The importance of exercise for physical and mental health

People often ask why I exercise so much, pointing out that I’m already “skinny” enough. But for me, exercise isn’t just about how I look; it’s a crucial part of who I am and how I feel. When I don’t get some form of exercise each day, it’s as if something vital is missing from my routine. It’s not just a habit but a necessity for my mental and emotional health. Exercise helps me manage anxiety, reduces stress, and gives me a sense of clarity and calm that nothing else can provide.

People tend to focus on the physical benefits,

like weight loss or muscle tone, but they overlook how transformative exercise can be for the mind. I’ve found that when I’m active, I’m more focused, more positive, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. The saying, “A body in motion stays in motion,” resonates deeply with me because I’ve experienced the other side of it. There was a time when I became really heavy, and the impact on my body was undeniable—my back ached, my knees were constantly sore, and I felt sluggish and uncomfortable in my own skin.

Exercise was my way out of that cycle, and it became much more than a tool for physical change. It’s my therapy, my stress relief, and my way of ensuring that I’m taking care of myself inside and out. When I move, I feel alive, connected, and in control. So when people tell me I’m already “skinny enough,” I want them to understand that for me, exercise is not about reaching a certain size or shape. It’s about maintaining a healthy mind and body, staying active to avoid the physical pain I once felt, and ensuring that I’m living my life to the fullest potential.

Traveling to other countries and trying local food

Whenever I travel to a new country or place, I make it a priority to thoroughly research the local culture and cuisine. It never ceases to amaze me how some people travel to new and exciting destinations only to stick to familiar foods like burgers and pizza. For me, the joy of travel lies in immersing myself in the local experience, and a significant part of that is trying the national dishes, exploring local foods, and discovering unique produce that the region has to offer.

Before embarking on any trip, I spend time learning about the culinary traditions of the place I’m visiting. I delve into the history behind the dishes, the ingredients that are native to the area, and any unique food-related customs. This preparation not only enriches my travel experience but also allows me to fully appreciate the flavors and techniques that are characteristic of the local cuisine.

One practical tip I always follow is to make a list of at least seven different foods or dishes I want to try. This way, if something is out of season or unavailable, I have several other options to choose from. It’s a simple strategy, but it ensures that I don’t miss out on the authentic culinary experiences that make each destination unique.

In my view, travel is about expanding our horizons and embracing new experiences. How can we truly learn about and understand different cultures if we don’t take the opportunity to try something new? Whether it’s a street food delicacy, a traditional home-cooked meal, or an exotic fruit I’ve never heard of before, tasting local foods is an essential part of the journey. It’s through these experiences that we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures.

Does healthy food really taste good?

We live in a time when processed and convenience foods dominate our diets to such an extent that many people have lost the ability to appreciate and enjoy “real” food—food that is fresh, whole, and minimally processed. This shift in eating habits has not only affected our taste buds but also our perceptions of what it means to eat well. Unfortunately, when someone makes the conscious choice to eat healthier, it’s often misunderstood as being on a restrictive “diet” rather than a choice to nourish the body with wholesome foods.

This misunderstanding sometimes leads to social pressures and even mockery,

as choosing real food over junk food is seen as unusual. Our society has become so used to consuming fast food, sugary snacks, and overly processed meals that these have become the norm. As a result, the idea of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is sometimes met with resistance or seen as an unnecessary challenge.

For those who have made the commitment to prioritize healthy eating, the allure of junk food diminishes over time. The craving for highly processed, sugary, or fatty foods often fades, replaced by a genuine preference for foods that fuel the body and mind. This shift in mindset and taste can make it easier to bypass the temptations of junk food, not because of strict self-discipline, but because the desire for it simply isn’t there anymore.

It’s also important to recognize that eating well doesn’t mean denying yourself all indulgences. For example, if I find myself in Italy, a place known for its incredible cuisine, I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a slice of authentic pizza. However, outside of such special circumstances, I might choose to skip it, knowing that my usual diet serves my health and well-being better.

Learning to say no is a powerful skill that goes beyond food choices. It’s about making decisions that align with our values, priorities, and long-term goals, even when it means going against societal norms or facing criticism. Whether it’s passing on a slice of cake at a party or choosing to prepare a home-cooked meal instead of ordering takeout, these choices reflect a deeper understanding of what truly nourishes us. We need to embrace the idea that it’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve us, whether that’s junk food, unhealthy habits, or any other aspect of life that doesn’t align with our well-being.

Is it okay to decline unhealthy food at family events?

People will always pressure you into eating unhealthy foods.  We need to develop the confidence to not do it with them if we don’t want to.  I used to always cave in and say yes to family members offering me food I didn’t want.  Now they understand the lifestyle they live an it’s usually never an issue anymore.  Take pride in becoming the role model in your family for living a healthy lifestyle!

Never stop learning

Act like a sponge in life and always be willing to soak up new information

It’s so important to constantly challenge ourselves and learn new things.  I stay away from people who think they know everything.  I also choose to surround myself with people who have more skills than me.  If I’m the best at something on a team then I will never get better.  Always be willing to read, take classes, meet new people and constantly learn.

Logging your food and caloric intake

For the past few years I have been wanting to dial in on my macros and know exactly what I’m consuming.  Never be ok with “guessing” what you’re eating each day,  When we get busy or stressed we have a tendency to reach for snacks for comfort.  For the past year I’ve been grazing way too much during the day.  Recently I started tracking all my food and feel incredible since.  I’m not as bloated as I was.  By knowing why I’m consuming each day, I don’t even have to think about it.  It takes the guess work out of things.

Feeling stuck is common. Small changes can help us get unstuck!

I have have a lot of projects going at once and still feel as if I’m not doing enough.  If I feel like this I will try something new or change enviornments.  Sometimes even the slightest shift can have a positive impact.  I have learned that when we are climbing the mountain of life, we will reach a plateau.  This means that we have become comfortable in these situations and need a new challenge.  Feeling stagnant could come up in our workouts, job, living situation, diet or relationship to name a few.