Diets don’t work, lifestyle changes do.
Why Diets Don’t Work: Embracing Lifestyle Changes for Lasting Health
In a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant gratification, the concept of dieting has become ingrained in our culture as the go-to solution for weight loss and health improvement. We’ve all been there – trying the latest fad diet, meticulously counting calories, and depriving ourselves of the foods we love, only to find that the results are often short-lived and unsustainable. But what if I told you that the key to long-term health and wellness lies not in restrictive diets, but in embracing lifestyle changes?
Here’s the truth: diets don’t work. Sure, you might see some initial weight loss or improvements in health markers, but more often than not, those results are temporary. Why? Because diets typically involve restrictive eating patterns that are difficult to maintain over the long term. They often leave us feeling deprived, hungry, and frustrated, leading to inevitable cravings and eventual relapse into old habits.
Instead of focusing on short-term fixes, we need to shift our mindset towards making sustainable lifestyle changes. Here’s why diets don’t work:
- Diets Are Temporary, Lifestyle Changes Are Permanent: The problem with diets is that they’re viewed as a temporary solution to a long-term issue. Once you reach your goal weight or health target, there’s a tendency to revert to old habits, leading to yo-yo dieting and a cycle of weight loss and gain. Lifestyle changes, on the other hand, involve adopting habits and behaviours that can be sustained for life, leading to lasting results.
- Diets Focus on Restrictions, Lifestyle Changes Focus on Balance: Diets often promote the idea of cutting out entire food groups or severely restricting calories, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and an unhealthy relationship with food. Lifestyle changes, however, encourage a more balanced approach to eating, where all foods can fit in moderation. By focusing on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods while still allowing yourself to enjoy occasional treats, you can achieve a healthier relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
- Diets Ignore the Root Causes, Lifestyle Changes Address Them: Many diets fail to address the underlying reasons why we overeat or make unhealthy choices in the first place. Whether it’s emotional eating, stress, or lack of knowledge about nutrition, these factors play a significant role in our ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By addressing these root causes and implementing sustainable habits such as stress management techniques, mindful eating, and regular physical activity, we can create lasting change from the inside out.
- Diets Focus Solely on Weight Loss, Lifestyle Changes Prioritise Overall Health: While weight loss may be a motivating factor for many people, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of our health journey. True health encompasses so much more than just the number on the scale – it’s about nourishing our bodies, supporting our mental and emotional well-being, and enjoying a fulfilling life. By shifting our focus away from the pursuit of a certain body size or shape and towards prioritising overall health and well-being, we can create a more holistic approach to living our best lives.
In conclusion, diets may offer short-term results, but they often come at the expense of our long-term health and happiness. Instead of falling victim to the dieting mentality, let’s embrace sustainable lifestyle changes that prioritise balance, nourishment, and self-care. By making small, gradual changes to our habits and behaviours, we can create a healthier, happier life that lasts a lifetime. So say goodbye to diets and hello to a lifestyle that truly nourishes your body, mind, and soul.
How I Found My Tribe on YouTube
From 3000 to 128,000 Subscribers: How I Found My Tribe on YouTube..
In the vast landscape of social media, finding your tribe can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if I told you that in just one month, I went from having 3000 subscribers on YouTube to finding my tribe with a whopping 128,000? Sounds unbelievable, right? Let me share my journey with you.
Rejection to re-ignition
Many would assume that with such a rapid growth in subscribers, companies would be knocking at my door, eager to sponsor my content. However, the reality is quite different, especially for someone like me who sits outside the preferred demographic for many companies. As a woman over 50, I quickly realised that the advertising world largely overlooks us, rejects us, except for a select few niches like Saga Cruises, funeral services and incontinence underwear.
Earlier this year, after many rejections from companies unwilling to hire me for campaigns or pay a decent fee for my content creation, I had an epiphany – I am my brand, and my knowledge and experiences hold immense value. That’s when I made the bold decision to transition from Instagram to YouTube. While Instagram is a social media platform focused on connections and aesthetics, YouTube offered me the opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for information and new skills.
TikTok, with its predominantly young audience seeking entertainment through skits and dances, didn’t align with my vibe. So, I dove headfirst into YouTube, armed with a mission to share my insights and inspire women who, like me, are navigating the complexities of midlife.
From almost zero to paying my way
Despite accumulating 660K followers on Instagram over four years, the earnings amounted to a mere four cents. But within just one month on YouTube, I started earning a very decent living doing what I love – sharing knowledge and inspiration with my growing tribe of women.
The Midlife Edit
My upcoming book ‘The Midlife Edit’ is more than just a book – it’s a roadmap for women to give themselves a makeover, a life edit. Over the next few months, I’ll be teasing insights from my book before its release in September. It’s my purpose to illuminate the path for women who may have lost their way amidst the darkness of midlife.
YouTube isn’t just a platform for me; it’s a home where I can connect with seekers of information and inspiration. It provides a creative channel for me to share my life experiences and insights to empower others on their journey.
And this is just the start of something incredible. In addition to nurturing my YouTube channel, I’m already laying the groundwork for my second book. This upcoming work will delve deeply into the art of designing, creating, and manifesting the life of your dreams. It will explore the transformative power of setting boundaries, discovering inner peace, and forging a connection with your higher self.
But for now you can find me on YouTube, head on over and subscribe for the vibe!
My Daily Kettlebell Workout.
My Kettlebell Workout for Women Over 40 – Strengthen Your Body at Home.
Jump rope info here JUMP – including my own FiftySister rope, weighted to work the shoulder and arms.
8KG – 17.6Lbs Daily Kettlebell Workout.
