Nicole Alexandra

Motherhood+Lifestyle

4 Healthy Habits To Start Today

Here are some healthy habits to start so you can feel less depleted and instead, look forward to doing something for you each day.

healthy habits to start

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Healthy habits are a simple yet effective way to build consistency when it comes to your health. As a mom sometimes I can feel overwhelmed and guilty or there’s no time for me. Do you ever feel like that too? I hold myself to high standards as a mom and I strive to be the best mom I can be to my son giving him 100% of me every day. In doing that though, some days I don’t make any time for myself and this can have me feel like my tank is empty.

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By focusing on small simple habits that you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to maintain the for the long term. n

Today I’m going to share with you a routine so that you don’t get drained. These healthy habits to start today, will give you something to look forward to each day that’s just for you so you don’t have these major burnout moments.

This post is all about healthy habits to start today.

4 Healthy Habits:

1. Wake Up Early

Being the first one up in the morning is life-changing. Some days I need to sleep until my son wakes me up so I do but for the most part, I try to force myself out of bed and up before my family in the mornings. The big “why” for me is that I will get to have some time to myself. It’s a really nice and relaxing way to start my day. I drink my coffee, write in my journal, meditate, and read a few pages from my book, creating a peaceful environment all before my family wakes up.

2. Move Your Body

My son and I take our dog for a walk every day, most days we get in two walks. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but walking out in nature is very beneficial. It clears my head, gives me those feel-good endorphins, and gets my body moving. Plus my son and dog are both getting exercise and stimulation too.

I try to fit in a workout a few days a week as well. Either pilates, yoga, or strength training. I used to operate with the all-or-nothing approach when it came to fitness but at this time in my life where being a mom is the top priority, I work out when I can fit it in. My walks however are non-negotiable.

3. Create A Weekly Meal Plan

Weekly Meal Plan Pic Final

I’ve talked about weekly meal plans before and it’s seriously so helpful for many reasons. Planning out what we’re going to eat for the week helps me stay on a healthy path and it’s one less thing to think about. I know what I’m getting at the grocery store and I know my options for meals throughout the week. This way I’m able to make healthy choices so that I’m eating well and nourishing my body. This makes me feel good and powers me through the day.

Because let’s be real, I know most moms can relate to eating their kid’s leftovers and that ends up being your meal. Or eating junk and then not feeling well or having the energy to tackle the day. Maybe some of you can also agree, but when I don’t get enough protein I’m constantly wanting to snack. That’s why meal planning is a must-do habit for me.

4. Aim For Protein At Every Meal

healthy habits to do everyday

I know it’s important to get protein at each meal but it’s a struggle for me sometimes but I’m putting in the effort. On the days I do get protein at each meal I feel energized all day instead of sluggish and tired. I also feel more satisfied with my meals therefore I’m not snacking which then gives me more time for other things.

There are many sources of protein but my husband and I love eating sauteed chickpeas with onion, and they taste great by themselves or in a salad. I like adding nuts or seeds to my meals to increase my protein intake plus I like the added crunch. As well as high-protein snacks and protein powder in smoothies.

healthy habits

This post was all about healthy habits to start today to feel taken care of and avoid burnout.

Other Posts You May Like:

Healthy Cinnamon Apple Muffins

These healthy cinnamon apple muffins are a family favorite! Great to make on a weekend morning or as a treat for overnight guests or brunch, they are so comforting. By making a few tweaks to the typical apple muffin recipe, I’ve been able to make these healthier without sacrificing flavor.

healthy cinnamon apple muffins

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

I love baking and we are huge homemade muffin fans in our house! I’ve been making healthy muffins for years and when my son started solids, I found that mini muffins were a great food to give him. I could make them as healthy as I wanted to, they were easy for him to hold, and they weren’t a choking hazard. Once he got a bit older, he could help me make them too.

I had been craving some sort of baked apple good and this is when this recipe was born. I’m always trying to come up with a healthier version of a tasty baked good and I really think I nailed this recipe!

Using just one large apple to make a dozen muffins, these taste like fall. Quick tip; be sure to chop your apple into small pieces so the apple bits aren’t overwhelming when you take a bite. We’re looking for each bite to be well-balanced in flavor and texture.

Which Type Of Apples Should You Use For These Muffins?

Any type of apple will work, but I used a Gala apple for this recipe. My absolute favorite apple is Fuji, followed by Ambrosia. Along with apples, you’ll need whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, butter, coconut sugar, and an egg.

cinnamon apple muffins
healthy cinnamon apple muffins

Healthy Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Nicole Alexandra
These muffins are scrumptious with bits of apple and amazing cinnamon flavor. Simple to make and perfect for any time of day, your home will have that fall aroma that's so inviting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Mini Muffins 8 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour + 2 teaspoons for coating the apples
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon + 1/2 teaspoon for coating the apples
  • 1 large apple chopped small
  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk I used almond milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 °F and spray muffin tins with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and set aside.
  • Dice your apple. Then in a separate bowl, toss them with 2 teaspoons flour and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until the apples are coated in the mixture. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar. Add one egg at a time, incorporating each egg before adding the other. Mix in the vanilla.
  • Gently fold in the flour mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and scoop the mixture into your prepared muffin tins, filling almost full.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean, about 16 minutes in my oven.

Notes

MINI MUFFINS:
With this recipe, I get 12 min muffins + 9 regular-sized muffins.
Bake the mini muffins at the same temp but for 8 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. 
Keyword healthy cinnamon apple muffins, apple cinnamon muffins, cinnamon apple muffins

This post was all about healthy cinnamon apple muffins. Hope you enjoy them!

Other Posts You May Like:

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

This sweet potato buddha bowl is savory, filling, and satisfying with healthy ingredients. Made with arugula, quinoa, topped with goat cheese, and a super simple maple tahini dressing!

sweet potato buddha bowl

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

What is a buddha bowl anyway? There are so many versions of these healthy and delicious bowls, I never quite know what to call them. Buddha bowl, dinner bowl, harvest bowl, macro bowl, either way, it’s a bunch of your favorite healthy foods in one big bowl!

I’ve been making different variations of these dinner bowls for a while now and they are just so satisfying and pretty simple to put together. I also love how pretty you can make them look while assembling and the party in your mouth when you mix it all together…don’t get me started!

This particular harvest sweet potato bowl uses, you guessed it, sweet potatoes! Roasted to perfection, the sweet potatoes in this bowl make it hearty and filling. If you’ve never roasted sweet potatoes you’re missing out. Roasting any veggie brings out the flavor like no other way of cooking so you’ve got to try it!

With all the fall and holiday sweets and treats going around, it’s easy to fall off track this time of year. This nourishing bowl of goodness will help you get a ton of veggies in a super tasty way!

Ingredients + Substitutions:

–Leafy Greens: I personally love fresh arugula + spinach mix

–Roasted Veggies: Roasted sweet potatoes are the star of this bowl but I’m sure roasted butternut squash could work too. I also added roasted brussels sprouts since they’re in season

–Vegetarian Protein: For this particular bowl, I chose chickpeas

–Grain: I use quinoa, but you could also use brown rice

–Fruit: In this bowl, I used dried cranberries and fresh apple slices

–Seeds: Sunflower seeds are what I had on hand but pepitas would be great too

–Goat Cheese: One of my favorite cheeses and such a great flavor in this recipe, you could sub for feta too for a less intense flavor

–Dressing: Tahini + maple syrup, you could also use honey if you’re not a maple syrup fan

buddha bowls

Can I add meat to this?

Yes! I recommend chicken with this particular bowl for the best flavor medley.

Best Bowls for Buddha Bowls:

How To Make Harvest Buddha Bowls:

These bowls are super easy to make! Here’s how to put them together:

  1. Roast the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts on a baking sheet until tender. TIP: You can do steps #1 and #2 ahead of time if you want to make this meal even quicker.
  2. While the veggies are roasting, make the quinoa on the stove. TIP: make extra for other meals throughout the week
  3. Warm and brown the chickpeas (or skip this step if you want)
  4. Place the arugula and spinach in a bowl and top with warm quinoa and chickpeas.
  5. Add the roasted fall veggies, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and sliced apple.
  6. Top with goat cheese then drizzle on the dressing for each bowl!
sweet potato buddha bowl

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

Nicole Alexandra
This warm sweet potato buddha bowl is quick to put together and uses wholesome nutritious ingredients that make having a healthy dinner easy! And the maple syrup-tahini dressing is amazing!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups arugula
  • 2 roasted sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup roasted brussels sprouts
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 sliced apple

Dressing:

  • 4 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Roast the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts if using.
  • While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the quinoa.
  • (optional) Heat up and brown the chickpeas on the stove in olive oil
  • Put the arugula and spinach in a bowl and top with roasted veggies, quinoa, and chickpeas.
  • Add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and, apple slices.
  • Mix the tahini and maple syrup together, (heat up in the microwave for a few seconds if necessary to combine the two ingredients).
  • Top bowl with goat cheese and dressing.
  • Enjoy warm for the best flavor!
Keyword sweet potato buddha bowl, harvest bowl, buddha bowl, dinner bowl

Other Posts You May Like:

6 Inexpensive At Home Christmas Activities For Kids

If you’re looking for some easy and inexpensive at home Christmas activities to do with your kids then check out my list below!

at home Christmas activities

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Holidays are the best time of year when family traditions make their appearance and moms get to be a bit more crafty lol. My son absolutely loves creating, just like his mama and I want to encourage his creative side. I find creating together is also a really special and exciting way to bond.

With each new season and holiday, I’m trying to find some simple, cute, and fun activities to do with my son. Sometimes it’s difficult to find holiday activities for kids that are more for my son and not something that I end up having to mostly do.

That’s why I love these activities and I have made most of them a tradition each holiday season. Obviously, the older my son gets the better he is at Christmas activities but some of these he’s been doing since he was one year old.

The criteria for me when it comes to Christmas crafts is it needs to be just crafty enough. What I mean by that is something with some steps, but not an activity where I need to buy a ton of supplies. I want to be able to use mostly what I have on hand, or purchase minimal things that I can use for other activities too.

The activity also can’t be too difficult because I want my 4-year-old to have fun and not feel frustrated. I love seeing the proud look on his cute little face when he makes something spectacular!

This post is all about simple and inexpensive at home Christmas activities for kids | Christmas traditions.

Inexpensive At Home Christmas Activities For Kids:

1. Snowman Pancakes

at home Christmas activities

This idea checks off a mom’s must-do; breakfast. When you’re making your pancakes, simply make different sizes, then put small, medium, and large pancakes to form a snowman. Give your child some mini m&m’s and sprinkles and let them build their snowman.

After you snap a few cute pictures, let them eat their snowman pancakes while you relax and enjoy your coffee. A win for everyone!

Get These Christmas Sprinkles Here:

2. Gingerbread House Kit

Decorating gingerbread houses are what Christmas traditions are made of! We love this simple and creative craft. I usually find my gingerbread house (and a haunted house for Halloween) at the dollar store. The kit is inexpensive and comes with everything you need. But this adorable gingerbread Christmas village would be great if you have multiple kids or want to invite a couple friends over.

The parent or older child needs to put the house together with the icing included, wait 30min and then it’s ready to decorate!

My son looks forward to this craft every year! Not necessary but you can add extra colorful icing, sprinkles, or candy if you have it on hand.

Get The Gingerbread Christmas Village Kit Here:

3. Decorate A Mini Kid’s Christmas Tree

Christmas activities for families

For my husband’s and my first Christmas together, I purchased this inexpensive mini 3-foot Christmas tree for his apartment. Now I let my son put it in his room each year. He totally loves to decorate it and he feels so special to have his own tree.

Santa even came last year and left two small gifts under it. He still can’t believe how Santa was able to sneak into his room without him knowing hehe.

Get This Adorable Mini Christmas Tree:

4. Hot Cocoa With Mini Marshmallows

Christmas activities for kids

When the weather starts getting colder one of my son’s favorite activities is to have hot cocoa in his tea set. He’s developing his fine motor skills by pouring the cocoa himself and he’s learning math concepts with less and more liquid. I give him these mini marshmallows too and he can scoop them into each tea cup.

I really like this particular tea set because it’s stainless steel so it will last a long time. It’s also super convenient that it’s dishwasher safe for easy clean up since he uses it every day.

Get The Pretend Play Tea Set Here:

5. Felt Christmas Tree

Christmas crafts for kids

I bought this cute felt Christmas tree last year after eyeing it the year before and I’m glad I did. It’s inexpensive but something my son plays with often when it comes out for the holiday season.

The felt ornaments stick with velcro and my son enjoys changing up the decorations. It comes with string lights too. I hang it on a wall near my kitchen and it keeps him entertained while I cook.

Get The Felt Christmas Tree Here:

6. Make and Decorate Christmas Cookies

toddler Christmas activities

Nothing says Christmas time like baking and decorating holiday cookies. If you don’t want to make a homemade batch just buy the premade mix, roll it out, and use your cookie cutters to make cute shapes.

After baking, cooling, and frosting the cookies, put a few on a baking sheet or paper plate and let your child go to town decorating. Sprinkles and cookie icing are our favorite decorations for Christmas cookies!

Get Christmas Cookie Cutters Here:

Let me know if you try any of these fun activies with your kids and please share some of your favorite Christmas activities that you do with your family. Happy Holidays!

This post was about inexpensive Christmas activies for kids.

Other Posts You May Like:

5 Tips to Change Your Life In 30 Days

Are you looking to change your life in 30 days? If you implement these 5 tips for the next month, I guarantee your life will change for the better.

how to change your life completely

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

During the summer most of us are more relaxed with our schedules, going with the flow, vacationing, etc. But when fall hits, we get back into our routines and it reminds us that the end of the year is approaching and the new year is almost here. This is a great time to go over any goals you set for this year because you still have time to check them off your list.

Accomplishing any goal takes determination, dedication, and time. We are always seeing everyone’s end goals on social media, tv, etc. Most people don’t share the effort, focus, and hard work it took for them to get there.

With the 5 tips below, I promise you can change your life for the better in as little as 30 days and if you keep at these tips, you will be well on your way to the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Here’s what you can expect if you regularly practice and incorporate these tips:

  • A healthier more positive attitude
  • More peace and happiness
  • New opportunities which can typically lead to more money
  • Deeper connections, with yourself, family, and friends

And that’s just the start…

This post is all about 5 tips to change your life in 30 days.

how to change your life completely

5 TIPS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE IN 30 DAYS

1. Stick To Or Create A Healthy Morning Routine

How we start our day really does make a difference in how the rest of our day will go. What I have found helpful is to start my day with gratitude, whether writing in a journal or simply saying out loud what I’m thankful for first thing in the morning. Then I pay attention to what I’m immediately putting into my body; water should always be first in my opinion. Add in any other positive things like hugging your child or pet, meditating, watching the sunrise, etc. In other words, start your day with positivity and self care.

2. Be Mindful Of What You Consume and Who You Spend Your Time With

If you want to accomplish your goals and change the direction of your life you need to get real about what you’re consuming. The news, celebrity gossip, too much social media, and a negative friend or family member, it can all affect our attitude and how we see the world. I personally don’t want this type of stuff in my energy. I rarely watch the news but I do go on social media almost every day and it’s pretty impossible not to get some bad news, gloom or sadness slipped into my scrolling and it really does impact me negatively. Limit your time with this stuff or replace it altogether with something like a book or a walk.

Also, pay attention to who you spend most of your time with. A quote I recite to myself often is, “you are who you surround yourself with”. It’s so true. Be around people that are positive and lift you up and consume info that makes you feel inspired and good about yourself and your life.

3. Clean Up Your Diet and Add Daily Movement

I am so much clearer when I am treating my body right. When I’m eating healthy, making sleep a priority, and not having a drink in the evenings, life is easier. My body craves some sort of daily movement so it is a must for me too. Walking, stretching, or exercise can greatly impact our mental and physical well-being.

When I’m not making healthy choices, I’m just not as sharp. But when I’m going on daily walks and watching what I put in my body, I am better able to focus because I feel healthy. With the end of the year approaching, it’s crunch time and if you take care of your body, you will feel better and you may just accomplish one more goal before the year is over.

4. Recognize and Celebrate Your Wins

There is something that you can be proud of accomplishing already this year. Maybe you started eating healthier, did some self-healing, became a parent, bought a house, found happiness, etc. For me, there are a few things but one is I started waking up earlier and that gave me time to finally follow my passion and start my blog. Recognize your wins, be proud of yourself and give yourself credit for how hard you worked to get to where you are today.

This goes into my next tip: to celebrate those wins and love your life the way it is right now. Go out to a celebratory dinner with your best friend, treat yourself to a coffee, or go for a walk on the beach. Share your victories with someone you love or even with yourself.

And plan things that you can look forward to in your day-to-day life like cooking a delicious dinner or going to the beach with your family. Just celebrate you and what your life looks like right now and appreciate what you’ve already done and what you already have. Our brains need that verification and gratitude.

5. Take A Look At Your Current Goals

You probably made a list of goals at the start of the year, I know I did. Now that you have recognized and celebrated your wins, you feel good and motivated. This is a great time to revisit your goals from the beginning of the year and see which ones you still want to achieve.

A book that helped my husband and me with some of our goals is The Twelve Week Year. It encourages you to reset and re-evaluate your goals every three months or twelve weeks as if it was a whole new year. This is an excellent strategy to keep you on track and hold yourself accountable so you can achieve your goals.

This post was all about the 5 tips to change your life in 30 days.

Other Post You May Like: