3 healthy habit swaps that will change your life (for the better)
This is how I transformed my life, it may surprise you how I did it… so I’m sharing my 3 healthy habit swaps so you can transform your life too.
There is no easy answer to changing your habits, getting out of a rut can be challenging, you have to start somewhere. Now is the time to start prioritising yourself!
My journey started when I left Dublin and arrived in London in 1990, I was a very naive 22-year-old who had only eaten meat & two veg (cooked within an inch of its life). I had absolutely no idea what pasta was, let alone what other foods were out there and the joy of eating well.
Moving to a melting pot of different cultures has been a real joy and I can safely say that I certainly know what pasta is now and my repertoire has grown exponentially, I just love food!
I was stuck in a rut and not eating the right things with limited time
I used to smoke, binge drink at weekends (and afterwards say to myself “I’ll never do this again” every time) and work very long hours managing a hair salon. My time was limited and my diet was full of ultra-processed food, it really didn’t serve me well.
When I decided to give up smoking in 2002 I, unfortunately, put on a ton of weight in a very short period of time, continuing to make crappy decisions on what food I was eating and not doing any exercise.
I had to make a choice. Either I keep going with the bad food choices, lack of exercise and binge drinking or make a positive move to eating better quality food and moving my body more.
Here are the 3 heal-promoting habits that can literally change your life.
1. Learn how to cook real food
The first thing I did was learn how to cook, there is so much out there now that can inspire you and is so easy, quick & nutritious. I used to buy ready-made meals and shove them in the oven, now I cook from fresh 90% of the time and really enjoy finding new recipes to try out with my husband Sean.
I also don’t have ultra-processed food in the house, I know I wouldn’t be able to resist it, out of sight out of mind.
2. Choose to prioritise yourself and your health
I’m glad I started down the path of prioritising myself and making better food & lifestyle choices. It’s been one of the best decisions I ever made, it’s certainly been challenging, but so worth it.
I really believe it's about striking a balance between nutrition and lifestyle, making the right choices for you to ultimately make you feel great about yourself.
I began slowly with exercise, I remember having my first session with a personal trainer and I couldn’t even manage a lunge. As I said at the beginning, we have to start somewhere, wherever that is, it’s a slow process but oh so worth it.
3. Find fun ways to get more movement into your day
Just getting more movement into your day is a great start, sitting and standing are not great for us especially if we are in those positions for a long time.
Set a timer for 30 minutes and move for a couple of minutes, just walking around the room will make a difference
Get up to take or make calls
Fidget as you work, roll your shoulders forwards and back, rotate your head and neck slowly, interlace your fingers behind you and stretch your arms behind to open up the chest.
20 years on I'm a fit and healthy menopausal woman who loves food and moves my body every day with a range of different things, like yoga, weights, spin (I’m not confident enough to be on the road on a bike!) and walking my dog twice a day. I can say I feel better now than I did in my 20s & 30s
I’ve been a hairdresser for over 40 years and I'm also a qualified yoga teacher since 2016.
I have been really wanting to add to my skill set so when Covid came along I found myself with some extra time on my hands (sadly missing being out working in person with my hairdressing clients). I signed up for a nutrition lifestyle coaching course and I haven't looked back. It's inspired me to delve deeper into this area and help women like you make better-informed decisions about their well-being and long-term health.
We all have to start somewhere
We all have to start somewhere and why not now with one habit that can help change your life, getting out of that rut you are in at the moment, prioritising some time for yourself and making better food choices? It also may be moving more in your day or looking for a new recipe, take a little time out to think and find something that will make you smile and feel great!
Part of my skill-set as a hairdresser and yoga teacher is helping people feel better about themselves, adding nutrition & lifestyle seems a natural progression.
I really think it can make a difference to your well-being and confidence and open up a whole new world of self-care! I can’t wait to work with you and share with you everything I’ve learned on my journey and through my training to help you feel better about yourself.
