Happy Wednesday friends!
I was way too optimistic about my wishes of spring yesterday. We got more snow yesterday and are expecting a bigger snow storm later today and tonight. I'll make sure to share my snow pics on my Instagram as it comes down. I'm afraid Asheville is going to be shut down all week again!
Anyways, let's talk healthy living... shall we?
I assume many of you are reading my blog because you have at least some interest in healthy living tips. Perhaps you need some tips to continue your journey or just want to be around others who have the same goals.
I write a lot of articles with healthy living tips and advice. It might seem like I have it all together. But of course, I don’t. I still make mistakes and I still have challenges I am trying to overcome. So for the sake of being totally real, I thought it would fun to talk about the honest ups and downs of “healthy living.
Today I’m sharing the 5 healthiest things I do AND the 5 unhealthiest things I do.
5 Healthy Things I Do
1- I drink a ton of water.
I started drinking a lot of water during my Chicago Marathon training and the habit stuck. I carry a Nalgene bottle around with me almost all the time and try to make sure I drink the contents twice a day. That’s 64 ounces of water! I also drink at least an additional glass with all of my meals.
I can tell a huge difference in how my body feels when I don’t drink all my water. I get headaches, feel sluggish and am more congested when I slack off on my water drinking. The difference is profound for me.
2- I eat fruit and veggies like a boss.
I am a self professed fruit-a-holic. When I want a snack I almost always grab a piece of fruit. As a pescatarian, I also eat a ton of vegetables.
3- I don’t drink my calories
I don’t drink soda, juice or anything with many calories. I love tea in all forms, which is great because it has no calories! I drink black tea, green tea, herb tea and iced tea. It is such a comforting thing for me.
I will occasionally have a fancy coffee, glass of wine or a mixed drink. But that is more of a treat than anything routine. If I do get a high calorie coffee out, I will order a small one. Plus, I only have wine on weekends, unless it is a very special occasion.
4- I stay active.
I get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days a week and I love it. My goal is to run three days a week, cross train two days and do yoga at least once. I even love to just go for long walks. Anything to get my heart rate up makes me happy and healthy. My body likes to move and my mind feels the clearest when I “sweat it out.”
5- I respect my asthma.
I know peak times for asthma problems and what triggers my asthma. I avoid running outside when it is really hot or really cold. I will run on my treadmill. If I am feeling like I am having issues I don’t push it. If I have to walk instead of run because my lungs don’t want to play nice, that is ok. I respect that.
5 Unhealthy Things I Do
1- I have a Sweet’ n Low addiction.
I am trying really hard to break a Sweet’ n Low addiction. The pretty pink packets were always on the family table for dinner growing up. I’ve put them in my tea for years and years. I sadly even got the hubs addicted to them. I know this sounds nuts, but they taste so good to me. The other sweeteners still taste off to me… even real sugar.
This past summer I got rid of all the packets in the house and started buying only stevia. It has been a hard process, but I am getting used to it. The problem is when I see the pink packets in restaurants I reach for them like they are gold and put them in my tea. I am still that addicted to it. Luckily I don’t eat out that much!
Please don’t give me a lecture in the comments about this because I know how bad it is for me, I know. I have made great strides in cutting it out of our house. Next step is to not let myself reach for it at all. I’m getting there but I have not beat it yet.
I will beat this unhealthy habit.
2016 UPDATE! I have replaced my sweet n low with stevia!!!
2- I eat all the cheese.
I eat too much cheese. I could cut it out of one or two meals a week and be a lot healthier. Honestly, that is probably not going to happen though. Sometimes unhealthy tastes so good and I’m sure it isn’t hurting me that much!
3- I don't respect my allergies.
I’m allergic to all the things outside, but I still insist on living outside as much as possible. As much as I try to respect my asthma, I don’t respect my allergies. I am literally allergic to trees, grass and shrubs… even my beloved garden . Basically all the things outside that make the world so wonderful. I should probably live in an allergy bubble, but what fun would that be? Even though exposing myself to pollen isn’t healthy for me, I’m going to do the things I love.
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I’ll just take the meds and deal. So this unhealthy habit is happily sticking around.
