People often ask me how it’s possible to stay so lean and continue to improve my fitness level while living in this beautiful Paradise known as the “Florida Keys” everyday.

Many of us want to begin living a healthier lifestyle, but that whole “getting started thing” can be so difficult!

Beginnings! Here are a few simple steps that I took at the start of my journey that helped me get on track and stay there. There’s no better time than now to take that first step!

It’s like living on vacation everyday. which makes it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Well is it really harder?

For us locals to be able to enjoy this paradise and maintin a healthy lifestyle, we need to be more aware not just to enjoying the natural beauty which surrounds us, but to take care of our body.

For those of us who travel down and stay for 3-6 months and want to keep a healthier, fit lifestyle, or even those of us who just visit and want to have fun while staying fit and energized…

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES…

Simple choices like what we put in our body and what we do on a daily basis.

CHOICES:

1. Remove all junk food from your house. For me, this was KEY. Now this can be pretty difficult if you live with others that are not interested in making the same improvements. The best thing you can do is talk to them about the change you are trying to make and ask for their support. This doesn’t mean they need to get rid of their own food, but hopefully they will see how much this means to you and help keep you on track if they see you going for something you shouldn’t be eating. And how amazing would it be if they slowly started adapting some of the healthier habits you are working so hard to create? Lead by example!
2. Choosing the right meals at restaurants. Go with the mindset that when you get there you will try the right choices. Lighter options, Smaller Portions, Vegan Options and less fried foods are all good ways to curb the effect of eating out.
3. Choose to go: on land for a walk, bike, run, 30 min exercise routine, on the water fishing, snorkeling, for instance, in the Keys we have the option of taking amazing classes like Paddleboard fitness or yoga. Enjoying a workout while enjoying the water and sunset at the same time…
4. Be patient! If you are looking for quick results, stop looking. They don’t exist. No pill or potion or drink will ever get you long lasting results. The only thing that will is consistent healthy diet and exercise, and even then it takes weeks, if not months! It took me about 6-8 weeks to start noticing a difference in my body when I first started, and a bit longer for others to start noticing the difference. The ONLY way you will not see results is if you give up, and remember, the time is going to pass anyways so you might as well give it your all and make the most out of your time.
5. Follow a plan or set a routine. When I first decided I would totally commit myself, I drafted a meal plan and workout plan to follow. You can’t expect to start out on a new journey and have it all fall right into place – you need to set yourself up for success. Having a plan to follow will remove any uncertainty of “what do I do next?”

Remember that this is a lifestyle change. It’s normal to be anxious for results, and even a bit impatient at times, but as long as you fully commit to eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis, the results will come, your health will improve and you will feel amazing! Especially when you see all your hard work paying off.

The beauty of living here in the Keys is that we have choices to stay active, to do amazing outdoor activities year round, all while enjoying life at the same time.