“It’s better to be fit and fat, than fat and not fit.”
When the doctor said those words I laughed—and he did too, joking that he never liked to say the word fat. We both laughed, but the message was clear.
Doctor’s orders: “Get fit” and lose a little weight.
I’ll admit that the idea of “getting fit” has never excited me. The thought of trying to figure out how to lose a little weight used to make me want to hide under a blanket and take a nap. But pain can be a powerful motivator, and this time I was motivated.
I had been living with a nagging stomach pain for more than a month. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was constant and worrying because it felt different from the digestive issues I’d experienced before. I went through a series of tests; everything came back normal. Still, the takeaway was the same: I needed to make a few health and fitness changes.
Extremes have never worked for me. I didn’t need to cut out gluten, dairy, sugar, or anything else completely. Instead, I wanted small, sustainable steps that would improve my health over the long term.
My game plan began online with a bit of inspiration and practical ideas—recipes, simple workouts, and everyday habits to support better health. One idea that stood out was infused water. I’d never tried it before, but it looked inviting: pretty jars of water with fresh fruit and herbs. A few articles suggested that certain infused water combinations can help with digestion and reduce appetite. I’m no doctor, but I decided to give it a try.
The first step was delightfully simple: I treated myself to a large, reusable cup—one of those big, fancy tumblers you see everywhere. Each morning I fill it with ice and cold water, then add a few slices of strawberries and wedges of lime. The flavor is subtle and refreshing, and drinking from a visually appealing cup makes the habit feel special, so I end up drinking far more water than before.
That simple change—infused water instead of plain, boring water or sugary drinks—has been surprisingly effective at keeping me hydrated and more mindful about snacking between meals.
The other change I adopted was walking regularly. I aim for a walk almost every day. Rather than spinning my wheels trying to fit long, intense workouts into my schedule, I focused on consistency: short walks, scenic routes, and enjoying the outdoors. Exploring new paths has made walking feel less like exercise and more like a small adventure.
One of my favorite routes takes us up and around a neighborhood until we round a corner and are greeted by a beautiful waterfront view. Seeing that calm stretch of water and the lighthouse island we once lived on is an instant mood lifter.
{The island with the lighthouse is the place we used to live.}
These walks have given me a reason to get outside daily, see new parts of town, and move in a way that feels manageable and enjoyable. On holidays, we pack a simple lunch and set off to explore a new trail instead of staying indoors. Turning movement into exploration has helped the whole “getting fit” process feel less like a chore and more like a pleasant routine.
Small steps, consistent action. That’s been my approach: keep habits simple, make them enjoyable, and stick with them long enough to see whether they help. So far the results are encouraging. I haven’t dropped pounds yet, but the persistent stomach pain that pushed me to make changes is gone. That relief alone is a big win.
Practical tips from my experience:
- Start small: choose one simple habit, like infused water or short daily walks, and focus on consistency rather than perfection.
- Make it appealing: use a pretty cup for water or pick a scenic walking route so the habit feels rewarding.
- Keep it sustainable: avoid extreme restrictions. Small, lasting changes are more effective over time.
- Celebrate small wins: reduced pain, better hydration, and a more active routine are meaningful progress even before the scale changes.
Also, as a side note, I recently refreshed the blog design and have started exploring Instagram as a way to share simple recipes and everyday moments. I’m still learning the platform, but I’m enjoying it and experimenting with ideas like easy summer meals and barbecue-friendly dishes that work well with a busy, active life.
Getting fit doesn’t have to mean drastic measures. For me, it’s become a series of manageable choices: flavored water that makes hydration enjoyable, scenic walks that replace sedentary time, and a focus on long-term, gentle improvements. Those changes have brought real benefits—less pain, more energy, and a newfound enjoyment in taking care of myself. Maybe for you, a few small, consistent steps could do the same.
