Improving our health doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or stressful. After nearly 2 decades of growing in my own “healthier living” journey, I’ve got 6 practical, doable, simple ways to improve your health without adding more to-dos or big expenses to your life.
You’ve probably noticed that getting “healthy” has become awfully complicated and expensive these days… 🙄
Apparently, we need more protein, fewer carbs, fancy electrolytes, red light therapy, perfectly timed workouts, cold plunges, all the supplements, and an expensive collection of products designed to help us look and feel younger.
There always seems to be a new diet, a new exercise routine, or a new health trend promising to change everything if we just buy the one thing they are selling.
As women, our bodies and hormones are constantly changing, our responsibilities aren’t getting any lighter, and we’re often so busy taking care of everyone else that it feels easier to throw money at the situation, hoping a new pill or program will finally “fix” everything that is apparently wrong with us.
But what if feeling better didn’t require another expensive habit, another thing to research, or another item on our ever-growing to-do lists?
What if we just focused on the basics?
- Getting outside.
- Drinking water.
- Eating real food.
- Moving our bodies.
- Sleeping more.
- Making space for real life.
Doesn’t that sound easier?
I don’t care what the latest internet trends say; you don’t need a new supplement, a time-consuming workout program, or protein Doritos to be healthier. 😜
I’m not a trained expert, but after more than a decade of nerding out on health and wellness research, reading dozens of books, journals, and articles, talking with many doctors and wellness experts, listening to hundreds of health-related podcasts, and watching various trends play out in my real-life “circles”, I’m convinced that the best things we can do for our physical, mental, and emotional health are also the simplest and cheapest (and I AM an expert on “simple” and “frugal”).
These tips aren’t particularly exciting. They won’t make anyone rich selling a new product.
But they are practical, doable habits that real people like you and me can fit into our busy schedules to support our health and improve our quality of life.
Best of all, most of them are completely free!
If you’re tired of trying the latest trend to improve your health, take a deep breath and keep reading. I think you will feel more empowered and less overwhelmed at the end of this article!
1. Get Outside
When life gets busy, it’s easy to spend nearly all day inside our homes, cars, schools, and offices. Thankfully, a little time outside is one of the simplest ways to improve our physical and mental health!
Morning sunlight, specifically, is proven to lower cortisol and start our circadian rhythm — making it easier for us to fall asleep at night. (source)
Getting outside doesn’t have to become another fitness goal either. You don’t need to count your steps or close a ring on your smartwatch.
Just go outside because it feels good and it’s good for you!
A Simpler Health Goal = Spend 10 minutes outside every morning and evening.
Don’t wear sunglasses or sunscreen. Take a few long, slow breaths, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D!
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking…
- Drink your coffee on the porch (even in the cold winter months!)
- Take a 10-minute walk.
- Read for 15 minutes outside.
- Wait at the bus stop with your kids.
- Sit outside at your child’s practice (instead of staying in the car).
- Eat dinner on the patio.
- Set an alarm and head outside for 5-10 minutes between household chores or work assignments.
- Go for a family walk after dinner (this is great for digestion).
It almost sounds too simple, but the effects of a little extra sunlight (even through the clouds) can be profound.
2. Drink More Water
I’ve been preaching “drink more water” for years now. My own family (and thousands of you) are fully on board!
And yes, we just drink water… plain tap water from the kitchen sink.
Those special powders, electrolyte packets, flavored waters, energy drinks, and fancy sparkling waters look flashy, but they truly aren’t necessary for most healthy adults.
Unless you’re running a marathon or bodybuilding, plain water is just fine.
If you’re feeling a little dehydrated, put a pinch of Himalayan pink salt under your tongue (so you can’t taste it) and wash it down with a glass of water. This will give you a boost of electrolytes and minerals for mere pennies.
If you enjoy flavored water, add lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint.
Drinking more water is extremely beneficial for our internal organs, our brains, and our skin. Plus, it can help to curb snack cravings, as we often confuse feeling thirsty with being hungry. A simple glass of ice water might be all you need when those hangry feelings surface!
