Staying Lean and Achieving Your Health Goals

Featuring: Aunt Carla

I have learned a lot about health and wellness over the years from other bloggers, YouTubers, nutritionists, podcasts, and books. However, I have learned a great deal for my Aunt Carla. Whenever I see her, we deep dive into new health and fitness things, we have been doing, and she knows a lot! She is extremely fit, lives a healthy lifestyle, and is a total badass (oh and did I mention a mom of 2 sets of twin boys!). I thought it would be interesting to interview her and share some of the tips she has shared with me over the years.

Q: What are the health principles you live by?

1. One’s goals deserve a plan, you cannot get there with a path. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the wrong plan because you can always adjust the plan”
2. It is a lifestyle NOT a diet
3. Eat Real Food. The more work it takes to make something the further it is from it’s natural state (ex: a lot goes into making a doughnut)

Q: How do you stay lean?

Portion control is key. A good rule for your day is don’t do more than a fistful of protein and have some sort of greens/ veggies. If I get to the end of my day and I have not had any greens I make sure I have some at dinner. When it comes to carbs, I have healthy carbs such as cauliflower rice or quinoa. *Tip: Cook and then reheat rice because it cuts down the number of carbs). Soups and bone broth are another great way to slim down because they are easy to digest and fill you up. I prefer to make my own at home; I will use Daily Harvest (subscription service that delivers smoothie, soups, etc. to your door.) All you do is add a liquid and blend/heat up).

Q: What do you eat in a day?

I skip breakfast and workout on an empty stomach. I essentially practice intermittent fasting and do not eat my first meal, which is usually a smoothie, until around noon. After my smoothie, I will have a snack a few hours later. I usually have greek yogurt and I add a spoonful of the probiotic and vital protein collagen. That holds me over to dinner, where I always have some sort of protein, vegetables/greens.

Q: What do you eat when you go out?

I don’t eat out a lot, so when I do, I like to indulge. I eat very healthy and clean while at home, going out is when I treat myself. However, when I do try and eat healthy while out, I will usually split my meal because the portions are often large, and take the other half home (Texas portions are big). Like I said, portion control is key; don’t overeat. As a family, we usually go out to eat Mexican food, where I will get ceviche if I am tryin to stay healthy.

Q: What else do you do daily to benefit your well-being?

I poop… every day. Do what you need to do to make sure you do (fiber, probiotic, water). Oh, I also drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. My go-to is lemon and ginger water to help with digestion, and it helps me from getting bored drinking plain water. I also believe getting sleep is a major key to staying healthy. I used to get up around 5 am to workout, but now I value getting my sleep, and I have noticed an overall difference in my energy throughout the day.

Q: What does your workout routine look like? Tell all the secrets to getting defined arms like you!

I move my body every day. Whether that means an intense workout or going for a walk, I get up and move! I do spin three times a week and a cross-fit style boot camp 2-3 days a week. When on vacation, I will find activities to do, such as going for a run on the beach or paddle-boarding.

Over the years, my aunt has taught me so much regarding health and fitness. Every time I see her, we share new products or tips we have been doing! Over my teenage years, my body, like most girls, has fluctuated in weight. She has always reminded me that although physical appearance makes you feel good, who you are on the inside matters the most. With that being said, I encourage you to find someone to help motivate you inside and out to be the kind of person you want to be (Sorry to get motivational on you). Find your gym buddy, someone to share new health ideas with, and someone who pushes you to be the best you.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post featuring Aunt Carla. Until next time, thanks for Hanging with Haley.