It has been a while since I posted about “Plus Size Healthy Living.” With the New Year, I have kicked this into high gear for myself. I didn’t like how my body was feeling after the holidays. I have made a conscious effort to make some changes in my life–part of my “New Years Aspirations.”

During the holidays it is easy to get into bad habits. All those holiday treats and events… Who can say ‘no?’ Even though I never stopped having some form of exercise in my life, I am guilty of indulging some. I also was getting a bit lax on the amount and type of exercise I was doing.

With the New Year, I have started a new “regime” of sorts. I kicked up the time and effort put into my workouts and I have replaced one meal with a protein shake/smoothie (breakfast usually).  I am also back to trying to watch what I eat and make better choices. With my iced coffee in the mornings, I have stopped having caramel  and am slowly getting used to less sweet coffee. This is definitely going to be a slow process.

Don’t get me wrong, I am no fitness/health guru. I am continually looking for the best way to be healthy. I know I will never be skinny, but I want to be healthy.  It doesn’t matter what size you are–if you make healthy life choices you will feel better. There are unhealthy skinny people and unhealthy plus size people; there are also healthy skinny people and healthy plus size people. It’s all about choices and not about numbers.

Nobody should live a life without being able to live it to it’s fullest. Don’t let something hold you back. Don’t let a body shape define you. Be healthy and happy at whatever shape your body is meant to be.

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!