This post is sponsored by my friends at NOW Foods. It’s one of my favorite places to shop for pantry essentials, supplements, pet care, and natural beauty. You can use my code FITNESSISTA for 20% sitewide here.

Hi friends! I hope you’re enjoying the morning so far! I’m popping in with an old-school style Day in the Life type post. There were quite a few requests for more posts like this in the annual survey (thank you for your help with this!), so here we go!

Morning

6:45am. My alarm goes off. If I have to take the kids to school, I have to wake up 15 minutes earlier to get dressed, but since the Pilot is doing drop-off, I get an extra 15 minutes. Bless it. I hadn’t worn my Oura ring for a while, so I had to reset it to factory settings, and I was excited to see my sleep and readiness score for the day.

I wake up the kids, head downstairs, and pack up lunches, backpacks, snacks, and sweaters. I make them oatmeal with peanut butter and berries for the road, they head off to school, and I get ready for a workout. While I’m getting dressed, I chug a giant green juice, eat a banana, and half a bar.

I also drink some ginger tea:

8:15 A challenging and fun pure barre Define class. This is a newer class option and it’s all strength-based. I love the mix of barre and traditional strength training moves.

9:30 back home and having the rest of my breakfast: two scrambled eggs and a smoothie with avocado, pumpkin seeds, frozen zucchini, cocoa powder, dates, protein powder, and almond milk.

I have my morning supplements (loving this Omega-3, NAC, quercetin + zinc, and elderberry for this time of year), and eat at my computer while answering emails and publish a reel to IG.

10:30 Kristi is here to shoot blog content photos, which explains why some of the photos in this post are professional/gorgeous and others are quick real-life on the fly ? We shoot about once a month and it makes a huge difference to have blog photos ready to go for upcoming posts.

11:30 We finish photos for 5 blog posts (!), and I take Maisey for a walk around the neighborhood.

Afternoon

12:00 Lunch! A salad with tuna, chopped veggies (bell pepper, radish, beets, cucumber), different types of lettuce, quinoa (pre-cooked during meal prep and waiting in the fridge) and a tahini vinaigrette. I’ve been trying to take a *real* lunch break lately (instead of only eating at the computer), so I’ll eat outside, listen to a podcast or watch an episode of Friends. I sit at the dining room table and listen to an audiobook while I eat for 15 minutes.

12:15-2:30 Work blitz. I write two blog posts and edit an upcoming podcast episode, while sipping on green tea and I snack on some chocolate. I start the podcast episode for post-production uploading (to remove any excess sounds and stabilize the volume) and take a pause on work stuff while it’s back to mom mode. Before I leave for pickup, I do 7 minutes on the PEMF mat with a short meditation.

3:00 The kids are out of school. We head home, start homework, I make them a snack plate, and get Liv ready for dance.

Evening

5:15 After dropping Liv at dance, P and I finish her homework while I prep dinner: chopped chicken salad. This is one of my favorite ones to make it advance so it’s ready to go for the evening! I use rotisserie chicken, steamed edamame, rice noodles, and I’ll add coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, bell peppers, cilantro, peanuts, and make a peanut dressing with Tamari, peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and olive oil. I cover the salad and put it in the fridge, and keep the dressing separate in a jar until it’s ready to use.

6:15 P and I take a short bike ride/walk around the neighborhood and the Pilot comes to home to high-five me and take over. I pack up some salad to take with me in the car. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than waiting until 8:30 to eat.. and thankfully it’s only one night each week.

7pm Choir practice! I look forward to this all week. We’re currently doing Verdi’s Requiem (it’s a LOT, but breathtakingly amazing) and it sets my soul free.

8:30pm I’m back at home. The Pilot has cleaned up the kitchen after dinner, and I make the kids’ lunches and snacks, set out their clothes for the next day, and do a quick cleaning blitz before bed (laundry and wipe down counters). While I’m doing this, P is getting ready for bed, and the Pilot and Liv are doing homework together.

9pm I read a book with P and hang out with her until she falls asleep, while the Pilot finishes homework with Liv downstairs.

