It has not always been like this, when I was 45 I was feeling sorry for myself, I was in peri-menopause, had gained about 20 lbs., had two teenage daughters and was working very hard at long hours. I had no idea about how to time manage, exercise, eat properly and take care of myself because I was so busy looking after others and working to help support my family. Sound familiar?
Well, the wake-up call came and I was forced to take a look at what I was doing... which was nothing.
I realized that all I had to do was make a decision to take "baby steps" towards eating well, exercising and changing my priorities to me. Because if I did not look after myself then there would be no one to look after my kids and no one to look after me if I got sick. I also realized that all I had to do was change things up - instead of grabbing that muffin on the run I packed a healthy cooler of veggies, hard boiled eggs, and fruit to munch on while I was working. Instead of sitting around after my long day of work, I went outside for a walk. I would take a look at my watch and walk for 15 minutes and then turn around and walk back for another 15 minutes, totaling 30 minutes. I gradually increased the time so that I was walking for 30 minutes and then turning around and walking another 30 minutes.
By learning how to manage my time and take that valuable time for myself I was able to lose weight, have more energy and generally be happier. Once I had lost the initial 10 lbs., I then decided that I needed more, so I joined a gym and started lifting weights in order to strengthen my body.
To this day at the age of 67, I hit the gym at least 5 days a week, I lift weights and do spin classes and when I look at myself in the mirror I do not see a 67-year-old woman, I see a 45-year-old women that is in great shape, mind, body and spirit.
Now it's your turn, try and take these "baby steps" toward a healthier you