A Simpler Health Goal = Drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
As an example, a 130-pound person would strive to drink 65 ounces of water, and a 160-pound person would shoot for around 80 ounces of water each day.
Here are some ideas to help you hit that goal:
- Keep a glass of water by your bed and drink it first thing when you wake up.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. (These are our favorites).
- Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator.
- Drink water with meals (this will save money too).
The goal here isn’t to create another rigid hydration rule or ban your favorite beverages. It’s simply to encourage you to reach for water first when you feel thirsty or hungry.
It’s an easy, inexpensive choice that will positively impact your health!
Related Reading: How to Drink More Water Each Day
3. Eat Real Food
Eating well has somehow become one of the most complicated aspects of modern life.
We apparently need more protein, fewer carbs, the “right” fats, “better” sweeteners, organic everything, and carefully calculated macros. One week, a particular food is considered essential. The next week, it’s something we should avoid. It’s nearly impossible to stay up-to-date on all the latest trends in “healthy eating”.
As much as I try not to let all this hype affect me, I can’t deny the fact that eating nutrient-dense foods makes a huge difference in our health and well-being.
I don’t worry about protein or macros or calories or sourcing all the cleanest ingredients, but I DO stick to mostly real foods as much as possible.
Fruits, veggies, meats, potatoes, whole grains, nuts, eggs, etc.
It’s been a long journey of small changes each year, but these changes have transformed the way our family eats.
A Simpler Health Goal = Swap packaged snacks for fruits and veggies.
It’s so easy to buy pre-packaged snacks and dole them out whenever the slightest hunger cue arises… but those snacks are often filled with junk ingredients and preservatives. Instead, offer fresh produce as a real food snack alternative.
Here are a few ideas:
- Keep a bowl of apples, bananas, and oranges on the counter at all times.
- Store washed grapes and berries in containers in the fridge.
- Have no-sugar-added dried fruit in the pantry.
- Use 100% fruit/veggie squeeze pouches for on-the-go snacking.
- Serve a veggie tray with fun dips for after-school snacks.
- Keep bags of frozen berries in the freezer for summertime snacks or smoothies.
Produce isn’t as cheap or fast as Goldfish crackers, but it’s significantly cheaper than going to the doctor all the time because you’re sick. Fresh produce offers so many health benefits (more fiber and nutrients, less junk and filler ingredients) and is an awesome snacking habit for kids and adults.
Related Reading: How We Make More Produce Work For Our Family
4. Move Your Body
You don’t need a gym membership, name-brand leggings, an expensive workout app, or overpriced exercise equipment to be physically active.
Walking, gardening, riding a bike, doing yard work, and playing with your kids or grandkids all count as movement.
And the benefits go well beyond burning calories or changing the number on the scale. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, improve sleep, support brain health, and lower the risk of several chronic diseases! (source)
Regular movement is also a practical way to maintain strength, support bone health, and help our bodies continue doing the things we enjoy.
The trick is to stop thinking of exercise as something that requires a separate block of time we don’t have.
A Simpler Health Goal = Look for opportunities to move throughout the day.
Here are a few ideas for busy schedules:
- Stretch for 5 minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed.
- Walk around the neighborhood with a friend or while your kids ride their bikes.
- Take a 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner (with pets and family or alone).
- Work in the garden, rake leaves, or tackle a little yard work.
- Walk around the sports field while your child practices.
- Use a walking pad under a stand-up desk in your office.
- Set a timer every hour and take a lap around your house or office.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator when practical.
- Do a few squats or wall push-ups while dinner cooks.
- Balance on one foot while brushing your teeth.
Eventually, you might try a free workout video at home, or start lifting weights a couple of times per week… but the goal right now is simply to move more regularly each day.
Related Reading: Simple Tips to Move More
5. Sleep More
Sleep is often one of the first things we sacrifice when life gets busy.
We stay up late folding laundry, answering emails, finishing work, or enjoying a few minutes of quiet after everyone else has gone to bed.
Yup… I’ve been there too!
And then we wonder why we’re tired, irritable, and reaching for caffeine or sugar the next afternoon.
