For the last several years I’ve tried all types of diets, I’ve worked out nonstop and ran around doing so many things mindlessly. I’ve killed the 22 Days Nutrition Plant Based challenge, I’ve completed the Whole 30 Challenge at least twice, attempted Keto, boxed, ran, lifted weights, exhausted myself at the gym, kept up eyebrows, nails, toes and spent HOURS at the hair salon. Through my dieting, excessive bouts of working out and personal upkeep routines, I’ve been nothing but in a hurry. My dieting never allows me to see lasting results, over exercising burns me out and my to do list never allows me to be in the moment. It was upon realizing this that I decided to shift my life and create better habits.

I never wait for the new year to begin doing something different. It’s a waste of time waiting to change when you can change in the moment. Every choice you make is the chance to be better. So my journey to be mindful in my health began last fall.

In September, I decided to purchase a monthly 10 class pack from my favorite workout studio in Chicago, ProWorks Pilates. Over the course of those months I struggled consistently working out and showing up. As I got better and better, I realized I would like to work out just a little more. So in December, I purchased an unlimited workout pass and began working out 4 days a week. It’s been extremely challenging getting up at 6 am in -11 degree weather to workout but I’ve never regretted it. Not every workout is my best workout, but showing up and trying has been my best change. I haven’t reached my ideal weight and I’m pretty sure my thighs are bigger than before (haha) but I feel better in my clothes and even more secure in my fitness journey.

Early 2017 I completed the Whole 30 Challenge lost 11 pounds and gained them right back. The extremeness of the diet was too much for me to maintain. In the fall I tried Keto for a week and lost 5 pounds, yet again the extreme change wasn’t sustainable. I’m a foodie. So in December, the worst month of the year, I set out to create healthy eating habits and exercise discipline in my food choices. I’ve noticed many people who live healthy lives don’t do it extremely. They just make one choice at a time. My dieting and limiting were too extreme. My relationship with food has been a struggle my entire life. I know you’re probably thinking relationship with food is a bunch of BS but it’s real. So to repair my relationship with food, I beganto be mindful about my food choices. When do I eat unhealthy foods? Why do I eat unhealthy foods? Am I full? Am I eating just to eat? Do I really want this italian beef? What is my body yearning for at this moment? I use to eat one bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and give up on eating healthy the entire day. Changing this one habit has changed my balance. I may have one not-so-good-for-you food but then later instead of falling further down that rabbit hole, I keep moving forward with selecting healthy choices. This has been one of the biggest changes I’ve made. Yes I need to change my eating habits, but that doesn’t mean I need to give up everything I enjoy. In December I purchased 3 new cookbooks, started taking vitamins and took Pinnertest’s Intolerance Blood Test. I’m excited to say I’m less bloated, my waist is much more snatched (my pilates instructor pointed this out) and I’m excited to cook  delicious food every day. This is a goal in progress.

Nothing annoys me more than the self care talk. Whenever I hear people say “self care is important,” I respond, “DUH.” I spend a lot of time on my wardrobe, my hair, my skin and myself. I love being alone. Silence and peace are priceless to me, yet I find myself not being in the moment. Relaxing and enjoying the moment isn’t something do well. My lack of mindfulness causes me to miss moments. Bringing mindfulness to my eating habits, workouts, hair appointments, mani pedis, skin care routine and work have allowed me to be much more present, aware, happy and peaceful. I’m not where I want to be but I’m definitely not where I use to be. For that I’m grateful.