Listen & Learn Your Body
You already know the “quick fix” secrets you’ve been searching for, you just need to listen. The body communicates via energy, aches, strains, cravings, allergies & etc., so when it speaks…liiistteennn. Stop complaining & kick your body’s ass already.
Continue reading below to learn how to communicate & care for you body! Before you review the list, get a journal, take notes & compare changes as you begin to change your lifestyle. Pay special attention to when you feel uncomfortably full; when you crave processed sugars & when you notice skin breakouts.
Your Body Deserves Better
Hydration
Are you drinking enough water? You need water, even if you aren’t thirsty, drink water. You should be drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. I personally make it a goal to drink anywhere between 2 liters to a gallon a day, especially if I have coffee or tea.
Rest
How many hours of sleep do you get each night? I hope it’s 7-9 hours! This has always been a tough task for me, after four hours of sleep, my eyes pop open! To help, I force myself through a tough full body work-out two/three times a week.
Skincare Regimen
Do you have a routine? You must have a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, moisturizer & most importantly a sunscreen protector (SPF level should be at least 30). As you become consistent with your regimen, you’ll learn what’s best for your skin!
Sex Life
Change your diet for two weeks then see how your sex drive & taste changes. The act of sex is normalized but the health behind it isn’t. When many people notice a pimple/breakout, they start chugging water & cutout sugars. Why not be mindful of your body fluids as well? What goes in the body comes out—cheers to being tasty!
Food Intolerances
Take note of how you feel after anything you consume. Unlike food allergies, intolerances may not be as obvious because they’ve been normalized. Food should be fuel, not cause exhaustion, bloating, abdominal pains, acid reflux, diarrhea or constipation. Your body’s specific response to foods will tell you exactly what you need & don’t need. For example, years ago I began eating less meat—I didn’t like how full & sluggish I felt after. As I researched, I learned it was due to my body not digesting properly.
Exercise
Start & don’t compare yourself to the next person. If you expect your body to perform like a triathlete who has trained for years, you will drive yourself insane. If you don’t listen to your body while eating, at least listen to it when you’re exercising to avoid injuries.
Immune System
Do you recall the last time you were sick? If so, write down your symptoms & the amount of days it took you to recover. I promise, you’ll be more aware, know what to expect & know exactly what you should provide your body. Fun fact: I tend to get sick every two years, the last times for me were: 2018 & 2016. I’ve been working hard to ensure I don’t get sick during the pandemic!!
Hair Loss
Whether your hair is thinning, drying or developing dandruff, start checking your daily water consumption & diet. Hair loss can also be a reflection of stress. If you are experiencing stress: center yourself, figure out what’s causing it, make a list of ways to release & start moving forward. The four steps won’t be easy but if you challenge yourself to take control, I know you can manage it!
Makeup Use
No matter how much you love a product, your skin may not. Along the path to a healthier lifestyle, I learned the importance of makeup ingredients, which is why I now only use vegan & cruelty free makeup. As of 2018, my go-to brand has been Beauty Bakerie, through them, I learned “not all vegan companies are cruelty free”, which was a GAME CHANGER!
