Making One Simple Change at a Time

Over the past year, Trent and I have dealt with a LOT of change. Finding out that we were going to be parents was not only a huge change, but an even bigger responsibility. All of the sudden we were responsible for someone other than ourselves. In a way, we saw (and continue to see) life with a fresh set of eyes.

It is now our mission in life to do whatever is possible to best care for and raise our son. (Becoming a parent changes you in more ways than one, doesn’t it?) With that newfound responsibility, we’re learning that in order to take care of him, we must first take care of ourselves. After all, we need to be healthy to take care of him!

Here are a few of the changes we’ve made, and continue to make each and every day.

Regular Chiropractor Visits 

About half way through my pregnancy I started having pain in my hip. I had experienced it before but it usually went away. This time it didn’t.

At my first visit to the chiropractor, she discovered that my sciatic nerve was out of wack. Even though the pain went away after that adjustment, I continued to get adjustments throughout my pregnancy. (In fact, I truly believe that the adjustments helped me have a smooth labor and delivery!)

I continue to keep the pain away and regularly see my chiropractor.

glass of water

More Water and Less Carbonated Beverages

Pre-baby I was a huge Diet (whatever was on sale) girl. I knew that caffeine wasn’t good for Dalton so I quickly switched to caffeine-free beverages when I found out I was pregnant.

I continued drinking caffeine-free drinks after giving birth since I was breastfeeding. But once my hormones regulated, my tastebuds changed and I no longer crave carbonated beverages. In fact, I can’t tell you the last time I bought them at the grocery store. (I do still occasionally have them with a combo meal if we run through a drive-thru, but that’s it.)

It’s so weird to even say, but I’m a water girl now. I actually crave more water.

My goal is to drink 90 ounces of water each day, and most days I hit the mark. It’s a great feeling knowing that this one simple change is a habit that is much healthier for me. Plus, it saves on our grocery bill! (What can I say, they don’t call me Thrifty T for nothing.)

More Fruits and Vegetables

Even if we munched on carrots all day, there’s absolutely no way that we could get in the required 9-13 servings of fruits and veggies a day. We’re bridging the gap with what we already eat and have added Juice Plus fruit and veggie capsules to our diet and daily routine.

I started taking the capsules when I found out I was pregnant with Dalton, and I’ve continued to this day. (Trent just started taking the chewables too!) Knowing that we’re getting 30 fruits and veggies every day, in addition to what we’re already eating, is fabulous peace of mind.

couple holding hands

Regular Date Nights

When it was just the two of us, we rarely had regular date nights. Since Dalton has joined our family, Trent has been so sweet to ask me out on a date every month to month and-a-half. This one-on-one time with him does wonders for my soul and refreshes my spirit.

Yes, we have alone time when Dalton goes to bed at night, but it’s just not the same!

Shakes for Breakfast

Who said you can’t have sweets for breakfast?

Every morning I send Trent off to work with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Shake made with Complete protein and energy powder. The protein powder is not only gluten and diary-free but is made with all whole foods. With all this in mind, it’s hard to believe these shakes are so yummy. (What can I say, food that’s good for you doesn’t normally taste good. I was definitely a skeptic. That is, until I tried them!) I like to call them my guilt free shakes.

These fabulous shakes are also perfect for snacks and desserts, or whenever you feel that sweet tooth coming on. They’ve definitely been a win-win for us because we love sweets!

change sign

Change is hard, and most of us don’t like it. But I’m learning that if we make one simple change at a time it’s so much easier.

I’m sure there will be plenty of changes in our future, and we plan on dealing with them one at a time!

Don’t run from change, embrace it! It just might be the best thing you ever did.

What’s one simple change you can make to better your health?