Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

A Love of Food, Fitness, & Fashion

To Me, Healthy Living is…

By 43 Comments

I am moving in slowwwww motion this morning.

I woke up feeling rested and ready to start the day. I actually have quite a bit that I need to do today, so I figured I’d get an early start by working on an order of cupcakes that I need to deliver tonight. Welp, that went right out the window when I realized that I’m out of cupcake liners. Arghhh.

Rather than go to the store, I figured I’d eat some breakfast first and then go take care of business. I kept things nice and easy today.

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Coffee, and a whole wheat English muffin – half with almond butter, bananas, and raisins, half with peanut butter and jelly.

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I’ve had this combo for the past three days, either at breakfast or lunch. I can’t get enough of it.

You guys didn’t miss too much for dinner last night…well, unless you’re really into semi-falling apart mashed potato and cauliflower pancakes.

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My mom used to make potato pancakes growing up all the time with our leftover mashies and I loved them. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had them, so I figured I’d use up the rest of our leftovers and give ‘em a whirl.

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They tasted great, but unfortunately, I don’t think I put enough oil in the pan to fry them because they were sticking alllll over the place. Hey, no worries. I like ugly but tasty food. Especially when it’s topped with lots of ketchup. Winking smile

The rest of last night’s dinner consisted of some more barley and vegetable casserole.

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I still have about two pounds of this stuff left and it’s only me tackling it because Jay despises water chestnuts…if ya feel like coming to help me out, you’re more than welcome.

*****

I’m hoping to be able to squeeze in a walk or something at some point today because I’ve taken the past three days off from any sort of activity. No particular reason except for the fact that I just didn’t want to exercise. Today though, I’m ready to move a bit.

I’ll tell ya…it’s crazy how my perspective on exercise and healthy living has changed so much already since my HA diagnosis. One of these days I’ll figure out a way to put all of my thoughts together!

Alright, it’s about time to get out to the store and get workin’ on those cupcakes. I’ll catch all you cool cats later. Smile

Questions for the Morning:

How have your thoughts and opinions on exercise and healthy living changed over the years (if at all)?

Fill in the blank: “To me, healthy living is _____________________________.”

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

Comments

  2. Elaine says

    To me, healthy living is living happily. You can be the most fit and toned person, but if you are never happy or satisfied with your body, you're not emotionally healthy or content. It's all about finding the right balance. For some people that's working out every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and for others it's every other day or a couple of times a week. As long as you're healthy physically AND emotionally, then that is what healthy living is all about! And don't you hate it when you are all ready to bake something and you are missing ONE thing. It's happened to me a time or two. Thankfully I have a grocery store right down the street so it's not a huge deal.
    Reply

  3. Khushboo Thadani says

    I can totally relate to the concept of healthy living changing over the years. In the past, it solely meant eating as few cals as possible and working out intensely every day- gah only now can I see how UNhealthy that is. To me, healthy living (now) is eating what my body craves, staying active even if it means a relaxed walk, and also just living life…which sometimes involves the conventional “unhealthy” foods and cancelling workouts for extra sleep or time with friends/family!
    Reply

  4. Julie @ Sweetly Balanced says

    To me the idea of healthy living has changed dramatically. I used to think you always had to be on some kind of diet and it took me years and many failed diet "attempts" to finally realize that dieting doesn't work and isn't even that good for you! It's better to have healthy balanced eating habits all the time. I've also learned that exercise is a choice you make, I used I say that I don't have time to exercise and I've come I realize that there is ALWAYS time if you make time for it, the question is really, how important is exercise and fitness compared to ther things in your life.
    Reply

  5. Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says

    I used to think healthy living was all about eating less calories and working out everyday. Now, healthy living to me means eating healthy whole foods and indulging in what I really want in small amounts. It is also about having fun when exercising, even if it is just a walk with my pup! I think too that healthy living means having a clear and calm mind as well :)
    Reply

  6. Ashlee @ A Step in the Right Direction says

    To me healthy living is feeling good about myself and feeling good at the end of the day. If I eat junk during the day I do not feel good and it puts a damper on the rest of the day. I also feel great when I get a walk in during the day. 2 years ago I was not doing much exercise except an occasional walk with my mother-in-law, but I did not like how I looked and decided I needed a change. Now I try to walk 5 times a week. It gets addicting and I love the feeling after I am done.
    Reply

