Today I’m sharing some of my best tips for overcoming the *not-so-awesome* parts of staying fit and healthy.
You know … those frustrating moments or more challenging habits when you have to drag yourself out of bed before sunrise to squeeze in a workout, or when you feel torn between your health goals and a night out with friends.
Over the years, through dancing professionally, teaching fitness classes, and later juggling a full-time gym job while raising an infant, I’ve learned that healthy living isn’t about perfection. It’s about flexibility.
There was a long stretch of time when my alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. so I could open the gym before the sun came up. My son was a baby, and my workouts happened whenever I could make them happen which was sometimes late at night, sometimes during a nap, and often between classes or obligations. That’s when I really learned how to make wellness *fit* my life, instead of trying to make *my life* fit wellness. (Read that again!)
These are some of the lessons I still carry with me: practical, realistic tips to help you stay active and feel your best, without guilt or extremes.
1. Work out when it makes sense for you and your schedule.
There’s no “best” time to work out, only the time that actually works for you.
For years, I taught 6 a.m. fitness classes and trained clients before a lot of people had their first cup of coffee. And while I loved being done early, those early mornings eventually wore me down. Over time I realized that I feel my best when I move later in the day.
When my son was little, my workouts were whenever they could happen — his nap time, after bedtime, between jobs, over my lunch break, etc. I learned that consistency doesn’t have to mean the same time every day, it just means showing up in whatever way fits your current season of life.
And trust me when I say that twenty minutes is always better than zero. (Sometimes that’s all we get, and that’s okay!) Showing up for what you can, as much as you can goes further than putting the pressure of hour or more workouts on yourself that you can’t keep up with.
2. Set yourself up for success by planning ahead.
If you know mornings are tough, lay your clothes out the night before.
If you’re heading straight from work or errands, pack your gym bag so you can go directly there. The fewer decisions you have to make in the moment, the easier it becomes to just show up consistently.
Sometimes “motivation” is really just smart planning and part of the routine.
3. Enjoy your nights out in moderation.
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean skipping social events or turning down a pizza night. It’s all about finding and living that 80/20 balance which means staying on track about eighty percent of the time and allowing the flexibility and wiggle room for the other twenty.
If you love a good cocktail or a glass of wine, enjoy it! I personally learned long ago to keep things light most of the week and save heavier meals or drinks for when my social calendar might be more active on the weekends for one or two nights out.
Also, you can be intentional with your “indulgent” food and drink choices. Sometimes this means ordering a simple vodka and soda water with lemon over a sugary mixed drink. Other times it means saying yes to a round of specialty cocktails with friends and enjoying it fully. Sometimes this means ordering a side salad with your bowl of pasta and passing on dessert if you’d like a glass of wine or two. Other times it means saying yes to all of it, if it’s a restaurant that you’ve been dying to try.
What matters most is that there is thought and strategy behind it, and not what feels like a free for all, all the time. It’s not all-or-nothing, it’s somewhere in between that only you can figure out for yourself.
4. Find workouts you actually like and people who keep you accountable.
You’re more likely to stick with movement that feels good. Try out different classes, outdoor workouts, or online videos until you find something you genuinely enjoy.
When I danced professionally, my “workouts” were also my outlet and my social time. Later, I fell in love with group classes like barre, Pilates and strength training because they gave me structure and community. Today, I enjoy a mix of both group fitness and my own strength workouts at the gym, at home or even streaming on Peloton (<- my username is @lifenleggings if you want to be friends!).
If you have a friend who’s up for trying something new, bring them along. Accountability can make movement feel less like a chore and more like a date you look forward to.
5. Keep food flexible: focus on balance, not perfection.
I’ve never believed in cutting out foods completely. These days, I aim for mostly nourishing meals with plenty of protein, fiber, and color. That said, I also enjoy desserts, french fries, and comfort food when I want it.
Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” try to focus on how specific foods make you feel. Heavier meals or a few drinks are totally fine, but maybe balance them out naturally with lighter meals earlier in the day. Please don’t skip meals for this reason, but instead, load your plates with extra protein, vegetables and fiber … things you might skip out by choosing a few slices of pizza later on.
Just remember that it’s not about earning your food. It’s about tuning in to what your body needs and finding a rhythm that supports both health *and* happiness.
(And this is exactly why we have Pizza Fridays in our household! Yes to the pizza, but saving it for once a week and usually balancing it out with a side salad or bigger salad for lunch earlier in the day.)
6. Eat the rainbow.
It’s simple, but it works! Aim for color on your plate like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins that help you feel energized and satisfied.
I love sneaking greens into smoothies, topping salads with fruit, or adding roasted veggies to pasta. Small changes add up, and the more color, the better you’ll feel.
7. Move your body, even if it’s free and simple.
Healthy living doesn’t have to cost anything. Go for a walk, jog, have a dance party in your living room, follow an online workout, or go play outside with your kids.
I stream workouts on my iPad in my living room all the time, and those quick, at-home sessions on busy days make a big difference in keeping my energy (and sanity) up.
Movement doesn’t need to be complicated. Just move in ways that make you feel alive.
Healthy living isn’t about rigid rules or constant willpower, it’s about finding a flow that fits your real life.
Whether you’re a new parent, working long hours, or just trying to balance it all, remember that progress happens in small, consistent steps. Putting one foot in front of the other. Giving yourself grace and room to enjoy your life and things outside of your normal routine, too.
You don’t need to do everything perfectly, you just need to keep showing up for yourself.
Because your best is all you can do!
xo, Heather
Now I’d love to know …
• What’s one challenge you’ve faced when trying to stay active or eat well?
• What’s helped you make it work in your season of life?
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