Unfortunately for busy adults, sleep is not a luxury or a reward for finishing everything on our to-do lists; it’s an essential piece of our health puzzle because our sleep affects every aspect of our lives.
We can’t always control when our children wake up, whether a family member is sick, or how much work needs to get done, but we can usually make small adjustments to promote more and better sleep.
A Simpler Health Goal: Create a Bedtime Routine
It might sound silly, but adults benefit from a regular bedtime routine too!
These tips will help you find a routine that works for you:
- Wake up at a similar time each morning.
- Get morning sunlight to jump-start your circadian rhythm.
- Set a reasonable bedtime and treat it as an appointment with yourself.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks in the evening.
- Put electronics away 30 minutes before bed.
- Take a hot shower (your body cools when you get out, which makes you sleepier).
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and comfortable.
- Give yourself permission to leave a few chores unfinished.
If you have young children, a newborn, or a family member who needs nighttime care, getting enough uninterrupted sleep may be difficult. Do what you reasonably can, accept help when it’s available, and focus on the parts of your routine you can control.
And if you’re consistently struggling with sleep, especially if you snore heavily or feel exhausted despite spending enough time in bed, talk with a traditional or naturopathic doctor. Midlife sleep problems deserve attention, not just another cup of coffee!
Related Reading: Why We Hired A Sleep Consultant
6. Make Space for Real Life
Physical health is important, but feeling healthy also means having enough mental and emotional energy to enjoy your life. And this is where I think many of us could benefit from simplifying.
We spend so much time consuming information about how to improve ourselves that we forget to enjoy the lives we already have.
We compare our bodies, homes, routines, wardrobes, and family lives with carefully curated pictures and videos.
We read about what we should be doing, buying, eating, and changing, and before long, taking care of ourselves becomes one more source of stress, anxiety, and even depression (all of which will negatively affect our sleep, appetite, mood, and more).
A Simpler Health Goal: Take a social media break.
I stepped away from social media over 6 years ago (both my personal and business accounts), and I honestly don’t miss it. I know not everyone is like me, but I do think everyone should take regular social media breaks — whether it’s a couple of hours every evening, one day per week, a 40-day Lent fast, or whatever you decide.
The mental break from all that information will positively affect your health.
I’m trying to keep it simple, but I also want to include a few other ways to “Make Space For Real Life” (this is a big category!)
- Stop scrolling the News — especially anything that’s not local.
- Stop spending time with toxic people (I know you’re thinking of someone).
- Stop working a job you hate (not immediately, but start planning for a change).
- Stop signing your kids up for every possible activity. Stay home once in a while.
- Stop doing things out of guilt or because “no one else will do it” (this is so freeing).
- Stop wondering what others think of you — they are all only thinking of themselves anyway!
It’s amazing how much “extra” time we have when we stop constantly consuming information to improve our lives and simply focus on living the life that’s right in front of us.
Here are a few ways to fill your free time…
- Read an actual book.
- Join a Bible Study or local moms’ group.
- Call a friend to hang out (in person).
- Work on a fun project or hobby you’ve been putting off.
- Plan a date with your significant other, a friend, or one of your kids/grandkids.
- Take a nap.
- Bake (if you enjoy this) and give half the goodies away.
- Do a puzzle.
- Take a class in something you’re interested in.
- Go on a walk.
- Go to bed earlier. 😉
Related Reading: 5 Tips to Touch Your Phone Less
NOTE: If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, seek professional support. Simple habits can support mental health, but they aren’t a substitute for treatment when it’s needed.
Let’s Put it All Together!
The beauty of these simple habits is that they don’t all have to be separate activities that require more time, money, or planning.
With just a few adjustments, you can combine them into the routines you already have.
Here’s what a day of healthier choices might look like:
Morning:
- Wake up on time and don’t touch your phone or computer.
- Drink 8-10 ounces of water.
- Stretch for a couple of minutes.
- Eat a simple, nutrient-dense breakfast (eggs and toast, fruit and cottage cheese) and drink more water.
