Joining You on the Journey to Better Health: Small Steps, Big Goals

I’m not here to preach about health from some lofty pedestal—I’m right there in the trenches with you, navigating my own path toward a healthier, stronger me. It’s been a long road already, and I’ll be honest: I still have a ways to go. But I’m not chasing a number on the scale. My focus isn’t on losing weight—it’s on feeling healthier, more toned, and more in tune with my body. I’m sharing my story not as an expert, but as someone who’s figuring it out, step by step, and inviting you to come along for the ride.

Where I Started—and Why I Paused

For the past year, my fitness journey took a backseat due to chronic back issues. Anyone who’s dealt with persistent pain knows how it can derail even the best intentions. Workouts would leave me aching, and not in the satisfying “I crushed it” way. It was nerve pain—relentless, nagging, and indifferent to whether I was standing, sitting, or lying down. So, I stopped. I let myself rest. But three weeks ago, something shifted. I decided it was time to stop waiting for the pain to vanish and start taking control again—slowly, intentionally, and sustainably.

Small Steps in Nutrition: Sugar, Bread, and Simple Swaps

My long-term goal is to get my body into shape, and I’m starting with small, manageable changes to my eating habits. I’ve never been a fan of strict diets—they demand too much discipline, and honestly, they’re easy to abandon when life gets busy. Instead, I’m focusing on lifelong shifts that feel doable.

One big change? Cutting back on processed sugars like corn syrup and invert sugar. I’m not ditching sweetness entirely—I’m just leaning into natural options. Right now, I’m obsessed with Simple Mills Chocolate Brownie Sweet Thins—a guilt-free sweet treat that hits all the right spots. Even my eight-year-old can’t get enough of these delicious treats!

Click the image to discover them for yourself!:

For my morning coffee, I’ve swapped out artificial sweeteners for a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s warm, comforting, and feels like a treat without the guilt. In my smoothies, I’m using pure maple syrup (the kind without corn syrup) or a handful of dates to sweeten things up. Dates, by the way, are nature’s candy—blend them in, and you’ve got creamy, caramel-like goodness. Tap the pure maple syrup below to explore a tasty, natural alternative to processed sugars!

I’m also easing up on white bread. It’s not about banning carbs (I’d miss toast too much), but about choosing better when I can. These tweaks aren’t flashy, but they’re laying the groundwork for my bigger goal: a healthier, more energized me.

Moving Again: Walking, Cardio, and Dancing Through the Pain

Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. To tone my body and build stamina, I’ve started moving again—carefully. It began with walking around the block. It’s low-impact, gets my blood flowing, and serves as the perfect warm-up before a workout. Warming up isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential, especially with my back. I don’t go alone either—I bring my dogs and a friend. Walking with a buddy (human or furry) makes it fun and keeps me accountable. If sticking to a routine feels tough, trust me—a workout buddy can be a game-changer for staying motivated and on track! They turn “I’ll do it later” into “Let’s go now.”

Cardio, though? That’s been trickier. Past attempts left me in pain for hours, so I gave up. But I’m not giving up anymore—I’m adapting. To manage my back, I’ve leaned on weekly deep tissue massages, which work wonders for loosening tight muscles and calming nerve flare-ups. I also sleep with therapeutic pillows—one cradling my neck, another supporting my lower back. I used to see a chiropractor, but I’ve found that the massages and pillows keep the pain manageable for now. These back-saving treasures are my tried-and-true favorites. With so many pillows out there, these are the ones that truly deliver for me! Check out these therapeutic, back-saving gems—click the pictures below to see them in action!

Then there’s my secret weapon: dancing. I stumbled across growwithjo’s dance workout routines on YouTube, and they’ve been a game-changer. Her moves are simple yet effective—no complicated choreography, just fun, sweaty vibes. After a session, I feel energized, not achy. Jo’s infectious energy keeps me motivated, and I actually look forward to hitting play. Check out my favorite workout with her here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnDhDaVxNng If you’re hesitant about cardio, try something like this—find a routine that feels like play, not punishment.

Targeting My Tummy: A Post-Baby Goal

My biggest toning focus is flattening my stomach. After having my daughter, pregnancy left me with an umbilical hernia—a parting gift that required surgery and a long recovery. Now that I’m healed, I’m out of excuses. I’ve started a short, targeted routine to work those core muscles. It’s nothing intense—just a few moves, 10 to 30 reps each, depending on how my back feels. I pick one exercise from each of these categories like planks, leg lifts, or gentle twists, and I stop if it starts to hurt. The burn tells me it’s working, but I’m pacing myself. Over time, I’ll add more reps and moves as my strength grows.

This slow-and-steady approach is key. I don’t want to overdo it and end up sidelined again. If you’ve got a specific area you want to tone—arms, legs, whatever—try this method. Research a handful of moves that target your goal, start small, and build gradually. It’s less overwhelming and way more sustainable.

The Bigger Picture: Progress, Not Perfection

I’m not aiming for a drastic transformation overnight. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing too hard, too fast, leads to burnout—or worse, injury. Instead, I’m celebrating the small wins: a walk that feels good, a coffee sweetened with honey, a dance session that leaves me smiling. These steps might seem tiny, but they’re carrying me toward my long-term vision of a healthier, more toned body.

And here’s the thing: I’m not doing this alone. I’d love for you to join me. Share your own goals, your small steps, your wins and struggles. What’s one change you could make today—something simple, something yours? Let’s keep each other going, one block, one smoothie, one dance move at a time.

Come connect with me on social media—I’d love to hear your thoughts and share this journey together!