even call you out when they see you slipping. The important part is you all are like minded individuals working towards the same goals of a healthier lifestyle. Another critical piece is the balance in which you take time for yourself, which may include journaling, reflection time, meditation, and prayer. This balance allows you to make sound decisions and be on point. Healthier lifestyle encompasses being at your best physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. All of those components are detrimental to an individual because it's apart of your identity and shows how in-tune you are to oneself. The final point is watching what you eat. Become accountable to yourself because you are what you eat. Try new foods and take the initiative to see the benefits they provide to your body. Know what foods are high in antioxidants and can keep your immune system intact. Take a cooking class or even share receives with others, so you remain open to trying new things.

Most importantly, listen to your body and how it responds. Life is to short, and we want to live life to the fullest, enjoying every moment treating ourselves like the kings and queens we are. Your body is a temple and requires a healthy lifestyle.

In this season, I pray that you take out the time you need for yourself. Began to live again and take action in becoming healthier. We all have a story that starts and ends differently. But we all can choose to be curse breakers and live healthier lifestyles.

Lord, I pray that you cover every individual that is reading this blog. I ask that you give them the tools to live their best life. Send them relationships that hold them accountable and encourage them in their journey to healthier living. Father, we ask that you begin to reveal the appropriate diet for children that agrees with their body. We pray Lord that you send balance in their life so that they may walk in their true identity to fulfill the purpose you have for them. Heal their bodies and restore them physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. In Jesus Name, Amen.