- Go for a 20-minute walk to get some fresh air and morning sunlight.
Mid-Morning:
- Drink another glass of water and grab an apple if you feel hungry.
- If you can hold off until 10:00 to drink your first cup of coffee, it’s better for cortisol levels.
- Do a minute of bodyweight squats or wall push-ups while you brew your coffee.
- Text a friend or family member to ask how their day is going or set up a time to get together.
Afternoon:
- Drink another glass of water or herbal tea
- Eat a nutritious lunch (I usually eat leftovers from the night before)
- Take a 10-15 minute walk outside.
Evening:
- Drink another glass of water.
- Add a few extra vegetables to your dinner.
- Spend time talking together around the table.
- Plan out the next day and make a to-do list.
- Prep breakfast, lunches, clothes, etc. for tomorrow.
- Put electronics away 30 minutes before your “bedtime”.
- Take a hot shower and stretch before you climb into bed.
- Read for 15 minutes.
- Turn out the lights and go to bed.
Nothing listed above will cost you any extra (in fact, you might save money by drinking water and eating at home). And in my experience, nothing listed above feels impossible to do with little children, older children, pets, or even a job outside the home.
There is certainly a place for modern medicine, appropriate medications, nutritional guidance, and professional healthcare. But for many of us, it’s worth remembering that the foundation of good health is not nearly as complicated as the internet makes it seem.
- Get outside.
- Drink more water.
- Eat real foods.
- Move your body.
- Sleep more.
- Make space for real life.
You can do this!
Instead of asking, “What else should I be doing to improve my health?” perhaps you should ask, “What simple things could I do a little more consistently?”
Maybe it’s going to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Maybe it’s taking a walk after dinner.
Maybe it’s putting your phone down and enjoying a conversation with your family.
Pick one small thing today, make it part of your ordinary routine, and give yourself time to build from there.
You don’t need a perfect body, a perfect diet, or a perfect wellness routine to enjoy a healthier, happier life. You just need to take reasonable care of the body and life you already have.
And that’s a wonderfully simple place to start!
Disclosure: This article offers general wellness information, not individualized medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about persistent symptoms, medical conditions, or major changes to your diet, exercise, or medications.
Sarah Parker says
This is some of the best health advice I have heard in years! Thank you!
Andrea says
Thank you Sarah!! So often, simple really is better!
Linda (Brinks) Blauw says
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for the great writing of making simple changes in our daily lives to be healthier!! I appreciated it.
On another note, I read the book that you recommended some months ago…Hattie Big Sky. It was excellent. I wanted to read it as I have a son and his family that live in eastern Montana so thought it would be good to know what early life was like there.
Did you know that the author wrote another book titled Hattie Ever After? I just finished it tonight. It is also a great read. Hope you can get it from your local library.
My two high school granddaughters were waiting for me to finish the book so they can read it too.
Blessings in your continued great work on your blog.
Linda Brinks Blauw
Andrea says
Thanks Linda — yes, I have the Hattie Ever After book on my nightstand right now. Just waiting to finish the current book I’m reading and then I’ll read the next Hattie book! I’m excited
Penny Doolin says
I so wish I could get outside in the morning before work, but I get up at 4 in the morning so no chance of that.
Also, what do you eat if you want something salty? I’ve tried healthy crackers but they all taste like cardboard. Sometimes I just want something salty and crunchy.
Andrea says
So, if you wake up at 4:00, the sun wouldn’t be rising anyway, so you wouldn’t get that morning light. However, it might be more doable to take a 5-10 minute break around 7:00 and get outside (or whenever the sun rises by you).
As for salty snacks, I’ve never been a salty person (more of a sweet tooth!) so I don’t regularly get salty cravings. That said, you could pop some actual corn kernels, add a little salt and butter, and have a fairly nutritious salty snack.
Or, just be OK with a small portion of “junk food” salty snacks during the week. Not everything we eat needs to be 100% healthy. 🙂
Kerri says
This came at the perfect time. It’s planner season and that has me thinking of goals for 2027. My word of the year is going to be health. Healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. Healthy environment and finances. These are great goals to strive for on my way to a healthier me and life.
