My doctor gave me a reality check. Time to get healthy again.

I’ve been sick on and off for basically the entire past year thanks to my school-aged child bringing home illness after illness after illness. I genuinely CANNOT seem to stay healthy.

After about a year of repeatedly ending up on antibiotics and steroids for respiratory issues and just generally feeling like crap, I finally had a doctor give me a bit of a reality check. She basically told me I need to start taking better care of myself and lose weight (eating better, exercising, sleeping enough, etc.). She also told me that taking steroids and antibiotics as frequently as I have been isn’t something I should be treating casually and can have consequences down the road. Cool! But… she’s right. Somewhere along the way I completely stopped taking care of myself. I’ve gained a bunch of weight back, my diet is basically that of a toddler, I eat out DAILY and I barely exercise. I used to be SO disciplined with food and working out and now the idea of fixing everything feels overwhelming. I’ve literally been eating poptarts for breakfast and very sugary coffee. That’s how you know it’s bad. Me a year ago would be horrified to learn this information.

For anyone who has pulled themselves out of a similar rut, how did you ease back into a healthier lifestyle without trying to change everything overnight and burning out?
I’d especially love tips for breaking the eating out habit, really simple meals/snacks for someone who has gotten way too used to convenience, beginner workouts or ways to start moving again and any vitamins/supplements that are actually worth discussing with my doctor.

I’m not trying to become a health nut overnight. I just want to feel good again and actually start taking care of my body. Hopefully get a stronger immune system during the process.