Chase the (healthy) Lifestyle
This morning I was on a run. I really just got back into distance running after taking about 7 years off. And it felt really good. At about 5 miles in, I had the thought- “Chase the Lifestyle.” It became almost a mantra (as almost anything can become on a long run). I thought about all the work I had done to get me on the run today…the consistency in lifting weights over the years to build strength, the attention to nutrition, the discipline to replace most Diet Cokes with water (haha, IYKYK), focusing on sleep and managing stress, and then showing up for my runs. Each action contributed and as a result, I had a fantastic run.
As a Registered Dietitian, I have worked with hundreds of people 1-on-1 over the last few years. I have the vantage point of seeing every kind of lifestyle. Different backgrounds. Different habits. Varying motivations. Some people emphasize one goal slightly over another. But the one thread that most every client has in common is- they want to be healthy. They want to FEEL good in their skin! Most want to look good too! They want energy. They want to enjoy their life. They want to like what they eat and not feel restricted. Guys, in some way we are all chasing this.
Chase the lifestyle.
Imagine the kind of person you want to be. What does that person do? What do they look like? What are their hobbies?
Here are habits that I notice in people who feel good in their body.
They:
Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
Strength train at minimum 2x/week.
Walk 10,000+ steps/day.
Have a meditation/journaling/gratitude/prayer practice.
Set goals and accomplish them.
Prioritize relationships with family and friends.
Prioritize protein at every meal/snack.
Develop a love for fruit and vegetables.
Limit processed foods and desserts.
Drink a LOT of water.
If you are wanting to make change, check in with yourself. What are you doing well already? Where can you improve? If you know but you just don’t know HOW to change or can’t stay consistent- reach out! My job as a Registered Dietitian is to help people make lifestyle change that fits their lifestyle. It’s not a quick fix- it is building a solid foundation that will stand up against the crazy of life. If you focus on the lifestyle and the behavior, the results follow. If you focus too much on the results, you will burn out when your motivation runs out.
Here for you,
Courtney