Andrea says
Sounds like a good goal (and word) for 2027!
Also, how is it already October 2026!?!?
Debbie says
This is such a great reminder, especially for anyone who may not know where to start when it comes to exercise or eating better. I spent years working out and doing lots of cardio, drinking lots of water, and all the things we were taught about how to be fit and healthy. As women we get to a certain age when all “those” things stop working. I thought, so now what? Is this why many turn to medical procedures like lipo-suction? Is my metabolism now broken? Instead, I took a course and learned that doing hours of cardio, not sleeping enough, and under fueling my body are working against being fit and healthy because I’m older. I think we need to stop beating ourselves up and accept that our bodies are changing. God made our bodies like a well oiled machine. It does what it’s supposed to do, to preserve life. Your list of simple ways to improve health captures most of the things I’ve changed in my wellness routine. The changes I made not only cut down my exercise days from 5-6 to only 3 times a week, and I went down 3 dress sizes even though on the scale I look like I only lost 7.6 pounds. Mathematically, I lost 16 lbs of fat and gained 7.6 lbs of muscle.
Andrea says
wow — that’s awesome Debbie!
and yes, all the cardio of the 80s and 90s was not necessarily the best way to maintain “health”. Maybe you looked slim, but you weren’t necessarily healthy and strong.
Thanks for this comment and sharing what has and is working for you!
Marva Holt says
Thank you so much for this excellent article with so many practical suggestions! I practice some of these but need improvement on some others. Thanks for the butt-kick!
Marva
Andrea says
I’m sure you’re doing great Marva — don’t think of these as things you “should do”, but rather as simple ways to better your health that you can hopefully squeeze into your normal, everyday life. Maybe that will help it feel even more doable!
Jean Ann Spahr says
Your post came at a good time for me. I have some health issues that have resulted in a complicated lifestyle. I am 74 years old. My body is old. Age is not just a number — it is reality and although everyone ages differently we all age if we continue to live! I won’t give up some of the prescription drugs the doctor has prescribed. I am not sure they are working any better than following the steps you outlined would work. But I don’t want to keep adding medications and complicated steps to living.
Andrea says
Yes, it’s tough to say what’s actually working and what’s not. I certainly wouldn’t stop any medications, but you could always start incorporating some of my simpler health habits into your days and see how you feel after a few weeks.
Leanne says
as a nurse, I can say that people would add YEARS to their life and save thousands on healthcare if they would do just even half of these, 80% of the time…. Every 90 year old I’ve ever had in the hospital, I ask “what’s your secret”… every time, they tell me “keep moving”…..
these were great reminders, Andrea!!!
Andrea says
Thanks Leanne! Yes, I think there is much to be said for common sense and doing basic things consistently over many years. Hopefully it will help someone who is feeling overwhelmed with all the “health and wellness” information out there!
Jenn says
I LOVE these tips, Andrea. In so many instances in life it really is better just to get back to basics- and these are excellent examples. Unrelated, I’m curious if you ever started your bread stand and how it’s going??!!
Andrea says
Thanks Jenn,
So, I never actually started the stand, b/c I put ads on Marketplace and have been pretty busy with those orders. I’m selling lots of freshly milled flour by the pound (which is SO easy) and then baked goods too. I sort of want to wait until the outbuilding kitchen is finished to fully “open a bakery” b/c I don’t want it all in my house… so maybe I’ll open the stand in the spring. We’ll see. Everything is taking longer than I want, but I’m OK with taking my time too!
Pat Harris says
I’ve lost about 50 pounds over the last 2 years. I’m not really sure when it started. I was morbidly obese but now although I am still very overweight I have a reasonable goal which is not thin and still overweight but it’s reasonable for me. My whole reason for telling you this is that I’m not on a diet. Diets don’t work for me. I’m just trying to eat less. I told my cardiologist that my mantra is “1”, one piece of cake, one cupcake, one serving of mashed potatoes. I never feel deprived and I never feel over stuffed! That’s the best part, never over full! I have donated my larger clothes to Salvation Army knowing there are many women out there who will be thrilled to find anything in their size!
