Welcome to my yearlong health quest!
Welcome to my yearlong health quest!
Despite my body-positive politics, I know I’m not the healthiest version of myself, and a visit with Gabrielle Lyon, DO, an integrative physician in NYC, confirmed that. My C-reactive protein levels (a marker of body-wide inflammation and a risk factor for heart disease) are alarmingly high, and my insulin is elevated for someone my age. Hearing this was hard but necessary.
Honestly, I know how this happened: My workouts had dwindled to a few a weeks. I love sweet treats. And when I travel, which
is often, I go all. Out. Indulgent.
Thankfully, it’s not too late and I have the power to reverse my situation. How? “By building muscle—the organ of longevity and the key to health,” says Dr. Lyon. To start on that path, I’m weight lifting with strength
coach Adriana James Couvillion (she’s also a dancer and has trained Avengers stunt doubles!) at Limelight Fitness, a boutique gym in NYC. Food wise, I’m increasing my protein intake and limiting my sugar.
It’s just the beginning, but I’m already proud of myself for my morning workouts (I love to snooze), for always having a protein-rich snack on hand (hanger is the enemy!), and for holding my planks longer.
The next year isn’t going to be easy, but I’m excited to see the new challenges and goals I can push myself to overcome and achieve to become my healthiest self, mentally and physically. I’m motivated— are you? We’ve got this!
Build a Support System
you don’t have to share your story in a national magazine (best motivation ever!) to be held accountable. Tell your partner, friends, or family you’re working on you—it may lead you to a new workout buddy.
Fire up Your iCal
“Fail to plan, plan to fail” I love this mantra. I schedule my workouts like
I do meetings now.
And meal prepping? Start doing it ASAP!
First things first: This isn’t a weight-loss column.
Instead, you’ll be hearing about the pounds I can lift, not the ones I may
lose.
I’m happy with how I look—a statement I’d never have
made in my 20s, when I’d yo-yo from one diet and exercise binge to the next, motivated
only by vanity. In my 30s, I have now started, and want to continue, linking fitness,
healthy eating, and mindfulness with self-care. Not self-hate.
Despite my body-positive politics, I know I’m not the healthiest version of myself, and a visit with Gabrielle Lyon, DO, an integrative physician in NYC, confirmed that. My C-reactive protein levels (a marker of body-wide inflammation and a risk factor for heart disease) are alarmingly high, and my insulin is elevated for someone my age. Hearing this was hard but necessary.
Honestly, I know how this happened: My workouts had dwindled to a few a weeks. I love sweet treats. And when I travel, which
is often, I go all. Out. Indulgent.
Thankfully, it’s not too late and I have the power to reverse my situation. How? “By building muscle—the organ of longevity and the key to health,” says Dr. Lyon. To start on that path, I’m weight lifting with strength
coach Adriana James Couvillion (she’s also a dancer and has trained Avengers stunt doubles!) at Limelight Fitness, a boutique gym in NYC. Food wise, I’m increasing my protein intake and limiting my sugar.
It’s just the beginning, but I’m already proud of myself for my morning workouts (I love to snooze), for always having a protein-rich snack on hand (hanger is the enemy!), and for holding my planks longer.
The next year isn’t going to be easy, but I’m excited to see the new challenges and goals I can push myself to overcome and achieve to become my healthiest self, mentally and physically. I’m motivated— are you? We’ve got this!
My Get Started Hacks
Seek out Pro Help
I’ve always been a go-it-alone type, but having the guidance of a doctor and a trainer means I’m getting legitimate advice targeted to my specific needs.
Seek out Pro Help
I’ve always been a go-it-alone type, but having the guidance of a doctor and a trainer means I’m getting legitimate advice targeted to my specific needs.
Build a Support System
you don’t have to share your story in a national magazine (best motivation ever!) to be held accountable. Tell your partner, friends, or family you’re working on you—it may lead you to a new workout buddy.
Fire up Your iCal
“Fail to plan, plan to fail” I love this mantra. I schedule my workouts like
I do meetings now.
And meal prepping? Start doing it ASAP!
MARTA TOPRAN,
BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Follow myjourney on Insta @martatopran.
Follow myjourney on Insta @martatopran.
Source: Women's health
No comments