A Healthier Me: Small Changes, Big Impact

Over the past few months, I’ve made a series of intentional changes in my life—changes that might seem small on the surface, but have had a major impact on how I feel mentally, physically, and emotionally. I didn’t wait for a new year or a specific event to push me to start. I simply reached a point where I knew I wanted to feel better and take better care of myself. And from there, I began building new habits, one step at a time.

One of the first and biggest steps I took was joining the gym—VASA Fitness. I wanted to be more active, not just to lose weight or look a certain way, but to feel strong, energized, and confident in my body. Before joining, I would often feel tired or sluggish, especially after a long day. I realized that movement wasn’t just a chore—it could actually be a gift to myself, something that helped me recharge instead of draining me. VASA had the kind of environment that made working out feel accessible and even enjoyable. From strength training to cardio, I’ve slowly found my rhythm and built a routine that works for me.

Another major change I’m proud of is giving up something that used to be a regular part of my daily routine: Coke. I used to drink it often—sometimes without even thinking twice. It was just part of my meals, part of my day. But over time, I started to feel the toll it was taking. My energy would crash, I’d feel bloated, and deep down, I knew it wasn’t doing my body any favors. So I made the decision to stop drinking it. It’s been about three months, and I haven’t touched a single can. Now, I only drink water, and I can honestly say I feel more hydrated and balanced throughout the day.

While I’d love to say my skin is totally clear from drinking more water, the truth is, it’s still a work in progress—mainly because I haven’t cut down on chocolate yet. That’s one of the next habits I’m working on. I love chocolate, and it’s something I’ve enjoyed for years, but I’m learning to find a better balance. My plan is to cut back and not eat as much, especially when I know it could be affecting my skin and overall health.

Along with staying active and hydrating better, I’ve also completely changed the way I eat. I used to snack constantly or eat out of boredom or habit. But now, I’ve shifted to a routine that’s simple, intentional, and nourishing. I eat just twice a day, usually a late breakfast and dinner, with a small, healthy snack around lunchtime. This helps me feel more in tune with my hunger cues and less focused on eating just for the sake of it. It also gives my body time to digest properly, which has really improved my energy levels and how light I feel during the day.

Another change that’s been surprisingly fun has been my approach to meal prep. I recently bought some cute glass containers that are perfect for making overnight oats. They make breakfast feel a little more special—and a lot more convenient. I can throw in oats, almond milk, chia seeds, a little honey, and fresh fruit, and I have a delicious, healthy breakfast waiting for me in the morning. It’s become a small ritual that I look forward to each night.

More importantly, I’ve been focusing on eating more organic fruits and vegetables. I want to fuel my body with real, whole foods that give me the nutrients I need—not just something that tastes good in the moment. I’ve started visiting local markets, trying new recipes, and learning what my body responds well to. It’s been eye-opening to realize how much of a difference quality food makes—not just physically, but mentally, too.

These changes didn’t happen all at once. They were gradual. Some days were easier than others. There were moments of doubt, days when I wanted to go back to old habits, and times I questioned whether it was even worth it. But I kept going. I reminded myself why I started. I gave myself grace when I didn’t feel perfect. And most of all, I celebrated the progress—even the small wins.

Today, I feel more in control of my choices, more connected to my body, and more optimistic about the future. I’m still learning and evolving, and I know there’s no finish line when it comes to self-care. But I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. These small, consistent changes have created a foundation I can continue to build on.

If you’re thinking about making a change—no matter how small—I encourage you to start today. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. Just begin, one step at a time. Your future self will thank you.