  8. Chelsea @ Dine & Dash Diaries says

    I hate to say it, because everyone has a different definition, but...moderation. I have seen a lot of healthy living bloggers (myself included, sometimes!) try to fit this weird "I ONLY EAT HEALTHY FOOD ALWAYS" mold, and it's the opposite of healthy, as it encourages readers, who come to HLBs for advice and inspiration, to engage in those same unhealthy practices. I'm glad your idea of "healthy" has changed since your HA diagnosis if it's giving you a better perspective on the word!
    Reply

  9. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    I used to be more about just "looking good" but now it's more about "feeling good" To me healthy living in waking up everyday and doing something good for my body. Running, walking, eating more natural etc... Whatever it is, as long as its good for me! :)
    Reply

  11. Connie says

    My view of healthy living has changed SO much over the years. I used to think that healthy living was all or nothing. I would eat soo clean..no sauces, no treats, nada. I would basically eat egg whites, chicken, and sweet potatoes all the time haha. I was also preparing to compete in bikini though, but that became my normal view of healthy eating. Now, I understand that there's no reason to be so strict if I'm not competing. It's all about balance and fueling my body with a variety of nutritious foods...with a couple of treats thrown in there ;) I really don't know how I even made it that long without ketchup.
    Reply

  12. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    My views on what healthy living is have changed a lot over the past little while as well. I used to think it was all about exercising daily and eating 100% clean, but adhering to that kind of thinking left me more tired and miserable than I think I've ever been. Now, I see healthy living as not overthinking things, listening to what my body is saying, balancing nutritious food with delicious treats, taking time to slow down, and learning to appreciate all of my blessings.
    Reply

  13. Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says

    For me, healthy living is about finding that place where you are truly happy. It isn't about obsession or overindulgence. So many people focus on numbers...calories consumed, calories burned, size of clothing, number on the scale, ect. How in the world can a person be living a healthy(mentally) and happy life when they are defining themselves by such trivial things? Being healthy should be about body AND mind and the approach for getting there is going to be different for each individual.
    Reply

  14. Becky Przy says

    Healthy living to me is moderation/balance. My opinions/practices to exercise have changed a lot over the past 5 years. I went from no exercise to moderate exercise to compulsive exercise. I ran a couple marathons (and fell in love with running) Now being diagnosed w/HA I am struggling w/finding balance even more.
    Reply

  15. Katie says

    As I've gotten older, my view of healthy living has drastically changed. I'm so much more aware of what it takes to treat my body well. The subject has also become a passion of mine so that drives me to learn even more now. Today, I view healthy living as a journey that never ends. It means constantly striving to make smart food decisions and stay active. Some days are great; some days you fall off the healthy wagon. I find that living a healthy life means, no matter what yesterday brought, doing the best you can to find the right balance in your life today.
    Reply

  16. Rachel says

    To me healthy living is having everything in balance. I also lost my period at the beginning of this year, and it only just dawned on me that I was putting my body though wayyyy too intense workouts. I'm much happier now that I toned it all down :)
    Reply

  17. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    A few years ago, healthy living would have been about restriction, always eating a "clean" diet and exercising every day. Now, it's definitely relaxed. Healthy living does NOT involve restriction, but it does involve rest days, cookies, fro yo, and wine once in a while. To me, it's living how I want to while keeping my overall health in mind.
    Reply

  19. Michelle (Better with Berries) says

    To me, healthy living is feeling good about my choices! If I'm being "healthy" I feel more energetic, confident, and happier. Most of the time that means eating lots of veggies, healthy fats, lean protein, and plenty of exercise. But sometimes it means chocolate chip cookies!
    Reply

  20. Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire says

    I used to think healthy living was all about being perfect. I couldn't even eat ONE piece of candy without feeling guilty about it all day long. I thought everything I ate had to be 100% organic, healthy, and nutritious. I finally had a huge wake-up call and realized that that kind of outlook was actually UNHEALTHY. Life is all about moderation, and that's what healthy living is to me now. Just because I want froyo one night doesn't mean I'm undoing all of my hard work. While I truly enjoy healthy, nutritious foods, I'm definitely not one to shy away from the not so healthy foods on occasion now. My body needs it sometimes, and I'm finally okay with that.
    Reply

  21. Meghan @ After the Ivy League says

    My opinions of healthy living have definitely changed (and are still a work in progress). When I read old posts about this or that burning this many calories and being so proud that I resisted "butter soaked popcorn" I cringe. I mean for God's sake have a handful of popcorn! Haha
    Reply

  22. kim@hungryhealthygirl says

    To me healthy living is feeling great inside and out...striving to eat healthfully and moving your body! My thoughts and opinions haven't changed much, but I didn't used to eat so great and have went through phases of not working out. Since about 2009, I've been "healthy".
    Reply

