Over the years, I have noticed (along with my friends) that as I age it gets harder to stay in shape and feel good about my body. I know women who have a healthy balance with food and exercise, women who work out like it’s their job, women who do not eat, women who emotionally eat, and women who have given up completely.
I am far from perfect but know this is a coversation that many women can relate to.
Exercise, fitness, and healthy eating can be an overwhelming topic to navigate and there is so much confliciting information. I wanted to share some things I do to keep healthy and active.
By the teen years and early adulthood young women start exercise routines and begin dieting or adjust eating habits in extreme ways with hopes to directly influence their bodies appearance. Depending on genetics, eating habits, knowledge of healthy foods, motivation to exercise and overall health…. this can be a life long challenge, or a down right struggle.
There have been times in my life when I was pudgy and times when I was too thin. I have tried fad diets. I have felt completely unmotivated to exercise. I can recall a time when I woke up in the middle of the night to eat spoonfuls of peanut butter so I could gain weight. This was when I was very ill with Lyme Disease and was at my lowest and most unhealthy weight. More than happy that is behind me.
Here are some things that we can all do to maintain a healthy active lifestyle.
Be Consistent
Try to get 45 minutes of a fasting cardio in at least 3-4 times a week. Set a realistic goal and just stick with it. No excuses. Plan on having a life long commitment with exercising. I first began exercising in high school when I felt like I was “chunkier” than some of my friends. I decided that I would ride my beach cruiser on the beach every afternoon after school to slim down. It was fun, didn’t feel like exercise and it did get my body moving. In college I took step aerobics classes and used cardio machines. I have also always enjoyed walking outside when it’s warm. There have been times when I ran, took kick boxing, or yoga. The point is I have always incorporated exercise into my weekly schedule.
Eat Clean 85% of the time
During the weekdays try and have a consistently clean diet. Eat whole foods and lean proteins. I personally also aim to eat gluten free and a low fat diet. Weekends are typically more social, so save those days for enjoying foods you wouldn’t typicaly eat during the week. Cutting out or cutting down on alcohol and sugars can also make a big difference in how you feel and how your look.
Keep Moving
It really doesn’t matter how you move, but you have to get your blood pumping, and if you can sweat that’s a detox benefit. Taking a walk after dinner is better than sitting on your couch and getting sucked into Netflix. It doesn’t matter what you do for exercise but the key is to get moving every day.
Try New Things
Your body gets complacent and acclimated to regular exercises you do often, so change it up. I know it can be scary to try something new, but it will benefit you in more ways than one. You will feel more confident after trying something new and it will create a ripple effect of change. Take a dance class, spin, or try a yoga or barre class. If you are getting bored with something you do all of the time, that means it’s time for a change for your mind and your body.
Fasting Cardio
This means you do not eat prior to doing cardio. This works if you can plan to do your cardio first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything besides water. This method will help you to burn fat. Whilte you are sleeping you are burning calories from your last meal, so when you do your morning cardio you will start to burn fat.
Have Grace
Sometimes we look in the mirror and are quick to find our flaws. Try to use positive self talk and focus on parts of your body that you appreciate. If I am feeling bad about a food choice and the guilt sets in, I replace the “Should’s” with “Could’s”. Instead of I should not have ate those Chick-Fil-A waffle fries (they are so darn good), I say I could have a green juice and go for a walk this afternoon. When we speak kindly to ourselves, we will experience more self belief, confidence and joy.
By incorporating these things into your daily schedule you can and will create a healthy and fit lifestyle one day at a time. My hope is for all women to appreciate the good parts of themselves.
XOXO
EVE