4- I sit too much for work.
When I worked at the TV station, I hardly sat down for more than ten minutes at a time. I was always up and standing for the next shot. Now that I am working from home and most of my job is on the computer I find myself sitting way too much. Even though I still get in my daily workouts, it is not healthy to sit all day. I am going to try to start setting an alarm for at least once an hour. I’ll get up and do a little two to three minute walk, workout or stretch.
Hopefully I can kick this unhealthy habit in no time.
5- I worry and stress.
I know first hand how much stress can impact your health and well being. I am constantly fighting the honest reaction to worry and stress out about even little things. If I can’t control something I need to let it go.
I am so much better at this than I used to be, but I know there is more work to do.
Breaking this unhealthy habit might take a lifetime, but maybe one day I will get there.
Here is some food for thought today...
"Even if you do things that are considered unhealthy, it doesn’t mean that you are a lost cause and can’t live a “healthy” life.
Life is all about a balance.
If you are doing something unhealthy right now that bothers you, start to make small changes to improve the situation.
Everyone is a work in progress. Even me."
On that same note, you don't have to do EVERYTHING perfectly to live a "healthy lifestyle." I feel sometimes people can it too far. It's ok to sometimes eat too much cheese or eat extra carbs. As long as it really isn't hurting you and the healthy outweighs the unhealthy, give yourself a break and enjoy this beautiful thing called life.
Have a wunderful day friends!
I'll be back tomorrow with some delicious brussels sprouts and a story about the time I got my dogs addicted to Pup-eroni.
Your turn!
What are your healthiest and unhealthiest habits?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
heather @ divas run for bling says
I love this! I feel you about the sweet n low addiction. I have serious issues with sugar and artificial sweeteners. It's a constant problem. I also sit too much at work (I have a desk job) that I am trying to keep moving ever so often #wowlinkup
Amy @ Life to the Full says
Drinking water is so simple yet makes such a positive difference! Is there any way you could try a standing desk or even DIY one? I use a bookshelf as my "standing desk" at home and love it! Lovely post!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Amy! I'll have to see if I can figure out how to do that with my laptop. My desk top is crazy rigged up with monitors and such. Great idea- thank you! Thanks for stopping by today.
jill conyers says
Is pup-eroni really a thing? That made me grin. I'm breaking the habit of going to extremes! Find that balance and loving it.
JulieWunder says
Oh yeah. Pup-eroni is a real thing. It is brand of snack that is pretty inexpensive, so I'm convinced it is like doggy junk food.... therefore the dogs are addicted 🙂
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I totally understand about sitting too much. My job forces me to sit most of the day and I started breaking it up by working out at lunch or taking a short walk each hour.
JulieWunder says
That is a great idea. I'm going to start getting up at the top of each hour even for a just a few minutes.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
This is such a great post idea. I'm glad you shared so honestly. I used to not drink my calories at all and relied mostly on water, coffee, or seltzer water, but ever since being pregnant, I am all about the soda or juice. Remind me to quit this once baby comes, because it's a serious calorie suck!
JulieWunder says
I bet bringing pregnant just flips your eating upside down! Chocolate and carbs are other vices...
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I sit way too much. It is obvious because because I look at my Fitbit stats and they are high bars in the morning during my workout and basically FLAT the rest of the day. Really pitiful. I must do better b/c all of this sitting has my back hurt.
JulieWunder says
It's crazy the way sitting can cause you pain, but I totally understand!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I love this post! I'm right there with you. I drink a lot of water, don't drink my calories, move daily, and eat lots of fruit and veggies. Not so healthy things - like you, I sit a lot during the day (#deskjobproblems), spend too much time on my phone/computer, and have a gummy bear problem...
JulieWunder says
Yum.... gummy beeeeaaaarrrrsss 🙂
Mary Beth Jackson says
I am pretty good with those healthy habits except I do like to drink me some calories! Shameful I know! I also sit to much at work! I wear my Fitbit and it is a good reminder to get up and shake it up/off and out!
JulieWunder says
Everybody has something!
Farrah says
I definitely don't drink enough water, but carrying around my insulated water bottle has been helping! I'd much rather eat my calories too, hehehe.
