A Day In The Life

I often get asked, “Do you actually eat that healthy all the time or are you just sharing your ‘highlight reel’ of good food?”

My answer? Yes, I actually practice what I preach every single day.

Now let’s just rewind here for a hot minute.

I used to be the most horrific eater. Seriously. I was my own worst nightmare. I only ate fast food and probably didn’t eat a single vegetable for a solid decade. I kid you not.

So keep in mind, I wasn’t always living a healthy lifestyle and I definitely did not get here overnight. I gradually made a few changes until one day I had created a massive shift in my life. Since I did it slowly, I never felt overwhelmed or stressed about the lifestyle I was beginning to create for myself.

The Non-Linear Journey

Did I have a few bumps in the road? Absolutely.

• When I first started my journey to a healthier life, I was having a green smoothie every day. That was my step in the right direction. BUT I was still partying – real hard. I went to as many club events, raves, and music festivals I could find.
• It took me years to finally become gluten-free even though I knew it caused me severe migraines.
• Up until a few years ago, I was still snacking on the occasional sugar filled gluten-free cupcake even though it makes my anxiety worse.
• Yoga fell by the wayside for me while I was pregnant and had a newborn. I had no idea how to run a business and care for a new human at the same time. Let alone find 60 minutes to head to a class.

It has taken me time and dedication to finally create a lifestyle and routine that works for me. So take this as a guideline. See if there are any tips or tricks you can pick out of my day to help you along your journey. Remember, it’s not an overnight transformation.

Here’s What I Ate Today

Before we get into it, take note: I NEVER drink liquids with my meals. This dilutes your stomach juices and causes strain on your digestive system. I aim for 8 cups of filtered water (non-caffeinated herbal tea counts) throughout the day. I have it at least 30 minutes before or after my meals. Also, this is an average day in my life. Some days I have appointments in the morning and we’re rushing out the door with a smoothie, almond flour muffin, and organic fruit/veggie pouch.

6:00 AM – One cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea – usually an organic rooibos with a touch of raw honey and unsweetened coconut milk. Depending on the day I either head to a Pilates/yoga class or get some work done in my office (I work from home!). Today was a kickass Pilates and weights class – literally it kicked my ass.

7:30 AM – One cup of Chinese Red Date Tea. This is a recent addition after it was recommended as part of my treatment from my Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Also known as jujube tea, Chinese red dates help with digestive issues, blood circulation, and anxiety/stress. I chop up 5-7 dates and pop them in a pot with filtered water. I bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.

8:00 AM – By now Jackson is up and ready for breakfast. He usually has some scrambled pasture raised eggs, a few organic peach or mandarin slices, and unsweetened coconut yogurt. I opt for a poached egg with half an avocado and sweet potato hash browns. Then we make our smoothie together (he’s the official ingredient to blender tosser). We both sip on it over the course of the morning – whether we’re off to yoga, running errands, or doing housework. I shared our go-to recipe below.

12:00 PM – Lunch is usually leftovers. I purposely make extra food for dinner so I don’t have to worry about making another meal. If there’s only enough leftovers for Frank and Jackson at lunch, I’m usually having a wrap. I am obsessed with raw veggie wraps. I spread on soy-free Veganaise and dairy-free pesto, then layer in organic baby spinach, pickles (Bubbie’s is my fave brand!), the rest of my morning avocado, and protein of choice (usually tempeh or organic chicken).

2:00 PM – Jackson’s afternoon nap is my work time 2/3 so I need quick snacks to keep me fuelled. That’s why I spend a few hours on Sunday afternoon making a bunch of tasty treats for the week. Today’s snack was my Sweet & Salty Maca Bliss Balls. If I’m craving something crunchy (I’m a recovering chip addict), I reach for my cashew cheese dip or hummus with Mary’s Crackers or dried beets.

5 on a really good day, usually 6…sometimes 6:30 – Dinner is a family event. Jackson insists on pulling up his chair to the counter and helping us cook. Frank will usually come home from work and lend a hand in meal prep, too. We focus on a protein, fibre, and good fats at each meal. We eat an omnivore diet but consume small amounts of poultry and fish. Because we only eat animal products at a few meals, we are able to opt for organic, sustainable or ethically raised without our grocery bill skyrocketing. Tonight we’re having sustainable wild sole dredged in almond flour then pan seared in some avocado oil. It’ll get paired with a cauliflower rice pilaf (cauliflower grated and sautéed with red peppers, carrots, garlic and onion and seasoned with lemon juice and organic Italian seasoning). Last night we had chickpea pasta with lots of veggies and dairy-free pesto!

8:30 PM – I try to finish working in my office by 8 PM so I can do my self-care routine. I place a castor oil pack on my abdomen to help soothe my digestive system (my weak spot). I’m always hungry and searching for a snack in the evening, so I usually sip on my Simple Vegan Golden Milk. I’d love to tell you I read or meditate for the hour that the castor oil sits on my stomach…but I catch up on my favourite shows. This is something I LOVE and allows me to shut off my brain and just chill. So I categorize this under self-care. 😉

Have you started eating healthy or are looking to start? I’m curious, what was the first thing you changed or are looking to change? Comment below or share it in my free Facebook group, Clear Skin For Life. I give daily inspiration for healthy living there, too!

The Busy Mama Smoothie

A nutrition packed smoothie that's mom and toddler approved!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Author: Katie Stewart Wellness

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk coconut, almond, or cashew
• 1 banana
• 1 cup organic baby spinach
• 2 tbsp grass-fed collagen powder
• 1 tbsp sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp Hawaiian Spirulina
• 2-3 medjool dates pitted

Boosters:

• 1-2 tsp omega-3 fish oil
• 1 tsp maca powder

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend on high until well combined.