Andrea says
wow — good for you!
That’s a lot of weight to lose by NOT dieting! I agree that dieting never seems to work — moderation and portion control seem like a much better process!
Alos, I’m glad you are donating your old clothing right away. There’s no sense cluttering up your closet with things that will hopefully never fit again 🙂
Debby says
Another excellent article Andrea. I have struggled with body image for years and now that I am in my fifties I decided that I eat healthy. I am constantly moving and I am going to worry about whether I look happy and like I am having a good time in pics rather than what I think my body looks like. 🙂
Andrea says
Love this! Thanks for sharing Debby!
Julia says
Thank you so much for this post! With all the pressure from society to look a certain way, it’s nice to see such a healthy perspective on body image. What a great example you are setting for your daughter. Our bodies are amazing and celebrating what they can do always beats being upset over how they look!
Andrea says
You’re welcome Julia 🙂
Jennifer says
Love this post, and love the comment in which you mentioned gyms creating jobs. Though I have been a teacher and counselor for many years, I have thoroughly enjoyed personal training on the side over the years (in and out of gyms). And, some people thrive in the community of a gym.
I love your positive outlook and healthy body image. As a counselor and wellness coach I encourage my clients to focus on what their body can do and what they want their body to do, rather than numbers on a scale. Using you for an example, I would encourage you to celebrate the fact that you have enough energy to keep up with three small children, run a successful blog and home business, maintain a home, and maintain your own sanity and health! Energy levels reflect your overall health, and I would say you’ve got it going on. If you felt like there was a deficit in some area, such as picking up that almost five-year-old (I know….I have one, too–an almost five-year-old, 40something pound boy who still loves to be picked up!), or filled grocery bags, then you might work on strategies to improve in that area of heavy lifting, or whatever the case may be. (Now I’m speaking to everyone in general.) Or you might set a goal for something new that you want to accomplish, such as completing a 5K, being prepared for an upcoming hiking trip, keeping up with your kid on a bike ride, or making it through an entire hard-core DVD workout. While working on meeting any of those type of goals you will see changes in your weight (numbers on the scale) and overall health, and oh…you’re self-esteem and body confidence will skyrocket! It doesn’t have to be all about number crunching, dieting/starving, and running on a treadmill (unless you like running on a treadmill). Sometimes people need specific number goals and ways to numerically motivate themselves, but, again, I believe people get better results focusing on what their bodies can do and what they want their bodies to do. They have a lot more fun, too. I surf, and currently I am working on surfing on a stand-up-paddleboard. The activity gives me so much extra exercise, I’m working different muscles, and I can do it with my 5 yr old son life-vested on the board (more bonding), so it’s benefitting me in so many healthy ways. I’m always trying to think of some new way to challenge myself and my body, not a new diet or program to follow.
Andrea says
Thanks so much for sharing Jennifer!
Alicia says
This is why I love your blog, Andrea! You have this mentality about so many things, and it is SO refreshing. As someone who is almost the complete opposite of you in the healthy eating category, I really appreciate reading this. I have struggled for my entire life with having a healthy body image. I’ve never been overweight, but constantly obsess about it. I have tried just about every fad diet there is, and when I’m not trying a fad diet I’m struggling to keep a balance. I’ve long since realized I need to learn moderation, and like you said, force myself NOT to worry about it, because it causes me to obsess! It’s a work in progress, and I could stand to learn a lot from your perspective. It is sad and exhausting to obsess about things that don’t REALLY matter that much (perfection!), not to mention a waste of a lot of energy that could better be spent elsewhere. Thank you for being inspirational, as always!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Alicia!
I’ve never been into fads for anything (clothing, diets, hobbies, etc.) and I’ve been so thankful so many times!
Karen says
As always, a great post. I love your perspective on key issues such as body image and weight.
Elena says
Hi Andrea! What beautiful pictures of you and your family! The one where you’re kneeling down with the flowers behind you is gorgeous 🙂 James is looking so much like Simon these days. I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing how the kids are growing up. I love Nora’s view on your belly….shows you’re doing a great job raising her. Take care, Elena
Andrea says
Thanks Elena! That picture with the flowers is probably one of my favorite pictures of the entire summer!
