Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur taxpayers own.
Outside my window this morning, the sun is shining, the birds are starting to sing again, and I feel like beach season is just around the corner. Sometimes being her own boss doesn’t leave a businesswoman much time to think about diet and exercise, and more importantly her health. So when I start thinking about going to the beach this summer and if my body is ready for a bikini, I know I’m not alone!
Being a boss means gaining control over your body by developing healthy habits. It is important to always listen to your body and do what feels right for you; Ultimately, every woman knows what makes her feel good. Read on for suggestions, but modify as needed for your own health and well-being.
We are in charge of every aspect of our business, but we cannot control everything in our lives. However, we can improve our health by controlling what we put into our bodies. Many people rely on exercise, specifically sit-ups and sit-ups, when it comes to wanting to reduce belly fat. But it’s not just about fat. You must know all the food stored in your intestine and the ways to eliminate it (literally!). If you follow a plan, like the one outlined below, you should have visible results within a week!
Related: 7 Reasons Entrepreneurs Should Work Out
clean your body
My mom signed me up for ballet at age six and I danced for 10 years. I think that ballet, yoga and other sports have helped me a lot to maintain my body. However, you can exercise as much as you like, but if you don’t eat right, exercise can be a waste of time. Stop filling your body with bloating foods and start eating clean. There are a few different approaches you can take.
One way is to stop eating late at night. Get in the habit of having your last meal four hours before bedtime. After 4:00 pm, limit drinks to water, tea, or kombucha. Be careful with diet drinks and calorie-free sodas, as they’re linked to problems with your gut microbiome, heart, and kidneys (and an increased risk of osteoporosis). Stick to the water – your teeth and skin will thank you, as will your gut. I recommend setting a reminder to “drink water” every hour.
It is said that the first meal of the day is the most important. Imagine how your stomach feels if you wake it up with something too sugary. I believe in starting the day by eating light and having a heavier meal only at night. First thing in the morning, drink a glass of water to “wake up” your organs.
At bedtime, use a magnesium cleanse (a natural laxative). Depending on the brand, take two to four tablets with water before bed. Don’t eat after that, and drink only water. If you use a magnesium cleanse before bed, the toilet will call you early the next morning. I highly recommend putting a stool under your feet while using the bathroom, to bring your hips into a position that allows your colon to cleanse more efficiently. If you drink coffee, green tea, matcha, or coffee with mushrooms, you may need to go to the bathroom up to three times. You’ll notice how quickly this shrinks your gut; it gets rid of all the “junk” accumulated in the colon.
Related: Why Employers Should Make Fitness a Priority
First the training, then the reward
I like to do a 30-minute morning workout, whether it’s power yoga or running. If you have a physically active job, fast until noon. I recommend eating a meal after your workout, not before, the size of which depends on your appetite. The first 15 minutes after exercising are crucial as the body absorbs more nutrients. Living in New York City, I have a glass of water right after I wake up, then go for a 20-45 minute run along the river or in Central Park. Afterwards, I have a homemade milkshake. My favorite recipe consists of a banana, a handful of baby organic spinach, chia seeds, coconut oil, blueberries, a cup of almond or coconut milk, and a tablespoon of Manuka honey. I know my work schedule won’t allow me to go to the gym later, so I keep running. Driving everywhere is not good for your body, your wallet, or the planet, so walk more. Keep moving and your bowels will move better too.
go with your instinct
See yourself from a different perspective. What do you need to achieve your health goals? More hydration or vitamins? As your gut gets smaller, support your body with clean foods like bananas, vegan smoothies, carrots, celery, and hummus. Get in the habit of cooking vegetable soup once a week, using fresh ingredients, such as cabbage, lentils, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Soups are great snacks: they fill you up and hydrate you at the same time. The anti-inflammatory ingredients are easy on the stomach, prevent bloating and help support proper digestion.
Take it easy in the morning. Don’t surprise your body with heavy meals that tire you out all day. Foods that require more energy to digest (for example, animal proteins) are easier to digest at night. Instead of consuming them early, do so later when your body has all night to process them. You’ll find that you sleep better and have surplus energy the next morning!
Related: Here’s How Entrepreneurs Can Take Care of Their Fitness Every Day
Eliminate toxic foods
Avoid consuming foods with refined sugar or white flour, fried foods, processed meats, ice cream, cakes and cookies. Always have healthy snacks available, such as papaya, cashews, or berries. If you occasionally crave a break from healthy eating, give yourself a waiver; after all, you are the boss! Try to eat healthy for three days in a row, fast for 16 hours, then have a “cheat day” and indulge in something like pizza. It can be difficult, but it’s best to avoid eating fast food, except on cheat day.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol. On a special occasion, have a glass of champagne. Drinking more than once a week makes you feel tired and bloated, and as time goes by, you get more wrinkles due to dehydration. Take a break from alcohol for two months. Your body and mind will thank you! Some of the worst periods of depression are due to hangovers, and no one needs them.
If you want pristine health, then eat cleaner. Take more vitamins and dopamine levels will increase. Dopamine is one of the “feel good” chemicals. By interacting with our brain’s pleasure and reward center, (along with others like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins) it plays a vital role in how happy we feel. It affects movement, memory, and focus. Recommended dopamine-rich foods include eggs, bananas, almonds, and dark chocolate.
Sleeping well is essential
A hot bath or shower helps relax muscles, leading to a good night’s sleep. Use orange or eucalyptus essential oils for a spa-like effect: it frees up your sinuses and turns breathing into a whole new experience.
A short prayer of thanks will help you practice gratitude, and you’ll go to bed happier, too! Keep CBD oil on your nightstand, right next to the magnesium cleanse.
Change your bedding at least every five days for better sleep. I love a good fabric, like Egyptian cotton or 100% hemp. I’m not a fan of synthetic, non-breathable materials and how they feel on the skin.
Sleep is an essential function that allows the body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Good sleep habits help the body stay healthy and the brain working.
Keep in mind that these are personal recommendations – you should only do what feels right for your body. No matter how you get there, the bottom line is this: when you look better, you feel better. And when you feel better, you look better.