TOP (wearing size S): L*Space // BOTTOMS (wearing size XS): L*Space // SUNNIES: J. Crew Factory (on sale!)
With warmer weather lately, being in bathing suits on my trips, and sharing more fitness workout sets, I’ve had A TON of questions rolling in about what I’ve done to change my fitness and health routine. People are commenting that I look extra fit (well I’ve been extra dedicated with my fitness decisions) or that I’ve lost some weight (a little, and it’s called a breakup and conscious health decisions), but all around I’m feeling the best I ever have which in my opinion, is the most important! I wrote this blog post on January 1, 2019 talking all about how I want to be in the best shape of my life this year and 5 tips to achieve that. For my golden birthday (30 on the 30th of March) I want to not only look my best, but FEEL my best. So far- I feel amazing!
Today I’m sharing what’s been working for me personally…
WORKOUT SET: Outdoor Voices
SPORTS BRA: Forever21 ($14) // LEGGINGS: Lululemon (identical here for $24)
SPORTS BRA: Forever21 ($17, order 1 size up)
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: I’m not a registered dietician, not a personal trainer, etc, this is just what I’ve found that has been working for me- and what works for me, might not work for everybody. Yes I’m naturally thin and have a quick metabolism, but if I let myself go and am not conscious of my health and fitness decisions, I can easily gain 10-15 pounds that hides and sits in my stomach area and my face. I‘ve worked out 7 days a week for the last few years with little to no change, so I felt like I HAD to do adjust SOMETHING to make a change. So, let me share how I’ve gotten to feeling my best yet:
- New and more workouts: I’ve been incorporating corepower yoga sculpt again into my workouts every week and have also incorporated DAILY ab workouts. Yes, daily. Getting muscle definition and more tone in my abs has been a goal for mine forever, so I’ve been using the Tone It Up app for their quick ab workouts depending on how much time I have that day. Sometimes I’ll do it right before bed if I didn’t get a chance to squeeze it in. I can easily gain muscle definition in my arms and legs, but the ab area has been a challenge so it’s been my #1 focus lately. I also still love- spin, and the PWR program on the sweat app.
- New morning routine: I wake up everyday at 5:30am and immediately take a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar + fresh lemon juice + a little water and chug (there are so many health benefits). Then I drink a glass of water before I enjoy my latte. I’ve been adding collagen to my coffee everyday and with 10+ grams of protein it keeps me full until about 9 or 10am.
- Less carbs, no sugar: I’ve been more conscious of less bread, pasta, and rice, and instead eating more sweet potatoes and whole grains. Sugar is always hard for me to completely eliminate so I’ve been finding healthier ways to curb that craving every night. My favorite “healthy desserts” that I have every night are: perfect bar, strawberries + almond dairy-free whip cream, this mushroom hot cocoa, chocolate protein mug cake- 1 egg + 1 scoop chocolate protein + ½ banana blended and microwaved in a mug for 2 minutes then top with almond butter/a couple chocolate chips.
- Intermittent fasting (when possible): No, I’m not doing any “faster way to fat loss program” or any calorie/macro counting of that sort, but after doing a lot of research on intermittent fasting I figured I’d give it a try (read this article to see all the health benefits). It’s not a diet, it’s just a time frame on when you allow your body to eat so it can also digest and revamp everything properly. Before I started this I was super worried because I’d always been a breakfast person eating immediately when I woke up. But surprisingly it hasn’t been very hard to adjust because you can still drink all the coffee before you break your fast! I’m not very strict about the timing but try to stop eating by 6ish pm every night and my first meal the next day is usually around 10am. Typically you’re supposed to eat for an 8 hour window, and fast for 16 hours.
- Eating smaller portions: I used to eat until I felt OVERLY full, like that bloating and exploding full feeling. That is never good! So instead, I’ve been trying to eat smaller portions that allows me to realize I actually am full but it takes about 20 minutes for that feeling to kick in.
SHORTS: Forever21 ($7) // SWEATSHIRT: Urban Outfitters // LUGGAGE: Calpak (on sale!)
Overall: I’ve noticed the BIGGEST difference in my health decisions and what I’m eating/when I’m eating it. I’m realizing that what you eat you really do become. You can work out all you want, but they say abs are made in the kitchen, and it’s so true! Less Mexican food and pancakes over here, and more greens and lean proteins every single day has been working.
Remember it is a marathon not a sprint. Living a healthy lifestyle and building up to your fitness and health goals takes TIME and DEDICATION. It’s taken me 4+ months to get to where I am now and I still feel like I can make even more progress, so I’m not giving up. Trust the timing and keep going!
I hope this blog post was helpful to all of you who have been wondering what’s worked for me! Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out and ask me a question on instagram or on in a comment on this blog post. I absolutely LOVE hearing from all of you and am so grateful for this loving and accepting community we’ve created! Thank you for being here and taking the time to read what I have to say 🙂
XO