For over 15 years of my life, I was a dancer and a performer. I had countless experiences and opportunities that helped shape me into the woman I am today. I was able to train at distinguished institutions, live and perform in New York City, and serve my community through dance education. I truly cherish those memories.
As a dancer, I would strive each day to achieve perfection. In class, I would stretch, twist, and turn my body in hopes to master my craft. Unfortunately, when I was constantly reaching for perfection, I became overly critical of myself. Wearing leotards, being critiqued by instructors, and looking at myself in the mirror for eight hours a day sometimes messed with my mind. When I was constantly training and on-the-go, it was very easy to resort to constricting my calories and not prioritizing proper nutrition.
As I’ve grown older and changed career paths, I’ve been able to realize something: I only have one life and one body. It is an obvious statement but many of us tend to forget that we must treat our bodies and minds with the utmost respect in order to live joyful and fulfilling lives. You can live a more joyful and fulfilling life by prioritizing your mental health, by spending time with your loved ones, by keeping your body active, and most importantly, by eating nutrient-rich foods every day. Since I have begun changing my lifestyle and nutritional habits, I’ve noticed positive changes in my energy, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Although I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, here are a few tips to get you started on your nutritional health journey:
- 1. Find an accountability partner: C.R.E.W. (CR Employee Wellness) has allowed me to find an accountability partner at work. My accountability partner encourages me to make healthier choices at lunch and drink water throughout the day and I do the same for them.
- 2. Take a walk after your meals: I’ve noticed that if I take a walk after lunch or dinner, I have better digestion and tend to feel less bloated. This also helps me reach my 10,000-step goal every day.
- 3. Meal Prepping: Meal Prepping works wonders if you have a busy schedule. If you take a few hours to go grocery shopping and prep meals over the weekend, you won’t have to worry about your meals throughout the week. This has also kept me from picking up fast food on the way home after a long day at work.
- 4. Live by the 80/20 rule: Eat healthy, nutrient-rich meals 80% of the time and treat yourself to a cheeseburger, ice cream, or a big plate of waffles occasionally!
- 5. Cook at home: Most restaurants and fast-food chains use copious amounts of butter and oil which can add hundreds of excess calories to your meal. When you cook at home, you know exactly what is going into your food.
