Most people think since I’m 23 years old, I believe I’m invincible and behave as such. I can’t blame them for thinking this, as that’s how many of my peers behave. But this is simply not the case. I focus on living a healthy lifestyle now so that I feel good not only today, but also so I set myself up to live a long, good, healthy life. Hopefully all the measures I’m taking now will really pay off in my fifties, sixties, and beyond.
Of course, there are the basic things we all should be doing to be healthy now and in the future. Exercise is a huge part of my life. It not only keeps me physically fit (especially since I bake for a living), but it also helps mentally. Exercise keeps my anxiety at bay and often my best ideas strike mid-run.
Love my purple tennis shoes!
I also try to eat healthy. I eat fruit at every meal. I love fruits of all kinds and often choose fruit over dessert. Shocking, I know! I’ve enjoyed fruit since I was a little girl. I also make sure to work lots of vegetables and lean protein into my diet. But I focus on things I enjoy, rather than forcing myself to eat foods just because they’re healthy. Kale, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, halibut, salmon, and lean beef are some of my favorite foods; the fact that they’re healthy is simply a bonus. Recently I’ve made a concerted effort to incorporate more whole grains such as oatmeal and quinoa. Water is the only beverage I drink. Well, except for the occasional martini when I’m having a fun night out. Water keeps me hydrated, particularly when exercising and in the winter when my skin can get very dry.
Brussel sprouts off the stalk are my favorite!
I also try my hardest to get 7-8 hours of sleep. If I don’t, trust me, you don’t want to be around me!
There are less obvious ways I take care of myself too. I was terribly unhappy when I was in school and that’s no way to live life, so now I focus on following my heart and passions. This is why I’m pouring everything I’ve got into my writing. I know it’s what I’m meant to do because when I’m working on my screenplay or novel, I’m smiling. It must only be a matter of time until it’s my career.
Me time is a super important part of my healthy life plan. Whether reading a book, watching a movie, going out to a fancy dinner with my family, or going shopping, it’s vital that I take time to unplug from my phone, computer, work, and other tasks of everyday life on a regular basis. Without that time, I’d go crazy. I’d also go pretty crazy if I didn’t indulge sometimes. I don’t want to live to be 90 or 100 if it means foregoing every dessert and fried food that comes my way. Finding room in my life for splurges is just as important as kale chips and baked sweet potatoes.
Enjoying a fun night out with my parents and aunt and uncle.
Hopefully reading about what I do to maintain a healthy life long-term has inspired you to do the same no matter your age. A few small changes can make a great deal of difference.
- Get Old is an initiative developed by Pfizer to challenge people of all ages to rethink what it means to Get Old and take a more active role in their health and quality of life at every age. Whether it’s through watching what you eat, physical exercise, spending time with family and friends or participating in an activity you’re passionate about — each of us has the power to decide for ourselves how we want to Get Old. It’s not just about living longer, but living better.
- What are you doing to Get Old well? Tells us at GetOld.com and join the conversation on Twitter.com/GetOld and Facebook.com/GetOld.
I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Pfizer and Get Old. I received compensation for this post. All opinions stated are my own.
Hi, love your purple running shoes too 🙂 I agree staining healthy is vitally important and every time I get on the treadmill I feel so much better afterwards!! Xx
It took me forever to find a new pair of running shoes I like, but I really do like those.
You are one of the healthiest people I know!! And you help me and your mom to stay healthy too and we really do appreciate it (most of the time LOL!). Thanks for including the picture of us in your post. I think of you everyday and talk about you all the time to my friends. Love you.
Aunt Debbie
I know – it’s not always fun to be healthy, but there’s always room for indulgence and it really will help a lot in the long term. Thanks for all your support! XO
I love all of these posts I’ve seen popping up today! Exercise, drinking water and eating well are definitely some of the ways I like to keep my body healthy as I age. I should cut back on the wine and cocktails and the chocolate but you also need to live a little, right??! 😉
I am old! I should have read this earlier! A lot of getting old is in your head, so some days are better than others. Being fit sure makes it easier though, to enjoy your days.
Getting old is in your head. We are all as young as we feel. And I agree some days are much better than others.
Love your purple tennis shoes! In the last year I’ve fallen in love with yoga. I love how it makes my 40+ year old body feel. I never in a million years would have thought I would like it, but I find myself craving it.
Yoga is one of the exercises I can’t seem to get in to, but I will have to give it another try!
I saw this interview with this 100 year old woman who was super fit and sassy and she said she does like 100-150 rows on her rowing machine every morning. It made me go “man…I have GOT to exercise” lol
You just need to find an exercise you love and try to do it 5 days a week for 30 minutes. It’s not that long in the scheme of things, but will make a huge difference!
Very inspiring post, Laura! I love eating healthy too and I do my best to be healthy overall… I just wish I could motivate myself to exercise again. Maybe I should give it a try as soon as I get off the computer. 😛
Exercise is so important. I used to hate it years ago, but now I can’t imagine my days without it.
I love this post chica!! Sounds like you’re definitely doing it all the right way and following your dreams!
Love your shoes – colorful and fun! Also I’m also a big fan of Brussels Sprouts, craving some right now!
I’m always craving Brussels! Thanks, Pamela!
What a great and inspiring post!! Perfect for 2014! Thank you for sharing this inspiring moment! <3
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Outfit Idea Post: Soft Torn Tones
I completely agree – taking the time to get in exercise is so important. Even though I have so many things to do I always feel better after working out! Lately I’ve also been prioritizing sleep – and man, what a difference!
Yes! Sleep is so important!
Heck, I’m already old. Probably from your perspective, beyond old. 😉 Getting loads of exercising and following your bliss are the two most important things, IMO. Fun post – thanks.
I think being old is mostly in one’s mind. I’ve never been one of those youngsters that thought my parents were so old. A lot of days I probably feel and act older than them! 😉
It took me almost a decade to really realize that I needed to be writing. And there are so many ways that you can turn writing into a very lucrative career! Good luck to you. You’ve got the right mindset to accomplish it all!
I love writing and am working on making it a career too. I’m glad to know it’s worked out for you. Thanks for visiting and the encouragement, Chrissy!