Wellness Diary: Keeping Resolutions & Free People's New Made To Move Collection

Wellness Diary: Keeping Resolutions & Free People's New Made To Move Collection

Saturday, 20 April 2019

Pictured: High-rise bike shorts from Free People & yummy fresh panzanella ingredients on DesignLoveFest.

      So, we're almost halfway through the new year. You made your healthy resolutions in January, and for a while you did great, but now your motivation is dwindling and you're finding it a bit harder to stick to your goal plans. Sound familiar? I know it does to me!

This year, my resolutions are to eat out less and practice yoga regularly, but lately (okay, consistently), I've been struggling to keep it up. If you're like me and need a little pep talk to keep those goals, here are five ways you can keep your new year's resolutions going strong.

Start with a solid goal

It's time to step back and assess whether or not your goal is an attainable one. Maybe you set the bar a bit too high, or maybe you just weren't specific enough. That's okay! It's alright to modify something that isn't working for you. The foundation of building a good habit is starting with a resolution that is simple and realistic, and making a specific plan to complete it. I always say it's best to start with a smaller step and build on it. Instead of vowing to go to the gym every single day, why not start with promising to work out every Sunday and Wednesday at first?

Vent to a friend

When we're struggling with something, it can be tempting to bottle it up and put on a brave face, but it's totally okay to get support from your friends and loved ones! Let them know you're trying hard to make changes and vent out your frustrations. You might just feel lighter.

Track your progress

Tracking your progress is by far the best way to make a new habit stick. I use the Productive app on my phone to see where I need to focus my efforts more. I also use Pacifica, which has an awesome healthy habits tracker.

Celebrate small victories

Treat yourself when you hit milestones in your goals. Rewards can be anything from your fave food to buying yourself a little gift; the important thing is acknowledging your progress and associating it with something nice.

Be patient

Be patient with both the process and yourself. Building a habit is a long-term endeavour, so don't beat yourself up if you go off track or skip your healthy habit for a few days. This will only lead to major discouragement and zap your motivation. Instead, stay positive and give yourself time to rest if you need it. Have the same compassion for yourself that you'd have for a friend. Remember, it's about the journey, not the outcome!

With these tips and a little work, you'll have your resolutions back on track in no time!

Relevant links:

Smashed Potato Appetizer - Potatoes are my fave veggie, so I had to include this recipe.

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich - Hummus, artichoke, and greens.

What's The Deal With Gua Sha? - How you can practice this self-care ritual.

Diet & Depression: What Research Tells Us - A very well done article from GOOP.
Knowing The Best Workout Time For You - Make workouts easier with considerate planning.
Panzanella Recipe - I've never heard of this dish, but now I want it.

Free People's new workout wear is on my radar:

On The Radar Bra - Free People.

Cheek To Cheek Pants.

Boxer Cami.

How are your resolutions coming? Let me know below!

Wellness Diary: 01/14/19

Wellness Diary: 01/14/19

Monday, 14 January 2019

Delicious nutrient packed smoothie. Photo by Kate La Vie.

     This post is a bit inspired by another blogger I love. Kate La Vie wrote a great, detailed post about nutrients and smoothies she loves, and it was such perfect timing.

I've been researching healthier food options this week. I'm in a bad place, nutritionally and physically. A self-professed french fry addict, I barely have the energy lately to climb a flight of stairs, and I'm so past blaming a pending cold for my lack of strength.

Wellness Diary: Habits For Mental Clarity In The New Year

Wellness Diary: Habits For Mental Clarity In The New Year

Saturday, 29 December 2018

The Birth Of Venus, Botticelli.

     We're entering the new year in just a few days, and to mark the occasion, I'd like to write a Wellness Diary post about a huge but often overlooked part of overall wellness: mental health. You may have noticed my absence from the blogosphere lately. I've been taking some time away to focus on my own mental health. I've struggled with anxiety for many years, although it isn't something I open up about a lot on social media. I try to keep my personal life and my blog life separate for the most part, although I appreciate the strong women out there who bare all on their blogs, including their struggles with anxiety disorders. I'm so thankful for their posts on the topic, so I decided there was no better time to share my own tips on living well while taking care of your mental space. Here are a few things I learned while attending wellness classes over the winter season.

Wellness Diary: A Beginner's Guide To Healthy Eating

Wellness Diary: A Beginner's Guide To Healthy Eating

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

    I've been talking a lot about skincare lately and it's gotten me thinking about the health of my skin as a whole. Your skin is actually a really good indicator of your overall health, so dryness, dullness and other skin issues are definitely not something to be overlooked or covered up. Don't get me wrong: I love creams and masks, but there's only so much topical treatments can do for your skin in the long-term. Now I'm focusing on getting a healthy glow from the inside-out by making sure I'm getting all the nutrients my skin needs.

