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8 Things You Should Pay Attention to Daily to Steward Your Health
30 September, 20153 Min Read
Many of you know I’m in the process of losing the baby weight and cleaning up my diet / lifestyle. Working at my local Farmers Market and heading an organization that is all about food freedom and the right every individual has to make personal health choices, this has done wonders in the accountability department and keeping me on track!
So far, my healthy eating and living endeavors are coming along nicely – at the moment I’m losing an average of 2 pounds a week, all while eating good, clean, local, raw and whole foods.
While expanding my relationships with the farmers and manufacturers who grow and make my food – my work, my volunteer time and this blog have all given me some awesome know-your-farmer opportunities – I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I choose to eat and why.
I think I can safely assume that we are all in pursuit of happier, healthier, more fulfilled versions of ourselves. What we eat, drink, read, watch and do is either putting us on the path to happiness, health and fulfillment… or it’s not.
While there are many things out of our control, workouts and food choices are very much under our control. We get to decide how we are going to spend our time, and what we will eat at each meal. It is in our hands, and we each make daily choices that either bring us closer to our goals or prevent us from attaining them.
My personal focus is on eating nutritionally packed whole, raw, non-GMO, pesticide free, fair trade, ethically sourced and preferably local foods. Instead of avoiding potatoes or fruit as too starchy, too sugary, too fill-in-the-blank, I’m just focusing – for now – on eating REAL foods. I’ve also joined the gym, where I’ve been sampling the group glasses twice a week (yoga, kickboxing, dance, cycling, etc.) and haven’t yet settled on any one routine.
And it got me to thinking – there is no one ideal way of exercising or eating that is perfect for everyone. One person’s nourishment and fuel can be another person’s poison. Foods and workouts can produce different reactions in different people. From personal preference to allergies to sensitivities to disabilities, we’re all unique and our diets and health routines should reflect that.
Because of these individual differences, preferences, and proclivities it is up to us as individuals to decide which foods work for us and which ones simply cannot be a part of our diets.
The biggest thing I’ve gleaned in this journey to health and wellness, is that when it comes to fine-tuning our diets and lifestyles it is important to listen to our bodies.
After eating a particular food, adding or discontinuing a supplement, or engaging in a new exercise regimen, these are the eight big things to pay attention to:
1. Aches, pains, or general discomfort.
2. Changes in mood, whether positive or negative.
3. Changes in skin. Are you breaking out? Is your skin clearer? Is your skin irritated, rosier, drier, dewy? Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
4. Changes in hair. Do you have thicker, fuller hair? Hair loss? Is your hair dull or shiny? Limp or lifeless? Dry and damaged?
5. Changes in sleep. Are you sleeping through the night? Waking up frequently? Is it easier or harder to fall asleep and stay asleep? Do you feel rested upon waking?
6. Energy levels. Do you feel energized throughout the day? Do you experience midafternoon lulls? Do you crave a nap during work hours?
7. How often do you use the bathroom? How healthy are your eliminations? Is your urine clear? Are your bowel movements solid, but not hard?
8. Workout performance. Are you seeing overall improvements over time? Are you experiencing success in proportion to the effort you’re putting out?
I’m still learning that figuring out what works is not a one time endeavor. I fully expect to make adjustments over the course of my entire lifetime. But I am committed to get on track with healthy habits and know the parameters of what works for me. I’m going to stay vigilant and keep listening to my bodies cues!
What about you? How “in tune” are you with what your body needs / wants / requires? Share below!
Losing two pounds a week is fabulous, Gingi. It sounds like you’re doing this the healthy way. Dieting doesn’t work, it’s all about a long term lifestyle. This is a great post.
Great post! There are some things here we don’t necessarily think about, like hair. I have a friend whose daughter has been experiencing thinning hair and they are trying now to figure out if it was a dietary change or something else. Very important to know your own body.
You know spotting these changes really can make such a difference in safeguarding your health. Thanks for the reminder, I need to pay attention to my health just as much as I focus on the kid’s health.
I definitely pay attention to my skin – how can you not, when you always look in the mirror, ha ah! Last week it definitely was worse than this week – AKA: hormones!!!!