Welcome to my daily kettlebell workout video which contains different exercises using a 8KG/17.6Lb kettlebell. Let’s delve into the incredible benefits of incorporating kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine, particularly for those looking to strengthen muscles and bones as they age.
As we reach our 40s and beyond, prioritising our health becomes increasingly vital. Kettlebell workouts offer a fantastic solution, allowing you to sculpt and tone your body from the comfort of your own home, even with minimal space. No gym membership required!
But why kettlebells, you ask? Well, these versatile tools provide a full-body workout, targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously. For women over 40, this means not only building lean muscle mass but also enhancing bone density, crucial for maintaining strength and mobility as we age.
Moreover, working out with kettlebells isn’t just about physical benefits; it’s about mental well-being too. Finding the motivation to start and the dedication to continue can be challenging, but the rewards are immense. Investing in your health through regular exercise is a form of self-care healthcare, nurturing both your body and mind.
In this video, I guide you through a series of beginner-friendly kettlebell exercises, emphasising it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid injury and ensure long-term success.
So, if you’re ready to take charge of your health and make fitness an integral part of your lifestyle, join me for this empowering kettlebell workout session. Together, let’s embrace the journey to a stronger, healthier you—because age is just a number, and it’s never too late to start. Let’s do this! ✨
#KettlebellWorkout #WomenOver40 #FitnessAtHome #HealthyLifestyle #SelfCareHealthcare #kettlebell
Strengthening Body and Mind
Body and Mind – The Vital Role of Exercise in Fall Prevention and Recovery
As we navigate through the journey of life, maintaining both physical strength and cognitive function for body and mind becomes increasingly important. One often overlooked aspect of this holistic approach to health is the role of exercise in preventing falls and aiding in recovery should a fall occur. In this blog post, we’ll explore why exercise is essential for preserving both mobility and mental acuity, and how incorporating simple yet effective routines can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant life.
Preventing Falls:
Falls can have devastating consequences, particularly as we age. However, the good news is that many falls can be prevented through regular exercise. Strength training exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises, help improve balance, stability, and muscle tone, reducing the likelihood of trips and stumbles. Additionally, activities that focus on flexibility and coordination, like yoga or tai chi, can further enhance agility and spatial awareness, decreasing the risk of falls.
Moreover, practicing the skill of lifting your bodyweight off the floor is invaluable. In the event of a fall, being able to confidently and safely get back on your feet can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Simple exercises such as bodyweight squats or modified push-ups can help build the necessary strength and confidence to perform this essential maneuover.
Aiding in Recovery:
Despite our best efforts, falls may still occur. However, the strength and resilience gained through regular exercise can greatly improve the chances of a swift recovery. Building muscle mass and bone density through resistance training not only helps mitigate the severity of injuries sustained in a fall but also accelerates the healing process.
Furthermore, exercise isn’t just beneficial for the body – it also plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular physical activity improves memory, concentration, and overall brain health. By engaging in activities that challenge both the body and mind, such as dancing, swimming, or playing tennis, we can simultaneously preserve our mental acuity and physical mobility.
Keeping Your Marbles and Your Mobility:
In essence, exercise is the cornerstone of a comprehensive approach to maintaining both marbles and mobility as we age. By incorporating a variety of strength, balance, and coordination exercises into our daily routine, we not only reduce the risk of falls but also bolster our ability to recover should a fall occur. Moreover, by challenging our bodies and minds through regular physical activity, we can stave off cognitive decline and preserve our mental sharpness well into our golden years.
In conclusion, the benefits of exercise extend far beyond physical fitness – they encompass every aspect of our well-being, from preventing falls to preserving cognitive function. So, lace up those sneakers, grab a friend or a fitness class, and embark on a journey of strength, balance, and vitality for body and mind. Your future self will thank you for it.
Earth Day.
Earth Day Reflection: Embracing Our Shared Humanity on the Pale Blue Dot
Earth Day is a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to cherish and protect the planet we call home. Yet, beyond the environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts lies a deeper truth: we are all interconnected beings, sharing the same precious space on this magnificent blue orb we call Earth.
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves divided by borders, ideologies, and belief systems. We proudly wave our flags, laying claim to a small piece of land as our own, forgetting that beneath the surface, we are all humans with the same fundamental desires, struggles, and aspirations.
It’s a pity, isn’t it? How we succumb to tribalism, clinging to the notion that our ideas, customs, and gods are superior to those of others. We build walls, both physical and metaphorical, separating ourselves from our fellow beings, forgetting that we are all but transient inhabitants of this vast and wondrous universe.
But here’s the truth we often overlook: it’s okay to not agree on everything. In fact, it’s essential. Our differences are what make us unique, what spark conversation, and what propel us forward on the path to growth and understanding.
Yet, amidst the diversity of our experiences and perspectives, there lies a common thread that binds us all: our shared humanity. Regardless of race, religion, or creed, we all experience the same spectrum of emotions – joy, sorrow, love, and fear. We all seek meaning and purpose in our lives, striving to find our place in the grand tapestry of existence.
To awaken to this truth is to embrace our spiritual selves and the wonders of the universe. It’s to recognize that each of us walks a different path on the road to enlightenment. Some may journey through life without ever questioning the status quo, content to follow the beaten path laid out before them. Others, however, are acutely aware of the fragility of life and the transformative power of love.
These individuals walk a lighter, love-filled path, guided by empathy, compassion, and a deep reverence for all living beings. They understand that true enlightenment comes not from domination or conquest but from humility, acceptance, and a willingness to embrace the interconnectedness of all things.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let us reflect on the beauty and complexity of our shared existence. Let us recommit ourselves to protecting and preserving this fragile planet for future generations. And above all, let us remember that we are all passengers on this pale blue dot, united by our common humanity and our shared journey through the cosmos.