Nope, I’m talking talking about dropping sour cream for Greek yogurt or replacing oil with applesauce. I’m talking about other healthy swaps I’ve made in my life that have made a difference. Here we go…
For mental health:
Swap: Taking pictures of everything you eat during the day (sorry WIAW).
For: A picture of the morning smoothie and almonds then forgetting to take pictures for the rest of the day, including the cool wrap with delicious avocado lime ranch from Chick-fil-A.
For brain health:
Swap: An hour of mind-numbing Real Housewives.
For: An hour of reading, a documentary, a phone call with a friend, an hour of Master Chef, or heck, an hour of staring at the wall. I fully admit I used to LOVE the housewives, but now that I’ve been forced away from them, I realize that they truly are nothing but life-sucking drama that made me dumber. After all, the Bachelor already lowers my IQ; I can’t afford more than one of those shows!
For skin health:
Swap: Your favorite, overpriced lotion.
For: Overpriced coconut oil. I get it, coconut oil isn’t much cheaper, but it lasts for a ridiculously long time and is the best moisturizer I’ve ever used. Once it soaks in, my skin becomes so soft and over time, the bumps on my arms have decreased dramatically. Also, 100% natural.
For rehydration health:
Swap: Gatorade
For: Coconut water. Coconut does it again! (said every health freak ever). But seriously, coconut water is a better alternative to Gatorade (less chemicals, has some sodium and a lot of potassium naturally occurring, less sugar, etc). …Unless you are running a marathon. Then drink what you want. However, after a workout, cutting the grass, or a day on the beach, drink coconut water! (and might I suggest the pineapple flavor? Delish!)
For foot health:
Swap: Trendy, support-less flats.
For: Naots, the world’s most comfortable and supportive shoe (according to me). Maybe it truly is a sign I’m almost 30. Perhaps my friends who wear their matching Tory Burch sandals will shake their heads in shame, but I make no apologies. I went searching for the most comfortable shoe I could find and I found it.
It sure wasn’t cheap, but this shoe feels like walking on a firm, supportive cloud, that had been custom-molded to my foot. And let’s be honest, it wasn’t like I was winning any fashion-forward awards anyway.
For emotional health:
Swap: A moment of woe-is-me.
For: A moment of gratitude, counting your blessings and remembering that what you already have, so many people would do anything for. Perspective.
On that note, I am pausing for a moment to remember all those who lost their lives, all those that lost their family and friends and all of us that, as a nation, fell under attack 12 years ago today. God bless and never forget.
What healthy swaps have you made lately?
alex says
I quit watching The Real Housewives – it made me instantly happy. There is nothing good that comes from those shows. The yelling and the drama would stress me out!
Katie D. says
I’ve cut out E! I was addicted to Kardashians and that just bled into watching other mind numbing shows. I really do feel better mentally without that junk.
Brittany Dixon says
AH! Yes, those darn Kardashians. Ridiculous how that garbage can suck us in.
Lia says
I stopped watching the housewives also! I hardly watch any tv anymore and I think it’s been a great change.
I’m more productive and active!
Brittany Dixon says
Great point about it making you more active! We watch probably about 1-1.5 hours a night and even as I type that, it sounds like a lot. I hope to keep cutting back and replacing it with more worthwhile activities.
Chantal says
I love coconut oil! Great stuff. I however cannot stand the taste of coconut water… probably because I just get plain stuff?
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not wild about the plain kind either, but pineapple is ahhhhhmazing.
Runner Girl Eats says
I have been taking time to stop stressing about the little things that don’t matter and focusing on appreciating all the wonderful things in my life. I am still on the Housewives bandwagon though. Can’t drop those crazy ladies yet!
Karen says
I am sending less time on the computer and phone while Keely is awake and spending more time with her.
Brittany Dixon says
What a great swap! I’m sure she is eating up getting all of mommy’s attention! 🙂
Karen says
I am spending less time on the computer and phone while Keely is awake and spending more time with her.