I’ve never been much into dieting with fad diets. I prefer to eat less and exercise. While I live in Indiana and don’t have access to your type of “Farmer’s Market” food, I do try to eat somewhat healthy in portions and time of day. The suggestions you make are excellent.
You are an inspiration 🙂 I have a very far way to go still, but I too slowly endeavor to make my way towards cleaner food and a healthier lifestyle. Me and my boyfriend are planning to move away from the city in a few years to the less polluted countryside and I want to try growing my own food. But that’s only a dream for now.
And it got me to thinking – there is no one ideal way of exercising or eating that is perfect for everyone. One person’s nourishment and fuel can be another person’s poison. Foods and workouts can produce different reactions in different people. From personal preference to allergies to sensitivities to disabilities, we’re all unique and our diets and health routines should reflect that.
I think this is one of the most important things to remember when attempting a healthier lifestyle, but sadly many people tend to forget it and think that there are universal exercises or foods that will help one to get in shape and be healthier. I have first hand experience on how untrue this really is. A few years ago my friends went through a health craze and adopted a wide range of foods to consume and things to do. I tried to go along and also accommodated their dietary restrictions when I cooked for them. Whilst they said they were loosing weight and feeling better than ever, I felt bloated and my legs were itching all the time. It turned out that their diet was very rich in nickel to which I am unfortunately allergic to… Nowadays I try to find my own way and don’t go with every dietary craze that pops up among my friends and/or family.
Anyway, Good luck with the weight loss and everything to you!
How exciting!! I dream of owning lots and lots of land in the country someday! But for now, I’m just working out my little parcel of property to be more eco-friendly and sustainable! It’s actually amazing what you can grow in a small space!
And your story just NAILS IT. I used to approach diets as a one size fits all type of thing… and that is just so foolish. We’re all unique. And that’s a wonderful thing. Getting back to basics is a great approach for everyone, but once to the basics, it’s something you need to tailor to yourself! <3
Gingi, the one think I tell people about eating is that they need to eat food in it’s basic form… once I started eating like that, I lost weight… I ate very unhealthy before and I love how you just break it down.. so what if you have a potato… as long as it is fresh and not canned or boxed somehow. We as a nation or world eat unhealthy food and don’t even think twice. How eye opening it is to change. Also exercise, I love what you said, we either move towards our goals or away from them… it really is that easy. We just need to make the choice (not always easy but so important xox
Yeah, back when I started “dieting” before really learning about food, I was terrified of breads and potatoes.. now I see how silly fearing food is. It’s about getting back to basic and eating REAL food, and choosing what works!
I am so glad I saw a tweet that landed me back here. Been a while! All GREAT points! And they all relate to just being aware of yourself and changes in your body. You are doing fantastic with your journey! Hats off!
I feel like my skin is so telling. When I go through very stressful times, I get pimples.. but never ever other times. No dryness or anything.
And I pay attention to urine color for sure!
Gingi, you are doing fabulous loosing 2 pounds a week my friend….that is safe and awesome progress. Good for you! Great post. I think the way you do about health and wellness and definitely pay attention to my mood and skin. I think it’s always a battle…..small changes that pay off big time in the long run!
Yeah.. ever since eating healthy, whole and superfoods, my skin has gotten SO CLEAR… never thought to look at healthy eating as a means to beauty enhancement, haha… it’s the biggest and most immediate payoff I’m noticing.. (still trying to lose clothing sizes, haha)
For me it’s all about the instinct level and it always works best for me. I try to pay attention to every change in my food, supplements or work out regimen and if it doesn’t work stop it. I think we should always listen to our bodies and never force ourselves do something if it can potentially harm us.
That’s a great list of things to pay attention to. In the past, I’ve mostly paid attention only to my energy levels, skin, and workout performance. But I definitely need to start thinking about the quality of my hair, changes in moods, and bathroom trips. I think it’s easy to overlook things you do on a daily basis and forget that subtle changes can be an indication of progress.
Hi again … I checked, and my first comment didn’t come through!
My five simple health tips are:
I eat low carb no more than 50g per day
I eat moderate protein
I eat higher healthy fats such as butter, avocado
I exercise regularly
I try to keep a good sleep pattern
These tips have worked well for me over the past seven years and have also been brilliant for my Type 2 diabetic husband, because it keeps blood sugars level with no un-necessary spikes.
