Ten Ways to Implement Healthy Habits into a Entrepreneur Life
If you know me personally, you know that health and wellness is something that is very important to me. I actually went to college to major in Health Science! Directly after graduating, I had plans to work in the wellness field and promote worksite wellness in the corporate world. For me, it is kinda crazy to think about how mug my life trajectory has changed, in comparison to what I expected two and half years ago. But, I don’t regret it at all! All that being said, I still have a great big ‘ol passion for health and wellness and I still love to use my knowledge and passion to influence the lives around me.
I've heard a lot of entrepreneurs say that running a business and a healthy lifestyle don't typically blend and it's impossible to have success in both.
Well, I beg to differ, friend.
I believe there are ten ways entrepreneurs can still find success in business while also focusing on living a healthy lifestyle. The truth is, you deserve to take care of yourself. And you'll be a better business owner if you feel better, have more energy, and take care of yourself!
Ten Ways to Implement Healthy Habits into a Entrepreneur Life
Grace over guilt. We live in a culture and society that focuses way too much on having guilt after indulgence or lack of exercise. I believe that we need to love our bodies for where they are at, what they do for us, and how they serve us. Living in a place of constant guilt for not exercising enough or eating too much will not get you anywhere! You need to give yourself everyday and accept yourself for the progress you make everyday. I often say to myself: “Everyday, in every way, I am getting better.” It’s all a process! Give yourself grace through the process.
Healthy balance of macronutrients. First off, do you know what the Macronutrients are? If you don’t, no fear! The macronutrients are protein, (healthy) fat, and carbohydrates. Ideally, each meal has a balance of 2 or 3 of the nutrients. I am sure you’re wishing that I could give you a perfect formula for the balance of the nutrients that you should follow. But, unfortunately, I can’t! Just like finger prints, each person is different and has different nutritional needs. Your balance of macros depends on your body size, exercise level and intensity, body composition, and so much more. My advice for you would be to try out different combinations and see how your body responds and feels. For me, most of my calories come from (healthy) fats and carbohydrates (vegetables are carbs!), but I also make sure to get enough protein. Some common sources of healthy fats are avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, grass-fed butter. Common sources of carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, processed foods (but, try and stay away from these! See tip #6). And lastly, some common sources of protein are lean meats (poultry and fish), eggs, legumes, and quinoa. I try to make sure I have a fat with every meal (the horror!). Just to remind you, healthy fats are actually really, really good for you and your body desperately needs high amounts of healthy fats. And fat burns fat! Win win! Oh and healthy fats are good for the brain too, so let's just say it makes you a wiser business owner too :)
Find exercise the works for you AND makes you happy. I cannot stress this enough: if you don’t enjoy your exercise routine; you won’t stick with it. I promise. If you love dancing, find a dance class. Go running, or cycling, or swimming, or walking. Whatever works for you, do it! Do the exercise that energizes you! Don’t get stuck forcing yourself to do a exercise routine that you hate. It’s not worth it! Try exercising at least three times a week. Start small and as you can.
Get enough sleep. Did you know that lack of sleep is connected to weight gain? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Make sure you’re scheduling enough sleep. I promise it is worth it! You will be happier, feel healthier, and be more energized. Set an alarm for 30 minutes before you should be asleep. Once the alarm goes off, shut off all screens, brush (and floss!) your teeth, do your nightly routine, read for a few minutes, and get to bed on time!
Drink lots of water. Hydration is important for every process in your body! Your body functions more effectively and efficiently when you are hydrated well. Carry a water bottle with at all times. If you don’t like drinking just water, add some mint, fresh fruit, and citrus. It’ll help spice up your water!
Limit processed foods! I know that isn’t the most fun “tip” to follow, but I highly suggest it. Processed foods are full of artificial flavors, chemicals, additives, and just plain yuck. If you can cut out one processed food item from your home every week, you will be left feeling energized, lighter, and clear-headed. And your digestive system will thank you!
Eat real food, mostly plants, not too much. This tip continues off of the previous tip. Eating real food is oh so important. We have access to real food, harvested from the earth, intended to fuel our bodies. This “rule” is actually from “Food Rules” by Michael Pollan, and I wholeheartedly agree with his rules for eating and food. It’s a quick read and I highly suggest it! I eat a primarily plant based diet, and it works really well for my body. I know there are those people who need MEAT, and that’s fine! Just make sure you are buying clean, lean, and organic meats. And don’t eat it at every meal. That’s not too tough, right?
Listen to your body and fuel it with what it needs. Listening to your body is something that doesn’t come easy, unfortunately. I am still learning how to listen to my body and fuel it with what it needs, but the more I have learned about listening to my body, the better I have felt.
Soak your grains, nuts and legumes: these products have phytates and enzyme inhibitors that make them hard to digest. Soaking them in water helps break down the covering and ease the digestion process. Just put them in a bowl overnight and then the next morning you can use them. I soak my oats in water and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, my nuts and beans in just filtered water. Pretty easy way to be healthier, right?
- Eat ice cream. You might think this is contradicting everything I said above. But the reason I say this, is to remind you to enjoy food, and indulge without guilt! Ice cream is delicious and you shouldn’t have to live without it. I do, however, suggest that you purchase ice cream that is made with real, whole ingredients. Some great brands are Tillamook, Talenti, and Ben and Jerry’s. Go get yoself some ice cream!
If you try implementing two of these tips into your lifestyle, I guarantee you will start feeling better. So tell me, what two will you implement? Comment below or come tell me on Instagram!