Bethenny Frankel, the charismatic entrepreneur and former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” is proving that age is just a number. At 54, she’s radiating vitality and confidently sharing her secrets to staying fit and healthy. Forget grueling gym sessions and restrictive diets; Bethenny’s approach is all about balance, listening to your body, and prioritizing overall well-being.
The Anti-Aging Hack: A Holistic Approach
Bethenny’s “anti-aging hack” isn’t a single, revolutionary trick. Instead, it’s a combination of simple yet effective habits that contribute to her youthful energy and appearance. These include:
- Prioritizing Sleep: Making sleep a non-negotiable part of her routine.
- Embracing Walking: Opting for daily walks over intense workouts.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, often with hydration boosters.
- Mindful Eating: Focusing on balance and moderation, not deprivation.
- Mental Wellness: Incorporating mindfulness and self-care.
Sleep: The Foundation of Youthfulness
Bethenny is a strong advocate for quality sleep, calling it a “big character in my life.” She’s “militant” about creating a sleep-conducive environment, utilizing an eye mask to block out light and a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, a common stress response.
Why is sleep so important?
- Cognitive Health: Adequate sleep supports cognitive function and mental clarity.
- Metabolism: Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism.
- Immune Function: Restorative sleep strengthens the immune system.
- Disease Prevention: Lack of sleep has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes, all of which become more common with age.
Bethenny aims for around eight hours of sleep per night, using a consistent nighttime routine to help her achieve this goal. Her routine includes:
- Using an eye mask to block out light.
- Wearing a night guard to prevent teeth grinding.
- Using mouth tape to ease jaw muscles.
- Wrapping a scented pillow around her neck.
- Using magnesium spray on her feet.
Walking: A Simple and Sustainable Fitness Routine
Unlike many celebrities who endorse intense gym workouts, Bethenny keeps her fitness routine simple: walking. She aims for 10,000 steps a day, preferably outdoors in nature. “I walk. That’s it,” she says. While she occasionally attends yoga classes, she admits that weight training “didn’t stick.”
The Benefits of Walking:
- Low Impact: Walking is gentle on the joints, making it a sustainable exercise for all ages.
- Accessibility: It requires no special equipment or gym membership.
- Mental Health Boost: Walking outdoors can improve mood and reduce stress.
- Overall Health: Regular walking supports cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Hydration: Supercharging Your Water
Staying hydrated is another cornerstone of Bethenny’s wellness routine. She drinks plenty of water and often adds hydration packets to give it an extra boost. This is particularly important for Bethenny, who manages Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition where dehydration can worsen symptoms.
Why Hydration Matters:
- Supports Bodily Functions: Water is essential for virtually every bodily function, from regulating temperature to transporting nutrients.
- Combats Dehydration: Staying hydrated helps prevent light-headedness and fatigue, especially important for those with POTS.
- Skin Health: Adequate hydration contributes to healthy, glowing skin.
Food Philosophy: Balance and Moderation
Bethenny doesn’t believe in strict diets or deprivation. Instead, she focuses on balance and mindful eating. “I eat what I want, but I don’t ever binge,” she says. This approach allows her to enjoy her favorite foods, like pizza and french fries, without feeling guilty or restricted.
Key Principles of Bethenny’s Food Philosophy:
- Mindful Eating: Paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Moderation: Enjoying all foods in reasonable portions.
- Avoiding Deprivation: Allowing yourself occasional indulgences to prevent cravings and binges.
- Listening to Your Body: Recognizing that your body’s needs may vary from day to day.
She prefers snacking and makes sure she’s eating two healthy meals daily. Some of her favorite snacks include her Skinnygirl popcorn, NuGo vegan bars, and Larabar’s peanut butter chocolate chip flavor.
Mental Wellness: Self-Care and Emotional Healing
Bethenny emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care. She practices mindfulness and meditation to manage anxiety and stress. “I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back, reflect, and let go of what doesn’t serve you,” she says.
The Benefits of Mental Wellness Practices:
- Stress Reduction: Mindfulness and meditation can help lower stress levels.
- Improved Mood: These practices can promote feelings of calm and well-being.
- Emotional Regulation: They can help you become more aware of and manage your emotions.
- Overall Health: Mental wellness is closely linked to physical health.
Bethenny acknowledges that her journey has been as much about healing her mind as it has been about transforming her body. She recognizes the importance of self-compassion and giving herself grace, acknowledging that it’s okay to have days where she isn’t perfect.
Bethenny’s Evolving Views on Exercise and Diet
Over the years, Bethenny’s approach to exercise and diet has evolved. She admits that in her 30s, she was “always on a diet” and likely heavier. Now, she prioritizes sleep and happiness over extreme exercise routines.
Key takeaways from her evolving perspective:
- Sleep over Exercise: She believes sleep is more important than aggressive exercise.
- Balance over Boot Camp: She doesn’t believe in “fear-based, torturous” workouts.
- Enjoyment over Obligation: She engages in activities she enjoys, like walking and surfing, rather than feeling obligated to hit the gym.
- Moderation over Restriction: She eats what she wants in moderation, avoiding the feeling of being “shackled and imprisoned by dieting.”
Skincare and Beauty: A Focus on Consistency and Hydration
Bethenny is also known for her radiant skin. She emphasizes the importance of a consistent skincare routine, focusing on cleansing, toning, hydration, and sun protection.
Key elements of her skincare routine:
- Cleanse: She always removes her makeup before bed.
- Tone: She uses a facial spray/toner.
- Serum: She applies a serum, such as Beautystat’s Triple-Plump Coconut Milk Serum.
- Eye Cream: She uses an under-eye cream.
- Moisturize: She applies a rich moisturizer.
- Sunscreen: She uses sunscreen daily.
She also believes in listening to her skin and adjusting her routine based on its needs.
Key Takeaways from Bethenny Frankel’s Approach
- Balance is Key: Avoid extremes and find a sustainable balance that works for you.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
- Prioritize Sleep: Make quality sleep a non-negotiable part of your routine.
- Embrace Simple Movement: Find physical activities you enjoy and incorporate them into your daily life.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues and avoid overeating.
- Focus on Mental Wellness: Prioritize self-care and emotional healing.
- Be Consistent with Skincare: Develop a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, hydration, and sun protection.
- Give Yourself Grace: Acknowledge that it’s okay to have off days and practice self-compassion.
Bethenny Frankel’s approach to fitness and wellness is a refreshing reminder that staying healthy and vibrant after 50 doesn’t require drastic measures. By prioritizing balance, listening to your body, and embracing simple yet effective habits, you can achieve your own “anti-aging hack” and live your best life.
