Healthy Living Toolbox

I have a bag of tricks!  Not magic tricks, but tricks to help me in this journey.  My tools may not be what you are looking for but it’s what is working for me.  My first tool is Shakeology.

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I love Shakeology!  It’s fast, easy and it really does taste good.  For me it works because I can use it as a snack or a meal.  It helps keep my blood sugar regulated and it keeps me full too!  There have been times I’ve used it more than once a day, to save me from a bad snack choice.  My current flavor is vanilla, but the chocolate and strawberry are good too!

My next tool in my healthy tool box is my scale.  Yes I really said my scale.  It is not the enemy if you know how to use it.

 

If you are one who obsesses over numbers then the scale will be a challenge at first.  I’m learning trust me!  The scale is important because it can show your progress.  But your mindset has to be “it’s only a number.”  There are many things that can make the scale numbers change and to be mindful of those things is a healthy way to use the scale.

Next comes the measuring tape.

This little baby can be your best friend when the scale isn’t making you happy!!!  Sometimes as we exercise we will lose inches while the numbers on the scale don’t change.  Keep one of these handy and record your measurements.  As you exercise and eat healthy you’ll see the measurements change!!!

Water water everywhere!  This is a must in a healthy toolbox.  You must stay hydrated.  I’m not sure you can drink enough water!  I try really hard to get at least 100 ounces a day.  I do better on somedays than others, but 100 is the goal!

 

Healthy food is a must, plenty of fruits and veggies to make you healthy and strong (that’s what my kids say!)

There’s a phrase to Eat the Rainbow. If you try each day to eat fruits and veggies in the colors of the rainbow you’ll be getting what you need.  You will feel fuller and you’re less likely to reach for junk food.  Healthy food is a must!  When searching for healthy food look for things that are full of fiber and natural goodness.  Also remember yummy food without a lot of extras added is the goal.  A kale salad is great, but if you drown it in fatty dressing….not so great!  Along with healthy food I use the 21 day fix containers to help me keep my portions under control.  See it’s eating a Rainbow!!!

   

 

So my next tool is a struggle and not really my favorite, but it’s necessary!  My next tool is exercise.  oh goodness, there I said it!  The E word!  Yes you can eat less and lose weight and not exercise, but I’m learning that if you want a firm body to follow along with you then you have to train yours.  So these are some of the DVDs I’m using.  I love PiYo, it’s a Yoga and Pilates combo that is low impact and really stretches your body.  I also like the 21 day fix workouts.  My favorite, who knew I’d have a favorite workout, is 10 min abs.  If you think you can’t work out in 10 minutes then you should try this!  You really will feel it!

 

And finally, and most importantly, I need a healthy self image in my healthy toolbox.  I like who I am, no matter the weight.  If I don’t like myself before starting the process, the process is going to be harder.   It’s taken a lot for me to say that.  I have not always been my biggest fan, but trust me, if you like who you are where you are, it’s easier to make changes.

This journey is not easy.  It will be, and has been worth it so far.  In the end you have to find the things that make you successful. You have to surround yourself with people that will help you and encourage you as you work toward your goals.

So there you have it, my healthy toolbox.  I add to and take away as needed but these are the things that really stay put!  So now it’s your turn, tell me what’s in your healthy living tool box!  I’d love to know!