Wellness Wednesday – What Fuels You?

Over the past five months, I’ve made some huge lifestyle changes — and they’ve completely transformed how I feel. I’m down 50 pounds, but even more importantly, I feel better than I did in my 20s. More energy. More clarity. More strength. And that feels like a true gift.

Because of my extensive food allergies, my journey hasn’t looked like everyone else’s. I no longer consume corn products (and if you start reading labels, you’ll realize that takes out the majority of the grocery store!), dairy, gluten, grains, almonds, and traditional sweet treats. With my corn allergy, that also means no medications derived from corn — so no GLP-1 shortcuts for me.

This path required research. Lots and lots of research.

I’ve spent countless hours learning what I can eat instead of focusing on what I can’t. And surprisingly? I have some terrific, delicious options. Brands like Siete, TruBar, and Yum Earth have been wonderful finds. Organic produce, safe nuts, and discovering new clean products have turned into a bit of an adventure. There’s something empowering about knowing exactly what fuels your body well.

But the biggest change hasn’t just been what I eat — it’s how I eat.

I stopped eating out of boredom.

I stopped eating just because it was “time.”

I stopped eating simply because food was there.

Now, I eat when I’m actually hungry. I wait for my body to say, “Hey, it’s time.” When it does, I grab a small portion of something healthy — maybe a palmful of walnuts — and move on with my day. No guilt. No overthinking. Just fueling my body intentionally.

That shift alone has been powerful.

All of these changes combined have made me more active and energized. I don’t feel weighed down. I feel motivated. And that motivation spills over into every area of life.

Here’s my Wellness Wednesday challenge to you:

What small change can you make to improve your health?

It doesn’t have to be drastic. Maybe it’s drinking more water. Maybe it’s walking after dinner. Maybe it’s reading labels more carefully. Small, consistent changes add up in big ways.

Your body is the only one you get. Take care of it. Listen to it. Honor it.

And as always, I’m cheering you on right here from the Gap. 

Mary