My Thoughts on Being a Healthy Human:
To be clear: I have no interest in 6 pack abs. I have no interest in winning athletic events. I have no interest in being obsessive about my weight or doing any of the things that would facilitate iron-clad control over the scale (tracking macros, counting calories, adhering to a rigid workout schedule, etc.).
What I AM interested in is being HEALTHY AND FIT ENOUGH to live my purpose and enjoy my life.
I’m interested in reducing my disease risk.
I’m interested in remaining mobile and active for as long as possible.
I’m interested in feeling the kind of confidence that comes from knowing I can lift and move things without injuring myself.
I’m interested in cultivating habits that support my mental health, mood stability, and sense of calm. I have a long history of depression and generalized anxiety so much of my focus is centered around supporting this aspect of my health.
I’m interested in partnering WITH my body in a way that shows care and compassion, not judgment or loathing.
The wonderful news is that creating a fit ENOUGH, healthy ENOUGH body doesn't require me to be rigid or dogmatic nor to feel hungry or deprived!
It DOES necessitate a flexible framework, one that allows me to nourish myself in a way that makes me feel good, to remember to move my body regularly, to get sufficient rest, and to pay attention to my overall care and well-being.
What we do MOST OF THE TIME is what determines our outcomes so creating a framework of some kind (system, habits, however you wish to think about it) that supports consistency, not perfection, is key.
To be clear, this takes self-experimentation. My work with clients is focused on helping them create their OWN unique framework, one which takes into account their preferences, lifestyle, health concerns, and goals. In order for our framework to be sustainable, it simply must be tailored to our own personality!
My basic framework includes:
Twice weekly simple food prep (proteins, veggies, making sure I have plenty of fruit, greens, and yummy condiments). If you’d like some ideas for where to start with simple food meal prep, check out this post.
Daily 30-60 minute walk (indoor or out, depending on the weather)
3-4x week strength training: I don’t have a rigid plan but I do make sure to work my upper body, lower body, and core each week. The lower back and knee problems that plagued me for years are miraculously rare thanks to targeted (and smart) strength training!
Sleep: I know that sleep is at the base of the health pyramid. It impacts our heart health, mood, mental health, hunger, cravings, productivity, and even our ability to regulate blood sugar! Most of the time, I’m in bed by 10:30pm in order to ensure 8-9 hours of sleep.
In addition to these basics, I’m also intentional and strategic about maintaining social connection (safely in the time of Covid!), making time for creativity, and nurturing my core relationships with my husband and close family members. These are all key factors in being a healthy human and I don’t do well if I get sloppy with these things.
Building your own framework:
Start small: If this approach resonates for you, I encourage you to start with ONE area, whether it’s sleep, movement, or food. Start simply, perhaps even by upgrading one meal for a week to see what you notice. Trying to work on multiple areas at once is a good way to get overwhelmed and that’s not helpful!
Consider keeping a journal or perhaps just jotting some notes down on a blank calendar printout. Track the days you attended to this new habit and how it made you feel. Be willing to iterate if it feels too hard or restrictive.
Commit to not giving up. We owe it to ourselves to create a way of living that makes us feel good, inside and out. The noise and drama that come from ricocheting back and forth between “all in” rigid programs and “off the grid” habits breaks trust and makes us feel uncared for. Learning how to care for ourselves in a way feels peaceful, sustainable, and healthy “enough” is something we simply shouldn’t give up on.
As always, I’m here if you’d like some support.
xo,
Lisa
