Happy Friday Fitness Fam! I hope that you are having a great week so far. Today's Feature Friday is from Alexandra who blogs at Healthy Life Happy Wife, I love the name, be sure to head over and follow her journey of running and healthy living. She shares her story with us and some tips to help you live a healthy life too!
Alexandra's story and lifestyle changes:
Back in 2008, I had been dating my now husband for about a year. We were still in that honeymoon phase and spent as much time together as possible. That time together tended to involve food and not fitness. I never had to worry about my weight or what I ate up to that point. I was blessed with a fast metabolism during high school and college, but that only lasts so long.
I vividly remember stepping on the scale at the gym, for no reason in particular, and seeing a number that made me vow to start making healthy choices and make the time for fitness. I ended up losing about 20 pounds and 3 months by counting calories, and taking fitness classes at the gym. I started cooking healthy meals and overall revamped my lifestyle. I have maintained my weight up to this point- which occasionally fluctuating 5 pounds or so - by being conscious of what I am eating, working out consistently and indulging once in a while so I don't feel deprived.
Of course, it is hard to stay motivated when you have reached the goal you set for yourself. Setting new goals has helped me to continue on the healthy path that I started 6 years ago. A lot of my goals pertain to running. From college on, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill every now and then, but never really pushed myself to improve. Now running is a huge part of my life. It is my stress relief and motivation to stay active. I have run three half marathons and am currently training for my first full marathon in April. Knowing that every training run will help me get across that finish line is the best motivation I can think of and it what has kept me going- even during the numerous polar vortexes in New York City!
Here are some of Alexandra's tips to live a healthy lifestyle:
- The hardest part about making fitness a priority is that first step out the door. I would much rather get home after work and lay on the couch, but when I force myself to put on my sneakers and go for a run- I rarely regret it!
- Planning ahead makes all the difference! Bringing your gym clothes to work or packing a lunch is important so that you don't feel the urge to go buy fast food or just head home at the end of the day.
- Stay hydrated. I notice on the days that I don;t have enough water that I feel sluggish and more hungry than usual. Rather than going for a snack or grabbing some caffeine- I try to drink more water and I usually feel better.
- Scour Pinterest for new-to-you workouts, healthy meals and motivational quotes. Pinterest is a huge motivator for me! If I am bored with my go-to dinner or yoga routines, I head to Pinterest and find something new. Mixing it up and not getting bored helps to keep things interesting and fun!
About Alexandra:
Alexandra live in Brooklyn with her husband and puppy, Freckles. She is a civil litigation attorney by day, but her true passion is running (and whiskey). She tries to balance full time employment in NYC with staying healthy and happy. Alexandra writes about marathon training, healthy cooking, and overall healthy living on her blog, Healthy Life Happy Wife.Connect with Alexandra:
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Thanks to Alexandra for sharing her story and great tips today!
Great tips! Planning ahead helps me out a lot. It's when I dont plan, I seem to make unhealthy choices
ReplyDeleteAmber, thanks for stopping by! They are all great tips. I always tell my clients being prepared is the key to success.
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