Disclaimer: A portion of this post is sponsored by Fiber One. I received compensation and Fiber One New Products free of charge, however, I truly enjoyed all three products and am more than excited to share them with you all today. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for your continued support!
1. Eat well, eat often, and eat for enjoyment.
I’ve learned a lot about food and eating, and eating well over the past couple of years. But I think one of my biggest takeaways has been that food should not be feared, nor obsessed over. We should be eating for enjoyment, for fuel, for pleasure.
I plan to continue to eat when I’m hungry, not when I feel like I “should” be eating. And I want to eat an array of foods, including fresh, pre-packaged, or whatever else it may be I’m craving. I’ll continue to try new foods, and I won’t deprive myself of something when I want it.
2. Take some ME time every day.
I’ve learned a lot about life since having a child. And, no doubt, I still have so much more to learn that sometimes it makes me nervous. Being a full-time working mama is no joke. I’m busy. You’re busy…we’re all busy in our own ways!
But one thing that has truly made a difference in making me stay sane is realizing the importance of self-care. We’re very blessed to have parents who live nearby to be able to step in or be on standby when needed, and those times are great. But more than that, I’ve found that just taking a teeny bit of time each day for just me makes such a world of difference.
Old photo…read that book a while ago and loved it!
Some days (although rarely), I find a good hour of time to myself; other days, it’s a quick 10 minutes. But I plan to continue to use that time wisely (i.e., not always spending my free time on social media/the internet), whether it be reading an extra chapter or two in my book, sitting quietly to enjoy a dessert, going to get or giving myself a quick mani or pedi, OR…just take that extra time for SLEEP.
3. Take the Active Road.
I’ve had to make some sacrifices when it comes to staying active and “working out” since having Lucas. And I have no doubt that if/whenever a second baby comes our way, it’s only going to get more difficult to squeeze in those workouts every day. I’ve mentioned this before, but I think it’s worth mentioning again…staying active doesn’t have to mean suiting up in workout gear and devoting an hour to the gym every day. Sure, my intention for continuing to stay healthy through 2015 includes maintaining a fitness regimen, but we all know some days/weeks are better than others.
So for those weeks where the sleep is rough and the early morning workouts just aren’t happening, that’s when I’ll continue to work on taking that active road. Keep moving throughout the day; get up for a few walking breaks while at work; park a little farther away; play a few extra games of chase with Lucas around the house.
If you’re moving, you’re being active. And at the end of the day, it all adds up, whatever it may be.
4. Drink the H2O.
Ahhh, water. We sure do have a love/hate relationship, don’t we? It’s funny, too, because I know 100% that when I drink the right amount of water throughout the day, I really do feel amazing (dehydration is the worst).
Less bloating for sure, but hey…let’s even go out on a limb here and say more water = more trips to the bathroom = moving more throughout the day. It’s a win-win!
One of my plans to continue to work on increasing my water intake everyday (and doing so consistently) is to swap out my water bottle at work with one that has a straw (I’m thinking about getting either this one or this one). Whatever the reason, I always drink more water when I have a straw?! I also need to work on this over the weekends as well, because this is really where I struggle with keeping up my water intake.
5. Enjoy a little something sweet every day.
Please don’t tell me you guys are surprised with this one. The blog name says it all…I need my sweets! I’ve tried the whole “no sugar for x number of days” thing before and in the end, all I wind up doing is binging on it afterward and being a miserable grump during my time away from it.
So I’m resolving to continue to enjoy my daily sweets, but keeping portions in mind. Some days, a couple pieces of chocolate do the trick. Other days, it’s an ice cream sundae. And hey, some days it’s both. It all balances out.
This year, I’ve also got a few new sweet treats I can add to my list, thanks to Fiber One.
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it before, but their Cinnamon Coffee Cake bars are out. of. this. world. I buy a box probably once every other week because they’re the perfect mid-morning snack, paired with some fruit.
But this year, they’ve come out with a few new items to satisfy those dessert cravings, including 90 Calorie Mint Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Chip Crunchy Cookies, and Protein Cookies & Crème bars.
The protein bars have been great for an on-the-go snack…
And the cookies, well, they’re good really any time of day.
But, just sayin’…they’re also pretty delicious crumbled on top of some ice cream.
