No Excuses for Healthy Living

Light Down Jacket | High-Rise Moto Leggings (40% off and available in three colors) | Nike Juvenates, also love this color available in more sizes | Lips, color is "Boca"

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say something along the lines of, "I can't workout, eat healthy or lose weight because ____." Because they have kids, because they don't have time, because it's too expensive, because they have a bad knee or a bad shoulder, because they have bad genes, because they have an allergy or health issue, etc. etc. etc. UGH!! Excuses! I know it is hard and can seem impossible at times (trust me, been there), but in reality, it's simple. If you want to see a change, you have to make a change. Make time, make healthy choices, and make priorities. Make it happen!

I am a first hand example of that: I had shoulder surgery in November and was forced to stop working out for six weeks. I could have stuffed my face with Christmas cookies and felt sorry for myself that whole time, but instead I really dug in and focused on my nutrition. I did the best I could with what I had to work with and because of that I've actually trimmed up post-op....even without working out! Now that I have been released to do a few light activities, I make them a daily priority. Working out has always been a part of my routine and I want to keep it that way! Even if  my workouts are just taking the dogs for a walk and doing air squats in-between my shoulder PT exercises, I do them, and that is what counts.

There are no excuses when it comes to living a healthy life - it's a choice you have to make but a choice worth making. Below are my tips on how to live healthy with "no excuses." 

1. Have A Plan 

Knowing ahead of time what your plan is (whether it be your meal plan, workout plan or whatever) will help you mentally prepare. It is more motivating if you know what to expect! And if you're planning on doing something, you're less likely to make excuses to not do it. Does that make sense? This kind of coincides with meal prep, too. Planning your meals and prepping them in advance gives you more reason to stick with it. If you have healthy food ready to eat, you won't say, "screw it let's go out for dinner" if you don't feel like cooking.

2. Make It A Routine

There are so many days I don't want to workout but I do it anyway because it is engrained in my head as a part of my routine - my work day isn't over until I get my workout in! I can't relax or watch TV until I get my butt to the gym. I literally write it in my daily planner schedule every day at 5:30. Once it is routine or a habit, regardless of what time of day it takes place, it will be so much harder allow yourself to skip a workout. 

3. Find Accountability

Gym accountability is important - working out is more fun with friends! Plus knowing your friend will be waiting for you at the gym is a great way to force yourself to go workout. For me though, diet accountability is key. Reporting my daily food log to my nutrition coach keeps me on track like no other (hi, Greg). It also really helps when my husband and I are both on the same meal plan or diet and we can work together (or suffer together haha). It is so much easier to stay on track when he isn't eating ice cream in front of me! 

4. Start Small 

Working towards a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to start with a drastic change. That would actually make it harder to keep going in the long run. Starting small lets you ease into it and allows your body to adjust without injury. Don't go into the gym expecting to lose 30 pounds in a week. Don't go to your first yoga class and expect to do a headstand. Don't go for your first run in years and expect to make it five miles. All of those things take time and practice. You can get there, but you have to respect your body and where it's at right now - just take it one step at a time and make attainable goals along the way.

5. Do the Best You Can with What You Have

This applies in so many different ways! If you can't afford a gym membership, buy a $10 workout video and workout in your living room or take your dog for a walk/run. If you are injured and can't workout, focus on your diet. If you have dinner plans or a busy home life with kids, workout on your lunch break or before work. Basically what I'm saying is, just make an effort, no matter how small!

BONUS: Never miss a Monday! 

It puts you on the right track for the week! 

And new workout clothes always help, right?! Seriously in love with these leggings that are 40% off! I've had my eye on them for months and pulled the trigger the second they went on sale. You know I love my orange! C and I have matching light down jackets that we got in NYC last year (adorable, I Know). They are seriously so warm and the perfect weight for southern winters. Plus they fold up to be TINY so they are great for traveling.

I hope this post encouraged you to make your health a priority! Seriously, the smallest change in the right direction can make a big difference. I am always here to keep you accountable or motivated if you need it! Nutrition and fitness are a big passion of mine - I spend a lot of time researching nutrition and testing out different workouts - so I'd be honored to help in your journey. 

Have a great week and thanks for reading! 

Disclaimer: I'm happy, like, really happy, with my current nutrition plan and workout routine. I've tried a lot and I know what works best for me. I do not want to join an online team. Thanks, though!

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