I am so excited to welcome Whitney from The Splendid Life with Whitney!

Living A Healthy Lifestyle.

It seems as though everyone has their own idea of what it means to be healthy. Over the years there have been numerous conflicting reports and studies regarding health:

• Fad diets.
• Low carb this.
• No fat that.

It all makes my head spin!

So I’m sharing with you my essentials for successfully living a healthy lifestyle.

1. Plan ahead

I have a planner devoted to meal and exercise planning. This could benefit anyone – especially those with busy schedules. I cater my shopping list to the menu I have planned for the week. It makes life easier because let’s be real, “whipping something up” on a whim for dinner is often time consuming.

I also like to plan my workouts. I find that when I put pen to paper I am more accountable. I prefer to workout during my daughter’s nap time. On days when she protests her nap, I either call on family to watch her or I allow her to watch Elmo on the iPad. Do what you gotta do, right?!

2. Stock your refrigerator with real food

Don’t want to be tempted by ice cream and cookies? Don’t buy them.

If I don’t have junk food lying around then it’s not there when I find myself craving it. If there is healthy food stocked in the kitchen then that is what I’ll eat. Plain and simple.

3. Try something new

I’m a creature of habit. I usually eat the same things everyday but at least once a week Iike to switch it up. I make a new recipe or try a new food. For example, I recently learned that I like prosciutto.

4. Find your why

What motivates you to life a healthy life? Write it down so you can be reminded of it. My family motivates me. I want to be the best mom and wife, in order to do so, I have to prioritize my health.

5. Be kind to yourself

Let yourself indulge on occasion. I love having a pizza night on Fridays. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout. Rest days are just as important.

6. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

This is probably the best tip anyone could give you in regards to living a healthy life. I have an autoimmune disease. I’ve learned that if I don’t listen to my body, my health suffers greatly. I try to drink a lot to water and get plenty of rest.

If a type of food doesn’t agree with you, don’t eat it. I’ve identified that grains, gluten, most dairy and a majority of processed foods trigger my disease. It’s difficult, but I feel the best when I balance my life by:

• managing stress,
• getting plenty of rest,
• exercising, and
• eating whole foods.

What’s your best tip for living a healthy lifestyle?

I’m a former professional certified nanny turned stay at home mom. I enjoy crafting, cooking and spending time with my family. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease last year, I devoted myself to learning about the healing capabilities of eating a whole foods diet while living a balanced life. Catch up with me on Facebook or Instagram!