If you want more fun ways to enjoy them, be sure to check out Dessertify. The dessert creations they have on there look just incredible!
So, in a nutshell, those are some of my intentions for 2015. Things are certainly much different than the were a few years ago, and honestly, it’s soooo much better now. Like, a lot better. I have a feeling 2015 is going to be an amazing one!
How about you guys? What are you planning on doing this year to stay healthy??
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Getting “me time” sounds like a good one. Maybe I’ll steal that!
jill conyers says
Your list covers it all! The me time is so important and sadly, too often the first thing to go.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Brynn says
Me time is so important! Last night it was an extra 30 min of sleep!
Mimi says
Great list! For me, quick reminder at the end of the day of all the things I am grateful for! Gratitude!
Dalas says
I found the chicory root/inulin in fiber one to be absolutely awful on my stomach. So jealous of people who can tolerate it!
Courtney says
Oh no! What does it do to your stomach? Bloated?
Lauren says
Usually the case for me too, Dalas! I love the taste of chocolate chip fiber one bars and I have to literally eat one over the course of a day or else my intestines go into high alert LOL That coffee cake looks sooo good though…
A coworker and I have challenged each other to drinking 100 oz of water a day and then another 28 of a ‘healthy’ liquid (like tea) to hit a gallon each day. I’ve only been doing it about a week and I seriously feel like my skin looks better and I’m having no trouble getting my 10000 steps in LOL
M says
Yeah me too with that chicory root! I can’t eat the Chobani 100 calorie yogurts anymore and that makes me sad. To answer Courtney’s question – it totally bloats me up, to the point where sometimes I’m in pain and can’t button my pants! All kinds of fun stomach grumbles going on. It is not pleasant! I ate some south beach peanut butter bar and noticed my stomach acting up w the same symptoms today – checked the ingredients and there was that chicory root! I wish they could do without it.
Speaking of chobani, my autocorrect keeps changing chobani to Chicano. So this morning I asked my mom where she found the grape Chicano. Haha.
Courtney says
That’s so interesting…and such a bummer!
But LOL to the Chobani autocorrect ;)
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I love Fiberone products! They make for the perfect snack when I am craving a sweet treat, but don’t want to completely splurge. I think the coffee cake has got to be one of my favorites. Have you ever tried popping it in the microwave for about 10 seconds? Oh my gosh!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
I love these goals! They are so realistic :) For me, focusing on me time and sleep are huge this year!! Makes a world of a difference. I love that you are still active, but you are recognizing that just because you aren’t wearing workout gear or in a class doesn’t mean you aren’t being active and moving. Such a good healthy perspective, Courtney!!
Stacey M. says
LOVE this post. Perfect way to sum up my perspective on life, fitness and health as well. I am all about being healthy and staying active, but not in the ways many people would think. Staying active simply means getting your butt in gear most of the day (which is not always easy at my desk job) and being healthy is so much more than what you eat, how much you “workout”, etc. I am definitely trying to keep these things in mind this year, as my wedding approaches. I want to feel my absolute best that day, but not go entirely crazy trying to lose weight or “tone up”. I just want to continue doing what I’m doing now and maintain a healthy, balanced focus. Here’s to a great year! :)
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
love your list! The “me time” is something I def need to work on!!
Carrie Stavenger says
I need to be better about having something sweet (and little) each day. I am still trying to get over the mindset of “I can’t have anything bad for me or else I will grow like a balloon” because in reality, I end up binging at the first sight of anything bad within arms reach! Great list for the year ahead!
Marielle says
Me time is so important. I feel like as women we sometimes overlook this or feel guilty about it, but it’s necessary!
Christen says
Thanks for sharing these! Once it comes out, I’m planning on getting a Fitbit Charge HR to help see steps each day, but also calories burned during Spinning.
Courtney says
Ohhh, I love my Fitbit! I think you’ll really enjoy it too :)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Getting some “me” time has always been important for me! I’m an introvert and that’s my time to re-charge and get back to myself and my intentions. I’m sure for some people it sounds weird but just that time to myself is important.
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I’m so with you on the staying active. I’m used to working out most days of the week but now if I get three times a week, I’m lucky! Having a child definitely changes things but staying active really helps.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Nice post! I like the idea of the active road. For me, one of the ones I am working on is the time for self-care. Even if it’s just 10 minutes to read every day. Have a good Tuesday!
