Writing takes me to another place and lets my mind travel. Alas, my imagination doesn’t burn off the calories and wandering through cyberspace does not count as exercise. In January, I knew I had to fight the constant fatigue caused by a sedentary lifestyle and word workouts. As a writer my income does not furnish me the opportunity to pay £700 in gym fees, so I used my imagination to build a fitness regime. Back in cyberspace, I found new trainers and decided to rediscover the power of walking.
At first, I completed half a mile each day and thought it better than no exercise. On my travels, I found concealed lanes and grabbed snippets of people’s lives along with stray sentences from conversations. I soon became hooked on the daily escape from my desk and decided to switch off my phone. Each day the hills became easier and easier until I broke out into a consistent fast pace – almost jogging. Within a month, I travelled to supermarket on shanks’s pony rather than firing up the car. I also let my mind do some walking when I pound the pavement. It is a two mile round trip. My rucksack replaced my handbag as is a brilliant way to carry the shopping and enhance the benefits of the walk. On opening my front door, a flood of words arrived without any effort. Better to let the words walk out of the mind rather than squeezing them out when sitting stationary at the laptop.
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-walking#burn-calories
Within two months, the exercise boosted my energy and inspired me consider other changes to my lifestyle. The easy change was to reduce the portion sizes of my food. I love food and have no idea how these portions have crept up. I blame my husband’s wonderful cooking. I also abandoned my trusty builder’s tea for a selection of green teas as they aid digestion. I learned that green tea is loaded with antioxidants so thought I’d give it a try. Believe me it was difficult to give up my mug of dark brown Yorkshire tea, but as my habits changed, I became accustomed to it. Now I can’t face the many cups of brown tea and prefer the light refreshing tea; sometimes I rehydrate with a cup of warm water. Though I admit I do still drink my filter coffee as I can’t resist the aroma and taste. Habit had turned me into a serial tea drinker.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
Over time I also noticed my stomach was swollen and uncomfortable. Having taken antibiotics, I researched the dangers and noted they can upset the gut flora. I realised that sauerkraut could make a difference. The bought sauerkraut is pasteurised, so I had to make my own. It did improve my digestion and I love it. Little did I know there is a whole trend in the consumption of fermented food. I highly recommend the homemade sauerkraut but be warned that you need to buy a fermentation jar with an air release valve. It is also essential to use salt without an anti-caking agent – it must be pure salt.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-sauerkraut
Researching healthy foods, I also stumbled on Greek yogurt which is a probiotic with many benefits. I have switched my plain yogurt for this delicious alternative. I eat the yogurt with chopped walnuts. The nuts have vitamins and minerals we require for a balanced diet. I love the texture of the Greek yogurt and like to pretend it is ice-cream. Sometimes I add a little Manuka honey to the combination. Pure luxury!
https://www.yogurtinnutrition.com/8-ways-greek-yogurt-benefits-health/
I love a happy ending! These simple changes have made a huge difference. I have a spring in my step again and am full of energy again. However, I must admit that I do allow myself treats and still can’t resist an afternoon tea: it’s about achieving a balance.
The journey to better health has been painless and I wanted to share them with you. Cheers to your health and a creative approach to staying healthy and happy.
If you have any health and wellbeing tips then please pass them on by leaving a comment. I am also happy to answer any questions.
Please see all of my Handbag Adventures and my blog and website at JessieCahalin.com.
A copy of my novel is available here.
Good to hear it’s worked out so well. I love to walk.
Delighted to be included in your latest blog post. Best wishes for 2020.
I should be doing all of the above but once I get in front of the pc time flies out of the window. Am writing out 100 lines – I must do better in 2020. Well done Jessie ??
It took me a while to get motivated. I started gently with a short walk. I realised I am much better if I have a specific destination and purpose for the walk and built it into the day. Anyway, you can’t do anything before Christmas.
Great post, Jessie and congratulations! I’ve been making changes as well–currently 7 weeks now with no/low sugar/carbs and getting in the steps–it does make a difference! Cheers, V
Congratulations Jessie. Small steps lead to big changes. I am also a big fan of Greek yoghurt. It is great with a bit of honey and frozen raspberries pulsed in the food processor – instant yummy frozen yoghurt.
Yes, small steps! Honey and frozen raspberries is a great idea.
Fabulous! I didn’t realize you started your walking plan THIS year. Great that you focus on how you feel. I love Greek yogurt. I eat it every morning with blueberries, strawberries and that Ezekial sprouted grain cereal. I could eat it for every meal. Yay for you!
I started my fitness regime in January and love it. Greek yogurt is absolutely delicious and so healthy.
What an inspiring post – thank you so much for sharing. Easy advice that we can all follow and I am 100% with you on walking for mental wellbeing. It is also free; just put one foot infant of the other and away you go. Happy days to you, well done xx
I appreciate you dropping by to comment. I would be delighted if you could benefit from my simple suggestions. I feel so much better.