My worst habit is probably stress + worrying about things, and lately that I haven't been making enough time in my schedule to do real workouts. :O
JulieWunder says
The water really helps me! I imagine you are crazy busy girl!
Annette says
I Love cheese too. I have "cut down" to having cheese at only one meal a day. After my cholesterol went up a bit, I said what will be on my tombstone is; "it's the cheese that got her" LOL.
JulieWunder says
Haaaaa.... yeah.... I totally feel ya. In fact I'm trying to decide at this very moment if a cheese plate would be an acceptable dinner for tonight.
Ruthie@She'sWickedHealthy says
Love this post idea! I'm with you on staying active and not drinking my calories, but I definitely don't drink enough water OR take my vitamins regularly! I'm trying to get better.
JulieWunder says
That is all we can do! Try a little harder next time 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Probably one of my worst habits is stress. I stress and worry about everything. It runs in my family unfortunately. I drink a ton of water as well, eat a ton of fruits and veggies as well. I hate soda and juice, if I'm going to have the calories, give me an ice cream 🙂
JulieWunder says
I know that stress is a killer.... It is so hard not to stress if you are programmed that way. Sounds like we are alike in that way 🙂
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I love that you shared both healthy and unhealthy. It shows you are totally normal and, I'd say, healthy. You allow yourself those things and don't deprive yourself. I never used sweeteners so I don't know how to even give a suggestion on those! I have stress and know it definitely hurts me and makes me unhealthy. Sitting is another one! Especially if I'm home all day, I sit way too much.
Jess @hellotofit says
I'm with ya on the "I don't drink my calories", but it's "bad" that I prefer to EAT them (in cookie/cake/ice cream form). Happy Wednesday, and stay warm!!
JulieWunder says
Heheh! Me too 🙂 I definitely don't eat perfectly, but I try 🙂 I should have put unhealthy habits 6-7-8 on the list 🙂
The Frugal Exerciser says
I guess no one is perfect, we all have bad habits. I'm Diet Coke addict and I crave Mountain Dew in the can. I'm trying to get that under control. #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
Yeah, it sounds like we all have something! Thanks for stopping by today!
Danyelle Musselman says
I have the same problem with artificial sweeteners, except Splenda is my addiction. I tried and failed with stevia… need to try again.
JulieWunder says
It is such an addiction for me! If I bought some I would slip right back into it.
I figure even a reduction of consumption was good for me!
Gingi says
It looks like your "healthy" FAR outweighs the "unhealthy" in overall health effects, lol.. so I'm pretty impressed! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
haha! On a good day! I should have listed ALL of my bad habits to truly tell... 🙂 Have a great day!
Jenelle S. says
Great post, Julie! I try and do a cleanse once a year to detox my body and have picked up some healthy habits along the way like drinking herbal tea instead of coffee, eating raw veggies and fruits and limiting processed foods and alcohol (I'm a total wino!). I, too, love to exercise and I need to work on giving my body more rest in between intense workouts. Enjoy the snow!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jenelle! I'm getting ready to get snowed in again 🙂 That might call for a special occasion bonus class of wine 🙂
Thanks for stopping by today! Great to see you.
Emilie says
I love this post! It's refreshing to see people who are NORMAL. I am also a cheese lover. I worry a lot. I sit all day for my job. Those last two are tough to change, and honestly I love cheese and it's got calcium and protein, so I'm not too concerned about cutting it out of my diet. I love how your graphic says everyone is a work in progress. I hope to be a work in progress for my entire life - perfect is boring. Thanks for being real and sharing this post!
JulieWunder says
Oh the cheese. I dream about it. haha!
So true. I hope to always improve as well.
AmyC says
Great self-assessment! I get in enough workouts, but I don't move much at work either. I'm on my feet all day teaching, but mostly standing still. I've improved my water intake recently, but I still drink pop with my lunch and dinner.
JulieWunder says
Standing is better than sitting, but I'm sure that is very exhausting!
Thanks for stopping by today! Hope to see you again soon.