Melissa says
Thank you for so vulnerably sharing your conversation with Nora. That was my favorite part of the post!
Andrea says
glad to make you smile 🙂
Debbie says
Is it weird that as soon as I read the first paragraph of your post I wanted to order some pizza for tomorrow night’s dinner? Haha! I love your thoughts about weight, eating, and being active. You do look great pregnant or not. I wish I had your genes and metabolism too but I also think you not obsessing about it makes you feel more comfortable about your body. If I didn’t have a desk job I would most likely be moving all day long at home. Just over the Labor Day holiday I don’t think I sat down once except to balance the checkbook before lunch. I do feel better when I get some exercise in the morning or evening and sweat it out with some workout viideos . I hope to keep that up until I’m 70. I stopped weighing myself too, and it’s one less thing to be worrying about . Recently, I thought of switching to the Paleo way of eating. It’s very healthy and it couldn’t hurt. I love my chocolates though so this would be one of the things I couldn’t give up totally.
Andrea says
haha — I could go for some pizza now too (or maybe a brownie sundae!)
Personally, I know I could NEVER do Paleo as I believe it cuts out all dairy and gluten (2 of my biggest food groups). Plus, cooking for a family would be so challenging — either that, or I’d end up making 2 meals every time! That said, if you think you can do it, I don’t think it could hurt anything!
Sue says
Genes do help.. In all aspects.. along with diet and exercise..
I have a sister.. she has always been skinny..would eat junk all day.. i have always been bigger than her, no matter what I did… I am loving it now that she is in her 50’s and it caught up with her.. Ha ha … I have to be very careful what I eat since day one.
I do think you are right with Drinks.. wasted calories..
we are teaching our kids every thing in moderation.. and even their Doctors say.. it is fine if their weight is not perfect.. They are healthy. being TOO Skinny is not a good thing either.
I have one child that has never had teeth problems. The other always has something.. Dentist said.. it is just that way some times. no matter what you do.. the luck of the draw..
sue in NJ
Andrea says
Yes, obviously genes play a huge role in things… and yes, I laughed out loud when reading your comment!
Just think how much healthier you are than your sister — after all your years of eating more nutritious options. Plus, you’ve established healthier eating habits (and most likely instilled those habits onto your children as well) Go You!
Shan says
Andrea,
Nora is hilarious!!! You’re doing a fantastic job caring for your family in providing yummy home cooked food and lots of fun activities!! By the way, everyone in your family, including you :), looks super healthy and happy. Keep up the great work. Not drinking calories is paramount to a healthy lifestyle! I trained my children to do that and when we took them out to eat, that gave us the added benefit of saving money! I agree with and practice Tip #3 also. In fact, my husband and I feel like we eat food rather than meals 🙂 By the way, we watch our grandchildren on Saturdays and I tried both your Pepperoni Pizza Slider and Mac and Cheese recipes. The boys loved them! Thank you.
Andrea says
Yay — thanks for sharing Shan! I’m glad the grandkids approved of my recipes 🙂
And yes, not drinking calories saves A LOT of money when dining out!
Avia says
Another great post! I think I have been at my healthiest during pregnancy and breastfeeding and I attribute that to drinking A LOT of water. For some reason I can get myself to do while the health of my baby is at stake but struggle otherwise. Off to get a glass of water….
Andrea says
I drink a TON of water — and considering I’ve been pregnant or nursing for the last 5.5 years, that’s probably a good thing!
Tracy says
Hi Andrea. Thank you for this post, especially Tip #5. I am working on recovering from a lifetime of what I have realized is disordered eating. You describe being a ‘normal eater’, something that just about no one knows how to do anymore. I have unfollowed so many people because they promote food rules in the name of ‘health’. I also appreciated your thoughts on body image and body positivity. It’s hard living in a 60 billion dollar a year diet culture that one has to intentionally ‘recover’ from. Your children are blessed to have you as their momma for so many reasons. Blessings to you!
