Back to basics: Striving toward a healthier, more fashionable you

Fashion and fitness are increasingly going hand in hand. Fitness entails not just the physical but also the mental, as our physical welfare affects our state of mind. It is easy to combine fashion and fitness. Start by making a difference in your kitchen as well as your daily routine.

At the end of the day, we all strive toward a healthier body, a better “me.” We all aspire and work hard to improve ourselves, inside and outside. That entails a lot of determination, discipline and a complete drastic change of lifestyle. It’s a total different mindset that we’re talking about here, because what’s the sense in spending an outrageous amount of money on materialistic things when what we actually need to start with is fixing and molding our core?

Experts tell us to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes, or three times a week for an hour each if we are able. You could start by walking more, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or swimming or jogging on a fixed day of the week. There are many physical sports to choose from, so there will always be something that appeals to you. You will feel better after taking just the first step.

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which interact with the receptors in your brain to reduce your perception of pain and trigger a feeling of happiness. Motivation gets you started, but habit keeps you going.

If you want to see a difference, you have to change your eating habits. Avoid refined sugars and bad fats such as saturated fats. Set up a weekly calendar with specific, tailored meal plans and scheduled timings (you can consult a nutritionist if you are unsure or need help). Keep these Instagram posts in mind if you seek food inspiration.

However, give yourself one cheat day or meal per week to indulge in forbidden things, or go easy on yourself on weekends. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for a paleo or vegan dessert. If you have the willpower, opt for a fulltime paleo diet, which is based on foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans, consisting mainly of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, and excluding dairy or cereal products and processed food.

After all is said and done, remember that beauty comes from within.