Health & Wellness: My Healthy Journey Begins!

First 5 Steps to Reach a Healthy Goal!

My New Years Resolution this year (and every year for the past ten years) was to get healthy. I know that's a very broad objective but it actually encompasses five goals that I wanted to accomplish. I'm not getting any younger and I really want to be able to enjoy my life to the fullest extent, so this is the year that I made some positive changes to my life to put me on the healthy path. My healthy journey begins with these first five steps:

Step 1: Quit Smoking!

This was the hardest and biggest step towards my Get Healthy Goal, which it's the first one. I quit smoking several times over the years and it has been a constant struggle for me. With the help from my family, friends, and coworkers, I finally quit for good, 43 days ago and I feel great about it. My body (and mind) are still recovering, but every day I feel a little bit better, which keeps be going. Another big help to say smoke-free my entry in The Canadian Cancer Society's The Driven to Quit Challenge. It's offers advice, encouragement, and prize incentives to quit smoking for the month for March. So fingers crossed!

Step 2: Join a Gym and Exercise!
I always wanted Madonna's arms and Jessica Alba's abs. I also wanted to sprint to the streetcar stop with out collapsing on the ground, and be able to just feel good about myself. And since I don't live i a place that has an onsite Gym , I've always wanted to join a gym and start on an exercise program. I also know from past experience that I will gain about 20 pounds (I've already gained 15 pounds), after I quit smoking. While I don't mind the weight gained on most of my body (yeah bigger boobs!), my pot belly is something that just will not look great in my bikini. So after receiving a pair of amazing New Balance shoes from Fit4Balance, I decided to join the new Planet Fitness Club in Toronto. With the main colour scheme being purple and membership only costing $10 a month, I had no more excuses. I am really liking the 'no judgement' atmosphere of this gym and I'll write a more in depth review post soon!

Step 3: Drink More Water!
I know this seems like a pretty easy goal, but for me it isn't. I never liked the way water tastes and I would be lucky if I ever drank one glass of water a day. I'm more of a coffee/wine drinker. Although the benefits of drinking more water are endless, I still reach for the mug more than the water tap. So I'm trying to at least drink two of my 500ml water bottle each day. Since I quit smoking and going to the gym, I do find I'm thirstier. I also add a couple of drops of 'flavoured liquid enhancer', which helps with the flavour. I'm hoping to move to more water intake soon!

Step 4: Eat Healthy(er)!
Now, this one I haven't really started yet. I'm still in the 'stuffing my face full of junk food' part of my quit smoking routine. And I know I will never be on of those 'gluten-free, low fat, low carb, only organic food' kind of people, but when I say eat healthy, I actually mean to eat a cooked meal instead of a bag of chips for dinner. Eating more than twice (or once) a day, and incorporating all food groups (which doesn't include coffee and wine). I've started taking a multivitamin to at least make up for some my of  my terrible eating habits. This goal is definitely on going.

Step 5: Get Happy and Stay Positive!
Again, this is a really broad statement and goal, but I have been really unhappy with certain aspects of my life for the past several months, which was including my physical well-being. Now that my body is on the road to recovery, I am tackling my mental health. First, I want to unclutter my life, both literally and physically. I started the daunting task of decluttering my apartment. If anyone has done this, you know how long it can take. I am systematically going from room to room, closet to closet and piece by piece, asking myself, 'do I need this?, when was the last time I used this?' I have also uncluttered my life with negative people and am trying to stay away from negative thoughts. I adopted a kitty from The Toronto Humane Society, and she has brought so much joy to my life. I love coming home and having Gillie meet me at the door. I have been looking into employment opportunities that will help my financial situation and will give me more financial freedom to do more traveling, which I miss. Staying positive in my my healthy journey is key in helping me to reach all my goals!

I'm so happy and proud of myself for what I have accomplished so far on my journey. Although I have much more to do and more goals to reach, I'm positive that with the help and encouragement from friends, families, and my readers, I will reach all my goals and make new ones.

Have you ever made big changes to your lifestyle? What was it and was it worth it? I would love to hear your stores!

P.s!: I will be writing more Health and Wellness posts, updating everyone on my progress, and sharing information and reviews of products and services I try out. Enjoy!

P.s,

Melanie!