Hey everyone! ✨
Today officially kicks off my new posting schedule—and while I usually dive into topics like politics, spirituality, or whatever’s stirring in my soul, I decided to focus this post on something more personal: my health journey.
Monday’s post welcomed you to the new home of Eccentric Realizations, and now it’s time to pull back the curtain on what’s been going on behind the scenes—because let me tell you, it’s been a lot.
🚶♂️Progress in Motion: Small Steps, Big Shifts
This past month I’ve made intentional efforts to improve my gut health, oral care, and even reengage with tracking tools like my Pixel Watch. One of the wildest things I’ve learned is just how interconnected our health systems are. One small improvement—or one not-so-healthy habit—can ripple out and either support or sabotage other areas of wellness.
For example, I found a new, non-irritating watch band that lets me comfortably wear my Pixel Watch again. That alone opened my eyes to some concerning sleep data, which I’ll get to shortly...
🥤The Soda Trap and Gut Reset
Let’s talk about my long-time hydration habit (or lack thereof). For years, my main source of liquid was soda—first regular, then diet after my diabetes diagnosis. At one point, I estimated I was drinking 8 to 10 gallons of soda a month. And no, I’m not proud of that number.
Water never appealed to me—it has no flavor, no comfort. Soda, with its sweet fizz, was emotionally soothing.
But here’s the truth that finally hit me: soda was destroying my gut—the flora, the microbiome, all of it. If I started taking gut health supplements but kept chugging soda like always, it would completely defeat the purpose. The soda would undo the benefits before they even had a chance to work. So I had to ask myself: What’s the point of taking them if it’s not actually going to help me improve?
So I started to reset my gut. These days I average just one soda a day, and my ultimate goal is to limit it to 2–3 times a week, no more than 24oz per serving. Honestly? That’s hard—especially during early morning coffee runs with my grandma at Hardee’s. But I’m doing it.
🥦Adding Fiber, Not Losing My Mind
Without oversharing, I’ve also been having some bowel issues. So I added a daily fiber supplement—because let’s face it, getting enough natural fiber from food alone can be a challenge. I’m making more veggie-forward choices, like swapping fries for salads when I’m out, but I’m not eliminating any food group. I’m focusing on balance and frequency, not restriction.
This shift is helping with digestion, gut health, and even supporting slow, sustainable weight loss.
🛏️ Sleep, Stillness, and the Rhythm Reset
Now let’s talk about sleep. For a while I was trying to go to bed between 7:00 and 9:00 PM—but according to my Pixel Watch, I wasn’t actually sleeping until close to midnight or later. The weird part? I’d lie there in what felt like a meditative state—calm, still, but not asleep.
Some nights I’d be in bed nearly 12 hours, and still not feel rested. That’s what finally pushed me to start a circadian rhythm reset. I’m now tracking my natural sleep/wake patterns using both my Pixel Watch and CPAP data. Based on what I’m seeing, I’m using midnight as my new test bedtime.
Once I establish my true rhythm, I plan to take that data to my doctor and request an updated sleep study. It’s possible there’s more going on than just sleep apnea.
💭 Final Thoughts
Who knew being healthy could feel like a full-time job? Seriously—how do people manage fitness, full-time work, mental health, and still have time to enjoy life? Y’all amaze me.
If you’ve been following my journey, thank you for sticking with me. If you’re new here, welcome—this blog is where I share my wins, struggles, insights, and eccentric ramblings in real time.
Here’s to progress, not perfection—and trusting that every small step counts.
✨ Stay magical,
Rusty