Blane Sherer says
I love your honest lists like this one. It highlights how you are a real person honestly sharing your perspective with us. Thank you Julie.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I like this list! I know that I do a lot of great things with my fitness but still have areas I need to work on - like spending more time out of my desk and drinking more water!
JulieWunder says
There is always room for improvements! Thanks for stopping by!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I sit way too much too! I recently got a fitbit and it was eye opening! Now I'm trying to drink more water than usual so I have to get up at work to walk to the bathroom which is a little bit of a walk from my desk. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Yeah, I live in the bathroom too... kind of a water drinking hazard! 😉
Thanks for stopping by today! Great to see you.
Catherine | Fit Armadillo says
You had me cracking up at this post! While I don't have asthma or allergies, we have most of the rest of your list in common. My poor hubby now also uses sugar substitute (although the one I like its equal) and I looooove cheese.
One thing I've found to keep me moving and taking those breaks from my computer is this free app: http://www.dejal.com/timeout/. It's for Mac, but I know they have similar ones for PCs. Hope it can help 🙂 #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
I think the hubs was more upset than I was when that last pink packet went away. It is such a crazy addiction. He will bring packets home!!!
Thanks for the tip on the app. I have a PC, but I'll have to look for the same thing. Great idea.
Great to see you today! Thanks for stopping by!
Annmarie says
While I have a host of healthy habits, I am guilty of not drinking enough water and I sit way too much for blogging.
JulieWunder says
It is soooo easy to do! I think an alarm is the way to go.
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
Keeping it real! That is so important. Love that! One of my healthiest habits is probably trying to see the lessons in life from a situation and not internalizing someone's bad behavior towards me but one of my worst has to be trying to fix everyone else's problems too much! I'm working on it!
JulieWunder says
That is a good one. I know I do that too..... So hard!
Thanks for stopping by today! Great to see you.
Linda @ The Fitty says
Ph my gosh, are we the same person? I eat ALL the cheese...it's so bad, so bad. I one ate 400grams of cheese in one sitting at a friend's house and it was so embarassing. so far, I've been nut and dairy free since the beginning of this month just to challenge myself.
Also, when you exercise, how intense do you go? I often gave this misconception that for it to be a legit workout, it has to be tough as INSANITY workout but I don't think that has to be true. Reassurance?
JulieWunder says
Good for you! I'm not sure I could make that leap.
My run days are more intense naturally. I try NOT to do more than 3 runs and one additional intense workout a week. My other workouts are usually not as hard. I don't think our bodies need an intense workout everyday. It is good to mix it up.
Katie @ Fit Life by Katie says
Glad I'm not alone about allergies haha! but i can't stay inside! I sit a little too much at work too, i'm always in front of a computer…I'm trying to make it more of a habit of getting up!
JulieWunder says
Me too. The allergies about to get "real" too. I'm ready!!!!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
This is such an interesting post idea! I guess my healthiest habit is that I love all fruits and veggies as well. My unhealthiest? Definitely is that I sit too much as well. I hate being glued to a computer for work all day, but I guess that's just how technology rules the world these days.
JulieWunder says
I know! I get so wrapped up in it that I forget.
Amber says
OH MY GOSH, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVVEEEEEE this post. I constantly get told, "OMG YOU ARE SO HEALTHY" and while yes, I have very healthy habits (drink all the water, eat all the veggies, work out frequently) I also have unhealthy habits, that I'm not looking to break any time soon, like sampling my food while serving it, eating something standing up while cooking, drinking from the milk jug, squirting chocolate syrup in my mouth RIGHT after dinner, EATING SUGARY PROCESSED FOODS like frosting and cakes and cookies, a few times a week 🙂
JulieWunder says
Sounds like the good life to me!!!! 🙂 Have a great day!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
We are so alike in so many ways! But I will trade your cheese for cereal and chocolate and your asthma for crohns lol.
JulieWunder says
Oh I like the chocolate too. I could make a list of my food vices... cheese is at the top though. Stupid chronic illness!!!
TJ says
Thank you for sharing love this site so inspiring!:)
JulieWunder says
Thanks TJ! Great to see you today!
Terry B says
This was a great post. You have inspired me to drink my water today. Thanks. And I love your recipes, too.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Terry! Water really helps me a lot.