Andrea says
Thanks Tracy — and yes, I somehow escaped the dieting crazy many of my highschool and college friends “experimented” with and I’m thankful for it. Also, WOW — 60 billion a year. I know it was a huge industry, but that’s crazy!
Chris says
“Your children are blessed to have you as their momma for so many reasons.” I totally agree with Tracy that Nora, Simon and James are so lucky to have you as their mom because of your common sense and love for “everything in moderation”. And by the way – your family looks so cute in the photos 😉
Andrea says
Thanks so much Chris!
Ruth says
your daughter is so funny lol!
I think you should give her a sister!
I do not drink anything but water and I kept that going with my kids. When they entered the pre-teen and teen years, it was so hard keeping that line. Other parents and adults would tell me I was being too controlling and my kids would rebel. But I didn’t care. They can and do eat junk food but there is something about soda, fruit drinks and fancy coffees that shock my senses when I consider the sugar, chemicals and calories. They are now 20, 18 and 18 and are healthy and trim. No cavities and have never had acne. There are a lot of benefits to not consuming that stuff!
Andrea says
haha 🙂
So far, Nora and James only drink water — but Simon LOOOOOOOOOVES juice, lemonade, and even pop (soda)! It’s crazy how different he is compared to the other two (who will not touch anything but water based on their own personal preferences).
April says
Awesome post. Nora is lucky to have you for a role model. I love the pictures of the two of you.
Mara says
Awesome post, thanks for sharing!!
Chris says
You seem to have such a well-balanced view on many aspects of life. I could learn from you. 🙂
Beth says
Your family reminds me of the way families in the U.S. used to be in the 50s, 60s, even into the 70s. Basically they ate at home mostly, and weren’t on diets and no low fat stuff. If you look back to that era, most people’s weights were healthy, without resorting to extreme diets and low fat eating and even excessive exercise. People were active but practically no one went to a gym. Fast forward to the 80s, when people started adopting the low fat trend as healthy living, and you see diabetes and obesity do through the roof! They say people who eat low fat end up consuming more carbs because of it and it effects insulin levels as well. I am not overweight but like many I feel like what I eat effects my blood sugar. If I eat a low fat meal, I get hungry much sooner! My kids are the same, there is a huge difference between when they eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast and when they eat eggs/toasts. I say keep doing what your doing, I think without realizing it, you way of eating works great!
Karen says
I agree! I tried the low fat thing because I was told it was healthier, I wasn’t trying to lose any weight. 58 pounds later (plus menopause and an under active thyroid) I quit. I had never been overweight in my life before that. I then tried several diet/exercise plans and got nowhere. Finally I went back to full fat, cut back on carbs (no counting). Bingo. No calorie counts, just back to what I grew up with. I had already lost most of the weight by the time I got the thyroid issues resolved, and that sped the loss of the last 15 or so pounds. It took nearly a year, but no “effort”. Have maintained a healthy weight for the past three years.
Andrea says
Wow — that’s actually really interesting to me. The fact that you immediately put ON weight while trying to cut out fat — and the lost it again when eating more fat. I’ve heard it’s true but I’ve never heard such a dramatic “real life” story before! Good for you!
Beth says
Good for you Karen! I think you bring up another good point with the thyroid thing. The way I figure it, look at what other people around the world are eating and how they fairing. The U.S. wasn’t always like this, most people crave and need that fat to balance out the meal, many cultures eat that way intuitively. Keep up what’s working for you, that’s good news!
Jane says
Karen – I have a similar story. How did you resolve the thyroid issue? I would love to get off the prescription medication but don’t know how.
Thanks.
Andrea says
Thanks for your kind words Beth — but to be fair, I think fastfood became HUGE in the late 70’s and 80’s as well (most likely as a result of more women going back to work and needing faster dinner options). Those lifestyle changes probably facilitated the need for gyms and dieting programs… which then spiralled into a multi-billion dollar industry.
On the bright side, the fast food + gym + personal trainer industries have created a lot more jobs 🙂