Three new ways to get healthy this year and save time may sound near impossible with everything else you may already have going on. One of the top things that stop us from improving anything in our life, let alone our health, is the fact that we feel like we have no time.
Today we’re going to bust the idea that you don’t have time to improve your health. Let’s get into your day’s little nooks and crannies and look creatively at three areas where you can get healthy.
This post isn’t about overwhelming action. Instead, we’re focusing on taking what we’re already doing in our lives and improving it just slightly. Even if you’re a mom, extra busy, you’ve got laundry to do, a business to run, and a family to support; it’s not a good enough excuse not to prioritize your health.
Listen below for the entire episode on The Systemize Your Life Podcast
Three Ways to Get Healthy This Year
We are going to talk about three ways to get healthy this year that won’t take up more time
- Swapping
- Saying No
- Limiting
1. Swapping
Let’s go over what you can swap, and there are two major categories that you can focus on hardcore. I have been on this journey for several years with the neuropathic doctor I have seen since I was twenty. This year, I have been on a new level. I am currently swapping out processed foods for whole foods. So if something has been processed, I am swapping it out for whole foods.
This can be hard with children and hard for any of us, but I have been on this journey for a long time. So, I recommend just starting with swapping one thing. You may start with a straightforward thing. For example, your juice is no longer processed, and you switch to whole juice, and the rest of your life is still processed foods. And I kid you not, this will be a journey for you, no matter if you are starting. I am learning that we are never done with this process of becoming healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, even regarding how we manage our homes and business.
Proteins
Let’s look at what I am swapping for from processed to whole foods. So dairy is a huge one in our family. We are swapping from processed to one hundred percent raw dairy in our home. We have entirely made the switch over to raw dairy. If it’s not raw, we do not have the dairy. And actually, we never had dairy ever in our home because I needed access to raw dairy.
Meat, we are getting whole meat instead of processed. So what that means is that literally, if no more time at all because at the grocery store, I shop at, I can pick up a different kind of milk or meat because it carries raw. Before, it was always, “Oh, I can’t afford it”. But I can afford it if I stop buying processed food. So I would ask myself, “what are my kids going to eat, Chels?” Well, you will have to cook it. And it will be slow. We are starting with one meal now. Maybe you guys are major mac and cheese eaters; well, switch it out for something whole.
For our meat, we got it straight from ranchers where animals were out doing their everyday life and had their normal life, and it was long and slow, and then it became meat on our table. This goes for fish and poultry as well.
Bread and Grains
For grains, we are doing the same thing; we are going very limited on processed grains. So we are going with fermented grains. I don’t have time to make fermented grains right now. Even my mom is learning how to make fermented grains and traditional bread. So I found some resources locally we can get traditional bread.
Produce
The same goes for fruit and veggies; I am swapping for organic while trying to buy seasonally. And finding fruits and veggies that go through less processing to us eating it. We have had some issues with eczema and cavities. So I started researching what I was choosing to feed them. It was because of the number of processed foods I was giving them. I can get most of the supplements I use from foods.
Chemicals
So we are looking at getting clean things for chemicals. You can start by switching out your Dish Soap. Look at the ingredients in your dish soap. And if you need resources, please pop it in our Facebook group community and ask, so you don’t have to do much research. All of the products I use are at chelsijo.co/oils. And you can get healthy by making some simple swaps.
2. Saying No to…
Eating Out of Boredom
Here is another easy way to get healthy this year: saying no. Saying no to eating when you are bored. I work from home and eat when bored because I can walk into my kitchen and make a snack. And when I am at my co-working space, at the same time of day, I will get up and look for a snack, even though there is nowhere to get a snack within walking distance.
Eating After Dinner
When you are at home, there is food everywhere. Another place you can say no to is eating after dinner. And I don’t count calories by any means, but because I am doing a dedicated and committed way of working out, I am ensuring I am getting enough calories in.
Not Eating at All
Another easy way I am getting healthy this year is by saying no to not eating at all. Typically, I am the type of person who, if I get emotional or stressed, will not eat. I have learned that this will wreak havoc on my body. If I am anxious or busy, I will not eat. When I am in a good mood, I like to eat and process food, which is most of the time.
Draining People
Another thing to say no to this year is draining friends or draining people. Those relationships you should say no to. Just don’t be involved with them. You can certainly not respond to the text message, the group text, or the email. You don’t have to subject yourself to that, so that is something else you can say no to.
Overworking
Most certainly, we will say no to overworking and hustling ourselves. I am looking forward to saying not saying no to gym days. This is the first time I have been saying no since being married to a firefighter. Gym days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I am saying no to skipping the gym.
“…this will be a journey for you, no matter if you are just starting. I am learning that we are never done with this process of becoming healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually”
3. Limiting
Limit Junk Food
Of the three ways we are getting healthy this year, saying a hard no can lead to binging or giving up all together. It could be limiting the number of days that you skip the gym. I have a major savory and sweet tooth in my body. Dark chocolate and dark cocoa with sea salt. I will eat the entire bar. Are you going to commit to one day a week? I am going to limit that. You can also limit the number of times you eat out. Eating out can waste a lot of time and money. So that is time you are going to save there as well.
Limit Your Screen Time
One of the easiest ways to get healthy this year is by limiting your screen time. Screen time negatively impacts your ability to regulate emotionally. It is profound what screen time is doing to you. We are all addicted. But it is what it becomes and what it does in your life.
Limit Staying Up Late
You can also limit staying up late. Last but not least, I am limited to staying up late. Sometimes it does not even work. Sometimes when everyone is asleep or out of the house I will stay up with that chocolate bar, and watch Joanne Gaines and Magnolia Network.
What will you do to get healthier this year?
So I will let you go out and figure out what you want to limit, say no to, or swap out. I am excited for you and want to root you on. Keep an eye out on the Facebook Group to help you stay accountable. Do something for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go to learn more about healthy swaps?
Head over to my free starter guide page for my recommendations on products. This will give you all the information about the swaps I recommend and products I use that are chemical-free, boost your mood, and boost productivity.
