BE GORGEOUS! Follow a Healthy Lifestyle Plan
Jean Criss
HEY Gorgeous!
Today’s healthy blog post is about being Gorgeous, staying healthy and fit. Are you following a healthy lifestyle plan? Starting off the New Year is always a tough time for many of us. Keeping fitness top of mind, especially during the cold winter months and after the holidays, can be challenging. Sustaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, is what we strive and thrive to focus on. Whether you set a New Year resolution or goal, are still working on them, or have broken yours, one common thing we know is that if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can be fit.
I’ve always approached my day-to-day with healthy choices - from eating to living life to the fullest, especially post Breast Cancer. Here’s how I maintain my healthy lifestyle with a positive mindset!
Sleep. Start your day with a good night’s sleep - yes that’s right. It doesn’t mean you can’t be social and stay up late, just plan ahead for the proper number of hours. As we get older, we need less and less sleep. So plan accordingly. I find if I plan for my 6 hours of sleep I’m good to go! Well I know that 6 hours is not for everyone and that 8 hours may be the recommended number but know your body. Sleep provides an ability to think clearly with good energy. Rest ‘n relaxation; work it in!
2. Meals - Well I’ve never been a three meal a day person, or more for that matter, but also know your calorie intake and how to make it work for you. I get up and enjoy my morning java - appr. 2 cups or mugs/day and never any coffee past 11 am, not even decaf. It tends to keep me awake at night, no matter what time of day or witching hour after words. I like lighter fare meals especially apps rather than a full meal. Some days by mid-morning, mostly when working from home, I might make an egg-white omelette with fresh veggies and/or cheese. I’ve covered my protein groups all in a simple low cal dish while watching my food allergies and gluten-free diet. Skip the bread (unfortunately) but after awhile you get used to ‘no carbs’ and the body stops craving them. I have learned to lay off the pastas too providing me higher energy throughout the day. I typically skip lunch and wait for dinner - a light salad, veggies and may add fish or chicken. Some days, I prefer a late lunch and skip dinner all together - it all depends on my schedule but it’s no more than 1 - 2 meals per day/max. Now some of you may be cringing while reading this, but this is what “my body” requires. If I ate more, I’d feel very sluggish. All I know is that my health vitals and stats are really good so I know I am doing something right!
3. Splurge time - okay yes, we all have our vices and the need to indulge from time to time. This deserves a separate bullet doesn’t it?!
I splurge often and admit it. I indulge in a piece of milk or dark chocolate, potato chips or cheese/crackers - a few of my favs. Whatever your ‘thing’ is, do it in moderation. I don’t eat dessert often and if I do, it’s a simple fork-full or tasting and not the entire dish. I used to be a big dessert fan and pasta fan but overtime, I’ve learned to watch what I’m eating. Our bodies crave different things at different times. I’ve learned when I get one of these cravings to carry sugarless gum with me, have a Sorbet or an apple or something w/minimal calories. Now frankly, being gluten free, we don’t have many choices that are taste-y so it’s much easier - slim pickings if you will, for good tasting food groups. I’d rather have a glass of white wine with nothing else than indulge in the sweets. But that’s just me. I drink water often, no soda and the white wine is often a Sauv Blanc vs a richer Chard or Pinot Grigio which tend to have more sugar in them. Read the labels - that’s the best way to know your calorie intake.
4. Exer-size - however you decide to Exer-size your body is your choice and your decision. It’s all about the movement. Walking, running, stretching, exerting in whatever sport excites you is where you should turn. I enjoy walking and occasional other sports like skiing, golf, bike riding, roller blading but while I don’t do those often, I focus on taking a walk at least twice/day with my dog. When I work in NYC, I walk from meeting to meeting. As a busy entrepreneur, I could take time away from the desk and head to the gym, but my preference would be the dance studio. For now, I do what works best for me. Keep at your own pace and know your limitations. Vacations are a great time to plan for a little extra exer-size and motivation to fit into those slimmer outfits (okay - maybe not a lettuce skirt but whatever you like/prefer)! Don’t try to keep up w the Jones’ - just do for yourself and don’t make excuses.
5. Be Smart. Schedule your annual doctor’s appointment and get a health check-up. Nothing can make you feel more gorgeous than to be healthy and happy. If you are healthy you exude that in your daily life and energy. Stay on top of your health check-ups, whatever they may be. This message is not directed solely to breast cancer survivors, it’s for everyone - you and your family. Make smart choices and put your fears behind you.
6. Delight. I’d love to comment about Sex although some might say since I’m not a sex therapist, what do I know right? Well let’s leave this to the experts and just say Yes, Yes, Yes! Okay, you get it right? Make sex a priority and work it into your lifestyle. Be spontaneous! Don’t let your busy lifestyle drive your sex life.
7. Be social - so what does being social have to do with your health? If you are feeling good about yourself, your family and friends, it comes across with your attitude. Having a healthy personna and way of life, is all about positivity. Engage with others. Positive thinking is all about you and how you are portrayed at home and work. Being social is a great way to stay positive and friendly with others. A close friend of mine just told me I inspired her to go on vacation after I shared a personal story with her. Sharing stories, collaborating on social media, meeting up, laughing and living life to its fullest. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
8. Be Gorgeous. Being beautiful as a person on the inside and outside matters. I’m not talking about what you are wearing. I’m referencing you being ‘a gorgeous you’ all around. Lend a helping hand, be kind to others. Get motivated. I started working on a ‘Spring cleaning’ home project in January, as example. I always feel better when it’s ‘out with the old and in with the new’ and donating. Getting organized, clearing the clutter and cleaning up inside our homes and offices can help maintain that positive-you and welcomes others into your world — you can be an inspiration and gorgeous to help others. Take advantage of down time, bad weather days and slow weekends to clear the clutter.
9. Be Gracious. I always say - ‘you can catch more fly’s with sugar than honey’. Extend gratitude always - to friends, family and colleagues. Be sweet and genuine always. Donate if possible. Give to your fav charity. Volunteer. Be gracious for what you have and for what has been provided to you. You will find happiness within by sharing your inner-self and graciousness with others.
10. Balance. Life can be a balancing act. Fitness, health, diet, family, pets, work, errands. We all cram it in, each day and every week that goes by. Whether or not you are a good juggler or not, learn how to balance your time. Be happy and spread the love.
Wishing you all the breast! Jean
For more information about healthy living, contact jean@crisscrossintimates.com. Follow our blog and LIKE and Share our articles. https://crisscrossintimates.com/healthy-living-gallery
You may also learn more about Jean Criss’ Culinary Adventures with a focus on healthy living collaborating with industry Top Chefs here https://jeancrissmedia.com/culinary-wine-spirits , https://jeancrissmedia.com/gallery.