Taking stock of my midlife venture so far

Taking stock of my midlife venture so far: There’s a certain rhythm to life, wouldn’t you agree? Seasons change, children grow, and sometimes, we find ourselves at a crossroads. In my previous blog post, I shared my reflections on Empty Nest, New Me: Rediscovering Myself.

Since then, delving deeper into the world of social media and establishing this website has been an enriching experience. It’s a space where I can connect with like-minded individuals and share my passions.  This process of creation has also led me to a valuable exercise: taking stock of my own well-being.

As I explore this online space, a clearer path for my future is unfolding. A spark of curiosity has ignited a desire to expand my knowledge in the fascinating realms of nutrition, gut health, and holistic treatments.

This newfound focus stems from a genuine desire to optimise my health and live a more vibrant life. It’s a humbling realisation that the journey towards optimal well-being is a lifelong pursuit, but one I’m eager to embrace.

A rewiring for Wellness

With this newfound time and a genuine desire to optimise my health, I decided to take the plunge. I enrolled in a comprehensive nutrition course, eager to learn more soak up the latest research and insights.  I also completed an accredited gut health certificate, delving into the fascinating world of these tiny yet mighty inhabitants within us.

The more I learn, the more I realise just how much there is to discover. It’s a humbling experience, constantly reminding me that the path to optimal health is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Scaling Back and Building Up

One of the first changes I’ve implemented is a conscious reduction in processed foods. While we always prioritised whole foods, there’s always room for improvement. Processed foods often harbour hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and a depletion of essential nutrients. By making this shift, I’m aiming to nourish my body with the building blocks it needs to truly thrive and hopefully my three will join me on this journey at least most of the time. We have been enjoying the planthood chef-made plant based recipe kits, it’s great if you want to try new foods/recipes but don’t want to invest in a whole load of new ingredients. have a look at my instagram page.

Another area I’m re-evaluating is my beauty routine.  I’ve significantly reduced my reliance on high-street beauty products.  Instead, I’m experimenting with natural ingredients like carrier oils, aloe Vera gel, and aromatherapy oils.  It’s a bit of a trial-and-error process, and my skin is currently in a bit of a protest.  Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s adjusting to these new, natural ingredients or if it’s a hormonal shift (hello, peri-menopause!).

Supplements: Are Less Really More?

Speaking of supplements, I’ve also scaled back significantly in this area.  It can be tempting to chase after the latest “miracle pill,” but the truth is, a well-balanced diet should provide most of the essential vitamins and minerals we need.  However, I recognise that individual needs can vary.

To get a clearer picture of my own needs, I’m planning to get a mineral test and a vitamin D blood test from Eqology. This will help me determine if my body is already getting what it needs or if there are specific deficiencies I should address with targeted supplementation.

The Gut Feeling We Can’t Ignore

One of the most captivating aspects of my exploration is the gut microbiome.  This complex ecosystem of bacteria plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even our immune system function.  Research is increasingly revealing the intricate link between gut health and overall well-being.

The more I learn about the gut microbiome, the more I’m convinced that nourishing these tiny residents is paramount.  This means incorporating prebiotics (the food our gut bacteria love) and probiotics (the good bacteria themselves) into my diet.  Foods like yogourt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha are all naturally rich in probiotics, while fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide a wealth of prebiotic fibre.

A Journey with You

This journey of discovery in nutrition and gut health is just beginning.  I’m excited to share my learnings, experiences, and perhaps even some missteps along the way.  Who knows, maybe by sharing this journey, we can all learn and grow together.

In the upcoming posts, I’ll delve deeper into specific topics like:

The Gut Microbiome: Unveiling the Power Within

Fuelling Your Body: Building a Balanced Plate for Optimal Health

Natural Beauty Solutions: Harnessing the Power of Nature

Supplements: Demystifying the Maze

I’d love to hear from you too!  What are your experiences with nutrition and gut health?  What questions do you have?  Leave a comment below and let’s continue this conversation together. Just to let you know that I will get a small commission if you purchase the Egology products via the above links. It might be best to contact me so we can have a chat about it.

Disclosure: I am an independent business partner with Eqology and will receive a commission directly from them, but there will be no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!