It has been a while since I did a healthy living update, so I thought I would give you a little peak into what I have started to do on a regular basis to be and stay healthy.

I have mentioned previously, how I am a firm believer in staying healthy without worrying about being a size 0. I try to keep a good amount of movement and exercise in my life–more for the reason of being comfortable in my body and for my mental/emotional health. Releasing those endorphins and letting go of stress through exercise is good for mind, body, and soul!

Along with a (somewhat) healthy eating lifestyle (yes, I splurge every so often!), I have had to come up with a new workout regime since moving back to California.

Half of the time I workout at my local gym, and the other half I workout at home or at a park.

**** PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT  a doctor or trainer, this routine works for me, but it’s not for everyone!

1.  5 Minute Stretching: I try to always begin and end my workout (or at least END it) with a regular stretching routine. I do each stretch for 30 seconds each. There is no standard, check this link out for different stretches you can do.

2. 200+ Crunches: I usually do my ab workout on the ab machine at the gym. I have found I always have to do some sort of ab workout or I lose a lot of strength in my core.  If you don’t have access to a gym check out this website for an ab exercise routines.

3.  Arm or Leg Weight Lifting: I will alternate the part of my body I work out. I also try to change up machines once in a while as well.

4. 35+ Minutes Elliptical Workout: I need a low impact cardio workout (I broke my ankle last year), so I tend to stick to an elliptical machine. Everyone needs a little cardio in their life. Keep that heart rate up!

5.  5 Minute Stretching: Same as I said above!

I recently started getting into a jump roping craze. I never knew how good of a workout it really is! The jump roping mixed with the lunges has been great for my butt and legs. I can’t stand going to the gym every day, so doing the above lets me be outside and mixes things up!

It’s all about variety, so you and your body don’t get too bored or too complacent!

I’m getting back into the routine of things and figuring out how I am going to be doing things as a self employed lady. I feel healthier mentally/emotionally now that I am back in California. I didn’t realize exactly how down I was feeling until I wasn’t feeling that way anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, I love New York! BUT, a part of me was sad that I didn’t have my family, dogs, friends from home, and was working a job I was drastically unhappy with. I still love that city and the fashion industry, but I have found that I had to change my life not only in my eating habits, but in my mental/emotional self as well.  Just fixing the neurological helped assist with the eating and other healthy living habits.  It all goes hand in hand. You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mind. I keep proving that to myself over and over through the years.

Right now, I am feeling healthier and happier in this moment. I will leave you with a couple of shots from my Sunday brunch at my mom’s house. A very cute puppy named Lulu, and a pretty little chicken named Joanie B.