3 New Things I Have Been Trying (And 1 I Am Giving Up) To Improve My Health

As a health enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new ways to enhance my well-being. Over the last 6 months, I have tried a handful of new products, techniques, and habits. Some of them have worked wonders for me, while others have fallen flat. In this blog post, I'd like to share 3 new things that I have been trying that have improved my health. And one thing that I have decided to give up this year. My hope is that sharing these experiences will help others looking to make positive changes in their own lives.

Intermittent Fasting

One of the new-ish things I have been trying is intermittent fasting. I started with a 8 hour eating window, and gradually reduced it to 4 hours. I usually have my first meal around 11 am and finish eating by 3 pm. I was initially skeptical about whether this would work for me, but I've seen an improvement in my focus, energy, and digestion. I no longer feel the need to snack every few hours which is good for my wallet and my weight. I attribute this change to giving my digestive system a much-needed break instead of constantly processing food.

Mushroom Coffee

Another new thing I've been trying is swapping out regular coffee for mushroom coffee. Mushroom coffee is made with medicinal mushrooms, known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The type of mushroom used varies, but I've been drinking coffee made with chaga. I was hesitant to try this at first because I love my coffee like Buffy loved Spike. The coffee tastes great, and I personally feel more focused and energized than when I drink regular coffee. Another bonus, I don't experience the same jittery feeling that sometimes accompanies regular coffee.

Pilates

Although I have practiced vinyasa yoga for years, I recently tried a Pilates class and loved the buzz of energy. It kind of feels like doing cross-fit but super slow and focused on the mind-muscle connection. While I typically enjoy more meditative workouts, I found the class to be incredibly rejuvenating and helpful for my mental health. Now Pilates is part of my regular routine and have even noticed some new muscle definition!

Giving Up Dairy

While I love cheese and all things ice cream, I've concluded that it doesn't love me back. To improve my digestion, I decided to cut out dairy for a few weeks. And, wow, what a difference it has made! I used to experience bloating and stomach upset after eating cheese or drinking milk. Since cutting dairy out of my diet, I have experienced NONE of these symptoms. Sure, it's been hard to give up my beloved ice cream, but feeling better, in the long run, is worth it.

Trying new things can be scary, but it can also lead to great rewards. The three new things I have tried have all positively impacted my health. Of course, it's important to remember that everyone's body is unique, and what works for me may not work for everyone. But through experimentation, I encourage everyone to find what does work for them. It's also important to know when to throw in the towel on a habit that's not serving you. For me, it was giving up dairy. By sharing what has worked for me, I hope to encourage others to try new things, and make positive changes in their own lives.