Almost two years ago I decided I desperately needed a change. I was constantly feeling tired, sluggish and overwhelmed by sensory overload. I knew I needed to prioritize my health so that I could be a better version of myself and of course a better wife and mom as well. I started out slowly making small and simple changes and it has made such an incredible difference. I know it sounds dramatic to say that this new morning routine changed my life but truthfully it did. I lost over 20lbs in a year, I find my anxiety much less overwhelming, I get fewer headaches and the constant discomfort and bloating I experienced is now rare. These differences may not seem like much but I feel like a much better version of myself. These are the three things I do most mornings and am so thankful for the way it has changed my health.
Get Moving
Before becoming a mom I worked out regularly, but since having kids my relationship with exercise has been all over the place. If I’m being honest with myself I don’t feel like I had consistently been making healthy choices since having my daughter (who was 3.5 when I started this new routine). I’ve gone through phases of being on track, but that rarely lasts for more than a month or two. I knew in order to stick with something I needed to start small. I made it a priority to workout for 10 minutes a day for the first few months. I know that doesn’t seem like much but even in those first couple months I noticed I was feeling better and getting more toned. After a couple months I started adding in at least a 10 minute walk each day as well and then slowly increased both the workout and walk times. Most days I manage to get in at least a 30 minute workout or walk if not both. But even just getting 10 minutes in on days I’m feeling tired or unmotivated makes a huge difference in my energy and mood for the day.
I’ve created a Pinterest Board that has my favorite workouts ranging from 10-40 minutes. I know it can be intimidating to join a gym or commit to an app membership (I’ll share more on the ones I love soon). But this board contains the workouts that helped me get started and stick to a routine.
Time for Quiet
As a mom of two little ones my days would often start abruptly and with lots of noise. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the chaos and noise because usually it means happy and healthy kids. But it can also be overwhelming. I realized that if I start my day doing something for ME I feel much more calm and prepared for the day and for the kids to wake. After finishing a workout I sit with my devotionals and then spend time in prayer, meditate (I enjoy the Headspace app) or enjoy whatever other book I’m currently reading.
No screens (other than if I’m using it for a workout or meditation), just time for quiet, reflection and a slow start to the morning makes such a difference. We often start our days with an immediate sensory overload or rush to get ready. Whether it’s checking our phones, listening to the mornings news or immediately jumping into your daily activities having a slow start to the morning is a great way to prepare for the day. Even if you can take 30 minutes to give yourself a more peaceful start to your day you won’t regret it.
Healthier Choices
I’ve realized for a long time that I am greatly impacted by the things I eat. I mean truly, we all are. I started to notice more and more that when I felt sluggish or bloated it was after eating certain things. I wanted to make it a priority to eat cleaner. And this doesn’t mean following any specific diet, just trying to make overall healthier choices. Not only for myself but to set a good example for my kids as well. For a few months I kept a health journal of what I was eating/drinking throughout the day and noted my moods and how I was feeling both physically and mentally. I know that seems very obsessive, but it helped me understand what triggers headaches, bloating and low energy. I made changes based on what I learned and quickly noticed an improvement.
I also started making myself a special drink each morning to make sure I’m getting important nutrients and vitamins. I mix together AG1, collagen and a Vitamin C powder*. Having this first thing in the morning before having caffeine or breakfast has really helped me make healthier choices throughout the rest of the day.
With these three simple changes; movement, reflection, and morning nutrition, I have noticed a huge difference in both my mental and physical health.
The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that I have more energy. But my skin has also improved and my clothes fit better too. This hasn’t been about losing weight as much as being the healthiest version of myself that I can be for me and my family.
I started this journey almost two years ago and am so happy I’ve been able to stick with it. It has made a really big difference in my mental and physical health.
When talking about fitness and health I had a few questions submitted that I wanted to answer about my routine and health journey.
Q: What do your daily meals look like?
A: I am someone who the second I try “dieting” I fail. As soon as something is off limits, I want it. So instead of completely changing my diet and food habits or limiting what I can and can’t have I try to focus on incorporating more healthy foods. I aim for 10 different plants a day and a high protein diet. This approach of not having any thing off limits helps and when I have a goal focusing on protein and fruits/vegetables its easier for me to achieve healthier options without feeling like I’m being deprived of anything.
Q: How do you stay motivated?
A: I’ll be honest, my motivation is all over the place. Some weeks I never miss a workout, other weeks I’m lucky if I get in two. But I try not to let that completely derail my routine and mindset. I also constantly tell myself that I’m doing this for my family and for future Taylor. The 65year old me who has grown kids and grandkids and wants to be able to keep up with them. Having my family and future as my motivation rather than simply “looking good” is a much stronger motivator for me personally.
Q: What workout apps or programs do you use?
A: Currently I train with Coach Maia via Ladder (get a FREE 30 day trial) and I also do PVOLVE 2-3 times a week. However when I started to regularly workout I was doing quick at home workouts that I found on Pinterest and I still LOVE those workouts. You don’t need fancy equipment, and expensive membership or trainer to make a change. Here are my favorite at home workouts.
*Please always consult a medical professional before taking supplements or making significant changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Living Taylored 