In February 2022 I wrote a post about which health habits were working for me. Over a year later, it’s nice to see that a few of them have withstood the test of time:
- LMNT for optimal hydration. I have one every single day and always look forward to it.
- Madeline Moves app for daily strength training
- Chiropractic care. I go every other week.
- Morning light. When the sun comes up, Finley and I (and David if he’s around) go for a slow walk. It usually ends up being 1.25 miles. Outside morning light helps set your circadian rhythm and honestly it just is a nice, peaceful way to start the day.
I’m still regularly engaging with all those habits, along with the core others of optimizing sleep, eating a lot of veggies and protein, and keeping my mind as peaceful and focused as possible (not regularly watching the news).
There are a few more experimental practices and habits I’ve adopted lately, too. David has been on a big health kick, which is motivating for me. We’re having fun trying some things together as our wellness focus continues to evolve to a longevity-minded approach. I care a lot less about my beach body and a lot more about my 25-year from now functional body. Here are a few of the new focuses:
- Less alcohol. This was one of my 2023 goals and though vague, it’s sticking. I’ve tracked when and how much I drink since January 1 and have been pleased with how I’ve been able to break the mindless habit of pouring a glass of wine. I’m having a drink about once a week right now, and sticking to 1-2. There have been some exceptions and I am still exploring this area, but my sleep and mental clarity seem better than ever.
- Weights. I’ve done strength training for years but in the past month two things have changed: I’ve been challenging myself with heavier weights. Also, we used to take preworkout then go for a walk and come back to do weights. We’ve switched that order, hitting the weights right after taking the preworkout and it has allowed for harder workouts.
- Creatine. Ok, this one is super new; I’ve been taking it for about 2 weeks. David brought it up and since I’ve been researching it, I’m hard-pressed to find anything negative about it. I’m taking this highly recommended one. My goals for taking it are increased muscle and bone density. Since I didn’t do a loading phase and instead just started taking 4-5 g a day, it should take me 3-4 weeks before I notice a physical difference, so I’ll report back.
- Protein. This is a health topic I’m drinking the Kool-Aid hard on right now. Getting enough protein is hard but when I hit my goals I feel great- more satiated, stronger, etc. My go-to sources of protein.
- Movement throughout the day. I’m grateful for a lifestyle that lends itself to movement. I was always that person that would go walk some stairs mid-day at the office (though that was years… decades?! ago), but I feel a secret to longevity is to just keep moving.
- Dry brushing. I started doing this regularly when I had a lump in my breast scare as a way to help my lymphatic health. I’ve been off and on with it since then, but lately have been more diligent about doing it before every shower.
- Magnesium and Tart Cherry Juice. This delicious cherry limeade tasting concoction has become my evening sipper of choice. I drink it while I cook or after dinner. It’s delicious! The magnesium (get the right kind- a glycinate or bisglycinate- I use this one) helps promote relaxation, reduces anxiety, promotes bone health and exercise recovery, among other things. You want a magnesium glycinate or bis-glycinate for this purpose (there are multiple forms of magnesium). I add a scoop of magnesium bis-glycinate to tart cherry juice, which is rich in antioxidants, can help muscle recovery, and is a natural form of melatonin (great for sleep). I use about 1/4-1/3 c (I don’t measure) tart cherry juice, then fill the rest of the glass up with a lime Spindrift. It will bubble because of the magnesium, so have a big enough glass. The result? A delicious beverage that will help promote a great night of sleep!
Optimal health is always an ongoing journey from me. I’m far from perfect on it, but that’s what makes it fun; there is always an area I can learn more about. There are plenty of things I’d still like to incorporate more, that I haven’t yet been successful with making consistent. Here are a few:
- Cardio. I know it’s not the end all be all, but it’s a good thing to get your heart rate up a few times a week. I tend to like to focus on strength so I need to add this in more often.
- Sweating. I don’t sweat easily, which is why I like my sauna bag. Unfortunately I don’t use it nearly as regularly as I should.
- Stretching. I’ve gotten better at doing 2 minutes stretch sessions a couple times a day but I really would love to do a better job doing full body stretch/15 minute yoga stretching at least a few times a week. I have the hardest time making this a habit!
- Candles. I just can’t seem to shake them. I love candles. Ironic since I have air purifiers and diffusers that I use and appreciate. Then I go and light a candle. Perhaps the joy it brings me outweighs the air pollutants? Sigh…
Share with me; what’s working for your health right now? What’s something you’d love to improve on?
