Fifteen years ago, my approach to fitness, food, and recovery looked completely different from what it does today. Back then, I thought being healthy meant just showing up, sweating hard, and grabbing a “healthy” juice after.
Here are 10 ways my habits have shifted over time – from what I used to do, to what I value now:
1. Foam Roller & Recovery
Then: No stretching, no recovery – just workout (occasionally) and move on.
Now: Foam rolling feels like self-massage. It speeds up recovery, prevents soreness, and makes my body stronger for tomorrow.
2. Smarter Supplements
Then: A daily multivitamin with everything (and nothing specific).
Now: I use blood work to guide me. I take only the minerals and vitamins my body truly needs in this season of life.
3. Warm-Up as Non-Negotiable
Then: Straight into deep poses like splits without preparation.
Now: A focused warm-up is essential – it protects my joints and keeps me safe while still letting me push strength and flexibility.
4. Sleep as Training Fuel
Then: Late coffee or wine, then sleep whenever I could.
Now: I see sleep as part of my training. A steady bedtime is as important as the workout itself.
5. Quality of Movement > Quantity
Then: Not a refueled routine, workouts only occasionally, and no idea how body anatomy or muscle groups work together.
Now: Alignment, breath, and awareness of how muscles support each other. Strength builds better when movement is mindful.
6. Post-Workout Rituals
Then: Finish workout, grab coffee, done.
Now: I take a few minutes for pranayama, or sauna/cold plunge.
7. Homemade Sauces & Dips
Then: Grocery store hummus, pesto, and dips full of preservatives, too much salt, and hidden sugar.
Now: I make them myself – creamy hummus with fresh mint, vibrant pesto with a mix of basil and cilantro, fresh dips – with clean oils, less salt, and ingredients I trust.
8. Juices: From Sweet to Green
Then: Freshly squeezed carrot or orange juice was my favorite “healthy” treat.
Now: I don’t drink fruit juices anymore. I’d rather eat whole fruit and get fiber. If I make juice, it’s veggie-based – greens, celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon.
9. Investing in Sleep
Then: Any pillow, any mattress, didn’t matter.
Now: I replace my pillow every other year and invested in a high-quality mattress. My sleep setup is part of my wellness routine, and it pays back every morning with real energy.
10. Leading by Example for my Children
Then: I didn’t think much about the example I set. My daughter saw me with a glass of wine, and I often showed love by buying her new toys instead of showing her healthy habits.
Now: I put all my effort into being a mother I want to be for my children – treating myself and others with respect, staying grounded in my values, and showing them that true strength is built on respect and loyalty.
I am grateful for these changes – none of them happened overnight, or by my strength alone, just daily baby steps, guided by faith and patience.