I woke up this morning with yet another stomachache.

I thought these episodes were becoming less frequent than a few months ago, but maybe not. Perhaps I'm still adjusting from the recent life changes, such as house moves as well as a job change and wedding planning tasks that have been thrust upon us almost at once.

Just as when these incidents were starting to affect my day to day life and relationships again, an opportunity arose to meet up with a nutritionist to try to understand my body better.

For a healthier body and especially gut, we've come up with a few goals:

Drink at least 6 glasses of water a day
For a person who doesn't enjoy tap water and drinks a lot of coffee and black tea, this will be a challenge. Herbal teas should hopefully be better. I might even take some mint leaves from my plant and try infused water.

Eat more leafy greens
Three servings of leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, lettuce, equals more salads a day. Probably the easiest option for me. Smoothies and soup will follow, too, in summer. Add two servings of fruit and that's my five a day ticked off.

Mindful eating
Breakfast for me is often muesli or yoghurt in front of the computer at work while checking emails. I read or chat with colleagues during lunchtimes. Dinnertime means facing my partner or both him and the TV. Eating mindfully, consciously taking into account what you are putting into your mouth, thinking about how you are chewing and what tastes you are experiencing, is a really difficult thing. It requires quiet time, slow time, that is best done during alone time. But an alone time where I don't have the phone or a book in my hand? That's an awkward silent time. I will try it, will give it a go, but it will definitely need getting used to!

As well as the three goals above, I have been advised to getting tested for coeliac disease, iron deficiency, and thyroid function. While I would hate to face a lifestyle that eliminates pasta, pizza, and beer, some of my favourite things, if that means better functioning body, I guess I would have to suck it up and see a doctor. This post is definitely to be continued, after the doctor visit.

Image via Unsplash/Katie Smith