Over the last three years I’ve learned a lot about balancing attempting to balance a healthy lifestyle. When my son was about a year old I decided it was time to take my health into my own hands. I lost 40 pounds (over 10 months), attempted to sleep like a champion, started running and learned a lot about making smarter choices with food. Going into my pregnancy I thought for sure I would continue to maintain that lifestyle.
Boy was I wrong.
Hormones, lack of energy, problems with heat… you name it I had an excuse for it. While I tried to stay active my body had other plans. As I am transitioning back into working out I’m going back to my old habits. In the long run I look forward to balanced daily routine that gives me the added energy to start signing up for 5ks and half marathons again.
3 Tricks To Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Stay Active. I’ve mentioned a few times over the last few weeks that I’m extremely antsy to get back to a regular workout routine. For now I’m sticking to walking as much as possible during the week. It’s not the highest fat burning exercise there is but it is better than sitting on the couch all day.
Watch Your Food. Diets don’t work long term. That was something that took me awhile to process. I wasn’t dieting, I was changing how I ate. Instead of chips for a snack I stuck with carrots or fruit. Poptarts were no longer allowed for breakfast instead I stuck with oatmeal. As I got used to the ingredients in food, I started to understand more and more what was healthy and what wasn’t. The moral of the story… if its processed it’s probably not good for you.
Drink Up. Nope, probably not what you are thinking. Stay away from pop, beer & wine… drink up on water. This summer when I was struggling with heat and being pregnant the Dr. suggested I drink a gallon of water a day. Have you ever tried that? Try it for a few days… it will change the way you feel in more ways than you would expect.
Sleep Like a Champion
Sleep is a rare thing with a newborn in the house. Little man definitely did not sleep like a champion until about 2-3 years of age. It was rough. On one hand I got used to being up 2 times a night, on the other it made me realize how precious those few hours of sleep really were. With Baby B I’ve been trying to figure out a pattern, which as you would guess with a newborn is pretty hard.
One of the biggest questions I get with a newborn is “how does he sleep?” The question is usually followed up with “you should sleep when the baby sleeps.” That is wonderful advice but I also have a toddler running around making my day time sleep limited non-existent.
As I look towards balancing life, work & working out again, sleep is going to be a key part of my daily routine. Luckily Casper sent over a few tips on how to sleep like a champion. Each one is important – from the hours slept and the sleep environment, to a mattress like theirs that’s supportive and stays cool. Check them out below!
Not only is it important for athletes to get enough sleep but for anyone looking at maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Right now I average 3-4 hours of “good sleep” a night according to my Fitbit. As Baby B grows older I hope to see those numbers going up!
Do you pay attention to how much sleep you get a night?
What steps have you taken to sleep like a champion in your life?
So true! I am always preaching sleep and recently discovered Sleep Cycle- and app I can’t live without now!
Oh yea? Does it track your sleep? I always find myself watching my Fitbit app. I assume it’s fairly accurate… it’s amazing how restless I am!
Oh, man. I struggle with sleep so definitely need to work on that area. So…a gallon a day? I might get 1/2 gallon, but I don’t really measure. I’m going to give it a shot today! I’d actually like to see what kind of difference it makes.
Try a gallon a day! It’s so hard to do but so worth it! 128oz!
I’m working on drinking more water each day!
I’m not an athlete, but i sure wish i would be sleeping like one. After kids it only gets harder. I completely agree with the advice on sleeping when baby sleeps, but its harder having another child. It totally worked for me when it was only 1 kid. But hey sooner than later they will be all grown up and then i can get as much sleep as i want. Hahah
It’s funny, before I had kids I always thought people that had trouble sleeping were just strange. I get it now. Waking up during the night can really mess with your sleep cycle. I definitely think sleep is so important! I’m a big fan of it! lol.
totally agree that getting enough sleep is critical. One thing I notice when I dont get enough sleep is that I’m out of control hungry and make poor decision. Hope you get more sleep soon!
Hello Kristin
Maybe you should try an aromatherapy for sleep. Essential oil blend of Lavender and Roman Chamomile — the only essential oils recommended for use with babies. You safely diffuse it in your child’s room at night (or at nap time), they inhale the pleasant aromatherapy scent, they relax and they then fall asleep (feeling very loved by you). It’s as simple as that! It works great for adults and teenagers too!
The combination of sweet soothing Lavender with a balanced measure of Roman Chamomile works wonders in settling down today’s fast-paced kids. Try it and introduce your child to the calming, healthful benefits of Aromatherapy.
Best of luck to you and your family.
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