Let's talk about mentally healthy habits. These 5 ways to respect your body will help you to feel confident and positive!

This post has been sponsored by Horizon®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now that the new year has kicked into full gear, I wanted to share what I've been working on. This year my healthy habits goals are focused on mentally healthy habits. My goal is to work on self image, and treating my body with respect. From making fresh smoothies (the new recipe I created with Horizon® Protein Milk from our local Pavilions is my FAVORITE) to body positive journaling…..I've been trying a ton of new healthy habits.

If you've been around here awhile, then you know I've been working on my self image for years. I struggled to wear a bathing suit, I struggled to embrace my curvy and pear shaped body, and I worried that I would pass my insecurities on to my daughter. A few years ago, I challenged myself. I knew I had to change my mental habits. That negative self talk? Had to stop. That focus on everything I hated about myself? Had to stop. I was spending so much energy hating my body. I thought if I could put that same energy into positive behaviors, I could train myself to think in a different way. I've come a long way, and this year I had a couple of VERY specific behaviors I wanted to implement into my daily routine.

Healthy Habits: 5 Ways to Respect Your Body

Fresh Smoothies: Starting off the day with a protein-packed breakfast has made a HUGE difference. In the past, I've been guilty of skipping breakfast altogether or eating something that made me feel sluggish and lethargic. Lately? I've been making a huge point of taking the time to make protein-filled smoothies and I can't believe what a difference they've made in my days. During a trip to our local Pavilions a few weeks ago, I picked up two different flavors of Horizon® Protein Milk, and I'm FLOORED by what a difference the extra protein (12 grams worth) has made.

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My current favorite smoothie recipe (guaranteed to appeal to even the pickiest of smoothie drinkers like me):

3/4 cup of Horizon® Protein Milk (chocolate is my personal favorite)

1 banana

handful of baby spinach

1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Working Out: Endorphins make you happy right? My goal is to work out at least 4-5 days a week. Running, walking, a kickboxing class online, I even took a barre class last week. This isn't about working myself to injury or pain, it's about remembering that my body is a functional tool and that I should feel proud of it's healthy and well being. It's noticeable to me that my self confidence rises when I exercise on a regular basis. Healthy Habits Pro Tip: schedule work outs into your week like you schedule any other appointments, otherwise…..all of sudden the week is over and it never happened!

Intuitive Eating: What is intuitive eating? LISTENING TO YOUR BODY. Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full. As simple as it sounds, this one has been tough for me. Why? Because I'm so accustomed to eating habitually instead of actually eating when I'm hungry. Trying to listen to my body was REALLY challenging at first. But now? If I'm hungry, I eat a larger lunch and if I'm not, I eat something small.

Journaling: One of the most important mental healthy habits? Positive journaling. Everyday I write down 1-2 things I love about my body, and 1-2 things I'm proud of that I did that day. The balance of the two has really helped me to think more positively.

Focus on Health and Strength Instead of Weight Loss: One of the biggest shifts I made as I have been trying to develop healthy habits and a stronger positive body image? Working on having a goal of health and strength versus weight loss or being skinny. The older I get, the more I realize that being the best version of my current self, with the healthiest version of my current body is a much more empowering and uplifting attitude.

Are you working on healthy habits? What habits have helped you treat your body with kindness and respect?