What does lifestyle even mean? It’s such a personal interpretation and not everyone’s looks the same, nor should it. My lifestyle doesn’t match my vegan neighbour’s and it doesn’t match Joe Blo down the street who lives off the fast food. And guess what? I still love them both and totally and completely respect their way of life.
MY lifestyle took a turn this New Year, because what is better than a New Years Resolution people?! Come on! But honestly, my life needed an upheaval. I’m a single mother of 5 in case you missed the memo and dude- if I’m not taking care of myself than who is?! And let me tell you that this staying up until 3am, only to be at 7am and snacking on goldfish crackers all day was doing me absolutely zero justice. Oh, don’t forget the wine I would chase it all down with because I so-totally-deserve it for living this insanely hectic life of mine. And when it wasn’t wine? You better believe it wasn’t water. Coke Zero for the win! *barf*
I wondered why my joints ached and why I was in such a constant brain fog. My nightly Netflix binges totally challenged my brain *insert sarcasm* and developed it into the top-notch organ it is today. Said no one ever.
I’m all for every lifestyle and everyone is so different but I KNEW I needed a serious change and it had to happen fast. Because guess what? I want to be around for my kids. I want to be fully present and ache-free at their games, events and milestones. This woman right here has to play Mommy & Daddy and needs to function at an all-time best. The pressure is so real. So, cue a lifestyle change.
I chose keto. And it’s not because I think it’s the best option out there, but it’s the most realistic for me. I like meat and I like hearty food to fill me up. I would 100% choose a nice cut of steak over a bowl of quinoa. I attempted plant-based for a short while but it wasn’t attainable for me. And I have the utmost respect for all my veggie-loving peeps- I try and do Meatless Monday as often as I can! I also don’t overkill it with the animal products. I mean, it is a part of every meal but it’s accompanied by a larger serving of vegetable. Veggies are the circle of freakin life, my friends. And you know what? I’m feeling better. Weight loss has been an added bonus and it’s not coming off crazy fast, but the goal here is to FEEL better and have my body run better.
And water. Must drink all the water. I think this was absolutely the most difficult habit for me to form over the last month and a bit. But again, this is a massive game changer. As well is cutting the booze. I don’t NEED it and all ever did was skew my thoughts and actions. That was an easy one to kick. However, it doesn’t mean I won’t be toasting you with champagne. There’s a time and place for everything. š
I need to move more and have made the goal to start back at the gym. I will absolutely keep you updated on that progress and I’m sure it’ll be entertaining as all hell to get to know the equipment and exercises again. But you gotta start somewhere, even if it is the 5th attempted start! I also hear that you sleep better when you workout… fingers crossed.
And last but not least is the brain lifestyle. For me, that means therapy. Getting all my frustrations out in a safe place has been monumental and allowed me to place closure on many, many things that have been open for too long. And books. Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy soul.
At the end of the day, I needed to make a change and I’m more than confident my lifestyle will change as I evolve as a person. But my nasty ass divorce tore me down into a shameful rock bottom that took me a long time to decide that I was ready to dig myself out of. So that’s just it; Decide on what you want. Make a plan. Persevere the shit out of it. Every. Freaking. Day.
