The Best of Pure Joy Wellness 2021 - Part 1

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Oh 2021.. what a year it’s been! Coming out of 2020, I wasn’t sure what kind of year we were going to have, but I have to say, overall it’s been amazing. As a PJW community, we’ve grown stronger, connected deeply, and brought new people into the fold. I couldn’t be prouder of all the badass women who are part of this community, including you! To celebrate, I’m using December to highlight the Best of Pure Joy Wellness from 2021. Each week, I’ll share a roundup of the best blog posts, PJW Approved products, and more. This week, it’s all about blog posts. 

Some of these posts you may remember, others you may have missed. Regardless, I hope you’ll give them each a read and either learn something new or give yourself a refresher on the blog posts you loved. Without further ado… here are the blog highlights of 2021! 

Exercise/Fitness/Movement

Why Everyone (Yes, Everyone) Should Lift Heavy Weights

  • As most of you know, I didn’t start lifting weights until I was in my 30s, and ever since, it’s been a critical piece of my workout routine. In this article, I talked about three of the top reasons why all women should lift heavy weights. If you need a push to get into (or back into) strength training, this is it!

How To Start Working Out Again After A Year-Long Hibernation

  • Have you been off your workout game? Are you dying to get back on track? This article can help! It’s packed with tips for easing your way back into exercise and boosting your confidence in the process. I go back to this advice all the time, especially when I’m starting to feel bored of my workouts or unmotivated. 

5 Affordable Pieces Of Workout Equipment You Can Travel With

  • Another roundup of my favorite workout equipment that is 100 percent travel-friendly! With the holidays upon us, sales are happening left and right, and these products are perfect for your next trip. Check ‘em out! 

Here's Why All Women Over 50 Need An Exercise Revamp

  • This post was a PJW community favorite! We all know exercise is important, but what you may not know is that once you turn 50, doing the same old workout routine that you did in your youth isn’t going to serve you well as you get older. This post outlines the importance of revamping your workout routine and gives you examples of how to do so. If you’re someone who has been working out regularly and not seeing the results you were hoping for, this is a must-read. 

How To Make Walking More Enjoyable

  • We did TWO full 30 day Walking Challenges in 2021, one in the spring and one in the fall. Many of you are still walking! This article includes tips for making walking more enjoyable on days when you don’t feel like it or just can’t get into it. Next time you feel sluggish and like walking is the last thing you want to do, pull this article up instead, get outside, and put one foot in front of the other. 

Mental Health/Mindset Shifts

Two Mindset Shifts That Will Help You Lose Weight

  • I wrote this post coming out of quarantine, when I had gained a few unwanted pounds and heard similar concerns from PJW members. In this article, I discussed how finding the “what” and the “why” are imperative steps for anyone looking to lose weight. If you have a weight-related goal for 2022, I highly recommend reviewing this post. 

How To Cope With Fatigue & Burnout

  • I wrote this post to address Covid pandemic fatigue, but looking back on it, the advice in here holds up for fatigue and burn out in general. So if you’re someone who is feeling extra exhausted or burnt out lately, the advice in this post could be just what you need to go into 2022 feeling rejuvenated. 

How To Cope With Setbacks: My Tips & Tricks

  • Running into setback after setback? I know the feeling… but you can get through it! It’s all about attitude and mindset! I’ve devised the perfect five-step system for getting through setbacks, and it’s all in this blog post.

Nutrition/Healthy Eating 

10 Foods To Stop Buying & Make Yourself Instead

  • This is one of my favorite blog posts from 2021—and one of the community’s favorites too! We all know that homemade food is healthier than store bought food the majority of the time, and while convenience can be a wonderful thing, there are tons of snacks, stocks, sauces, etc. that we can make healthier, most cost-effective versions of at home. From hummus and salad dressing to vegetable broth and salsa, this post has TONS of recipes you’re going to love. 

How Healthy People Eat - Tips & Tricks from Kristen Coffield

  • I met tons of amazing women in 2021, but Kristen Coffield is a standout! We did an Instagram Live together to talk about her book “How Healthy People Eat” and distilled all the advice she gave into this blog post. Kristen and I are totally on the same page when it comes to healthy eating, and I bet if you read this, you’ll learn something you didn’t know before that can improve your health. 

Supplements/Hydration

Got Water? Why Hydration Is The Key To Better Health, Weight Loss, & Slower Aging

  • I said it best in this blog post: If you are not drinking enough water on a daily basis, your body will not function at its best! This post covers how much water you should be drinking every day, what kind of water,  tips for increasing your water intake, and tips for making water taste better. I recommend EVERYONE reread this one (including myself)!

5 Of My Favorite Protein Powders On The Market

  • Calling all my plant-based and aspiring plant-based eaters! (And anyone looking to lose weight, this is for you too.) Getting enough protein in your diet is essential, and adding a plant-based protein powder to your diet can help you achieve that. In this post, I shared five of the best plant-based protein powders out there. For anyone with health goals that they want to crush in 2022, I suggest stocking up before the new year so you’re ready to go!

I hope you enjoyed this blast from the past!! Next week, I’ll be sharing the Best of 2021 Pure Joy Wellness Approved Products, and after that, I’ll do a Part 2 of blog posts. Keep your eyes peeled for those, and have the best week, everyone! 

Oh, and a small reminder: If you love being part of the Pure Joy Wellness community, give it as a gift to the women in your life!! Send them the link below to join your Pure Joy Wellness Private Facebook Group, and if they’re on Instagram, tell them to follow @purejoywellness! 

Xo, 

Renata