They say it takes 21 days to build healthy habits. But in reality, for those habits to really stick, it can take months. As a forever student, I never really thought twice about being healthy. From dieting/eating right to exercising, I felt like I never had the time. Studying for 18 hours straight was not something unusual in my world, and so I never had time to think about what I was eating or how little I was exercising. I barely had time to sleep!
If I could go back in time, I would tell the college and medical school Michelle to take the time for self care. Eat the good things. Exercise. Sleep more. I wish lifestyle medicine and wellness and preventative medicine were more prominent back then as they are now.
Which brings me to my next point: it's not too late to make a positive change.
I have a strong family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. I grew up hating seafood and rarely eating any fish. I've thought about changing my diet over the years, and I'm finally ready to make a real change. After watching Game Changes on Netflix over the weekend (it's about athletes who consume plant-based diets), I felt the desire to give it a try along with my family.
In the past month we have eaten more fish than ever before. More veggies than before. And reducing our intake of red meat and animal proteins. It'll definitely take more than 21 days, but my hope is that I can make it more of a habit to choose healthier, plant-based options. I'm starting with having my kiddo join in and so I can build healthy habits in him as a child so the choices are easier as an adult.
Here's a video of us making black bean burgers together! You can use the same recipe we did by going to sallysbakingaddiction.com