As a nutrition coach, I've always believed in the power of balanced eating and consistent exercise. I've spent years guiding others on their journeys to better health, but now, as I approach a milestone birthday—turning 40 this October—I've found myself at a crossroads in my own fitness journey. I am determined to be the healthiest verson of myself by 40!
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and recently, my priorties have shifted. Whether it was unexpected changes in my personal life, a shift in my routine, or simply the weight of trying to do it all, I realized that I wasn’t prioritizing my health the way I once did. As a coach, it was humbling to admit that I, too, needed to refocus and reassess my own habits.
The Turning Point
The turning point came when I put these two photos side by side. In 6 months I had gained nearly 20 pounds. It all didn't come back at once, it was little by little. I stoped tracking my macros, I was eating more junk food, it is summer after all, and then the other day and asked myself, "Am I as healthy as I want to be?" The answer was a resounding no. I knew that if I wanted to be the healthiest version of myself by 40—for my clients, my family, and most importantly, for me—I had to make some serious lifestyle changes.
My New Approach to Wellness
Here’s how I plan to turn things around:
1. Mindful Eating
I’ve always been an advocate for balanced nutrition, but stress and a busy schedule had led to some less-than-ideal eating habits. Moving forward, I’m committing to mindful eating. This means not only focusing on what I eat but also how I eat—taking time to savor meals, listening to my body’s hunger cues, and ensuring I’m fueling myself with the nutrients I need.
2. Prioritizing Movement
Exercise used to be a non-negotiable part of my day, but lately, it had taken a backseat. I’m reintroducing regular workouts into my routine, but with a twist: I’m focusing on movements that I enjoy. Whether it’s yoga, strength training, or a simple walk in nature, I’m making sure that movement becomes a joyful part of my daily life, rather than a chore.
3. Stress Management
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing stress. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of life, but I’ve learned that if I don’t take care of my mental health, everything else falls apart. I’m incorporating more mindfulness practices, like meditation and journaling, to help manage stress and keep my mind as healthy as my body.
4. Setting Boundaries
As someone who loves helping others, I’ve often put my own needs last. But to be the healthiest I’ve ever been, I’m learning to set boundaries. This means saying no when I need to and carving out time for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
5. Accountability
Lastly, I’m holding myself accountable by sharing my journey with you. This blog will be a space where I can document my progress, share tips, and hopefully inspire others who might be going through similar struggles. We’re all in this together, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Looking Ahead
As I count down the weeks to my 40th birthday, I’m more determined than ever to reach my goal of being the healthiest I’ve ever been. It won’t be easy, but I know it will be worth it.
To anyone else who’s feeling like they’ve lost their way—remember that it’s never too late to start again. Let’s make these next few months a time of transformation and growth. Here’s to embracing the challenge and coming out stronger on the other side!
Stay tuned for updates on my journey, follow along @fitness_adventures_with_liz and thank you for being a part of this adventure with me.
Love,
Liz
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