Healthy Tips for Busy Midlife Women

This past week on my radio show Phenomenal 50’s, I had the privilege of interviewing my friend and fellow mastermind colleague, Darla Andrews. She and her husband Todd own Total Body Health Center in Placentia, CA. While Darla’s focus is primarily fitness, TBHC also offers chiropractic, nutrition, and massage services. Check out a part of our interview!

Darla, as a personal trainer in midlife and who also has a majority of clients in midlife, what are some words of wisdom that you offer your clients?

As a woman in midlife, mom of five, and a business owner, I know what it means to be busy and I know how hard it can be to find the time to take care of yourself. I make sure that my clients understand that taking care of yourself is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you’re giving 24/7 and not taking time to give to yourself you will not be good for anyone else. Exercising and eating right not only help you “look better” but will improve your focus and mood, increase your energy, decrease stress and can help prevent disease, which are all very important factors for women in midlife.

When it comes to reaching our fitness goals, it’s important to focus on more than just the number on the scale. I encourage my clients to set goals for themselves that have nothing to do with how they look or how much they weigh. I tell them to think of something they might want to do or accomplish such as running a 5k, doing a mud run, going on a hiking or ski trip, or just having the energy to keep up with their kids or grandkids. When you focus on accomplishing one of those goals, losing the weight will follow.

You are 51, have five kids, AND you’re a business owner. How are you able to stay healthy and fit when you’re so busy? And what kind of tips can you offer other busy women?

I set my alarm for 4:45am and get my workout done first thing in the morning before anyone else is up. I know us moms can feel guilty about doing things for ourselves, but by working around my family’s schedule I am able to get my workouts in. You can also involve the family. Get out with your kids and walk or ride bikes. Exercise doesn’t have to take place in a gym. If your kids play sports, wear your workout clothes and walk/run around the park or gym while they’re at practice. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. When you’re busy like me, you have to figure out creative ways to fit in exercise.

As far as nutrition, we do eat at home a lot so planning and prepping ahead is key. Stock your kitchen with healthy foods and cook ahead on the weekend or any day that works for you. Make a few days worth of healthy foods (grill some chicken to toss in salads, hard boil some eggs, have your fruits and veggies cut up and ready to go).

There are also days when I just don’t have time to get dinner on the table. Plan ahead and think of healthy restaurant choices before you go. Order food grilled, veggies steamed, etc. Most restaurants will prepare your food how you ask for it.

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes busy women make is forgetting to eat or going too long between meals because they’re busy running around. Pack healthy snacks (include protein) so you’re not stuck without food. You can even set an alarm to remind you that it’s time to eat. After awhile you won’t need an alarm – your stomach will remind you!

Want more of Darla’s great tips?
You can sign up for FREE Fitness and Nutrition Tips on her website
www.dandrewsfitness.com

Connect with Darla on Facebook and Instagram too:
Facebook: D Andrews Fitness
Instagram: d_andrewsfitness

Wishing you joyful health in your 50’s,
Kim