We all want the “yoga butt.”

My parents dealt with heart problems when I was a teenager. One of the pangs of being the baby of the family, I suppose. This was bittersweet: I was forced to learn about sodium, nutrition, and heart health pretty early on. Thus, to my benefit really, fast food became the enemy and garlic and olive oil were added to most every meal. While my friends were becoming regulars at the local Taco Bell drive-thru, I was stuffing my face with grilled chicken.

If only I had became a health nut when it was cool.

Now, before I make myself out to be some prophetic gourmet, bear in mind that I ate a whole sleeve of Thin Mints for dinner last week. I’m certainly no Victoria’s Secret Angel but I do believe in the powers of consistent diet and exercise for good health and longevity.

Here are some things I keep in mind, between the thin mints and the low sugar, low carb, low fun granola bars:

• Buy off-brand workout clothes. TJ Maxx yoga pants are literally a quarter of the price of Lu Lu Lemon’s and still hug your legs with love. Go with the underdog.
• Walking is effective. Don’t underestimate it. My mother walks on the treadmill for 40 minutes every day and gets fabulous reports from the doctor all the time. Plus, you can easily turn this into a social occasion if you have a friend or co-worker who’s willing to join you.
• Eat clean. Your insides will thank you and your waistline will begin to show its appreciation. I know I always feel better and more energized after subbing avocado for croutons, or Greek yogurt for mayo/sour cream.
• Know the difference between aerobics and toning. “Michelle Obama arm” is not born from merely running on the treadmill, unfortunately. In my mind, aerobics is good for your health and maintaining weight, while toning gives you the sculpted body we all Pinterest about.
• Be patient with yourself. It takes months to lose weight and tone up at a healthy rate. Do it right and it will last longer.
• Do it for your health. The grandma/grandpa version of yourself will thank you for dealing with the agony of waking up early for the gym and skipping that gallon of ice cream for the 3^rd day in a row.

And to end in true “realadult” fashion, I’ll add my caveat about moderation: From time to time, eat that burger, have a Bud Heavy, and succumb to the waiter’s relentless dessert offer.

Cheers!

K