I can’t even tell you how many times over the past few years that I’ve tried this diet and that to lose a few pounds and gone right back to my same old tricks after I did. Since I’ve turned 30 my metabolism has changed and I can’t eat like I used to without putting on weight. But the thing is, eating the way I used to was not healthy at all. I’d eat what I wanted when I wanted without thinking about what I was putting in my body. This time around I’ve been attempting to make a lifestyle change. I’ve been at it for a few months and although it’s hard I will continue to work at it because you only get one body. High blood pressure, diabetes and cancer are common in my family so the odds are already against me meaning I need to work extra hard to stay healthy. Here are a few things that I’ve been trying on my journey to a healthier lifestyle…
Exercise
I have a gym membership but don’t go as consistently as I should but I am working on it. My goal for now is to try to go at least twice during the week and once on the weekend. When it gets warmer I plan to start running again. I’m not trying to lose too much but I really need to tighten up and work on my cardio. The gym is not for everyone but it is important to get some form of exercise everyday for your mental and physical health. Try getting up 15 minutes earlier to get a little work out in. Wii Fit has really been beneficial for me in the past and I did see results. You can also try workout videos. These things you can do in the comfort of your home. Take a long walk or jog, ride a bike, go hiking. Have sex regularly (hey it’s exercise.) Just be sure to get some sort of workout in. Your body will thank you. Whatever you do consult your physician before starting any strenuous routines.
Watch what you eat
Eat healthier. I’m not talking about a diet but eating healthier on the regular. Incorporate more proteins, fresh fruits, veggies and cut out too much starch and sugar. I don’t eat red meat so I eat a lot of lean cuts of poultry and fish and beans to get my protein. Pasta and rice has always been my downfall and I’ve been having a hard time cutting it out completely so I now have smaller portions and try to substitute white rice for brown or quinoa, and white pasta for whole wheat.
To help you to stay on track, bring your lunch and snacks for the day to work to help you to keep from going to the local deli for that giant burger or the vending machine for a candy bar. It helps you to save money as well. Instead of eating three large meals try 6 smaller meals like fruit and cheese, yogurt and granola and trail mix. I find using a food diary to keep track of what you’re eating helps me to eat better, especially when I see the large amount of fat and calories some foods have over others. I use the My Fitness Pal app. It gives me a certain amount of calories for the day to help me reach my weight goals and helps me to keep track of my progress. If you’d like to add me my username is GlamMzMore.
Drink lots of water
You should try to drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water a day. This is hard for me since I tend to not drink much during the day period so I’m working on it. I’ve been drinking mostly water, unsweetened tea and milk. When I want some bubbles I’ve been drinking sparkling water. If I want more flavor I add lemon slices or other fruit to my water. I’ve cut out soda completely and drink juice in moderation, even 100% juice as natural sugar is still sugar. You can think of it like this, water has 0 calories. Substitute all beverages with water and you’ll have more calories for food… even a few to indulge in a guilty pleasure here and there like that cookie you’ve been craving or chocolate.
Get lots of sleep
Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. This is important for your physical and mental health as well. When you’re well rested you can function better and perform your day to day activities without struggling. Your body can absorb what you need better and you’ll look better for it. For healthy skin, hair and nails you need more sleep along with all of that extra water you’ll be drinking. You’ll spend less on under eye concealer to cover the bags under your eyes and products to fade them acne marks. This is one of my biggest struggles. I only get about 4-6 hours of sleep a day on weeknights and then I want to sleep the weekend away as I’m exhausted by then. My under eye bags has been a permanent fixture for a while and I have to work hard to cover them. I need to do better. Again… I’m working on it.
Treasure the skin you’re in
Not only should you watch what you put in your body but on your body as well. This is something that I’m working on now, trying to use more natural based products without too many additives and things that I can’t pronounce. Being a beauty junkie this is hard as a lot of the stuff out there that I use on a daily basis has stuff that shouldn’t even be near your skin (hello parabens). I’m taking baby steps though. Start with your soaps, moisturizers and hair care products and work your way from there.
What are some tips that you have for a healthier lifestyle?
8 Responses
That seems like a lot of food for an entire day, I would recommend having one of those meals for lunch and juicing in the evening, not tooo many AA’s believe in juicing but it is the best way to keep the weight off and prevent major illnesses.
Not exactly sure what you mean? If you’re referring to the meals I’ve shown they are not all for one day but different lunch/dinner options.
Yes juicing or smoothies is another option. In the Summer I usually have a smoothie almost everyday for breakfast.
Yes girls been consistent with my workouts doing youtube workouts, till i get to gym in summer. Also a smoothie challenge, i’ve been doing has really helped me do more home meals. Already a pesctarian for years, but def needed some narrowing down.
Girl, you better go on with that body! You look great. Recently, I just decided to get my weight under control. I fluctuate alot. One year I can be down 10 pounds and the next I can be up 15. I like to eat healthy and enjoy weight lifting more so than cardio, but I do like to work out. My issue is being consitent. Once I see the results I slowly fall off the bandwagon. I never heard of this app but I am going to check it out.
I am starting to do as you mentioned just eat healthier opposed to dieting. I am swapping out my Five guys and Chipotle for lunch for veggie filled salads and I am eating more fruits instead of coffeee cakes.
I just ordered my Taebo from Amazon so I can workout at home. I am hoping to be down 10 pounds by the end of March.
So, thanks for this post.
Thank you so much. Keep up with what you’re doing and you can do it. It is so hard but the longer you stick with it the easier it gets, at least that’s what I’m learning. š
Great to see and hear young ladies getting into their health and exercise as a much beneficial lifestyle!
I am 48 yrs old and have always been complemented on looking 15-20yrs younger! I have 3 grown young ladies. I definitely can say maintenance of your body inside/out helps as an anti-aging remedy.
I want to be like you when I grow up lol š
But seriously, younger women really need to take care of our bodies now to make it easier when we get older. My generation supports being overweight as looking good, thick and curvy but it is not healthy. When you get older and suffer from heart disease and other illnesses from the excessive weight, not eating right and not exercising then we will wish that we took better care of ourselves. If we start now and just make it a lifestyle change it will get easier with time, and I am not saying it’s easy because I constantly fall off the bandwagon. It’s a daily struggle but I will continue to strive to to do better. Thanks for the input!