Now that I suddenly have massive amounts of free time, I’m determined to invest some energy into getting very healthy again. Good food is so important to me, that it’s difficult for me to eat right sometimes. My mom was a chef while I was growing up, so the love of food was instilled in me from an early age—taste always trumps nutrition. So that means I have to be extra diligent about exercise and portion control. I may start by doing a three-day juice cleanse to detox. I’ve heard amazing things about the Blueprint Cleanse.
Following that, here are some tips that I’ve found to be useful:
- Get some form of cardio in six days a week. I like to alternate between running on the treadmill (5 miles in about 50 minutes), taking a dance class at Broadway Dance Center, and spinning at Soul Cycle (best spin class you’ll ever take—it’s emotionally cathartic).
- Do random sets of push-ups and crunches whenever you can. Push-ups, in particular, are really good for the entire body. They obviously tone the arms, back, and shoulder muscles, but they also help strengthen the core (abs, torso, lower back).
- Eat a low-calorie granola bar or cereal bar for breakfast. I like the Special K ones—only 90 calories! Or eat a small bowl of cut fruit.
- Try to find a dark green leafy vegetable that you love and eat that for dinner as many days per week as possible. I never thought this would be possible for me, but I’ve become absolutely addicted to the kang kong belacan at Fatty Crab. I’ll order a bowl of that and eat it with some coconut rice and call it a (healthy) night.
- Limit alcohol intake to a glass (or two) of wine a couple of times a week.
- Walk everywhere you can.
- Watch your carb intake. Don’t cut them out entirely (that’s just crazy talk), but cut down significantly.
- A yummy, healthy snack is garlic hummus and baby carrots.
- If you’re dying for a sweet, chocolatey fix, get a Quaker Oats chocolate chip granola bar instead of that candy bar you’re considering. They’re only 100 calories each and infinitely healthier. Also, they really do satiate that sweets craving.
That’s all I’ve got for you right now. Does anyone have any other “get healthy” tips? I’d love to hear them. Health program starts tomorrow morning with a 4-mile run!
