Reevaluating My Health Goals: Do You Need to Do the Same?

I celebrated my 28th birthday on Wednesday, and it’s lead me to stop and take stock of my current health goals.

I think one of the main reasons this birthday has been so profound is because I’m expecting our first baby in October. I’m really excited about that, and simply cannot wait to meet this little one!

Being pregnant has caused me to reevaluate a lot of things lately. Things like my job, my health, and my social life—there’s no doubt having a baby will change much of that. However, I’m pretty prepared (famous last words, right???), and I feel it’s a big change for the better!

So far my pregnancy has gone really well. I’ve been blessed with good health throughout, and I’ve been able to keep active and get on with normal activities.

But, I think with quite a few new things happening right now, this is why I’ve stopped and taken a closer look at just how I’m doing with my health.

At 28 years old, I actually think I feel better now than I did in my teens and early twenties. 

But, there are certainly areas of my health I need to work on!

Accountability

I talk quite a bit on this blog about accountability. So, I think it’s time for me to fess up to you guys on a few of the things I struggle with health-wise.

The funny thing about being a dietitian is that people seem to automatically assume I eat extremely healthy ALL of the time. Well, funny enough that’s not the case… I am human after all!

The thing is, I know I eat way too much in the line of sweet foods—this extends to cookies, cake, candies, etc. I blame living in Northern Ireland, where we have a reputation of good home baking, but perhaps I was just born this way!!

The other thing I struggle with is exercising regularly. I often go through fits and starts of this. Working out consistently (for short periods), then not so much, until I finally get back on track again.

Since I’ve been pregnant I’ve been using a prenatal fitness DVD, which has been great. I’ve also recently taken up pregnancy yoga, although this is a lot more to do with breathing techniques and birth positions! But, it helps to strengthen the core too. This is something I’ve really enjoyed, and meeting the other mums-to-be is also great fun.

However, I’m fully aware that more is needed, especially after the baby arrives, I’m sure it’ll be a long slog to get back in shape again.

I think it’s really important to regularly assess if you’re actually going in the right direction health-wise. Not backwards or standing still, but pressing on, even if your progress is a bit slow.

So, how do you feel health-wise right now?

Can you honestly say you feel better now than you did in younger years?

My Health Goals

Below are my health goals:

• Cut back on cookies, cakes, chocolate. As I said the other day: most women should be getting no more than 6 teaspoons per day, or 100 calories of added sugar.
• Add one extra portion of vegetables to my daily diet.
• Be consistent with exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes, 4-5 times each week.
• Drink more water and less tea.

Now, I could go on, but as you know it’s better to keep your health goals short and to the point, then when you achieve these you can add to them.

What health goals do you have a present? What are you trying to achieve? Are you struggling with anything?

Perhaps it’s time for you to stop and take stock of how you’re doing. Feel free to record your goals in the comments section, we can motivate each other to better health!