Finding Your Sustainable Path: My Philosophy on Wellness

Before you roll your eyes or search for a new blogger to follow, let me assure you: this isn’t a post showcasing gym selfies or dispensing prescriptive advice. You know as well as I do that I am far from a nutrition or fitness expert. My journey is one of trial and error, learning what truly works for my body and my busy life.

I often joke that I exercise primarily to support my eating habits, but beneath that humor lies a truth: I seek a lifestyle where health and enjoyment coexist. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various popular “diets” and wellness programs. I remember starting the Whole30 last year – I made it seven days, and I’m still slightly irritated I’ll never get that week of my life back! The year before that, a 10-day sugar detox proved to be one of the worst experiences ever. These attempts taught me a crucial lesson: for me, extreme restrictions often lead to a crash, followed by binge eating that far surpasses the calories I initially tried to cut.

I genuinely admire and appreciate that programs like Whole30 or sugar detoxes work wonders for many people. Their success stories are truly inspiring! However, I’ve come to understand that super extreme changes and rigid routines typically lead to failure and frustration for me. My goal has always been to find a long-term plan that is sustainable, enjoyable, and realistic for my life. Call it a character flaw, but I simply can’t thrive without a little bit of carbs, cheese, and chocolate in my life!

It’s important to remember that there isn’t a single “right way” to approach exercise and nutrition. There are countless paths, and what resonates with one person might not work for another. We’re all unique, with different metabolisms, lifestyles, and preferences. My hope in sharing my approach is not to prescribe, but to offer a relatable perspective that might inspire or help someone on their own journey – and, let’s be honest, to help keep myself accountable!

As a quick sidenote on tools and programs: while I don’t follow them currently, I did find great success about seven and a half years ago with Weight Watchers, shedding 15-20 pounds after my fourth baby. More recently, for several months last year, I really enjoyed using the LoseIt! app for nutrition tracking due to its user-friendly interface and effectiveness. And because I know it will come up, no, I’m not planning on adding nutrition labels or facts to my recipes at this time. There are tons of fantastic free apps and online nutrition calculators available for that purpose. Just be vigilant when pulling recipes from online sources; I’ve noticed many blogs and websites tend to exaggerate serving sizes to make nutrition facts appear better than they truly are.

My Ongoing Fitness and Nutrition Rules to Live By

Making Exercise a Priority (Without Being Insane)

Beyond supporting my love for food, I prioritize exercise significantly for my mental health. The impact on my attitude, confidence, and overall productivity when I’m consistently active is truly remarkable. Exercise acts as a powerful stress reliever and mood booster, providing a crucial outlet in the midst of daily demands. It’s more than just physical; it’s a vital component of my emotional well-being.

I also completely understand that certain life phases can make regular exercise feel impossible. When I had four kids, all aged four and under, consistent workouts were often a distant dream. There’s a delicate balancing act involving work, family life, and personal health, and exercise needs to fit into that dynamic realistically. For me, in this current phase of life, with my kids ranging from 13 down to 5, it’s become a little easier to carve out time for physical activity. To put it simply: I have fewer excuses now than I used to!

{And yes, for the record, shoveling rocks absolutely counts as exercise in my book!}

For the better part of the last decade, I’ve been an avid fan of exercise videos. From P90X to T25, and many workouts from FitnessBlender.com, home workouts have been my main form of exercise. The comfort and privacy of working out in my own living room have always appealed to me, offering convenience that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule.

However, last July marked a new chapter. For the very first time, Brian and I decided to join a CrossFit gym in our area. I had always been intimidated by CrossFit, envisioning intense, elite athletes, but I’ve honestly loved the experience so far. It’s been fantastic for both beginners and long-term exercisers alike. Brian and I, often joined by my friend Bethany, attend the 5 a.m. class three or four mornings a week.

I won’t lie, that early morning wake-up call has been a killer for me. Staying up late is practically in my blood – it’s often when I get a lot of my blogging tasks done – and I am perpetually tired. As in, I can fall asleep at a moment’s notice and have nodded off more times than I care to admit mid-sentence while reading books to my kids. Yet, despite the exhaustion, the rewards have been immense.

First, exercising with Brian has been incredibly motivating. We champion each other as we tackle challenging movements like box jumps, transforming individual effort into shared accomplishment. Second, I’ve witnessed tangible progress toward my fitness goals. I was so intimidated by the thought of exercising in public with other real, live humans, but I haven’t regretted it for a second. (Well, except for that one time I pretty much peed my pants trying to attempt double-unders – that was a pretty special moment, sorry for the TMI, just keeping it real here!). The sense of community and pushing my boundaries has been truly transformative.

In addition to CrossFit, I also utilize the Sweat app by Kayla Itsines. Lately, I’ve been incorporating BBG (Bikini Body Guide) workouts on non-CrossFit mornings. These workouts are short, sweet, and incredibly effective, which I absolutely love for fitting into those busy moments. And some mornings, all I manage is a simple walk on the treadmill. Let’s be honest, there are also those mornings where I pull the covers over my head and silently declare war on all forms of exercise! And typically, I hardly ever exercise on vacation unless it’s an enjoyable activity like hiking. Life’s too short, and so is vacation, to feel obligated to a rigorous routine when you’re supposed to be relaxing.