Very interesting to read your points too … thank you.
When I am in tune with my body I feel so good. I know when I’m thirsty, when I’m hungry, and when I didn’t sleep enough. When I tune out and stop listening, aspect of my life suffers. My mood changes, I eat when I really should be drinking, and I always feel tired. I agree that it really makes such a difference when you start taking care of your body and listening to what it’s telling you!
We’ve changed our diets for the better in the past few years and I definitely feel healthier because of it. My husband jokingly complains when he can’t eat some of his old favorites because I’ve gotten him used to healthier versions. That makes me happy!
Losing two pounds a week is fabulous, Gingi. It sounds like you’re doing this the healthy way. Dieting doesn’t work, it’s all about a long term lifestyle. This is a great post.
Its crazy though.. I know 2 pounds a week is good progress… but human nature – I keep wanting to be in shape NOW lol..
Great post! There are some things here we don’t necessarily think about, like hair. I have a friend whose daughter has been experiencing thinning hair and they are trying now to figure out if it was a dietary change or something else. Very important to know your own body.
I’m experiencing thinning hair right now… I know its common after pregnancy, so I’m trying to gauge food choices / vs hormonal issues, you know? lol
Oh, this is a keeper, for sure, friend.
Thanks for the heads up on things to keep an eye on, to be aware of, to respond to. It’s not just about numbers on a scale that go up or down.
Super insight …
Some great info and truly helpful suggestions here. Thanks Gingi!
You know spotting these changes really can make such a difference in safeguarding your health. Thanks for the reminder, I need to pay attention to my health just as much as I focus on the kid’s health.
Isn’t that how it usually goes? Focus on the kids and forget to think of ourselves, lol..
I definitely pay attention to my skin – how can you not, when you always look in the mirror, ha ah! Last week it definitely was worse than this week – AKA: hormones!!!!
lol, you’d be surprised! Some people don’t link diet to food… and there is def a link!
I’ve never been much into dieting with fad diets. I prefer to eat less and exercise. While I live in Indiana and don’t have access to your type of “Farmer’s Market” food, I do try to eat somewhat healthy in portions and time of day. The suggestions you make are excellent.
Great tips, dear! Guess I’ve to pay more attention to my daily diet & more……. xoxo
These are all great points. I’ve been trying to teach my kids the same!
That’s actually my biggest motivating factor… I want to be able to teach my kids by DOING.. not just SAYING…
Oh, and I think some people tend to ignore any weird body issues going on out of fear of what may be wrong. Totally the wrong thing to do!
Great tips! I do sometimes forget to pay attention to my body, health etc., so this post really reminded me of that. xx
Sara Wallflower
amazing post, as always!:) have a good day!
mfashionfreak♥blog
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<3
These are great tips- we have to keep an eye on what our bodies are telling us, for sure. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
You are an inspiration 🙂 I have a very far way to go still, but I too slowly endeavor to make my way towards cleaner food and a healthier lifestyle. Me and my boyfriend are planning to move away from the city in a few years to the less polluted countryside and I want to try growing my own food. But that’s only a dream for now.
And it got me to thinking – there is no one ideal way of exercising or eating that is perfect for everyone. One person’s nourishment and fuel can be another person’s poison. Foods and workouts can produce different reactions in different people. From personal preference to allergies to sensitivities to disabilities, we’re all unique and our diets and health routines should reflect that.
I think this is one of the most important things to remember when attempting a healthier lifestyle, but sadly many people tend to forget it and think that there are universal exercises or foods that will help one to get in shape and be healthier. I have first hand experience on how untrue this really is. A few years ago my friends went through a health craze and adopted a wide range of foods to consume and things to do. I tried to go along and also accommodated their dietary restrictions when I cooked for them. Whilst they said they were loosing weight and feeling better than ever, I felt bloated and my legs were itching all the time. It turned out that their diet was very rich in nickel to which I am unfortunately allergic to… Nowadays I try to find my own way and don’t go with every dietary craze that pops up among my friends and/or family.
