be the basic bitch and embrace it
- Abigail Brown
- Mar 25, 2023
- 4 min read
I don't mean your typical basic bitch, I mean a bitch that sticks to the basics because that's what works.
With my background in nutrition I have come up with some catchy categories that I always go over with my clients. There are 8 foundations that truly help with a healthy lifestyle, and yes they are basic, babes. Many people get caught up in hacks and the flashy things to lose weight or be "healthy" but lets not fall for it too easily and take a look at what you have truly been doing to form change. Let's dive into it, shall we?
Now, you don't have to do these In any specific order but what I usually tell my clients is to either choose the one that affects them the most or the one that seems doable for where they are at.
Sweat daily: this foundation is about finding ways to move your body. It's isn't about doing the most intense, trendy workout everyday. This is a powerful foundation because finding an exercise you truly enjoy doing is game changing! It is a celebration.
Stay hydrated: you heard, me drink up!! and not just high noons. This is important because our organs need it!! We simply cannot survive without water, but there are so many things you can do to stay hydrated if you are not a "water drinker". Personally, I need a lil flavor like adding lemon and I need a Coke Zero.
Sleep deep: sleep is so important and yet most own us aren't getting it. Shut down those devices, calm that mind of yours and snooze! I know... easier said then done, but if you are embarking on this journey for yourself, make sure it includes rest!
Stabilize that plate: this is balancing out your plate but I wanted everything to start with the same letter. Anyways, focus on your macronutrients and fiber. Those are the power house nutrients our body thrives on and helps us function our best. This is Carbs (YES CARBS), Fats, and Protein. I always throw fiber in there even though it isn t a macro because the average person is not reaching the recommended amount of fiber daily, and I'm sure we all like to have a properly functioning digestive system. It also helps with fullness.
Self love: It is the season to start taking care of yourself, start exploring things you enjoy, start saying no, start saying yes, and most importantly stop tearing yourself down. This also helps with another foundation of stress less.
Stress less: stress ruins a lot of things and gets in the way of a lot of things. Stress is like putting a moldy piece of fruit in a basket of perfectly good fruit. By the next day, you'll have to chuck them all. Find the things that help reduce your stress and try and do them. We weren't randomly picked to be on this planet at this exact moment to be stressed out all of the time.
Stay connected: stay connected to yourself and those you love in your life. It is so easy as an adult to lose touch with yourself and others. I promise you will feel so much better if you make that phone call you keep forgetting to make, or get brunch with your best friend you haven't seen in a year. It can be so easy to say, "i'm busy, maybe next time", what if there isn't a next time? Like I said before, we weren't put on a rock that floats in space for no reason, enjoy it. Another part of this foundation is surrounding yourself with people who align with your values, this is for social media and IRL (in real life). If you are constantly surrounding yourself with people you don't really like or people that stress you out even more, how is that benefiting you? Same with social media, most of us are glued to our phones, if we are consuming peoples content that make us feel like shit about ourselves, it becomes problematic.
Sensibility: this is the mindfulness aspect of nutrition. If you have been following me now and my approach to nutrition, I agree that all foods can fit in a healthy diet. However, it is up to you to utilize mindfulness and to make choices that feel right for you. For example, I love cheese and cheese can be a great protein addition, but do I digest it well? No. So, I try to limit it and get protein elsewhere. I don't completely stay away, but its important to stay mindful. Ask yourself questions before eating. How will this make me feel? Have I eaten enough today? Am I craving anything in particular? When was the last time I had a vegetable? Do I have anything going on that may interfere with eating? etc.
Now, obviously these are ALL EASIER SAID THEN DONE. And that is why I am a nutrition coach. (also note, that I obviously do not have it all together, don't forget we are HUMAN).It is so empowering to help people achieve these types of goals but also a reminder to myself to practice what I preach. The beautiful thing about life is that these kinds of things aren't set in stone and you can change what's not working for you. You have the tools, you get to write your own pages. Will it be easy? No. Will life throw punches? Absolutely. But remember stick to the basics. You do not have to have extravagant things to be healthy.
If you need to understand these further or need help incorporating these into your life, sign up with me! You won't regret it.
Here's a FREE worksheet I created to help you along with your intentions:
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