Do you 'diet?' Try this instead
I realize, there is a ton of information on this topic already, in a world that I believe is far too focused on our external image. I won’t give my two cents on diet and exercise often, but I figured I’d hit on this one anyway, because hey, health and wellness is an important topic.
What I do works for me. Your work is to find out what works for you. I definitely don’t believe wellness is a one size fits all affair. I’ve noticed that as my life changes, so do my workouts. I haven’t been to a gym since covid either, so I’m not too lenient on excess covid weight, although it has been a wonderful excuse hasn’t it? 😜
Here’s what I have done ‘in the meantime’ and its worked, so I thought I’d share:
Only eat when you’re hungry, and make mostly good food choices.
Walk almost every day. You decide how far. Some days I can only get in a quick one around the river, and other days a friend and I go further as we catch up (a nice variation to sitting on our butts drinking wine).
Lift weights 3 days/week. Building muscle helps burn body fat, reduces injuries, improves heart health and looks great.
Get good sleep. ‘They say’ the hours to sleep that are super beneficial are between 10-12 pm. It’s better to go to bed at 10 and get up at 5, then it is to go at midnight and get up at 7. Same amount of sleep but you’ll have more energy etc. I don’t do that part… I'm a bit of a night owl, so again, you be you. Interesting though. I’ve shelved it, and maybe I’ll do it differently in the future.
Only focus on what you love about your body. Eyes, calves, fingernails - whatever. We weren’t made perfectly, but everyone has beauty. Focus on your qualities. We all received something amazing.
What I’ve learned about my body:
Eating out is delicious and too much of it can add extra lbs.
Manage your input/output. On weeks I happen to eat out a lot, I kick up my workouts to balance it (longer walks, heavier weights for example).
Allow yourself rest days. A binge on Netflix day. A couch day. Be lazy and be ok with it. Our bodies work hard for us. Let it rest and you’ll get back to feeling excited to be active again.
You don’t have to do anything.
When you do things you enjoy you’ll be more successful in keeping with it. I feel better for it and life is easier. The benefits far outweigh the time in a day it takes.
There, now you don’t have to read a bunch of random articles! Enjoy the outdoors, it’s beautiful out there! 👫
All my love,
Kristi 💛
Life Coach & Mentor