Anyway, Good luck with the weight loss and everything to you!
How exciting!! I dream of owning lots and lots of land in the country someday! But for now, I’m just working out my little parcel of property to be more eco-friendly and sustainable! It’s actually amazing what you can grow in a small space!
And your story just NAILS IT. I used to approach diets as a one size fits all type of thing… and that is just so foolish. We’re all unique. And that’s a wonderful thing. Getting back to basics is a great approach for everyone, but once to the basics, it’s something you need to tailor to yourself! <3
Gingi, the one think I tell people about eating is that they need to eat food in it’s basic form… once I started eating like that, I lost weight… I ate very unhealthy before and I love how you just break it down.. so what if you have a potato… as long as it is fresh and not canned or boxed somehow. We as a nation or world eat unhealthy food and don’t even think twice. How eye opening it is to change. Also exercise, I love what you said, we either move towards our goals or away from them… it really is that easy. We just need to make the choice (not always easy but so important xox
Yeah, back when I started “dieting” before really learning about food, I was terrified of breads and potatoes.. now I see how silly fearing food is. It’s about getting back to basic and eating REAL food, and choosing what works!
I always pay attention how my skin look like.
Great tips.
jointyicroissanty
Not sure if my original comment came through …
I will come back and check soon!
All the best Jan
I am so glad I saw a tweet that landed me back here. Been a while! All GREAT points! And they all relate to just being aware of yourself and changes in your body. You are doing fantastic with your journey! Hats off!
Yay! Glad to see you back! Missed you! <3
I feel like my skin is so telling. When I go through very stressful times, I get pimples.. but never ever other times. No dryness or anything.
And I pay attention to urine color for sure!
Gingi, you are doing fabulous loosing 2 pounds a week my friend….that is safe and awesome progress. Good for you! Great post. I think the way you do about health and wellness and definitely pay attention to my mood and skin. I think it’s always a battle…..small changes that pay off big time in the long run!
Yeah.. ever since eating healthy, whole and superfoods, my skin has gotten SO CLEAR… never thought to look at healthy eating as a means to beauty enhancement, haha… it’s the biggest and most immediate payoff I’m noticing.. (still trying to lose clothing sizes, haha)
For me it’s all about the instinct level and it always works best for me. I try to pay attention to every change in my food, supplements or work out regimen and if it doesn’t work stop it. I think we should always listen to our bodies and never force ourselves do something if it can potentially harm us.
http://www.StripesNVibes.com
BlogLovin
That’s a great list of things to pay attention to. In the past, I’ve mostly paid attention only to my energy levels, skin, and workout performance. But I definitely need to start thinking about the quality of my hair, changes in moods, and bathroom trips. I think it’s easy to overlook things you do on a daily basis and forget that subtle changes can be an indication of progress.
That’s so true.. I always look back at when I started to put on weight, and it’s so hard to pinpoint the “change”…
Aw such an interesting and useful post! Thanks for sharing!
xx
cvetybaby.com
Hi again … I checked, and my first comment didn’t come through!
My five simple health tips are:
I eat low carb no more than 50g per day
I eat moderate protein
I eat higher healthy fats such as butter, avocado
I exercise regularly
I try to keep a good sleep pattern
These tips have worked well for me over the past seven years and have also been brilliant for my Type 2 diabetic husband, because it keeps blood sugars level with no un-necessary spikes.
Very interesting to read your points too … thank you.
Have a good weekend
All the best Jan
I am trying to incorporate more healthy fats – especially avocado since it’s in season! Great points! <3
When I am in tune with my body I feel so good. I know when I’m thirsty, when I’m hungry, and when I didn’t sleep enough. When I tune out and stop listening, aspect of my life suffers. My mood changes, I eat when I really should be drinking, and I always feel tired. I agree that it really makes such a difference when you start taking care of your body and listening to what it’s telling you!
Yeah, I see the biggest difference in my mood, and I tend to bloat with unhealthy foods… but mood is generally my #1 indicator that something is off!
We’ve changed our diets for the better in the past few years and I definitely feel healthier because of it. My husband jokingly complains when he can’t eat some of his old favorites because I’ve gotten him used to healthier versions. That makes me happy!