Nanny to Mommy

This is a sponsored conversation for Apogee on Behalf of Viva Naturals. All opinions are my own.

When I was starting my weight loss journey, it originally was about the number on the scale. But what I have learned is that I want true overall health mind, body, and spirit. And that true health isn't about a number on the scale, it's about strength, endurance, how you feel, and so much more.

Starting my day with a glass of lemon infused water and then I get dressed for the gym. I take my dog on a walk and then wake up my kids for school. Monday through Friday, I take my son to school and then go to the gym for my 8 am class which includes strength training. Sometimes I do yoga afterwards as well.

After the gym, sometimes I run errands, but usually I head home for a shower including my skin care routine and then log into work. I usually have a huge salad for lunch around 11:30 breaking my fast, but I'm just not really a breakfast person. I do also enjoy a protein coffee as well.

One of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning of my weight loss journey was not making sure I got all the vitamins and nutrients my body needed. I know this to be true because my hair was falling out. I thought it was normal because I had heard so many people that lost a large amount of weight having the same problem. But the reality is, I just wasn't fueling my body correctly which still can be done even if you are in a calorie deficit and actively trying to lose weight. My advice is to figure out your BMR, remember slow progress is still progress, and invest in some quality vitamins.

Women have unique needs when it comes to a multi-vitamin. That's why I love Viva Naturals Women's Organic Multi-Vitamin because they made an all-in-one supplement designed to support energy production, immune health, skin health, bone health, and radiant hair and nails. * Each serving is packed with 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, plus iron, calcium, folate and zinc, as well as a women’s support blend that includes pre and probiotics to help support balanced digestion. *
- Vitamin C provides antioxidant and immune function support*, vitamin C helps protect cells against the damaging effects of free radicals to keep cells thriving. *
- Vitamin D3 (often called the "sunshine vitamin") supports healthy bones and teeth*, supports muscle function*, and supports your immune health*.
- Vitamin B12 helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. * Viva Naturals sources their B12 from methylcobalamin which is the form found in nature, as opposed to cyanobalamin, which is synthetic and found in most other supplements. By using methylcobalamin, their vitamin b12 5000mcg doesn’t need to be converted to be used in the body, meaning higher absorption so the body can utilize the benefits of this energy supplement. *
- Biotin is shown to help bring brittle nails back to life, promote glowing skin, and support healthy hair. *

I meal prepped during my journey, and I still do now. I also made sure that I didn't have any foods that made me want to binge in the house. I also would drink water whenever I felt hungry and went on more walks to see if I was really hungry or just bored. It was about getting a good relationship with food again for me. You can check out the foods I ate during my journey on Pinterest.

 I do tend to log out of work when my kids get home from school. And then we go to afternoon activities, if they we have any that day. Saturdays I will still attend a group fitness class, but I try to just do active stuff like hiking or swimming with my kids. I feel that finding activity that you enjoy so important on your wellness journey.

I go to bed by 9:30 pm. That means lights out. I do try to turn off electronics an hour before bed and usually read my devotional during that time. I feel like putting positive thoughts in your mind first thing in the morning and right before bed can changed my overall mood. It was a process, but it has definitely made me a happier, healthier person. 

9:30 p.m. may seem like an early bedtime to some, but I know my body and know I need 8 hours of sleep to feel like my best self. Since I have to get up early, the only way to get enough sleep is to go to bed early. Your body will naturally start to get sleepy during this time if you stay in a routine.

I highly suggest getting your nutrition right and investing in an all-in-one supplement. Nutrition is key. Remember that making small changes to your daily routine at a time will help you make this a lifestyle and not a diet. The goal is for a lifetime of health and happiness.