Hello!
Its Amanda, owner of MVP Meals, checking in to see how you are doing with your healthy living goals of 2020. Are you staying on track?
The key to healthy eating consistently is to keep nutritious foods on hand and ready to eat. Preparation is the key to eating healthy! Having fresh vegetables and fruits, lean protein, healthy fats and smart carbs each week is super helpful for staying on track. I like to make big batches of roasted veggies and brown rice or quinoa at the beginning of the week so I have healthy foods in the fridge ready to go for quick lunches. We can help by delivering healthy, ready to eat meals made locally that suit your diet! Check out our packages here.
Also, if you haven't been doing so well, it's never too late to do better! Don’t let a set-back keep you from working toward your goal. Don’t get down on yourself if you slip-up -just make sure your next meal is a healthy one.I recently broke my foot and was devastated about not being able to do my normal healthy living routine. What a way to start of a new year! Then, I decided to use this downtime as an opportunity to do even better and become even healthier. I used my recovery time to eat healthier, drink more water, work on my mindset and manifestations etc..
This is exactly what I did to heal fast and show back up in my life stronger than ever:
Mindset...Nobody ever plans for injuries. There is never a good time to sustain a major injury or have a health issue. The first night that I broke my foot, I was devastated. I was on the way to pick up my kids and slipped on ice. The pain was unbearable but there was nobody that could help on such short notice and after care was about to close so I had to show up. I got to my daughters school and realized I couldn't walk and it was so icy I couldn't even hop to the door. I crawled to the door. When I got to the door, I completely broke down in tears at the realization of all the things I was suddenly unable to do. How was I going to run my business, take care of my kids and household, ecspecially without close family near? A few parents and teachers assisted me in picking up my kids--it really does take a village to raise a family!
The next 2 days I spent in misery, from the pain and my negative mindset being focused on all I couldn't do and stressed about it all. Then something clicked and I talked myself out of this spiraling crappy attitude. I reminded myself that I am a badass and I have control over my mindset and this unfortunate circumstance. I began to think of what I can do and how could I use that time to its advantage. I realized I could spend this time wisely to work on myself. Sometimes the universe slows us down on purpose...
Nutrition... I decided during this time, I wanted to eat very clean to increase my chance of healing quickly and to also strengthen the connection to food and my body. I followed the AIP paleo diet as a way to reduce inflammation and gain more awareness about the right foods for me. I cut out coffee and alcohol for 30 days. I took extra fish oil, turmeric and did a liver cleanse. I ate abundant healing foods such as lemon, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, parsley and coconut oil. I also filled a 3L water bottle and drank the entire thing daily. My skin and energy became better than ever.
Fitness...I really missed my bootcamp workouts at Xtreme Bootcamp and my cardio and sauna sessions at Crunch Fitness. What I did instead, was focused on core and upper body strength. I did floor exercises such as bicycle, bridges, superman, back extensions to improve and maintain my core strength. I did some upper body training such as kneeling pushups, tricep dips and bicep curls. I stretched everyday. To maintain cardiovascular health along with the benefits of a sweat session, I used an at home sauna blanket. This thing is amazing. You can buy them on amazon. They have many health benefits related to an elevated heart rate and sweating such as healing, improved skin and gut weight loss, improved circulation and so much more.
After 4 weeks, I was back to business and by 6 weeks fully healed. I slowly started to increase my workouts again and have been following a low carb, nutrient dense diet because that's what works best for me. If you want to learn more about figuring out the best diet for you then read this blog post...
Spiritual...I worked on this area by listening to youtube meditations daily on various topics I struggle with. I wrote in my journal to release frustrations. I prayed to the higher powers. I practiced my favorite daily affirmations. I also tuned inwards to my own intuition and highest self.
The key takeaway here is that regardless of the challenge you are faced with, keeping a strong, positive, can-do mindset is really key. Positive affirmations to replace negative thinking patterns and practicing gratitude will be a saving grace through any difficult time you face. Also, never be afraid to ask for help. I find most people love to help.
I really hope that my story helps you or someone you know dealing with health issues or injuries get through it a little easier. Please share with people you know.
Have a happy and healthy day :)
-Amanda Case, Wellness Consultant and Owner of MVP Meals