David likes to joke that I’m like a finely tuned machine. My perspective is that I’m just very in tune with my body’s needs, but if he wants to compare me to a Lamborghini, who am I to protest?
Though I’m always up for an adventure, if I’m at home in a day to day rhythm, I just know what habits keep my body feeling best: whole foods, exercise, sleep. Groundbreaking, right? And when I slack on any of those areas (or overdo it), I can tell.
I’m trying to build these habits in the kids, too. They’re pretty good with food and sleep, but movement is one area I’ve been more intentional about with them lately. They both have activities that keep them active (soccer, Tae Kwon Do, etc), but on a daily basis, they’d both pick playing Barbies or crafting or baking over running outside to play.
About two weeks ago I implemented a morning mile. I called it a wog (a throwback to old blog posts). We simply switch between walking and jogging every other mailbox.
Some days there have been tears (Kaitlyn) and other days we find ways to make it more interesting (bouncing tennis balls the whole way has been a huge hit and distraction). However we do it, it’s nice to know we’re all getting some outside movement in before noon.
I love the morning mile because between it and the warm up and cool down walk I do with David for our workouts, I usually get 3-4 miles in each day walking. That consistency has been nice, even if it’s worn out my shoes pretty quickly.
As a person who overpronates (see picture below) shoes are important. Yesterday I got a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline and it made me realize how worn out my old shoes are. Like new tires on a Lamborghini I suppose. They made a huge difference in how my feet felt at the end of the day.
Anther thing I’ve added in over the past few months that make a difference in fine tuning this machine is a focus on protein. I don’t count grams, but I do try and make sure I have some sort of protein at every meal and I’ve added in a post workout smoothie on most days. In them I include a scoop of protein powder and collagen.
I also started drinking electrolytes most days. I got the LMNT brand from Thrive Market after a friend recommended them. I had been getting lightheaded during some workouts and she suggested I give them a try.
With using my Berkey for our drinking water, all the junk is removed, but like RO water, so is some of the good stuff like minerals. I’ve been drinking it on the days we workout and I’m not ready to recommend it yet, but I do feel like it makes a difference.
The aspect of health and fine tuning I am not always the best at, I’ve been trying to implement more rest into my routine. I soaked my sore muscles in an Epsom salt bath last night. Like every time when I actually make time for some R&R, I got out feeling really relaxed and thinking “I need to do that more often!”
So yes, I guess listing it all out in one post feels a little higher maintenance than I originally would have guessed, but health is one area I’m willing to spend a little more time and money on. David may reference it as a Lamborghini, but most days it feels like a work truck, and I need this body to keep running well to keep up with the demands I put on.
How’s your health lately? What areas are you thriving in? What areas do you want to improve? For me, it’s meditation and rest!
Goal check before I take off to co-op:
More presence and patience? I think so. I left the house to go get new shoes and run and errand and I think the solo time helps me be more present and patient when I’m home.
More time outside? Got 4 miles of neighborhood walking in, so I’ll take it.
Less phone? Barely any phone. I’m not missing it much.
Read a novel? I read probably 10 chapters in the bath.
Less alcohol? No alcohol, For the Biome instead (HEALTHY15 for 15% off). 3/10
Meditate? I did. I really am liking Insight Timer.
Track groceries? Nothing spent.
Laura says
Fun post! I subscribed to a local farm share/ vegetable delivery for the summer, and while it was too pricey for my preference to continue, I have now developed the habit of stopping at the store on Mondays on my way home to buy fresh veggies for the week, and adding something new each week. Because the veggie shares I received were so pricey, I got in the habit as well of not wasting anything, so now when I buy beets, leeks, carrots, turnips, etc. I chop up all the leafs and ends and throw it into my salads. Focusing on eating a diversity of vegetables has done wonders for my gut and overall health! Workout goals are 3X a week- one trail run, one strength training, and one day of Zumba at the Y. I am on my feet all day and some weeks are easier than others to get a workout in after school. Glad you got new shoes that work for you! I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum with shoes/ support, as I switched to barefoot style about 10 years ago. There was a big transition period, but now all trail running and hiking I do is in the barefoot Merrell and I’ve had no issues since switching (prior had issues with shin splints). And it transformed my gait from being a heel striker to more forefoot. Anyhow, that is a huge topic in itself and quite controversial but fascinating to me!
Brittany Dixon says
David went the less support/barefoot -ish style and likes it too! My poor feet just aren’t cut out for it.
Cheri says
I’m loving your daily posts and intentional tracking! I need to get way better about giving my body what it needs and focusing on tuning into it more. Inspiration!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad it’s enjoyable to read because I am enjoying writing them; thank you!