Health Habits I Changed When Hit My 40s

It turns out they were right — life begins at 40! And so does an entirely new routine when it comes to healthy habits. I’m excited to share how I’ve switched things up to feel more vibrant than ever.

Healthy Habits in my 40s

I will be the first to admit that there was a huge shift in my body right around the time I turned 40.

There were marked differences in my skin, my energy level, my metabolism, my joints — you name it, it shifted. And with those shifts came a motivation to care for my body and wellness in a way that makes sense for me now, as opposed to the ways that made sense in years past.

I love being in my 40s! I love the ease and joy I feel at just being myself. And I want to care for and protect my body as best as I can for as long as I can. Which is why I’ve been switching up my health habits.

Protein matters

These days, I know my body runs better if I’m making sure to include plenty of protein in not just meals but snacks as well.

I don’t love eating lots of meat so I’m always looking for interesting and nutritious sources of protein. It helps keep me feeling satiated, it fuels my workouts, and it helps keep me from losing muscle mass as I get older.

Recently I discovered Naked Nutrition’s Chocolate Chip Naked Cookie and I was hooked. 10 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar means that this beauty is a delicious treat that won’t break your carb bank for the day. They’re soy and GMO free, with no artificial sweeteners or flavors

I love these as a snack with a cup of tea! Or sometimes I just toss one in my purse if I know I’m going to be out all day and want to make a healthy snack choice.

A different Style of Movement

All my life, I’ve loved working out. For a long time, I belonged to a gym with high-intensity and high-impact classes that left me exhilarated. But they also started to leave me in pain.

As I’ve aged, my joints have given me very clear messages that they’re over the impact! So these days, pilates is feeling incredibly good in my body.

It’s low-impact but a killer workout, and both lengthens and strengthens my muscles simultaneously. I truly feel at my best when I’m regularly doing pilates.

I intersperse heavy weightlifting and cycling workouts into the routine as well. No jumping for these knees!

The Supplement I’m Never Without

You’ve probably heard me singing the praises of collagen on Instagram Stories, and I’m here to do it again!

I add collagen to tea, oatmeal, smoothies, soups, and more! And I searched for many years to find the collagen that has the right balance of protein, carbs, and taste. The good news is, I found it!

Naked Collagen is one of the few collagens I’ve tried that leaves literally no taste (yay!). In one serving there’s a generous 9 grams of protein for only 35 calories, which makes it a perfect addition to your cup of coffee, tea, or just about anything.

I also love the Naked Nutrition brand in general because they’re committed to shortening the steps between their farms and you. The collagen has no additives or artificial sweeteners and literally just one ingredient: collagen.

Since starting to use collagen, I’ve noticed stronger nails, more vibrant looking skin, and even an improvement in my joint pain. Those are my personal takeaways — I’d love to know if you’ve tried collagen, and what benefits you saw!

Logging Miles

I’m also taking my healthy habits on the road, literally! In the past few years I’ve logged thousands of miles of walking.

It started as a way to get out of the house and into my thoughts when the kids were little, and the habit stuck. These days I don’t feel complete if I don’t get outside and walk at least for a bit every day.

I love that it’s low-impact movement, but it’s so much more than that! It can be a way to socialize if you invite a friend, it can be time to listen to your favorite music or podcast, or it can just be a solid mental health move to get some quality solo time.

Self Care and Mental Health

And speaking of mental health, the final healthy habit I’ve shifted in my 40s is to make it a priority.

It’s so easy, especially with the busyness of children or a career, to let yourself and your mental wellbeing come last. I have definitely let myself slide down that slippery slope during some seasons.

But it feels so important to me these days to tend to my mind in the same way I tend to my body. With intention, with purpose, and with reliability.

I’d love to know, whether you’re in your 40s or not, about the healthy habits that sustain you in this season of life! Share in the comments or find me on Instagram and let’s chat. We all deserve to feel our best! xoxo

This post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition. All ideas and opinions are my very own. Thank you for your support of the brand partners that keep our family business going!