Eating + Resting More: My New Health Approach

Eating + resting more was my “#shreddingforthewedding” approach.

As I reflect on 2021, that’s something I’m proud of.

For years, I obsessed over being “skinny” 🙄 I cringe looking back at that time. I was under eating, over exercising, and wasting energy caring about size > health.

Thankfully, I’ve come a long way from that distorted mentality.

When it came to preparing for my wedding, I wanted to enter the new chapter feeling my best – but refused to diet. Instead, I focused on:

SPIRITUALITY: Tom + I took a Cana Prep course that opened my eyes to the sanctity of marriage. It made me realize I wasn’t just planning a wedding, but preparing for the most honorable role of my life. Marriage is a gift from God, but it requires work, growth, and striving toward Him.

MENTAL HEALTH: Planning a wedding during a pandemic, while working several jobs, gave me anxiety. Using Headspace to meditate each morning drastically helped. You can’t stop anxiety, but you can change your response to it.

REST: Exercise is important, but rest is critical. I listen to my body and rest when needed. But 1 day/week, I’m a total bum. No caffeine, exercise, or work allowed. This is hard, because your ego says to be productive. But, without fail, I’m rejuvenated the rest of the week!

REAL FOOD: It’s not the amount of calories you eat, it’s the quality. I eat as much as I want, as long as it’s real. I also function best with more fat/less sugar. That’s helped lower my insulin levels, decrease cravings for junk, and enhance brain function, sleep + energy 🥜

LIFE > DIET: I used to allow diet to interfere with the most important part of life: relationships. But eating with family is a blessing. Pie on Thanksgiving is fun. My sister’s Christmas cookies are a tradition. Weight fluctuation is normal.

I typically avoid posting about health. It can come off as preachy, or even toxic. But if I can help one person understand they don’t have to starve themselves to feel their best, and that health is much more than weight, it’s worth it. I’m also not one to preach, as I have a lot to work on (praying instead of worrying; being more present; unwinding with a book instead of Netflix; the list goes on). But I’m writing those down for 2022 😊