Boundaries To Set For a Healthier Lifestyle

I used to decide on what to eat based on convenience rather than what my body needed. I used to eat past my limit and have dessert on top. I don't track my weight but I didn't really care about the number until I graduated from college. My doctor said I was a little overweight considering my height and age. I've never heard that before at a doctor's visit. I had a lot of time in my hands so I used it to focus on my health.

I studied by reading articles in magazines and other blogger posts and started to follow health experts on Instagram. I also needed to exercise. I hated gym class growing up, but in college it was a fun group activity to go to the gym together, take yoga classes, and hike the trails of The Sleeping Giant. I kept an exercise routine going and it's been a journey of learning to care about what's going into my body and the long lasting effects.

Now with knowledge of nutritional health, I've recently learned how to incorporate emotional health. These past couple of years I struggled with anxiety and stress to such a degree that it was effecting my body. The effects led to me needing to make dietary changes and I've maintained it. Thankfully, I am getting better! Emotionally and physically.

I was honest with close friends and family about it all and their love and support were so encouraging, I would not have gotten better without their help. The experience made me aware of what I needed to get a better handle on, like not panic over small things that I couldn't control.

I now have peace and now laugh at things that I once feared. I remember who my God is and how He has never failed me, I trust Him.

Moving forward, health is just a huge aspect in my life. There are some boundaries that work for me to keep on making healthy decisions. Boundaries that changed my outlook on something as simple as deciding what to eat for lunch:
  • Be aware of the consequences: I know that if I eat that chocolate bar or drink that milkshake my body will have a fit and it wouldn't be worth it.
  • If you've had it before, you're really not missing out: I remind myself that I don't need "just a taste" when I already know what the unhealthy food tastes like. Indulging in something that will harm your body is not self care and shows where you lack self-control. It's amazing how a fruit of the spirit is self-control; I pray for that strength everyday because I know I need it, and thankfully it's bore some fruit!
  • Don't settle: My husband constantly reminds me not to settle for certain things, including compromising my health. That's why I force myself not to be lazy and eat something because it's convenient and cheap. For instance, just last week I was on my way to McDonald's for a quick bite when I shook my head and walked to a Diner to pick up a grilled chicken salad. The salad filled me up and didn't cause me to bloat or leave behind a gas trail.
  • Be honest with others: People will have no idea of the changes you want to make unless you're honest with them. Keep those you're close with in the loop, giving them a heads up on how certain dinner plans may look different in the future.
  • Have grace: I don't beat myself up for indulging once in a while if I'm at a party or on a fun date with my husband.
  • Know your body: Keep track of how your body responds to certain foods or certain emotions. 

Our bodies are strong and powerful but also sensitive. Our bodies are constantly changing and we need to be aware of those changes and take care of the body God gave us. You are beautiful and preciously made, and you are worth all the healthy changes you can make in order to live a full life to enjoy special moments with others without being uncomfortable or feeling self-conscious. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Philippians 4:13

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is now law.
Galatians 5:22-23

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Comments

Popular Posts