In this episode, Lou hosts a Q&A where she discusses various topics related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and race taper weeks. She shared tips on how to navigate celebrations without feeling overwhelmed, including focusing on high-protein foods, making conscious decisions, and enjoying indulgences in moderation. Additionally, Lou gives advice on handling hangovers and staying on track with fitness goals during festive periods. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Focus on high protein foods and nutritious options 80% of the time, allowing for indulgences 20% of the time.

• Choose treats you truly enjoy, savor them, and don't feel pressured to overindulge just because it's a special occasion.

• Stick to your usual routine as much as possible, even during celebrations, to ensure consistency and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Incorporate movement and exercise into your celebrations, whether it's dancing, challenges, or specific activities like a winery run.

• Implement strategies like hydration, choosing drinks wisely, and pretending nothing happened to navigate hangovers effectively.

BEST MOMENTS

"The better you can make yourself feel, the more likely you are to do things that are going to also make you feel even better."

"You don't need to feel full all the time, believe it or not."

"It's your birthday. It's OK to not be so drunk that you can't see."

"Pretend nothing happened and settle into your day exactly the same as you usually would."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineer
lou@theexerciseengineer.com

HOST BIO

Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness.

Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset.