324 Movement Month Reflection

We officially closed out 324 Movement Month! I am writing this blog post sitting outside of my favorite local coffee shop, Deke’s in Delray, while sipping on a perfectly crafted iced latte. My viewpoint is pictured below. I am beaming ear to ear as I reflect back on this past movement initiative. How are you feeling today versus a month ago when we started? It felt incredible to prioritize my mental and physical health alongside my best friends/roomies. Let me know how you made out with your goals and what you plan on continuing to make a habit of daily.

The biggest habit I took away, and am consciously implementing when I go grocery shopping, is being mindful of reading ingredient labels. It is astounding what you will come across in ingredient lists. The simplest foods surprised me and had so many unwanted and added ingredients. Carol taught me to avoid purchasing anything with bad oils, which are canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, rice bran, safflower, soy, and sunflower oils. Even my local Whole Foods Market, which carries healthier options, is selling foods with bad oils and unwanted ingredients. Even if the products are organic, please take the time to read the ingredient labels. Abby, Carol, and I concluded that finding a healthier alternative doesn’t always exist, but it is something to be conscious of.

This past month, I picked up reading for fun, and it has been so lovely. I have not read a book for my own enjoyment probably since I was in grade school because in my later years of schooling, required books to read were predetermined for class assignments. That resulted in me shying away from reading as I was reading books that did not peak my interest. It truly takes the right kind of plot to get you hooked and back into it. I have found that thriller books are my go-to. In the past month, I have read Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, Verity by Colleen Hoover, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and I am in the middle of reading Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Please let me know of any book recommendations you have, as I would love to continue on in my streak of reading. These recent books have been such page-turners!

From our original ten goals we set in Week 1, we have accomplished consistent movement, eating cleaner and healthier, purchasing new and healthy ingredients into our grocery runs, limiting ourselves to 2 treats/desserts per week, limiting our takeout/restaurant food to once per week, reading more, and avoiding heavy screen time past 10pm on weekdays.

Overall, here at 324, Abby, Carol, and I have collectively prioritized enhancing our physical and mental well-beings. We have faced some hiccups out of our control along the way, but persevered in striving towards our weekly goals. We each have some trips coming up, and are so looking forward to getting back into the swing of things when we all return to Florida. Keep moving and treating your bodies well. I am so proud of you!

Remember to stay humble and kind, always!

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xo –Jess