When I became the Health Editor of Now To Love, I knew all about “5 easy and speedy tricks to lose 10kgs in a week”, “Why we should be eating dairy”, “Why we shouldn’t be eating dairy”, “100 different ways to squat” and everything in between.
I read and wrote about health and wellness all day long – but I wasn’t really healthy myself.
I never exercised or cooked meals for myself, relying on takeaways far too often – and it wasn’t until embarking on my own journey to health that I realised how unhappy I was with how I looked and felt.
After working with a personal trainer for three months, introducing self-care into my routine, and rethinking my diet – I lost 10kgs and learned a whole lot about what health means to me.
Diet
Three months ago, my ‘cooking’ was just different egg and toast combinations (if I ever cooked that is).
Most nights I would either skip dinner because I couldn’t be bothered with the fuss of it – or I would get takeaways.
Now, I order a weekly food delivery service which provides me with the ingredients and recipes for healthy meals that have 450 calories or less per serve, lean protein, loads of vegetables and are lower in gluten and dairy.
I also divide my dinner portions in two, and save half for my lunch the next day – so it’s really cost and calorie-effective.
On the weekends I do let myself have a few treats, because I know I eat healthily five days a week and life isn’t worth living if you don’t have eggs benedict and bacon on a Sunday, or popcorn and an ice-cream at the movies.
Like they say, it’s all about balance! So boring, but true.
Exercise
After training with my personal trainer three times a week for three months, I got into half-way decent shape.
I was nowhere near running marathons, but definitely felt like a 25-year-old again when I walked up staircases, instead of a geriatric with a heart condition.
Now that I’m a little bit fit, I don’t train with a professional anymore but instead go to Grit classes at Les Mills at least three times a week, with my colleague who is my work best friend. It’s really helpful to have that support person who also keeps you accountable to your routine.
For me, the best part about exercising is that pretentious “runners high” I get after I’ve done an intense class, and getting to go to work feeling so smug that I’ve already been to the gym and I’m an excellent person.
For real though, it’s also hugely improved my sleep. Now when I hit the pillow, I conk out straight away – and I think it’s because for the first time, my whole body is tired instead of just my mind.
Wellbeing
These days, for me the most important part of being healthy is my mental wellbeing – which I think is definitely helped by exercise and eating right.
I regularly practise self-care rituals like getting regular massages, stretching and doing daily meditation using an app called Headspace.
I never used to ‘believe’ in meditation, and thought it was just a hippy-dippy thing where you sat cross-legged on the floor and hummed, but ever since trying this app – I’m a total convert.
If you’ve never tried meditation and you think it’s just a bunch of crap, but on second thoughts having some inner peace actually sounds quite nice, then definitely give Headspace a go. It’s perfect for cynical beginners like us.
I’m also really into the self-soothing movement, which I learnt from going to therapy.
While most people haven’t heard of the term ‘self-soothing’, they actually already do it – it’s basically when you just do nice things for yourself when you’re feeling crappy, like having a bubble bath, making a cosy hot water bottle or putting on a face mask.
By being aware of what you use to self-soothe (ideal if it’s not just chocolate and wine) you can have a go-to list of things you can do for yourself when you’re sad or mad. It might sound a bit touchy-feely but it’s actually really cool being able to give yourself that big hug when you need it.
Life is tough! You’ve gotta be kind to yourself, you’re doing a great job.
What inspires me
We’ve all got those celebrities who’s physiques we covet and my absolute body icon and biggest inspiration, is Iskra Lawrence. She’s a British plus-size model who’s incredibly fit and toned but still super curvy.
Along with being a model who challenges traditional sizing standards and doesn’t allow her photos to be retouched, she’s a National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) brand ambassador.
Iskra is a body-positivity activist and frequently encourages women to embrace their bodies no matter what their shape or size.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13
At the moment my favourite shoes to work out in are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 13. They give my feet lightweight support, flexibility and cushioning that helps me run longer.
These shoes provide stability, durability, and comfort and the U4ic midsole platform gives me a softer touch down every step of my run.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13.
Available in two different widths in a standard fit and super wide men’s 2E and Ladies D width.
Who inspires you?
Click here to be in to win a pair of Mizuno shoes for you and the person who inspires you.
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