I am trying to not be so preoccupied with health and fitness.
I do not want it to take precedent over more important things like spending time on building relationships, especially with God and those He gave us to love.
I still think it is so important, though, to try to keep our bodies as a temple, feeding it good, God-given food, drinking pure water and keeping it in good shape so we can enjoy the life God gave us and to perhaps even be a helper in His plans.
So, here is my plan:
1) I get up early so I can 'hem' my day in prayer and read a little scripture (this is the number one thing that has helped me with my day!) while sipping on warm lemon water. This takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on how early I get up. (I unload the dishwasher while my water heats up.)
2) I then put on my tennis shoes and start the laundry and immediately start exercising while the laundry is going.
I workout anywhere from 20-45 minutes depending on how much time I have. I do not stress about it at all. Whatever works is good enough but I never NOT do it. I exercise every day, but I make it easy by doing it early in the morning right in my own home in between household activities, which is usually when it is still dark outside, before kids get up.
Here is my workout schedule:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
Total body workout-alternating strength moves with cardio
My current workout, though you can make up your own, alternating strength with cardio.
Jump rope 100-200 rotations
push-ups
jump rope 100 rotations
assisted pull ups
jump rope 100 rotations
bicep curls
run stairs 5 flights
triceps dips
jump rope 100 rotations
kettle bell swings
REPEAT 2-3 times depending on how much time I have.
End with 200 jump rope rotations, cool down, stretch
You could just do jumping jacks alternating between push-ups, squats and tricep dips.
SO SIMPLE! NO EXCUSES!
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday:
cardio and abs or glutes
5 minutes jumping rope
5 minutes running stairs
alternating for 20-30 minutes
5-10 minutes abs or glutes exercises
cool down and stretch
Again, SO SIMPLE but very effective!
Sunday: 15 minutes of yoga and maybe a leisure walk with hubby. Nothing serious.
3) I drink a protein shake with ground flaxseed added mixed with water after every workout. I use All-natural Body Logix protein powder 'decadent chocolate' found at Meijer.
4) Shower time: I dry skin brush before every shower using a natural bristle skin brush found at health stores, using long firm strokes starting from feet and brushing upwards towards the heart.
I take a shower using baking soda water (1 tablespoon per cup of water pre-mixed in a water bottle) for my face, body and hair; rinse, and then I use apple cider vinegar water (1/4 cup per 1 cup of water pre-mixed in water bottle) for hair conditioner and face toner; rinse.
I keep a large bag of baking soda and 1 gallon apple cider vinegar under my bathroom sink for refills.
Honestly, my skin and hair is SO soft!
And, really, it is just so simple, and cheap, too!
I towel dry and use coconut oil on my face, neck and entire body.
Now I'm glowing! Yes, I keep a jar of coconut oil under my sink!
Teenage daughters and hubby are saying how great my skin looks and it is super cheap and no yucky ingredients!
Super simple!
5) After my shower, I get to dress in something other than workout clothes now that my early morning exercise and shower is done!
Yay! I was tired of always being in workout clothes!
It's done for the day and now I can enjoy my other tasks without worrying about it!
Plus, I feel great and perfectly ready now to start the rest of my day with that out of the way!
6) I focus on drinking at least 3 quarts of water each day and getting veggies in at every meal.
Breakfast is usually 2 whole eggs with sautéed onions and some other veggie. Love it! I sprinkle a little Braggs liquid aminos on my eggs which is a lighter version of soy sauce!
I am currently eating a large veggie salad every day for lunch with homemade olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing and protein-chicken, salmon, hardboiled eggs. Sometimes I add nuts and seeds and olives.
For dinner, I usually have some kind of meat, venison, chicken, salmon with vegetables and a salad with healthy fats like olives and homemade dressing.
I keep almonds in my purse in case I need a snack when I am out, sometimes dark chocolate is added!
I eat fresh veggies for snacks, also; cucumbers, radishes, broccoli.
I limit my dairy, fruit, grains, starchy carbs and sugar, though I do not cut them out completely.
I just feel so much more energetic when I limit these foods. Usually I limit them to 2 servings total per day.
I do eat dessert here and there but try to just have a taste instead of a whole piece if I feel I have eaten way too much of the limited foods during the week. Otherwise, I do eat the whole piece!
If things have gotten out of hand with the eating, (which they do), I cut out all limited foods for a few days.
This is KEY to keeping me in my skinny jeans, plus, I feel so much better and energetic!
7) I try to get outside for fresh air and sunshine every day and get to bed at a decent hour.
I hope this schedule of mine encourages you to have your own little schedule no matter where life finds you.
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2
14 years ago
