Variety is the Spice of Life!

Okay friend, I'm curious-

Are you the type of person who thrives in routine and or are you more the type that craves variety and spontaneity? Does the opportunity to try on new things consistently make you feel alive, or does it trigger a mini panic attack? Or maybe you're like me and you fall somewhere in between depending on the situation and how much it forces you out of you comfort zone.

Let's break this down a little more. So if you follow me over on instagram, you know I'm in the process of studying for my personal trainer certification. The focus in my materials right now is the power of variation, so let's tackle the fitness aspect first because this is something that has rang very true for myself in the past.

If you've joined any sort of gym, fitness community or online workout series program, I'm sure you have a few particular workouts that feel really good for you. Perhaps it's because they are short and sweet and you can count on a good sweat in a short amount of time, or they feel familiar and safe to you on the days you feel a little less motivated. Regardless of your reasoning, it's a tried-and-true for you.

The issue we get into with this when it comes to our fitness training, is that the body adapts quite well to certain types of movement. Let's call this the muscle memory, which is a term I'm sure you've heard before. Basically, your body adapts to a new fitness barrier when you push past a previous one. You recalibrate your base level of fitness each time you improve.

In order to continue seeing results and burning fat effectively you must switch up the way in which you're applying your training methods. For example, if you continue to do the same squat, pushup, and core workout variations week to week without changing up the weight, intensity, duration, compound movements and reps, your body will adapt to that current level of fitness and that is where you will stay. If you don't keep up that amount of work as your new minimum, you will regress. What you don't use consistently you also stand to lose. This is often where clients and individuals tend to hit those performance plateaus we hear so much about. You're working out consistently the same way you always have been. You lose X amount of weight and then all of sudden are stuck. A very good likelihood is that you aren't challenging your body in a way that's busting through those adaptations.

The next form of variation I want to include is of course with our nutrition. Do you find yourself eating the same foods week to week? The same meals in the family meal rotation? I know it can be intimidating and if you're a parent- downright scary to try to add in some new meals and foods to the rotation. Trust me, as a nanny of over 10 years, I know better than most the wrath that ensues when you stick an unfamiliar food in front of an unsuspecting toddler. And sometimes even if you spend all day hyping up this new food, they still scream and gag the minute it touches their mouth... if you make it that far. I get it.

However, I'm going to tell you there is a very big reason we have seasonal fruits and vegetables. While I love my fridge staples too- by NOT mixing up the foods we're eating to include more of the items that are actually grown and harvested in season, we're actually robbing our bodies of the vitamins and nutrients needed to overcome things like stress, anxiety, seasonal depression disorder (for those of us that truly experience bouts of depression during the darker, colder months). Food can and will help you overcome these things. Most people are so focused on Macronutrients while forgetting about the power and importance of micronutrients in their ability to help with sleep, hormones and so many other bodily functions. If you're unsure of a new food, pair it with a yummy dipping sauce. This makes it tasty for you and fun for the kiddos!

Did you also know that the color of the food can help you identify which organ/part of the body it assists and repairs? It's true!

It's okay to have your favorite snacks/meals and fridge staples, just make sure that you're adding in a few new seasonal items to the rotation too! For example, right now some great things to try out are parsnips, beets, butternut squash, acorn squash, purple yams, cranberries, dates, figs, pomegranate, pears, tomatoes, zucchini, grapes, apples, persimmon, and even coconut and kiwi!

Moving on to connections and relationships, how many times have you sat and thought about wanting to try something new and adventurous with your partner, friend group, or loved ones, talked about it, and then just done what you always do because it's safe and comfortable?

Traditions are great don't get me wrong. Especially this time of year as we gear up for the holidays. AND Variety is a great way to spice up any relationship, platonic or romantic! Sharing a new experience helps you learn more about each other, challenges you to do something new and perhaps fall in love with a new skill...or just makes for a really great story! Some of my favorite memories have come as a result of launching into a new event or outing. Even if it's something I wouldn't necessarily do again, I've uncovered a different side of myself or those accompanying me. It's helped me see new strengths in myself and others and I appreciate and love them even more for it.

AND don't be afraid to put yourself out there solo-You don't NEED someone else to do it with you. Be brave. If you've had your eye on a new outing, group, event or opportunity and can't find anyone to go with you- join an online group, connect with some people who are going also and put yourself out there! That's actually how I've made some really great new friends in the past that have led to even better opportunities socially and professionally.

Variety IS the spice of life, friends. When we become so attached to routine and to the things that make us feel comfortable we rob ourselves of learning new skills, getting stronger, hitting that next level in our health and fitness, and connecting deeper in our relationships.