  24. Kerry @ Totes My Oats says

    To me, healthy living is all about moderation. I don't think everyone has to run 10 miles a day. I don't think someone should feel bad about themselves because they've never ran 10 miles. I believe a variety of moderate exercises is key. Most importantly, listen to your body!
    Reply

  25. Steph @ StephSnacks says

    To me, being healthy is being able to feel good and being able to compromise. I was never comfortable with my size (even though I'm athletically built) just because I am so short. It always seemed stocky. But recently I know that I have been working out in ways that tricks my body and eating treats but also really being mindful of what I am putting into my body. Ya gotta indulge every now and then! And I now feel comfortable in my own skin :-)
    Reply

  26. Andrea @ Barbells and Buttercream says

    My opinions have changed about exercise since I used to HATE exercise (I used to take a shortcut through the school during PE class when we were supposed to run around it!) If you told me that at 41 I would be lifting weights, running, and cycling I would have thought you were insane. But here I am, working out every week with my husband and I LOVE IT. My only regret - that I didn't start sooner.
    Reply

  28. Shayla says

    Love love this :) You know I feel the exact same way and my idea of healthy living has changed so very much....a walk and eating right is healthy living...not torturing ourselves with low-cal food and overexercise....so so happy for you girl...love ya :) xo
    Reply

  31. Kelsey@ kelseyruns says

    I used to be all about working out because I wanted to look a certain way, but now for me eating healthy and working out is more for my health and because I just feel better when I've eaten a healthy meal and when I've had a good sweat! Healthy living to me is finding a comfortable balance between eating the food you want to eat and eating the food your body needs!
    Reply

  32. Becki (@Fight4Wellness) says

    My mom used to make potato pancakes all the time too! Now I'm craving them of course. To me, healthy living is being balanced. We hear that all the time, but it's definitely a struggle. I have been on both ends of the spectrum, considerably overweight and not doing much about it to cutting my calories dangerously low and overworking my body. I'm at a good place right now and I don't obsess about food the way I used to. That is how I live healthy.
    Reply

  34. Lisa says

    I seriously find your blog is such a refresher right now. I've been increasing my calories a lot lately and decreasing exercise, so I can get those lady functions running back to normal;) and its nice to see someone else going through the same thing. Your blog has been such an inspiration these past few months and I've realized I need to change things before I let my "clean eating" and "healthy habits" go too far to an extreme. Sorry for that little tangent:)
    Reply

    • Courtney says

      No apology needed, Lisa! Thank you so much for sharing that - it helps me too to know that I'm not alone sometimes. :) Sending lots of well wishes your way!!! xo
      Reply

  36. Shannon says

    To me, healthy living is reasonably setting healthy goals for yourself such as eating right on a day to day basis, and fitting time into your hectic schedule to exercise.
    Reply

  37. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    My view on healthy living has definitely changed over the years in terms of REAL food vs processed foods. I may eat processed foods on occasion but I try to make it few and far between as I know real food makes me feel MUCH better (physically, mentally, etc).
    Reply

  38. Lauren @The Homeostatic Mindset says

    I totally understand the exercise mentality shift...It's hard to articulate my exact thoughts on the topic, however. I go back and forth between feeling like it's best for me (which from a purely physiological perspective it is) and wanting to get back into running/spinning/more "hard core" exercise. *Sigh.* It's still something I struggle with daily...especially on those lovely 'fat days.' -_- You have been so inspiring on my own recovery journey- can't wait to hear your thoughts! <3
    Reply

  39. Bek @ Crave says

    To me healthy living is definitely all about balance and happiness- not about being skinny anymore. Ps. I can't wait till you get all your thoughts together for a post- I'd love to read it :)
    Reply

  40. Brittany says

    First of all, I love your blog. You are so creative and funny. I haven't been reading long, but what I have read so far helps push me to do more with my blog. To answer you question, (turned out to be more difficult than I imagined) to me healthy is being happy. I think once you reach that state of mind where you are truly happy, you are healthy.
    Reply

  41. Karleen says

    Healthy living has definitely changed for me. I put sooooo much emphasis on good and bad foods so to speak. That is NOT healthy, at least for me. I would do really well and eat healthy and then give in and sabotage it by bi gong every couple weeks on junk food. Not a healthy balance. Now I'm finally finding the balance between exercising because I actually LiKe it and eating everything moderation so I don't feel deprived
    Reply

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