I went to my doctor yesterday for a yearly checkup (all is ok!). He asked me how I stayed in shape during the past year of quarantine. He said that many of his patients (and family and friends) had gained weight during quarantine. And now he sees a trend as vaccines are available and the weather is warmer, many are wanting to get back to the shape/weight they were at a year ago.
Personally, I told him, staying healthy is about a lifestyle and having a plan. As much as I love to cook and bake (and yes, quarantine was alot of baking and tasting), I always have an exercise routine that I factor into my day. It could be a run or a walk or a bike ride outside or lifting weights in my home or my recent peloton purchase. In addition to exercise, eating healthy not only makes me feel good, but it is good for my health. Fortunately I love salads and fruits and fish. I create my own version of the “meditarian diet” that is healthy and easy to follow. I do bend the rules at times (like the other nite I had the most delicious mushroom risotto, but only a few small bites and while I would have loved to have a full plate, I know too well how my pants would feel when the waist would be tight!).
I think that if you are trying to make a healthy plan for yourself, you have to think about what you enjoy and make healthy modifications so that it can become a true part of you- aka: your own lifestyle.
Here are a few easy tips:
Exercise for your enjoyment. If you are exercising because you “have to”, you will ultimately make excuses not to exercise. Try walking to and from your errands. Say no to taxis and ubers and park your car far away from the store you are going to. You will be surprised over time how fit you become.
Eat what you like. Eliminate the junk and stock your kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies and whole grain pasta and bread. If you don’t have it (the junk food) in your home you will have an easier time picking healthy choices. Look through social media and online cooking recipes and Youtube videos on how to make simple healthy meals. You don’t have to cook like a michelin star chef (although you can take a masterclass if you want!), you just need some healthy inspirations that you will for sure enjoy!
Make a routine that you can stick to. Mark your daily calendar for what you will do for yourself in the day. It’s important to set your time to take care of your needs. Healthy routines can become a part of who you are . This allows for those times when you do have a random change in your schedule, it will not throw off all the good work you have been doing.
If you haven’t eaten breakfast yet this morning, and want a healthy easy recipe, click here for avocado, hummus and egg toast (I never get tired of this combination).
Enjoy your day! And if you want help making a healthy lifestyle for yourself, contact me!