Great hair, beautiful nails, well-done makeup, and a cute outfit are what typically pops into our head when we think “glow up”. But it’s not the most important thing you’ll need to glow up.
The base of every glow up requires one thing: good health.
The first step to achieving a glow up is taking care of your fitness and nutrition.
It is the absolute highest impact glow up activity you can do. Good health radiates to every other part of your glow up.
Let’s face it (no pun intended)
Society makes snap judgements about people based on their appearance.
The highest impact factor to your overall appearance is your body composition.
We know…body positivity, acceptance at any size, and on and on and on.
Don’t get us wrong. We love that. If that’s your thing, then stick with it. However, many women who glow up find that getting to a healthy weight and having proper nutrition not only makes them feel good, but is also the thing that others notice most.
We’re not saying you need to get skinny or ditch body positivity. We’re just saying a healthy weight that would be recommended by your physician is a good goal if you’re not already there.
So if you want more positive attention and for people to treat you better, a healthy weight is the bare minimum.
The two best ways to get to a healthy weight are eating healthy and exercising. And even if you’re there already, they’re the two most important aspects to feeling your best.
So fill your water bottle, hit the gym, and follow it up with a tasty protein shake. Your future self will thank you.
The Best Way to Get a Health Glow Up
Hydration
Start by making sure you are properly hydrated. Drinking enough clean, filtered water throughout the day can help improve your skin’s appearance, keep you feeling energized, and aid in weight loss. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
If you struggle with staying hydrated, try using a water tracking app on your phone. This can help remind you to drink water throughout the day and track your progress.
Nutrition
If you want the shortest, easiest to follow summary of how to eat, here it is:
Eat food, not too much, mostly plants
Follow that maxim the rest of your life and we’d bet that you’ll look like a 93 year old with a glow up.
Things to avoid
While it’s important to focus on providing your body with the right nutrients, it’s also important to limit or avoid things that can be harmful. This includes:
● Smoking
● Excessive alcohol consumption
● Processed foods
● Sugary drinks and snacks
Fitness
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is crucial for overall health and achieving a glow up. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight and make you look fit, but it also improves your mood, boosts energy levels, and can even improve your skin’s appearance.
As general advice, don’t ramp up fitness too fast or it may cause injury. It’s also one of those things you may want to check with a physician before diving into.
It’s recommended that you balance your workouts with a mix of cardio, strength, and mobility and flexibility. Ultimately, it’s what you’ll stick with that will be the best choice for you.
If you haven’t exercised in a long long time, we’d recommend rotating days between walking and light strength training with rest days added when needed.
Cardio
Cardiovascular exercise gets your heart pumping and helps burn calories. Some great forms of cardio include running, cycling, swimming, and dancing.
Strength training
Strength training is important for building muscle mass and improving overall strength. This can include using weights or bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups.
Work on good form and intensity. Going through the motions of an exercise won’t get you the same results as someone who is putting in “perfect practice”. Squeeze. Focus. Balance. Hold. Think about the angles your body is at. Actually engage the muscles you’re working.
Mobility and flexibility
Many people underlook the importance of mobility and flexibility! These exercises can help improve your range of motion, prevent injuries, and improve posture.
Yoga and Pilates are great options for incorporating these types of movements into your fitness routine.
Find what works for you
The key to sticking with a fitness routine is finding activities that you enjoy. Try different types of exercise until you find something that feels fun.
Consistency is key, and having something you enjoy makes it easier to be consistent.
In a nutshell
So if you want to know how to not fail at a glow up: Don’t forget about your long-term health
- Eat food, not too much, mostly plants
- Combine a mix of cardio, strength, and mobility
- Hydrate
- Find what works for you
