Achieving a healthy body can be challenging, and maintaining it can be even harder. This rewarding process doesn’t have to be as tricky as we think.

We are often searching for new ways to empower ourselves to feel rejuvenated and excited about life, but this can be easier said than done.

There is a direct link between our mental and physical well-being, as one is always connected to the other. One of the most essential elements of getting a fit body is having a quiet and healthy mind and practicing self-love is the first step to attaining inner balance. Through placing your attention with intention and kindness, you can understand how to get and maintain a healthy body and mind.

Begin by Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a lifestyle. Before you begin thinking about changing your diet, think first on practicing the art of mindfulness. Our Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff books have helped millions of people to focus on what matters most to them. And, our happiness training course, You Can Be Mindful with myself and Dr. Shauna Shapiro will help you begin your practice with greater ease.

To have a strong body, you must first have a clear mind. Doing so will help on your journey to self-love as you begin to understand how to get and maintain a healthy body and mind. Begin your inner world discovery for health through meditation, focusing on the present moment with gentle and loving kindness, and letting go of what doesn’t serve you.

An essential aspect of mindfulness is living each day in the present moment. But more than that, it is taking in all the juice of life—and engaging in your feelings not pushing them aside. As you practice mindfulness, your awareness of the connection to your mind and body increases, and you’ll feel calmer. Thus, you will find yourself less prone to emotional eating that can become destructive to your intentions of getting more fit and healthy.

Choose a Meal Plan that Works for You

Consult with your Doctor and choose a diet plan that ensures you’re giving your body the nutrition it needs to thrive by eating plenty of low glycemic fruits like berries and lots of colorful vegetables and greens while limiting processed foods. I do my best to eat a balanced diet that’s not always totally restrictive but extremely balanced. At first, any new regime may be challenging, and that’s okay—just try your best to stick to a diet that works for you. As you do this, watch your portion size, and make sure you’re eating proper servings of each food group for your age and size. One of my tricks to keeping portion size down is to cut in half. I eat half of what I would eat if I didn’t have the intention of eating smaller portions. The other thing I do is eat from a smaller plate—except if I’m eating a green salad!

A crucial part of eating well is moderation. Remember that eating treats in a controlled manner prevents overindulging on cheat days. In most lifestyle eating plans you can still have a glass of wine with dinner and be healthy. My Doctor recently said more than 2-3 drinks a week is harmful to our health, so I drink wine only on the weekends. (But keep in mind, that if you’re doing what works best for you, then there is no right or wrong.) If you happen to go off the rails one day, don’t punish yourself! Tomorrow is a new day, and you can jump right back into your routine and get on track easily and gently.

Choose a Workout Routine That Works for You

I really like to change it up from day to day. Cross fit is all about combining weight training with cardio and yoga. My favorite in home classes are really motivating and energizing, but I love to get outside and hike and run or mountain bike too.

Finding a workout plan that works for you can take time, and you may have to try several different activities before you find what’s ideal. Keep in mind that whatever activity you choose, it should be something you find enjoyable.

Combined with your mindfulness practice, a structured workout plan will elevate your mood and you will be well on your way to achieving your most vibrant life. Let’s get mindful and let’s get moving!