After P is asleep, I finish cleaning up for the day, upload my podcast episode and schedule my blog post, and get ready for bed while Liv gets ready for bed.

10:15 I read for a little while, do my evening eye mask, and take magnesium before crashing out!

10:40 Lights out and ready to do it all over again ?

What I liked about this particular day: 

I loved all of the different colored veggies I had this particular day! I feel like it was produce-heavy, and I felt energized and satisfied all day. I also loved that I was able to get in a couple of short walks in between work to shake out my legs and get fresh air. Also, it included chocolate and choir, which are two things that make me happy. I hit my protein goal with the protein powder, tuna, chicken, and edamame. Even though it was a busy day and I could have stayed up later reading or unwinding, I’m glad I stuck to my bedtime routine so I’d be rested for the next day.

What I would do differently:

I would say I’d make it less of a scramble, but that’s just where we are right now. I just try to look for moments of peace and stillness where I can take it, and even though the nightly eye mask is a pain, it forces me to take at least 10 minutes to stop and breathe. ?

So, tell me, friends: what’s something that you make time to do each day? Any strategies that help you during this busy season?

xo

Gina

Thank you so much to NOW Foods for sponsoring this post. I’m so thrilled to continue to partner with them, and have been a huge fan of their products for years. You can check out their product line here and use FITNESSISTA for 20% off sitewide. We use and love their supplements, pet care, skincare/beauty, pantry staples, and essential oils. 

The post A full day, from start to finish appeared first on The Fitnessista.

A Complete Day, From Dawn till Dusk: Unveiling the Secrets of Optimal Health and Fitness

Starting Your Day Right

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. A nutritious morning meal kickstarts your metabolism, provides essential energy, and sets the tone for the rest of your day.

The Power of Movement

Physical activity is an integral part of maintaining optimal health and fitness. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine not only helps you stay in shape but also boosts your mood, improves sleep quality, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Morning Workout

Starting your day with a workout can provide numerous benefits. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a full-on gym workout, getting your body moving in the morning helps jumpstart your metabolism, increases focus and productivity throughout the day, and enhances overall well-being.

Stay Active Throughout the Day

A sedentary lifestyle can have detrimental effects on your health. Make it a point to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take short breaks to stretch or walk around if you have a desk job. Use stairs instead of elevators, and try to engage in activities that get your heart rate up, such as dancing or playing a sport.

Fueling Your Body

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining optimal health and fitness. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support bodily functions and promote overall well-being.

Breakfast: The Foundation

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that includes a mix of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Opt for options like eggs, whole-grain toast, Greek yogurt, or a fruit smoothie. This will provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full throughout the morning.

Smart Snacking

Avoid mindless snacking on unhealthy foods and instead opt for nutritious options. Keep a stash of nuts, seeds, or fresh fruits and vegetables to munch on during the day. These snacks provide essential nutrients and help curb cravings.

Lunch and Dinner: Balanced Meals

Focus on incorporating lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your lunch and dinner meals. These food groups provide essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat meals.

Mindfulness and Mental Well-being

Optimal health and fitness encompass not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional well-being. Practicing mindfulness techniques and prioritizing mental health can significantly contribute to overall wellness.

The Power of Meditation

Take a few minutes each day to practice meditation or deep breathing exercises. These practices help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calmness and clarity.

Quality Sleep

A good night’s sleep is crucial for optimal health and fitness. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid electronic devices before bed, and ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Stress Management

Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or participating in activities that bring you joy. Chronic stress can negatively impact both physical and mental health, so it’s important to find effective coping mechanisms.

Wrap Up Your Day

As the day comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on your achievements and areas of improvement. Celebrate small victories and set goals for the next day. Remember, optimal health and fitness are lifelong journeys, and each day is an opportunity to make positive choices.

Conclusion

Achieving and maintaining optimal health and fitness requires a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of your life. By starting your day right, staying physically active, fueling your body with nutritious foods, prioritizing mental well-being, and ending your day on a positive note, you can unlock the secrets to a healthier and more fulfilling life.