My Journey to Wellness: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Achievements

Approximately ten years ago, I made an important decision to prioritize my health. Balancing the demands of motherhood, a career, and personal time posed a tough challenge. Yet, the impact on my life has been profound.

Here are the key points that I’ve maintained since starting this journey. I cover them all in more detail throughout this article.

Over the past decade, I’ve:

1. Prioritized my health amid the challenges of motherhood and my career.
2. Discovered the profound impact of self-care on both my physical and mental well-being.
3. Overcome setbacks, such as post-childbirth and during medical school, with remarkable improvements upon returning to a healthy routine.
4. Integrated regular exercise as a means of maintaining cardiovascular health and managing chronic depression.
5. Transitioned from a processed diet to making nutrient-dense choices rich in whole foods.
6. Balanced my fitness and nutrition for optimal health.
7. Preferred a simple approach to meal prep, focusing on cooking healthy meals with an emphasis on proteins, vegetables, and balanced carbs.
8. Remained consistent in making small, positive changes for long-term well-being.
9. Maintained momentum by not feeling guilty about occasional deviations, staying focused on the big picture and continual progress in my wellness journey

A Decade-Long Commitment

Juggling responsibilities often left me drained, making it challenging to even think about working out or planning meals. However, amidst the chaos, I discovered that self-care wasn’t just essential for my physical health; it became a lifeline for my mental well-being. Exercise and nutritious foods became my source of energy and clarity, allowing me to be present for my family.

Navigating Setbacks and Bouncing Back

There were moments when I fell off the wellness wagon, feeling sluggish and unmotivated. This happened after giving birth to each of my two lovely children, also after starting medical school and having to juggle motherhood and studying. However, each return to a healthy routine brought about a remarkable improvement in my overall well-being. This passion naturally led me to encourage others to adopt a similar lifestyle, ultimately inspiring the creation of this blog.

The Key Factors: Fitness and Nutrition

Transformative Power of Regular Exercise

I made it a habit to integrate regular exercise into my life, not just for weight-loss and maintanence but for improving my cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. The transformative power of workouts, especially during stressful moments, became evident to me. I used exercise as a medication for my chronic depression, and thanks to regular exercise I was able to keep going during very difficult periods of my life.

Nutrition: Embracing Nutrient-Rich Choices

Transitioning from a processed food-filled diet to one rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins became pivotal. Before that, I lived on a diet of fast food, cookies, and chocolate, I was addicted to them. Nowadays, I can’t even have one fast food meal without feeling sick in my stomach, I don’t even enjoy their taste anymore, I would take a home-cooked meal over any takeout in a heartbeat. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy chocolate or desserts! I just prefer baking my desserts which I find taste so much better than store-bought ones.

Taking small steps

Embracing nutrient-dense foods helped me sustain my energy levels and improve my physical and mental health. However, this transition didn’t happen suddenly, I gradually incorporated more fruits and vegetables, reduced processed foods, and increased my water intake. These small adjustments seamlessly became part of my daily routine.

Balancing Act: Fitness and Nutrition Harmony

Striking the Right Balance

Finding the equilibrium between physical fitness and nutrition proved challenging but crucial for optimal health. When I first started working out I experienced immense hunger, I felt like a bottomless pit and had to increase my food intake. However, I made a concise effort to eat proteins first and then add a carb if I still felt hungry.

To meal prep, or not to meal prep?

In terms of meal prep, I prefer to keep things simple. Despite not personally meal-prepping, I prioritize cooking healthy meals with nutritious ingredients. Building meals around a protein source for ease and convenience has been a key strategy. I would then add some vegetables – either fresh like in salads, or cooked vegetables as in curries or stir-fried dishes. I would balance this off with a carb-based food, which could be beans, gluten-free pasta or rice. However, I still think meal prepping is a great option for people who can do it, especially if you are single or a couple, which is a lot easier than prepping for a family.

Consistency is the Key

Consistency emerged as vital for a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledging the occasional challenges and moments of deviation, I share the importance of maintaining consistency for long-term well-being. Small, consistent positive changes always give you big results!

Maintaining the Momentum

When I talk about consistency, I don’t mean that if you miss a week of good nutrition or exercise then you are doomed, exactly the opposite. I only mean that, when you drift away for a week or two, just return to your routine without feeling guilty about it. I have a good trick for you, look at the big picture, you’ve been on track for three months or more, a week or even two won’t make or break your results. Just keep going and don’t look back.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey underscores the important role of a healthy diet and exercise routine in achieving a well-balanced life. Integrating physical activity, embracing a balanced diet, and finding the equilibrium between fitness and nutrition are essential for long-term health goals. My final message to you, after you find a routine that works for you, keep going and don’t give up.

Share Your Journey

What about you? Do you have tips or tricks for staying on track? Share your experiences and the biggest challenges you face in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Let’s exchange insights and support each other on our wellness journeys!