5 Ways to Make Healthy Choices as Adults

By the time we’re adults, there are certain not-so-healthy choices from our younger years that just need to be put out to pasture. I’m sure the list is L-O-N-G regarding what we should and should not be doing anymore to move into adulthood and take care of our body from here on. But it’s a choice, and oh…yeah, sometimes it’s hard.

Staying out until the sun comes up, binge drinking, hydrating a hangover with sugar-filled beverages, sleeping in our makeup (ick), laying in the sun for hours (or a tanning bed), eating fast food, not exercising … oh, I don’t know…is it just me or are these some of the things we just shouldn’t do anymore?? We will hit a point where our bodies just aren’t as forgiving as they use to be. Our bodies speak to us in various ways, we just tend to not listen.

Here are a few healthy choices everyone should be making, or at least thinking about making, by the time they reach their adulthood, whatever that age may be.

1. Reconnect with your Passions

Remember when you were a kid…what did you love to do? When you think about your true passions, does it make you smile? If so, this is true joy. What brings you true joy in your life? Make the time to find and remember or discover, what your passions are. It is so important to do this to have a fulfilling and healthy life. Bring these things back into your life and notice how your soul smiles.

2. Know that You are Enough

When we compare our lives to others we tend to stop appreciating all that we actually have. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and know you are doing what is the best for you. Get rid of that jealously or judgement. Don’t think that someone else is more Blessed than you are, because we are all Blessed in different ways. You ARE enough. You are already equipped to have everything you need in life to thrive and bloom.

3. Like Who You Are

The most important relationship you have, is with yourself. Learn to like and be comfortable with who you are. It’s true, the saying, ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ or ‘in the world around you’. A good question to ask yourself is, “would I be friends with me?” Depending on the answer, you may have some things to work on. It’s ok to never stop trying to improve yourself. It won’t happen overnight, we are all works-in-progress. If there is something you don’t like about yourself, do something about it. Play an active role in your own life. Don’t ever get so stuck in your ways that you don’t try to improve upon yourself. This takes mindfulness and awareness. Know that you are your biggest investment.

4. Weight Training

One of the best things we can do for our bodies is to work out with weights or perform weight-bearing exercises, especially as we age. There is a saying that does ring true, “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”. It can be a one-pound hand weight that you can use while watching television or doing yoga (which is a weight-bearing practice, by the way). If you don’t use the muscles, your body thinks it’s done and it doesn’t need to keep it strong any longer. After all, why should it, if it’s not being used? By doing these types of exercises, this keeps our bones and muscles strong, and tendons and ligaments flexible, not to mention the myofascial tissue that gets more rigid with age. You’ll start to notice results within a month, maybe even sooner. You’ll also walk with a little more of a spring in your step. You’ll see.

5. Let Go of Sugar, People

I know, it’s tough and then it’s real tough, but it is necessary. Be aware of all the hidden sugar in processed foods as well as when going out to eat. Many times restaurants add a lot of salt and sugar to their dishes and sauces to make them tastier. It is worth it to find places to go that care about how they source, prepare and serve their food. Fruits should also be kept to a minimum, as they are a source of sugar. Try to stick to the 80/20 rule of vegetables to fruit, or stick to berries that have more anti-oxidants.

So put some of those not-so-healthy lifestyle choices out to pasture and rein in some healthier options.

And like rose petals, the not-so-healthy choices will fall away, as new habits grow and bloom. There is a quote that I love, “A flower does not think of competing with the flowers next to it. It just blooms.” So be like a flower and bloom on!