Summertime Health Habits

Summer greetings! 👋

You know, being a dietitian comes with its fair share of questions about diets, foods, supplements, and lifestyle choices. And let me tell you, I've got some opinions! But today, let's have some fun and dive into what I do personally to take care of my health. I'd love to hear what you all do too, so drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Now, let's get real and personal. Here are a few things I'm currently working on:

🌸 Dealing with perimenopausal symptoms: Hot flashes, poor sleep (thanks to those lovely hot flashes again), and some unexpected abdominal weight gain. Oh, the joys of hormones!

🌟 Prioritizing brain health and chronic disease prevention: My mom sadly passed away from Lewy Body Dementia, so I'm on a mission to keep my brain sharp, prevent diseases, and keep inflammation at bay.

⚡ Battling deficiencies like a warrior: Lab results don't lie, and I have had deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D. I am conscious to make sure this doesn’t happen again!

Let's dive into my summertime habits:

💊 Supplement game: I start my day with Athletic Greens (a superhero blend of multi-vitamins, adaptogens, probiotics, and more), along with Methylated B12 twice a week, Glutathione daily, and L-theanine plus Magnesium Glycinate for a peaceful slumber.

🍽️ Eating for vitality: I've discovered that limiting gluten and sugar does wonders for me. I also steer clear of carbohydrates in the morning to keep my blood sugar and hunger levels in check throughout the day. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

🍳 Breakfast delights: Picture this - a delightful cup of coffee or espresso alongside some cheesy scrambled eggs packed with veggies and salsa. Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, cottage cheese with nuts, salsa, and a pickle (don't knock it till you've tried it!). Sometimes I add avocado or enjoy some delicious berries for a fruity twist.

🌞 Mid-day fuel: My trusty AG1 comes to the rescue, keeping me energized and nourished.

🍽️ Mid-day munchies: Time for a satisfying snack/lunch combo. Think rice cake topped with almond butter, a handful of berries, a refreshing salad, or some delightful leftovers from the previous day's feast.

🌙 Evening delights: As the day winds down, I opt for a protein-packed meal accompanied by veggies and a smaller portion of carbohydrates. Gotta find that perfect balance!

Let's not forget about staying active and catching those Zs:

🏃 Physical activity: I'm all about that fast-paced 2.5-3-mile walk five times a week. And to keep things exciting, I sprinkle in some group fitness classes at my gym, including HIIT, yoga, and weight training. Oh, and I make sure to take 10-minute walk breaks outdoors during work. Fresh air does wonders!

🌙 Sweet dreams: L-theanine and magnesium glycinate are my go-to sleep companions, helping me catch those much-needed Zs. I also prefer waking up naturally, without an alarm (unless absolutely necessary), and soaking in 20 minutes of glorious morning sun sans sunglasses (this helps set my circadian rhythm).

✨ Embracing a wholesome lifestyle: I've found that journaling, especially in the great outdoors during summer, sets the right tone for my day. Oh, and let's not forget my ongoing journey of saying no and not being a people pleaser. It's all about self-care!

Cherishing moments that matter: Spending quality time with my loved ones, lots of laughs, cooking, and I love a good board or card game.

What’s your summertime health habits?