Megan says
Hi Courtney! What is the name of your treadmill? I am in the market for a new treadmill and have been looking into NordicTrack from Sears. What are your thoughts on the one you have? Thank you in advance!!
Courtney says
Hey Megan! We bought ours a little over 4 years ago (in this post! https://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2010/11/09/new-accomplishment-new-gadgets-a-new-dinner/)
It’s the NordicTrack C 900 which we got from Sears, and we’ve loved it! It’s really been great – would definitely recommend!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
LOVE this list – and Fiber One products! I’m working really hard on the “me-time” this year, and also on accepting when I’ve done enough for the day (trying not to fill limited free time with more work; I don’t need to be super-productive ALL the time).
Shawna says
these are great goals. i’d say i do a pretty good job of having “me” time every day, which includes my workouts, down time to read or journal or blog, or walk around the city. i def want to continue this up, and hopefully do more journaling (trying to maintain a gratitude journal this year), and continue to push myself with my fitness and distance running. i want to run another full marathon in 2015 in the fall (upstate NY!), so hopefully that happens!
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
I love your healthy approach to healthy living! I agree with you on so many fronts–food is meant to nourish and to enjoy. Life is too short not to have sweets (in moderation). I have a piece of dark chocolate on most days and indulge in a little more something sweet a few days a week. It all evens out if you eat healthy the majority of the time and stay active-in whatever form that is. Our bodies are meant for movement.
I’m focusing on staying present this year. That’s a healthy part I need to work on. I’m always thinking about the next thing that I stress myself out and don’t enjoy the present.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Love your perspective and attitude about healthy living! Balance is definitely key. I’ve learned over the last few years that it doesn’t have to be black and white … I can enjoy dessert while also enjoying my vegetables, and I don’t have to have 10 cookies just because I had 2. It’s so much more refreshing when you don’t have to live up to that perfect ideal.
Beks says
Getting my butt to the gym. Back in October/November, I made it through six weeks of the LiveFit trainer, before Thanksgiving and work took over my life. But I know that sticking with something so long helped me sleep better, gave me endurance, and even helped me stay optimistic. I want to continue to strive for consistency, just because I feel better when I am consistent.
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
OH WOW! These are such great tips. Especially the water and self-care tips. Can’t wait to add these to my list!
Bethany says
cut out soda, drink more water, exercise my dog more :) be happy!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
These dessert options sound pretty tasty. I tend to jump all in with decadent desserts on the weekends and skip dessert altogether during the week, but maybe these can keep me satisfied in between. Thanks for sharing your tips! :)
Pam S @Nuts for Nutrition says
I only discovered the cinnamon coffee cake bars a few months ago this past summer, I’ve had to stock up and brought at least 3 boxes back with me so I can enjoy them back in London!!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
I love Fiber One products — I don’t know how they do it but they are always so good! The PB protein bars are so good too :)
Shel@PeachyPalate says
I’m on a water guzzling mission myself! :) That and getting more sleep!
Nicole says
Random note: I think you do sponsored posts quite well!
As for staying healthy, I agree with you, trying to be active every day, in some way, definitely helps – physically and mentally! Some days when I’m at work, just walking outside for 10 minutes helps me re-set. (I can imagine in NY it’s not easy to do this during the colder months… :( )
Courtney says
Aww, thanks so much, Nicole! I appreciate that :)
Vasu says
I love this post and the goals that you have set. I have similar ones!
Vasu says
I love this post and the goals that you have set! I have similar ones!
Monica says
You and I have pretty much identical “goals” for 2015! Good luck!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets says
Thanks for being such a great role model! I feel you on not depriving yourself.. it never works. That froyo photo is my dream! ;)
Alyssa says
This is a great post! I love your perspective on life and enjoy being able to learn from it :)
Jennifer says
What a great BALANCED list! Love it. I also love the Fiber One Protein Caramel Nut Flavor. I buy a big box of them at Sam’s Club. I am interested in trying the new cookies n cream flavor-i didnt know about it before now. Thanks!
Kristy Sayer says
Love and agree with all of these ideas! I’m with you and believe that healthy living is all about balance – it’s about eating cake (because you need it for mental health, right? ) and enjoying life as well as veggies and exercise!
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