Anxiety! Weight Gain! Kids! Stress! Chocolate! NO, no chocolate! Yes, must eat all the chocolate! The diet can always start tomorrow. 

It was hard enough being a woman over 40 trying to manage family, work and peri-menopause. Then Covid hit! 

With gyms and studios closed and stress at an all time high, comic relief was found in marathon sessions of shows like Mayor Levy’s fabulous Schitt’s Creek, possibly with homemade sourdough bread in hand.  

Thank goodness we are getting back to some normalcy and with that a desire to get back into pre-covid shape. But where do we begin?

There is such a myriad of information on how to lose weight and shape up that it can lead to overwhelm and confusion. Confusion leads to chaos, inaction and sometimes a stop at Gelsons for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. 

As a television fitness expert, I have seen what goes into making someone appear “perfect.” It is a lot of bells and whistles, folks, and many times unhealthy practices.

For decades, my mission has been to provide simple, scientifically based, step by step solutions that enable my clients to live in a body they love without being obsessive. 

To do this, one must concentrate on the 3 pillars of holistic wellness: a focused mind, healthy body and joyful spirit. This approach creates a person that feels fully alive, fit, healthy, and yes,…even sexy. 

The Mind:

Everything begins and ends with the mind. Many struggle with anxiety, depression, body image and self-worth. No program will bring lasting happiness without exploring the stories that you tell yourself and diving into your personal truth. 

Journal your goals and why you are looking to shape up. Remembering your “Why” helps you to stay on track. Creating ways to have accountability, whether it is with a coach, a friend, or by joining a group program, can be really helpful.  

Covid and our political climate added stress to our already stressful lives. It’s vital to find ways to reduce it such as spending time in nature, meditating, or enjoying a relaxing bath. Find what works for you!  

The Body:  

The body needs exercise, proper nutrition and rest. Simply put, move daily, eat whole, unprocessed foods and have a regular sleep schedule.  

Nutrition is more important than exercise when it comes to body weight. I aim for 80% of calories coming from quality, highly nutritious, whole foods. The other 20% allows you to enjoy an evening out, Cafe Vida’s amazing carrot cake or that croissant at Little Bites. If you are watching your sugar intake remember that it’s a sneaky little devil and often hidden, so read labels carefully.

It is smart to add a lean protein, high quality fat, and a vegetable to every meal as the foundation of your diet. Drink your water and don’t freak out if you eat something “bad.” It is not all or nothing. 

It’s best to keep junk food out of the house but if you make a conscious choice to have a dessert, savor it guilt free! Dessert and bread can absolutely be a part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. It is always about balance.

As for exercise, the bottom line is to find something that you love and to move daily. It will keep weight off, maintain and build muscle mass, keep joints happy, and promote better sleep. 

If possible, schedule in resistance training at least 2x/week to keep your metabolism high, build strength, and create beautiful lines to your body.  

What you do is not as important as being consistent. Find what appeals to you. Sometimes it’s as simple as a walk on the bluffs in the evening to recharge your body, mind and spirit all in one glorious sunset. 

The Spirit:

Everyone needs to feel safe, loved and connected. Keeping a gratitude journal with prayer or meditation and finding fellowship has allowed many to live and love fully in our world of impermanence.  

This is the real stuff. This is what keeps the weight off once you lose it, and this is what creates true happiness. 

If lonely, search for a community that you can be a part of. I took my own advice and just joined the Women’s Club!

Find ways to laugh, smile and spread love. After all, laughter is good for the soul and your abs!  

These are just a few things you can do to get started on a wonderful new post-pandemic beginning!

Jamie is the author of Inner Visions for the Outer You available on Amazon and the creator of The Trio Method, an acronym for Total Results Inside and Out. Her program is mind, body and spiritually based for complete holistic health.  

You can find out more at www.jamiegallo.com. 

Or contact her directly at [email protected].