Ashley says
Great post, and a great reminder of focusing on the more meaningful things in life. I’ve been stressed at work but am trying to focus on how grateful I am to have a job and great co-workers, and to be able to provide for my family through it.
katie says
Wonderful choices! I think the shoes are pretty cute! They don’t stop traffic for being dramatic, but if they feel good and get you from point a to point b that’s whats important. Also, VitaCoco Pineapple is the best drink ever. Sometimes I dream of adding it to a cocktail, but am afraid of the possibly delicious consequences.
Brittany Dixon says
Hey- thanks about the shoes! I don’t think they’re that bad either. And as for that cocktail combo,I’m up for risking the delicious consequences with you! 😉
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Yup – I need a few of those swaps. Less woe, more yay. Less mind-numbing, more challenge.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Love this. Great reminders. It’s easy to get caught up in society’s ways of doing things when really we need to just do what’s best for us. And those shoes… You make them look so cute! I need to find some. My feet are always sore.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I love the coconut oil swap! I totally agree!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
A few less grains for more plant protein in help rebuild my muscles! Those shoes look super comfy! Could do with them for work!
Lauren B. says
I recently made two big swaps that have made a huge difference in my quality of life: I swapped keeping a food diary for intuitive eating, and I swapped eating lots of added refined sugars each day for only eating them on special occasions. Both swaps helped me lose the last few pounds of baby weight and I feel better physically and mentally!
I love this post, as I do all of your posts! You always have insightful things to say. Have a great day!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Lauren, that’s awesome! Was it hard to make the switch to intuitive eating? I know it’s something a lot of people struggle with (I know I used to) and am always looking for tips on how to help others make the jump. Let me know if you have any great tips 🙂
Lauren B says
I think that once I made up my mind that I was going to stop logging my eats in a food diary, it made the intuitive eating easier. I think before, I actually ate more/more sweets because I was “logging it,” and that made it ok. And although it’s contrary to the purpose of a food diary, when I stopped logging, I actually had to think and make decisions about if I really needed/wanted something or how hungry/full I was. Not only does it free up time, but I also feel free. Keeping a food diary worked well for me for a long time, but I got to the point where it was working against me, if that makes sense.
Maria says
I love your focus on brain health swaps. We just gave up cable and I thought I’d never survive with my House Hunters and Food Network, but I’ve filled that time with much more productive things – things that make me feel good about myself, like reading my Bible study, going for a walk or organizing my Pinterest boards (we can’t all be perfect).
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
I love this post! What wonderful swaps. Are you so excited for the Master Chef finale tonight?! Eek!
Layne says
Brittany check out this coconut homemade lotion- i can’t wait to try it out! Esp. come the winter months!
http://www.4you-withlove.com/2013/01/3-ingredient-body-butter.html
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Love these healthy swaps! I agree with the Real Housewives one 100%! I used to watch it but have since realized I’d much rather do something more meaningful than watch such an annoying, IQ lowering show!
Catherine says
I have been following your blog for quite awhile…….this is my first comment…….love this post! and yes, let’s never forget 09/11.
klau says
Britney. I dont know wherr else to ask u this.
But can u talk about the cooking oil spray.
It sounds like bad to me.
It contains propellant.
And it says 0 calories for 1/4spray. But I researched it says that it is leagal to put 0 cal if it is less than .05.
Can u tell us if its true and not good for u?
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I love me some coconut water!
She Rocks Fitness says
I have stopped using lotion as well and using my BIG tub of coconut oil instead and it has done wonders for my skin when I get out of the shower. I have gotten lots of compliments on how “fabulous” it looks. 🙂
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
Love this post and love some of these swap ideas 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
I absolutely love this list!
Dizee says
Great tips! Especially the real housewives comment 🙂
I absolutely love coconut oil and have been using it for everything from baking, frying to moisturizing and removing my makeup. I even use it to make a homemade face scrub.
I don’t know how I survived so long without coconut oil in my life!
Heather Williams says
I’m in LOVE with those shoes! I must be showing I’m nearing 29 myself. Ordering some this week in fact! I adored my Merrell shoes that were similar but my Yorkie chewed them up:( I think these are precious and ditto on the television issue. I mean, do we really need to know what celebs are doing in their free time? I don’t think so:)
Great post and love your site:)
Neil Butterfield says
Great swaps here Brittany. I especially like the one about swapping one’s mindset.