Twenty Questions on Healthy Living

Hey guys! Hope you all had a super weekend and to my fellow Londoners, hope you are making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend. Between a delicious breakfast date at fellow blogger Deliciously Ella’s Mae Deli, attending the Be:Fit London Women’s Health & Festival, and a couple of nights out with friends, I’ve certainly been enjoying mine.  

It blows my mind to think that I’ve been blogging for over 6 years.  As I was going through my archives last week, I came across this Twenty Questions on Healthy Living post from way back in December 2012.  Especially since my eating habits, workout style and life in general has changed quite a bit since then, I though it’d be fun to redo it:

1) What did you eat for breakfast?

Wholemeal toast topped with crunchy peanut butter & blueberrries- consider this the grown-up equivalent to a PB & J 😉.

2) How much water do you drink each day?

3 litres at the very least.  If you struggle to hit your daily water quota, my two biggest tips include sipping on herbal tea during the day and to keep a water tumbler cup beside you at all times- especially with the latter, you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to guzzle water.  

3) What is your current favorite workout?

Lifting weights.  I always used to associate an endorphin high with running, but there’s something incredible about seeing your body get stronger and be able to lift weights that previously felt too heavy.

4) How many calories do you eat each day?

While I do think calorie counting can be a helpful tool for people trying to get their portions in check, I stopped tracking my intake a while ago…and you can read about my reasons for doing so here: Why I stopped counting calories and tracking macros.

5) What are your favorite healthy snacks?

• Greek yogurt & berries
• Cottage cheese on rice cakes
• Apple slices with almond (or peanut) butter
• Dark chocolate &  almonds
• Cheese & bran crackers
• Hummus with carrot/cucumber discs

6) What do you usually eat for lunch?

For the past week, my go-to lunch when I’ve been at home has been fresh vegetable soup with feta & rice cakes topped with hummus & turkey breast slices.

7) What is your favorite body part to train?

Legs, particularly my glutes!

8) What is your least favorite body part to train?

Lately I’ve just not been feeling chest workouts at all. 

9) What are your “bad” food cravings?

3.5 years later and my answer is almost identical: I’m a huge believer of the whole “Everything in moderation” mantra so the term ‘bad food’ makes me cringe.  But for the sake of this question, I will have to go with dessert, especially ice cream.

10) Do you take vitamins or supplements?

A daily multivitamin to make sure I’m covering my bases.  Although I tend to rely on whole foods for my protein intake, I do drink the occasional protein shake in a pinch.   

11) How often do you eat out?

In Mumbai I try to cap it to twice, or at the most thrice, a week.  In London, I seem to be eating out at least once a day. 

12.   Do you eat fast food?

Not regularly but Lord knows I love me a Shake Shack….and Chipotle duh!

13) Who is your biggest supporter?

My mom is still my #1 cheerleader :).

14) Do you have a gym membership?

Fortunately I have a gym in my building in London so no membership needed.  I have 2 gym memberships in Mumbai – don’t ask why!   

15) How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

Ideally 7-8 hours…anything more tends to leave me feeling groggy.

16) Do you have a “cheat” day?

Nope, I prefer to satisfy my cravings as they come rather than devote a single day each week to eating everything in sight.  However my eats tend to be more indulgent over the weekend as that’s usually when I eat out the most.

17) Do you drink alcohol?

I do, and my go-to drink is usually vodka with soda + lots of lime juice.

18) Do you have a workout buddy?

Does my personal trainer count?

19) What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle? 

I know many people tend to associate a healthy lifestyle with aesthetics and while looking better is certainly a benefit, I personally think the shift in mindset trumps all. As I progress in my journey towards better health, I feel happier, more confident, and more fulfilled than the ever before…and if you ask me, that’s enough to keep me motivated. 

20) What was the last healthy thing you did? 

I just did an online shop at Zara- nothing like some good ol’ retail therapy. Hashtag mental health. 

Do you have a “cheat” day?

 What do you usually eat for lunch?

 What was the last healthy thing you did?