Discuss what I would do differently if I started my health journey today.
Hi hi! Hello from San Diego! I came here for some planned adventures and to spend quality time with my good friend Betsy, it was the best combination.
In today’s post, I want to talk about something I’ve been reflecting on recently: what I would do differently if I were starting my health journey today.
What would I do differently if I started my health journey today?
Over the years, my health has gone through several major transition points:
– In college, when I first decided I wanted to “get healthy.” I tried everything: different ways of eating, exercising, routines. Some worked…and some didn’t.
– When I stopped taking birth control a few years into my marriage, I realized how much it was masking symptoms and quietly draining my energy. I needed naps every day and drank multiple cups of coffee to function.
– during my fertility struggle, when I made a major shift in exercise and nutrition and discovered functional medicine (which, let me tell you, was considered a scam in 2009).
– Postpartum, while dealing with severe postpartum depression and anxiety.
– Later, when eye problems and autoimmune symptoms begin to appear.
Now…I’m here.
Am I perfect? Absolutely not 😉
But I feel better now than I did in college…and it definitely didn’t happen overnight. It takes time, mistakes, certifications, experience, and a lot of learning about nuance and personalization.
If I were starting over today, here are the first things I would do:
I will stop undereating
I didn’t eat enough for years, couldn’t understand why my hair was falling out, my energy was non-existent, and my body felt stuck. I wasn’t eating enough protein, fiber, or total calories, and my body was struggling to survive instead of thrive.
I regulate my nervous system before following the protocol
I’ve been in fight or flight mode since I was about six years old until… honestly, just a few years ago. I didn’t realize how deeply my nervous system affected everything: hormones, digestion, immunity, sleep. It takes therapy, supplements, habits, and a lot of awareness to get out of this state. I still remind myself multiple times a day, “This is not an emergency.” Most of us grossly underestimate the impact our nervous system has on our health.
I will test it sooner
If you don’t test, you’re guessing… and guessing gets expensive. I was wasting money on powders and supplements I didn’t need because I had no data. Testing allows you to personalize your plan rather than following what’s popular or loudest online.
I will cut back on DIY and seek support as soon as possible
I’ve been DIYing my fitness and nutrition for a long time, especially in the early days. Looking back, I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Learning from experienced practitioners saved me years of trial and error.
This is exactly the clarity I help my 1:1 clients gain: faster, without burnout, confusion, or wasted time.
If you’re still early in your journey (or feeling stuck after trying “everything”), know this: You’re not left behind, you’re not broken, and you don’t have to do it alone. <3
So, friends, tell me: What have you learned the hard way? What do you think has had the biggest impact on your health journey and daily life?
Western Europe
Gina
