As a yoga instructor, I constantly remind my students that health is the foundation of all success. Without it, it’s hard to work efficiently, care for our families, or chase our biggest dreams. But I also understand that not everyone can easily balance preparing healthy meals, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, and still finding time to earn money or manage daily responsibilities. I’ve been there myself, struggling to find a way forward, and today, I want to share my story – along with a solution that transformed how I live.
When I Had No Time for Myself
Picture a typical day of mine a few years ago. I’d wake up at 5 AM, hurriedly brew a cup of black coffee – no breakfast – and start teaching yoga at home. Those early morning classes helped me kick off the day, but they also set me racing against the clock. From 9 AM to 5 PM, I’d switch to my day job as a medical researcher – a role that demands intense focus and often comes with tight deadlines. Then, in the evening, I’d teach yoga at home again, with my latest class wrapping up at 8:30 PM. By the time I stepped away, I was exhausted, my eyes burning, my body spent. Opening the fridge, I’d freeze: nothing to cook, no energy left to figure out “what’s for dinner.” In those moments, I’d order fast food – a quick fix that left me feeling guilty right after.
I knew I had to change. As a yoga teacher, I preached the importance of self-care to my students, yet I wasn’t practicing it myself. I asked myself: “How can I stay healthy without neglecting my research job or my home yoga classes? How can I avoid choosing between eating well and making a living?” That’s when I started my journey to find a solution – not just for me, but for anyone else caught in the same whirlwind of busyness.
Health Isn’t Something to “Get to Later”
I came to a realization: health isn’t something we can address “when we have time.” If we wait for the perfect moment, it might never come. Health has to be a priority because when our bodies are drained and our minds are foggy, we can’t perform at our best, we can’t innovate, and we can’t enjoy life. I once had a student, a single mom, who neglected her health because she was too busy. She came to my evening yoga class with dark circles under her eyes, her body aching, and admitted, “I don’t know how much longer I can keep going.” After just a few months of regular practice and better eating habits, she regained her energy and even launched a small business. Her story was a wake-up call for me: health is the root, the anchor that supports everything else.
So, where to begin? I didn’t want my meals to be just “something to get through.” I wanted them to be healthy, tasty, and quick enough not to eat up my day. I experimented: planning menus, shopping on weekends, prepping ingredients ahead. But with my research job during the day and teaching yoga at home in the early mornings and evenings, it was still overwhelming. I’d buy heaps of veggies only to toss them out by week’s end because I couldn’t cook in time. I needed a different approach – something practical.
A Solution in Small Boxes of Ingredients
After plenty of trial and error, I stumbled upon meal kit services – boxes of fresh, pre-measured ingredients delivered with quick recipes that take 20–30 minutes to cook. It sounded simple, but to me, it was a revelation. No more agonizing over “what’s for dinner,” no hours spent at the market or fumbling with measurements. I could still cook my own meals – something I love – but it became so much easier.
Among the services I tried, I settled on Marley Spoon. Why? It fits my lifestyle, and I believe it can work for others too. Here’s what stood out to me:
- Variety: Over 100 recipes weekly, from vegan and wellness-focused dishes to meat and fish options. I can pick meals that align with my healthy eating goals without getting bored.
- Fresh and Ready: Ingredients are precisely portioned and delivered to my door. No waste, no stress over buying too much or too little.
- Quick Cooking: A full meal in 20–30 minutes. I cook after my evening yoga class or before diving into research data analysis.
- Flexible: No long-term commitment – I can change delivery dates or cancel anytime.
Thanks to Marley Spoon, I’ve saved 6–8 hours a week – time I used to spend wrestling with meal planning. Now, I use those hours to write research reports, create blog content, or simply meditate, rest, and recharge after a long day.
Healthy Eating Isn’t Just for the “Idle”
I used to think healthy eating was a luxury for people with spare time. Now I see it’s a choice – one we can all make, even while juggling multiple roles. For me, Marley Spoon isn’t just convenience; it’s how I’ve relearned to care for myself. Every meal I cook nourishes my body and reminds me I deserve attention, no matter how packed my schedule gets.
If you’re like me – wanting to stay healthy and exercise but still managing a research job or racing deadlines – give Marley Spoon a week. You can get up to $25 off your first box by signing up here:
Try Marley Spoon Now
Start small: one healthy meal. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Take one steady step, and you’ll see things shift.
Live Slowly, Earn Smartly
As Cao Nguyen Yoga, I don’t just want to talk about yoga or health – I want to share how we can manage time, money, and dreams. Health, time, and work don’t have to clash; they can coexist if we plan wisely. For me, it’s quick, healthy cooking, yoga for energy, and using saved time to pursue my research and teaching passions.
For more insights on healthy living, yoga, or balancing work and life, visit caonguyenonlife.com. I hope my story inspires you to start – not tomorrow, not when you’re free, but today. Your health, time, and dreams all deserve careful tending.
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