Health

Monday’s Motivation- Baby Steps!

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Sometimes finding the motivation to ‘eat right’ can be challenging… especially when your body is used to enjoying high fat and sugary foods on a regular basis.  Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen over night… it’s a slow process that is definitely worth the effort.

Here’s the thing about me, I love healthy food.  I love fresh green veggies, sweet baby carrots, steamed sweet potatoes, succulent grilled salmon, crisp Fuji apples, rich dark chocolate… the list goes on and on.   But ‘craving’ genuinely healthy foods didn’t happen ‘overnight’.  My taste buds have changed over time to become more accustomed to (and actually prefer) healthier foods that nourish my body.

That being said, I don’t eat ALL healthy foods simply because they’re healthy.  You’ll rarely find me mixing nasty-flavored protein powder, chomping celery, or drinking carrot juice (which I thought I’d love… but actually hate).  The point is, I’ve tried tried lots of healthy foods.  Some I don’t care for and I’ve found some that I really DO love.

So maybe you can’t foresee yourself sipping a kale smoothie any time soon, but you wouldn’t be opposed to munching on some freshly made kale chips.  Or maybe you hate the texture of fresh broccoli, but wouldn’t mind it steamed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  Maybe you can’t stand the smell of fish, but you you’d really enjoy a piece of grilled chicken breast.  Super dark chocolate may be ‘too bitter’ for you.  That’s okay, try a small piece of 60% and work your way up.  Maybe you NEED your AM coffee, but how about trying it with just one packet of sugar instead of three, and why not a splash of vanilla almond milk instead of full-fat cream?

The point is, when you begin to take “baby steps” toward a healthier lifestyle, it doesn’t feel so extreme.  It can actually be fun!  It’s a challenge… and you feel better because each step you take is one step closer to a healthier you!

So for today’s motivation, forget the strict crash diets that promise you’ll drop 5 pounds by the weekend, instead work towards a healthier life that’s reasonable, maintainable, and enjoyable!   After all, healthy life is all about “progress, NOT perfection!”

How about you?  What are the little steps you’re taking to live a healthier lifestyle?  What keeps you motivated?

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6 Comments

  • Reply Liora (Allthingsloveli)

    Gilmore girls is my absolute favorite show- I watch it on repeat thanks to Netflix! It really never gets old, so excellent choice of quotes! I also love eating fresh fruits and vegetables, I always tell myself I’m lucky I enjoy them.

    December 1, 2015 at 12:07 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks!! And it’s a classic for sure! Also, yay for veggie and fruit love!! <3

      January 20, 2016 at 10:40 pm
  • Reply Kat

    Progress not perfection for SURE!! Im with you on the healthy eating – I love fresh foods and what they can do for my body, but that doesnt mean that I also dont love sugar!! I just make the conscious choice not to consume it every day. Being healthy is all about making those choices on a consistent basis. I always tell myself, “that [insert food here] will still be around tomorrow. You don’t need it today!” It helps when I feel a binge coming on!

    January 5, 2016 at 2:30 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Yes! I agree! It’s all about balance! No extremes here! 🙂 Well done Kat!

      January 20, 2016 at 10:39 pm
  • Reply Kait Miller

    Love this girl! And you always have the cutest outfits. I need to go shopping with you.

    August 1, 2016 at 2:30 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks so much Kait!! And SERIOUSLY! Best shopping trip EVAHHH!
      xoxo Cailee!

      August 1, 2016 at 4:05 pm

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