Do it – 2014 resolution check

So four months into 2014, I am guessing many of you have given up on your New Year’s resolutions to eat better and/or exercise more, yes? The most popular resolution made on NYE is to lose weight, but most people give up after a couple weeks or months. Side note: You may also be one of the lucky models that I used to work with, who have no idea what I am talking about, because you are just naturally ridiculous…if yes- high five, but these tips are even good for you! At the end of the day, you motivation should be about living a healthy lifestyle- not a diet, but a complete lifestyle change.

I am one of those people who is borderline health-obsessive at times, I still love my ice cream and cookie dough (or the two combined for a magical combination), but I do eat healthy and exercise frequently. Because this is my passion, I am often asked by friends or family for easy tips that contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. There are so many simple things you can do to make significant changes for your health, so I came up with a top seven list.

1. Cut out sugary drinks.



I am a huge coffee and smoothie fan, however, most beverages are packed with a surprising amount sugar and calories and just because it is labeled ‘smoothie’- does NOT mean it is healthy. Cut out alcohol and pop/soda/coke (whatever the kids are saying these days) completely if you can, it just isn’t worth it. If you want to splurge every now and then- let it be a treat, not the norm.

2. Drink more water.



I carry a 1.5 liter bottle of water with me all the time. I read somewhere that Victoria’s Secret models drink a gallon a day! Water keeps you fuller, helps with your metabolism and is calorie-free.

3. Take the stairs. Always.



Forget about elevators completely. I once lived in New York City on the 22 floor and took the stairs everyday (multiple times a day…in heels!) for a month straight. Canada does this interesting program with business called Stairway to Health that encourages entire companies to abandon the elevator, try to get your work involved too! Every little bit helps.

4. Exercise. Just do it.



I am often given a hard time because I go to bed early, so I can go to the gym before work. Here’s the thing, ‘I have no time’ is just not an excuse, you can always get up earlier. Most gyms have daycare centers and though 5 a.m. is painful- your workout can be done an over with before you are even awake enough to think. Find a gym that makes it worth getting up, I have a cardio theatre at my gym and watch movies while I shed calories OR get outside, ride a bike, go for a walk, climb a mountain, go surfing, just move!

5. Portions.



As Americans, we are known around the world for our crazy portion sizes. Start measuring out your food and pay attention to how much of it you are eating. Load up most of your plate with veggies or salad and keep the carbs to a minimum.

6. Switch to whole grains.



If you must eat bread (WHY is it SO good), then get whole grain or whole wheat, if it simply says ‘wheat’ it doesn’t count. Keep this as a rule for most of your carbs, pasta, tortillas, even crackers. There are numerous reasons to leave the refined grains behind, hop on over to Google.

7. Become educated.



Start reading labels of everything you buy, just because it is marketed as healthy…does not make it healthy. Reduced-Fat could just mean ‘extra sugar’ and sugar-free could mean ‘shady chemicals have been added’. You may also be surprised at just how many calories/grams of sugar are lurking in some of your favorite treats.

Okay, those are my lucky seven. I will post a couple recipes and tips to help along the way, but these are the best starting points that I try to live by. Again, I like a good, sprinkled cupcake as much as the next girl, but you will enjoy it a lot more after working out five days a week and eating super healthy 80% of the time!

(Also, I may or may not have eaten a cinnamon crunch bagel as I wrote this)#fail