Truly though, for me, exercising first thing in the morning is absolutely key. If I don’t get it done before 10 a.m., my willpower to exercise completely vanishes. Starting the day with physical activity sets a positive tone, boosts my energy levels, and ensures that even if the rest of the day goes sideways, I’ve already accomplished something significant for my health.

Nutrition/Diet “Rules” I Try to Live By All the Time

1) Water, Water, Water.

Hydration is foundational to my health. My trusty Hydro Flask is always waiting for me on the counter, and it accompanies me wherever I go – yes, I’m one of those people, always with my water bottle! I aim for at least 48 ounces a day, with a goal of 64 ounces, though sometimes that level can get a little… uncomfortable, if you know what I mean. Staying well-hydrated helps with everything from energy levels and digestion to skin health and managing hunger signals. It’s a simple habit that yields significant benefits.

2) Dinner Cutoff.

For many years, my golden rule has been to stop eating after dinner. It’s incredible how such a simple guideline can make a world of difference for metabolism and overall well-being. This habit helps prevent unnecessary late-night snacking, which often consists of less-than-healthy choices and can disrupt sleep. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve completely fallen off the bandwagon with this rule over the last few months (which directly influenced my January 2018 goals). Late-night eating can be fun and comforting, but it’s not doing my aging metabolism or waistline any favors. I’m firmly recommitting to shutting off the eating after dinner is over, and focusing on a clean break until breakfast.

3) Don’t Double Dip.

Into dinner, that is! Again, I’m not perfect, but I make a conscious effort to serve myself a moderate portion of dinner and resist the urge to go back for seconds or thirds. This also extends to mindlessly picking at leftovers while cleaning up – a common weakness of mine! Practicing portion control and mindful eating at the dinner table helps me stay on track without feeling deprived. It’s about savoring the meal you have, rather than constantly seeking more.

4) Breakfast Counts.

I actually added this point late, after the post initially went live, but it’s one of my most important “rules.” Breakfast truly sets the tone for the entire day. I aim for protein-rich breakfasts that are also simple and quick to prepare. My go-tos often include a couple of hard-boiled or fried eggs (I love using organic butter-flavored coconut oil for frying) paired with a kefir smoothie. Sometimes, it’s Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola or a slice of whole wheat toast topped with peanut butter. The reason this rule is so vital for me is simple: when I skip breakfast, I become a ravenous, dangerous monster by 10 a.m., ready to devour anything in sight, chocolate cake or not. This inevitably derails my healthy eating intentions for the rest of the day. A solid, protein-packed breakfast provides sustained energy, stabilizes blood sugar, and prevents those intense mid-morning cravings.

January 2018 Goals: A Fresh Start

To really jump-start the year, I’m committing myself to a few stricter, yet still realistic, goals for January. We’ll see how long I last, but the intention is there!

– No Sweets:

Notice, I’m specifically saying “no sweets,” not “no sugar.” My aim is to cut out blatant sweets – cookies, cakes, brownies, ice cream, and similar indulgences – for the month of January. The caveat? I’m allowing myself five (yes, five!) dark chocolate chips every single day. A girl still needs a little joy, right? I’m still consuming fruits, honey, and dates, all in moderation. And I’m not going to stress if there’s a pinch of sugar in dinner’s spaghetti sauce. This isn’t about a full-on detox, but rather about being more sensible and intentional about the types of sweets I consume and reducing their frequency. Considering two of my kids are now ten months into their own goal of not eating sweets for a whole year, I *think* I can handle this!

{See you in February, my beloved chocolate molten lava cake!}

– Limited Flour/Grains:

While I’m not eliminating these completely, for January, I’m focusing on limiting myself to one serving of whole grains per day, ideally consumed with breakfast or lunch. The rest of my plate will be filled with lean protein, an abundance of vegetables, plenty of fruit, and some dairy. A couple of days in, and so far, so good! I actually feel energized by eating fairly “clean” and prioritizing healthy proteins and lots of vibrant vegetables. After the indulgence of the holidays, my body was definitely ready for a “Mel-style cleanse” – meaning, nothing too dramatic or restrictive, but a gentle reset.

I’m probably stating the obvious here, but preparation and planning are absolutely critical for healthy eating. If my fridge and pantry are stocked with healthy options that are readily available and easy to grab, I am far less likely to reach for Doritos, Twinkies, or white bread when hunger strikes. This proactive approach eliminates decision fatigue and makes healthy choices the path of least resistance.

For breakfast, it’s mostly going to be a two-egg and kefir smoothie kind of deal most mornings. I can feel it, and I’m perfectly okay with that simple, nourishing lineup. Lunch is shaping up to include cottage cheese, deli meat roll-ups with some cheese, celery with peanut butter, quinoa patties, or simply healthy leftovers from dinner. My main goal is to conjure up something nutritious before I accidentally eat the kids’ mac and cheese! Dinner will be whatever I’m making for the family, but if they’re enjoying it over rice or pasta, I’ll opt for healthier alternatives like quinoa, spaghetti squash, or perhaps zucchini noodles.

This is my go-to list of healthy recipes that I’ll be referencing and using often this month!