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| Don't mind the time on the timers... We had started behind the walkers and had to make a pit stop along the way... |
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| Nike Pro Sports Bra & Capris & Mizuno Waver Rider 17 Tennis Shoes |
It's Sunday Fashion Friends! This is a personal life+style blog, but so far, all my posts have been about my personal style and fashion. Today, I'm going to focus on health and wellness since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and because I ran in the Race for Life 5K run in Columbia, SC on Saturday morning. The weather was absolutely PERFECT for a run or walk or to just be active outside.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women and nearly everyone has either been directly or indirectly impacted by this disease. Research suggests that eating a proper diet and having the recommended amount of physical activity are main factors in reducing a person's cancer risk. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is of the utmost importance and can only been achieved the "old-fashioned" way, with good nutrition and regular exercise. Many, if not all of us have been tempted to or actually committed to a fad diet, lose the weight... only to gain it back shortly thereafter. The best way to lose weight is slow and steady. I, like everyone else am eager to see the number on the scale decrease quickly, but slow and steady is most likely going to be lasting. Also, we must shift our thinking from dieting to truly modifying our lifestyle and allowing ourselves an occasional treat. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I workout regularly and I enjoy it. However, I struggle with my diet; there are very few items loaded with refined sugar and/or flour that I don't like.... But, if you know anything about working out and/or dieting, then you know it's about 80% of what you eat and 20% about exercise. So, with that said, it's pretty obvious that you/I can't exercise away a bad diet/lifestyle. With my schedule currently being so hectic, it's very easy to regularly eat the wrong things. I am renewing my commitment to shed a few pounds and lead a more healthy and fit lifestyle. Not for vanity's sake, but for my health's sake (I will gladly accept the vanity perks with will come with). Below I'm going to list a few tips for proper exercise and nutrition and for breast health and check back soon for another installment of Health & Wellness.
Exercise and Nutrition
- Your Body Mass Index or BMI should be below 25%; figure out the weight that will put you in a healthy range. Use this BMI Calculator to help you.
- The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity 5 days a week or 3 days of vigorously intense aerobic activity in addition to 2 days of moderate to high intensity strength training. Ladies, don't skip the weights!
- To get those minutes in, you can hit the gym, walk, and/or run outside. Either way, be sure to have shoes that you have been fitted for and tried out, especially for running.
- Be sure to include greens in every meal, yes, that means breakfast too (just add some kale or spinach to your smoothie).
- Limit the foods and sweets you consume that are processed, have a load of refined sugar and/or is made using flour.
Breast Health
Be aware of how your breast usually look and feel.
Do monthly self breast examinations.
If you notice a change or lump in your breast, notify your doctor.
At the age of 40, schedule your first mammogram.
Be aware of your family history.
Let's stay healthy & stylish Fashion Friends!