Monica Adams says
What pre workout do you guys use? I’ve tried many varieties, just can’t seem to find one that I can stick with! Thank you!
Brittany Dixon says
We are hooked on Gnarly! It’s a strawberry lemonade flavor. David picked it a couple years ago because he said it was one of the cleanest ones, but honestly I haven’t looked into it much since then. I love it though!
Amber says
What brand of creatine do you use? So many out there on the market right now. Thank you!
Brittany Dixon says
We are using Thorne. It seems good! I did a lot of research on this and the consensus is that is actually a cheap supplement. A lot of companies add things to it to try and justify an increased price (like mixing it with preworkout). I chose Thorne (perhaps we are overpaying, I’m not sure?) because it’s a company I’ve used before and was pleased with, but I imagine there are several good options- just make sure it’s monohydrate (from what I understand). 🙂
Shannon says
Great post!
I just started used creatine too- I as well did not opt for a loading dose. I am curious if I see a physical and /or mental difference!
The magnesium drink looks so good and love the health benefits. I am going to start adding this to my night! Right now magnesium is sold out but I am on the notification list!
Caitlin says
Great post! I’m also drinking the protein kool-aide and started tracking my macros. It’s been difficult to reach my protein goals so I added a shake using Just Ingredients protein powder – it’s super clean! I joined a gym where all I do is show up and get my butt kicked with a mix of strength training and cardio for 50 min without having to put any thought into it. I start my mornings with warm lemon water and end my evenings with a tablespoon of ACV majorly diluted with water. Oh and I’m also trying to be consistent with dry brushing.
Heather says
I feel like there isn’t a “kool-aid” to drink about protein? For a couple of years now, most people in healthcare and the exercise physiology fields have recommended people consume .8 to 1 gram per pound of lost weight. It promotes good bone and muscle health.
I also use creatine. There are slot of studies out there about its positive effects on women’s health.
Brittany Dixon says
True, true, I don’t really mean the kool-aid. I just mean I’m becoming more and more of a believer (fanatic?) about how important protein is for muscle and bone health, especially for women. Similar to creatine, especially for post-menopausal women and bone density.
Kelli H says
I have a hard time with protein. I just don’t love it so it’s definitely hard for me to get enough. The cherry limeaid drink sounds good but drinking carbonated water every day gives me horrible stomach cramping. I’ve experienced when I was pregnant the second time and just this past January when I did dry January! It’s such a bummer.
Sherry says
Enjoy reading what you are doing and what is working for you . I want to try your mocktail .
Becky Przy says
Oh I love this topic and I have been thinking about it a lot since I turned 40 last year. I have been a long distance runner for years (13+). I have slowly been transitioning to more strength training and walking. While I love running for my mental health, the long term stress/inflammation it (may) be causing my body, is something I am trying to be mindful of. I am looking for more balance–not extremes.
I did work on increasing my protein and this is something that I can push to a certain point, but then I start getting digestion distress. I need to slowly keep working on this and work to increase it super slowly.
I told my daughter yoga is something I need to add back into my life again. I made it a goal to start with 15 minutes 1x/week. I committed to doing it before my weekly night class.
Also, creatine can cause some bloating. I haven’t tried Thorne, but I do love Legion Athletics. So far it is the only brand that hasn’t caused me GI distress and I have tried a lot!
Brittany Dixon says
I love your outlook of slowly adding things in to make it sustainable, like yoga. I really need to do the same!
And thanks for the creatine input, too. I’m liking Thorne right now but am trying to tell if a little of the fluffiness I feel around my middle sometimes is from that or regular female fluctuation 🙂
Amy says
Can you share what you typically eat in a day, aside from you dinners, especially to get that protein in. Thanks, love your blog!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Amy! I love that idea; I’ll write a post this week about a typical day of eats. Cottage cheese helps increase my protein a lot, and the chicken breakfast sausage from Costco’s frozen section. More on Wednesday 🙂
Katie says
I know this post is a little old but I came across it and just wanted to share a couple recommendations as I’m a candle lover as well. Every once in awhile I will still get a wooden wick candle because I love the crackling noise but otherwise I love my Luminara Flameless Pillar Candles. They have timers as well so I just have them set to turn on every evening around 6 or 7 depending on the season and love the ambience. Also I switched to a Pura fragrance diffuser that is safe and clean for kids and pets. Anyways, just wanted to share because I can relate to the joy those little things bring!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you for the input! I’ve heard good things about Pura; I’ll have to look into it and the pillar candles. I have some candlestick flameless but would love a thicker option, too. Thanks! 🙂