Fete Lifestyle Magazine October 2015 | Page 41

by Jackie Minchillo

Nevertheless, I must be doing something right. People often ask me what I do, what I eat. I had a guy recently tell me “You look REALLY healthy. You should sell whatever program you’re on, because I’d buy it.” This stopped me in my tracks and got me thinking, “hmm, what is my program?”

I have been an athlete in one way or another all my life. From dancing ballet to running marathons, I’ve done quite a bit, but nothing that has remained a constant.

I’m not a nutritionist or a fitness expert. I’m just a normal gal and here are five things I DO do on a consistent basis, that require nothing more than a conscious effort.

1. Learn how to take a compliment.

Taking a compliment is an art. Generally when people give us a compliment, it’s because they truly believe what they are saying. The challenge is within ourselves to be confident enough to believe it too. Once you’ve accepted a compliment, you can keep it in your back pocket as reminder too; “yeah I do look great today!”

2. Drink water.

This is probably something you’ve heard, but do you practice it? Water has countless benefits. More energy, less toxins, clearer skin. Drinking plenty of water also promotes weight loss and boosts the immune system. Personally I find the container I’m drinking out of to be the biggest motivator. I invested in a “Hydro Flask” from REI (no they didn’t pay me to write this, it truly rocks!), and I carry it with me everywhere; serving as a constant reminder to sip.The bottle is 32 ounces (946 mL) and I drink at least 3-4 bottles per day.

3. Diet 101: Moderation and Color.

There’s plenty of “diet fads” out there. If you’ve found something that works, obviously, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” For me, it’s not about “diet,” it’s about moderation. I usually eat a cookie or two after dinner, but not a whole package. A little bit of anything is not going to hurt you. To stay healthy, I also make sure there’s color in every meal. I’m talking fruit and veggies people. My coin phrase around dinner time in our house is “what are we going to put on that plate that’s green?”

4. Sleep and more sleep.

Some people get “hangry.” I get “sangry.” Whether it comes all at once or in chunks, I am adamant about getting at least eight hours of sleep in every 24 hour period. Sleep has been proven - like water - to have a host of positive effects on the mind and body. You’ll perform better, think clearer, age better, be less stressed - all of which promote better physical health. Not enough sleep last night? Make time for a nap. Now that I live in Central America, “Siesta” is a real thing - and I am Siesta’s biggest fan!

5. Get physical!

You don’t have to run a marathon or do CrossFit four times a week. Put into practice simple things that can be done within your normal routine. I live on the third floor of a condo building that has an elevator, but I ALWAYS take the stairs (unless I’m carrying groceries). In Costa Rica, my husband and I do not have a car, so we walk or ride bikes everywhere. How many times in the past week have you driven somewhere you could have walked? I also spend an average of two hours every day outside walking my dog. Walking has been proven to be just as beneficial to your physical fitness and mental well-being as any form of exercise. Maybe you don’t have a dog, but you could invite a friend to go for a walk instead of going for a glass of wine or watching a movie. I also suggest Yoga; it’s highly customizable - you can go to a studio or follow along with a YouTube video at home for as little as 15 minutes a couple times per week.

By practicing these daily habits, you’ll gain well-deserved confidence. And whether it be a mental or physical challenge, that confidence tells you than you CAN accomplish anything you put your mind to!