In my past wellness diary posts, I focused on the importance of exercise, and spoke a bit about moderation when eating unhealthily; the focus of this post will be healthier eating options. Remember, I'm totally clueless when it comes to nutrition. I eat out daily and am a proud french fry connoisseur. I do love the idea of health and nutrition, but in the end, I reach for comfort foods almost every time. So, is there a balance that can be struck?

Long Beach chef Ella Calderon fixes an array of colourful ingredients. Photo from UO Blog.

It doesn't have to be boring!

In an interview with Urban Outfitters Blog, Long Beach chef Ella Calderon shares brunch recipes that can only be described as beautiful and packed with nutrition. I really recommend that post, because even if you're not a fan of her sparkling grapefruit and rose water drink, you won't be able to deny any longer that healthy food has the potential to be colorful, vibrant, and delicious. Think about the kinds of flavors you love; becoming accustomed to healthier meals is a matter of finding the dishes you love, and creating those tastes in a healthier way.

A few craving swaps to consider:

If you're like me, you will need the most basic tips for simple and easy transitions to healthier options. Luckily, lifestyle and food bloggers have us covered.

Each and every night, I have sugar cravings right before bed. Imagine how much more fulfilling it would be to whip up pancakes using ingredients like oats, banana, strawberry jam and coconut flakes instead of reaching for a handful of snack-size chocolate bars, which offer very little in the way of actual hunger fulfilment. Try this Guilt-Free Strawberry Coconut Pancakes recipe by the lovely Kate La Vie for your next sugar fix.

The second recipe I'm totally on board with is for something that I (and so many others) can absolutely never resist - pizza. Design Love Fest created a homemade, cast-iron skillet version of the tempting dish using powerfully healthy ingredients like avocado, red onion, and arugula. It's a way better option than delivery if you can't resist a cheesy pie this weekend.

Of course, you can find a healthier version of practically any food, but what if you don't have the time or energy to cook? Even with well-thought-out food plans and a fridge full of fresh ingredients, sometimes you just want a snack. Here are a few ways to eat healthy on the go.

Photos from Kate La Vie and Design Love Fest.

Low-effort snack ideas:

1. Fresh Blueberries and strawberries make a sweet snack alternative to sugary treats.
2. Sandwiches packed with double-the-veggies, like tomatoes, onion, peppers and lettuce can never go wrong.
3. Rice is such a great impromptu meal option, because it's quick, low-cost, and can be mixed with veggies and poultry/meat for protein and nourishment. Recipes also vary wildly, which offers variety.
4. Bananas are great on the go, in a bowl on your desk or in your bag.

Some inspiring links:

Grilled Chicken BBQ Salad - A salad that will actually leave you satisfied.

A Week Of Healthy Breakfasts - These can be prepped in advance!
Summer Fruit Salad - This colorful salad from Honestly YUM is so pretty and festive!
Grilled-Cheese Salad - Another colorful salad, this one with chunks of grilled cheese. 

Honey Hi's Five Principles Of Eating Well - Some Healthy Eating Tips from an L.A. based cafe.

What's your fave healthy recipe? I'd love to hear below!

Wellness Diary: 05/05/18

Wellness Diary: 05/05/18

Saturday, 5 May 2018

Just love this colorful photo of fresh foods from DesignLoveFest's article on staying inspired to cook.

     It's official: I'm one month into my fitness journey. I hope you are closer to reaching your wellness goals than I am because I have not done as swimmingly as I had hoped to.

If I've learned one thing this month, it's that major lifestyle and diet changes are not easy. It's not a simple matter of deciding not to be unhealthy and saying no to your cravings at each meal time; it's avoiding that unhealthy habit dozens of times each day until you finally, begrudgingly, give in and order a cheeseburger. Afterwards, I'm left with a slight shame and a half-hearted promise to eat broccoli the next day.

Wellness Diary: 01/04/18

Wellness Diary: 01/04/18

Sunday, 1 April 2018

     I recently read an article on Man Repeller in which Amelia Diamond described finally learning to grocery shop at the age of 29. At 26, I consider Amelia #healthgoals, as I'm still putting off "getting healthy". I may give off the impression of an active, healthy person on social media, but the truth is, I rarely exercise, and eat more takeaway than nutritious meals. In fact, my diet is more than likely 50% french fry. Now my body (and mood) has been paying the toll.

I need to get serious about my body's wellness.