Self-Care for Fitness Professionals

 We’re in that calm space between holidays when it’s critical to stay on track with self-care and good nutrition. Fitness pros show up like champions to help clients improve their holistic health, but they often neglect their own wellness. Yes, I see you out there and I’m talking to you! 

First, the food. Now that I’ve repurposed all of my Thanksgiving leftovers, I’m ready to move on to some meals that will refresh my palate and energize me—and that are easy to prepare. Here are a few I’ve been revisiting from IDEA’s large archive of recipes. Add your own spin to these and customize them for your family’s taste. 

It doesn’t have to be a Tuesday to bite into these delicious Mediterranean Chicken Tacos for a light dinner that showcases how our friends in the Blue Zones might reimagine their food if challenged to put it on a tortilla. Or check out these Freekeh Stuffed Peppers to get more whole grains and veggies into your family’s diet. Hailing from the Middle East, freekeh (FREAK-eh) is immature green wheat roasted over fire to infuse it with nutty, smoky flavor. Think of it as the bacon of the whole-grain world! Nutritionally, it has even more protein and fiber than much-hyped quinoa, which makes this vegetarian main dish easy to enjoy. 

In search of a quick brekkie bowl that packs a great nutritional punch? Try this one for Flax Berry Overnight Oats. Long before acai bowls and matcha lattes, flax was considered an original superfood. That’s because inexpensive and nutty-tasting flaxseed has a top-tier nutritional résumé, including lofty amounts of omega-3 fat, soluble fiber and phytochemical lignans. You’ll love the convenience of waking up and having this ready to grab and go (and customize with toppings like nuts, berries, honey, maple syrup … mmm). If smoothies are more your morning jam, try this Spinach Pear Protein Smoothie to wake up that brain and chase the cobwebs away. It’s packed with beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant linked to improved brain functioning. It’s likely these antioxidants help limit the amount of oxidative damage to brain cells that can contribute to memory and other brain malfunctions. That makes this verdant smoothie a smart move to kick the day off right.  

And finally, here’s a snack idea to bridge the gap between meals or to boost post-workout recovery. These Curry-Cashew Energy Balls bundle heart-healthy fats with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that serve our hearts and bodies well. I know curry seems weird, but there’s something so right about the hint of savory it brings to balance the apricot sweetness.  

Now that you’re well fed, here are 7 self-care tips from our library of 15,000 articles to try on during the holidays and keep in your tool kit. Whether you travel the globe leading workshops, own or manage a business, or teach frequently at a local gym, taking time to recharge is essential for your productivity and happiness. You’ll have to click through to read the details, but here are the basic 7: 

1. Socialize 

2. Just say no 

3. Disconnect 

4. Turn inward 

5. Sleep and eat well 

6. Take breaks 

7. Get outside 

I’ll look forward to your feedback on these thoughts! Share your favorite go-to recipes and self-care tips with me. I’d love to hear from you.