
Maintaining a healthy body at every age isn’t just about exercising regularly—it’s about how you fuel your body every day. The truth is, no amount of exercise can replace the importance of a healthy diet. It’s that simple.
While I prioritize an hour of exercise at least five times a week, I spend the rest of my time nourishing my body with wholesome foods. This daily commitment to healthy eating, combined with my workouts, is what keeps me feeling my best.
The Importance of Food in Maintaining Your Body
While exercise plays a crucial role in building and strengthening my body, nutrition is the real key to maintenance. The right foods fuel my body, repair muscles, and provide the energy I need for my workouts. Before each workout, I make sure my body is properly fueled, and after my exercise session, I focus on replenishing nutrients to support recovery.
I intentionally carve out time on my calendar to work out, treating myself as a client to ensure I prioritize my health. This dedicated time is essential for both my physical and mental well-being. If I feel hunger creeping up before my workout, I’ll snack on fruit, like an apple or watermelon, but I never ignore my body’s signals. If I’m genuinely hungry, I eat. A workout won’t be effective if my metabolism is out of balance from missing meals.
Avoiding the Exercise and Diet Cycle
Many people fall into the trap of seeing exercise as a way to “burn off” unhealthy food or punish themselves for eating. This mindset can lead to a negative relationship with fitness, turning it into a burden rather than a gift for the body. I want to be clear—exercise is important, even if your nutrition isn’t perfect yet. The body is made to move, and any step toward a more active lifestyle is a positive one.
That said, I’ve found that my body performs at its best when I focus on both exercise and proper nutrition. This balanced approach has taken years of fine-tuning and is a lifestyle I’ve developed over time. Muscle takes time to build, and without the right food, it’s impossible to maintain that progress. Trust me—I’ve worked hard for the body I have, and I love food too much to let that go!
The Foods That Fuel My Body
For me, maintaining a healthy body means prioritizing nutrient-dense foods. I focus on lean proteins, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. My go-to options include boneless, skinless chicken breast, lean turkey, eggs, yogurt, nuts, seeds, oats, and various greens and vegetables. I also enjoy fresh fruits and healthy oils. I prefer buying organic, sustainably raised, and non-GMO products because I believe in supporting both my body and health with quality food.
I aim to stick to this healthy food plan about 80-90% of the time, leaving room for occasional indulgences. When I do treat myself, I choose high-quality options—think homemade cookies, pies, or frozen yogurt made from natural ingredients. I don’t believe in sacrificing flavor or quality, so I won’t settle for processed, packaged treats. Food should be a celebration, not something to feel guilty about.
Balancing Fitness, Food, Rest, and Life
For me, maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t about extreme restrictions or overexercising. It’s about balance—combining regular workouts, nutritious food, plenty of rest, and finding joy in both work and play. I don’t believe in calorie counting or pushing my body to the brink with intense workouts. Instead, I focus on enjoying life while taking care of my body in a way that feels sustainable and healthy.
After over 30 years as a personal trainer and coach, I know the key to aging well is a commitment to fitness and nutrition. If you’re looking for tips and motivation to age gracefully and stay fit, join me on Instagram for more insights and inspiration.
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