Fruits and Vegetables galore

After coming back from a week of leisure and travel for spring break, my digestive system is hating me! Though fun to indulge in the moment and try new foods with friends in California last week, as Monday has arrived I am feeling very lethargic and tired. I think my body is not only physically suffering from the few pounds I put on last week but also mentally I am not feeling very good about myself and the lack of nutrients in my diet last week has me feeling drained and a bit sluggish today. We opted for sides of toast instead of fruit, started with queso instead of Brussel sprouts (even if the green option was cheaper), and never passed up a good pizza even when the salad bar was right behind us. I noticed a lack in my energy throughout the week, dragging along each day to the next meal of fats and carbs galore, but as I’ve returned to Austin and my regular routine, the lack of nutritional health in my diet the past week has really caught up to me. Therefore, for the first week of my journey to happiness, I am going to aim to add more fruits and vegetables into my diet, with 5 servings of fruits and or veggies for 4 days. The increased nutrients and fresh produce without preservatives and extra fats, will hopefully boost my health both mentally and physically! After coming home from a lack of worries and plenty of free time for the week, the fast pace and busy demands of reality are setting back in, and I am very much in need of a boost in health and happiness. Fun fact: According to Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones of Happiness, research has found that people who go from not eating any fruit or produce to eating 8 servings a day experienced an increase in their well-being equal to getting a new job! Hopefully a consistent diet of fruits and veggies will get me one step closer to that increased well-being this week as the end of the semester draws near!