When I wrote my 2015 end of the year check-in, I shared I wanted to sign up for a Krav Maga class, tone up my arms, and join a 5k race. Well in 2016, I finished my C25k app program and jogged a 5k around my local track. I tried a Krav Maga class because I had witnessed an act of domestic violence and stepped in to break it up. Afterwards, I realized that if that same person ever decided to come after me, I wouldn’t know how to defend myself, so I went to a class that same week. I also have slightly more toned arms than the year prior, but I have no photographic evidence.
But to be completely honest, 2016 was not a great year for me health wise. By November my body, mind, and spirit were in full revolt. The banged up and bloated version of myself led to an awakening of sorts, and I’ve decided to take a more mindful approach to my health and life this year.
In 2017 and moving forward in my life I’m adopting a “Feel Good” lifestyle. It’s not a diet plan, workout regimen, or goal. There are NO restrictions or demands! The only thing one needs to do is be brutally honest and graciously kind to themselves. It’s about discovering and using the knowledge of what makes you feel crappy or happy. I consider myself a pretty self-aware person, so here is what makes me feel crappy or happy.
CRAPPY
- Red meat and poultry
- Dairy
- High glycemic carbs
- Processed sugar
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Raw Garlic
- Strict diet and workout guidelines
- Unrealistic expectations
- 5 hours of sleep
- French Fries
- And more…
HAPPY
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Face Masks
- Shiatsu Massages
- Water especially Rose Water
- Excellent chocolate
- Tea
- A solid morning and bedtime routine
- French Fries
- And more…
This laundry list of awareness has made me conscious of the power of choice, and I’m choosing to avoid what makes me feel crappy (as much as possible). So, now on Friday’s I’m choosing to indulge in a face mask and bubble bath, instead of a burger and red wine. And french fries are on my happy and crappy list because my aim isn’t to deprive myself but to feel good. So when I REALLY want French fries, I go and enjoy my favorite French fries. But then I drink a lot of water, a digestive tea, and try to get to bed early in order to have a full 8 hours for my body to heal from the sodium overdose. I’m starting to truly understand that concept of life as a series of choices, and I could either choose to do something that will make me feel good or feel crappy.
I’m no longer on a mission to get fit for the inevitable Zombie apocalypse and have resigned to simply feeling awesome. I hope to share more of my health and fitness choices on Fit and Awesome this year. Now, that I have a plan for feeling good, maybe I’ll have the energy and motivation to share consistently.
Are you aware of something you could reduce or include in your life to make you feel happier and less crappy?
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