The first quarter of 2025 is halfway through, and I’m rewriting my wellness plan with a deeper focus on how I feel in my body and the joy this journey brings. I’m no longer consumed by the number on the scale. Instead, I’m tuning in to how I feel—empowered, energized, and strong.
I’m a size 20, down from a larger size of 32, and I feel much better than when I began. My new goal is to reach a healthy, realistic size 12-14 while glowing and thriving. It’s time to live fully now—not next year. Let’s dive into what’s guiding me this quarter!
This plan focuses on sustaining habits that bring joy and support my physical and emotional well-being. It’s about progress, not perfection. Here’s how I’m showing up for myself this season:
1. Fitness and Movement:
I love walking, so it remains a daily ritual—at least 35-45 minutes daily. I bought a walking pad on bad weather days and if I don’t go to the gym. I’ll also be incorporating more variety to build strength and flexibility, including:
• Strength training: 3 times a week with personal trainer. I work on legs, arms, core, shoulders, and back, switching between days. When I’m bored in the evenings, I do body wall squats using my exercise ball.
• Pilates: Once a week to improve flexibility and posture
• Stretching: Daily, to support recovery and mobility
• I’ve cut out HIT ( high interval training from my wellness plan)
2. Nutrition and Meal Planning:
Eating nutrient-dense meals packed with protein, healthy fats, and good sources of fiber helps me feel energized and keeps inflammation at bay.
• Focus: Lean proteins, veggies, fruits, healthy carbs, and good fats
• Plan: In-person grocery shopping at Costco and Meijer on Saturdays and Sundays, early morning meal prep sessions to get myself prepared for the week ahead
• Goal: Enjoy easy, balanced meals that leave me feeling satisfied and strong. Reminding myself that food is fuel and to continue monitoring emotional eating habits.
• It’s ok to have that small slice of cake only occasionally. It’s about consistency and having a weekly eating plan. If I’m going out to eat, I’ll review the menu before I get there and plan my meal accordingly.
3. Mindset Shift:
I’m done stressing over perfection. This journey is about glowing and thriving right now. I’ll prioritize self-compassion, celebrate wins, and stay motivated by reflecting on how far I’ve come.
4. Lifestyle Tweaks:
Small, intentional changes will help me keep my energy and joy high:
• Using a standing desk at work
• Taking short walks during lunch breaks
• Staying consistent with hydration and supplementation
• Taking advantage of walking meetings instead of conference room meetings.
• Visit a coworker and walk to their office instead of emailing.
• Grocery shopping in person instead of curbside.
• Using my walking pad in bad weather and no gym days.
At the heart of my wellness journey is a commitment to live with energy, joy, and confidence. I want to be active and vibrant for my son, family, and, most importantly, myself. I long for a life filled with adventures, bold choices, and self-discovery.
Midlife is my time to shine. Every choice I make today creates the healthiest, happiest version of me—and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
To maintain momentum, I’m prioritizing preventative care and holistic wellness:
• Functional Medicine Appointment (February): Holistic health assessment
• Colonoscopy (April): Routine preventative care
• Hormone Specialist (June) Exploring hormone balance and potential HRT
• DEXA Scan (June): Measuring body composition and bone health
These appointments keep me proactive, informed, and aligned with my wellness goals.
I’m focused on progress that feels good. Here’s how I’ll stay accountable:
• Fitness: Tracking workouts and movement with my Apple Watch and exercise journal
• Measurements: Monthly check-in measurements on the body and weekly weigh-ins instead of obsessing over daily weigh-ins.
• Nutrition: Logging meals in my food journal and My Fitness Pal to stay consistent with protein, fiber, and hydration
• Mental Health: Journaling and mindfulness practices to keep my mindset strong and balanced by using the Confide app daily in the evenings.
True wellness means taking care of myself, both inside and outside. My daily self-care plan includes:
• Skincare Rituals: AM and PM routines to protect and rejuvenate my skin
• Sleep Optimization: Using red light therapy, magnesium supplements, and calming evening rituals like the Calm app and cooling sheets to promote restful sleep
• Hydration: Drinking 100-120 ounces of water daily to support overall health. I cut out sodas and only drink black coffee and herbal unsweetened tea.
This year, I’m focused on balance and joy. Here are my goals:
1. Move with Intention: Stick to my fitness plan while listening to my body
2. Fuel with Love: Enjoy meals that make me feel energized and satisfied
3. Glow with Confidence: Show up for life now—not waiting until I hit a future goal
4. Stay Accountable: Lean on my support system, including family, friends, coworkers, and my online community
Every step of this journey deserves recognition. Whether I’m treating myself to a new beauty product or planning a fun outing with loved ones, I’m prioritizing joy and gratitude. Life is too short to wait for happiness—I’m claiming it now.
This year’s updated wellness plan is my commitment to living fully, loving deeply, and showing up for myself with joy and resilience. If you’re on a similar journey, know you’re not alone. Let’s continue to grow, thrive, and celebrate every step forward.
Stay tuned for updates, tips, and inspiration as I share my journey. Together, we’re building vibrant, healthy lives in midlife!
Love,
Jax
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