4 Things to Quit for a Healthier Lifestyle

Being a college athlete, I was able to eat virtually whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and still be "fit." Although I appeared to be healthy and fit in the physical sense, in reality I was far from it. I was always sick, always tired, and fatigued. It wasn't until after soccer was over that I started making better eating and healthier choices for my lifestyle. Since my health journey has started about 3 months ago, I've found some tricks and easy fixes along the way that I wanted to share with you all. Like I said, I have only been fully dedicated to this journey for about 3 months, so I do not claim to be an expert, but these are just some things that have made a big impact for me. I have felt more aware, slimmer, been sick less often, and had more energy since implementing these in my life.

1. Bread

When I started my health journey, I decided I was no longer going to be eating bread. I have officially given up on bread for about 3 months now and the results are amazing. Bread is a carbohydrate that makes you retain water weight easier. The less bread you eat, the less water your body will retain for an instantly slimmer appearance. I'm not going to sit here and claim that I will never touch bread again. I mean, who goes to Texas Roadhouse and doesn't eat 5 rolls? Definitely not this girl. But I am saying that in the past 3 months, I have had bread maybe 3 times and the results show.

2. Alcohol, Soda (really any liquid that isn't water)

I am a water addict, I love water, I even crave water. Water is so so important for us considering most of what we are made of is water. This is why it pains me when I hear people say that they hate water but crave soda, Gatorade, etc. I gave up soda way back in high school and that was when my love for water really started. All of these extra drinks like soda or coffee also build up a caffeine dependence. People in today's society love to blame their fatigue or lack of drive on the fact that they are always tired. Well stop giving in to your caffeine dependencies then! Yes, it will take awhile to break free from these habits but it's worth it.

Alcohol on the other hand, I could go off about for days, so i'll just keep it short this time. Alcohol, to me, is not only empty calories, but also is a depressant bringing down your mental health, and leaving you hungover the next day with no drive to reach your goals. At the beginning of 2019, I told myself I would get an alcohol cheat once a month... It's now March and I have still only drank once, simply because I no longer have a desire or need for it and I love it.

3. Unhealthy people

Unhealthy people? How does that relate to having a healthier diet? Well it does, more than you know. Being around the wrong people, who's drive or lifestyle that don't align with yours, can set you so far back in your goals so quickly. You all have heard that saying "you are who you hangout with" well I wholeheartedly agree with it. Before you know it, their bad habits will start leaking into your life as well. It is so important to surround yourself with people whose drive and motives align with yours. People who encourage your growth, not question it or laugh at it. Find people who not only support you, but also challenge you in bettering yourself.

4. Bad Sleeping Habits

IF I COULD GIVE YOU ALL JUST ONE TIP, IT WOULD BE THIS. Sleep is so so so important. Your sleeping patterns determine everything: your eating schedule, your energy level, your mood, literally everything. I have always been someone who goes to sleep "early" and gets made fun of it. "You're going to sleep already? We're in college? You're lame." Blah blah blah. It is not lame to have goals and dreams that I am determined to reach that do not require me staying up until 3 am and sleeping until 3 pm. Not only is lack of sleep a huge problem, but getting too much sleep is a very real problem. Allowing our body to sleep for too long, has the same detrimental effects as lack of sleep. It is so important to find the right amount of hours that your body needs, because everybody is different. In my case, my body needs 7 hours a night to feel refreshed and have enough energy to get through the day. Not an hour less, not an hour more. Figure out what works for you and stick to it. See the changes that come with better lifestyle choices!

Sincerely,

KU