Bethenny Frankel, the straight-talking businesswoman and former Real Housewives of New York City star, has recently turned heads with her stunning appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway. At 54, she confidently showcased her figure in a bikini, leaving fans wondering about her diet and exercise routine. What’s her secret? It turns out, Bethenny’s approach to health and fitness is all about balance, moderation, and listening to her body. Let’s dive into the details of how she maintains her enviable physique and overall well-being.
Decoding Bethenny’s Diet Philosophy
Bethenny Frankel doesn’t believe in strict diets or deprivation. Instead, she advocates for a balanced approach to eating, allowing herself to enjoy her favorite foods in moderation. Here are some key aspects of her diet philosophy:
The 80/20 Rule
Bethenny follows the 80/20 rule, where 80% of her food choices are healthy and nutritious, while the remaining 20% are reserved for indulgences. This allows her to enjoy treats without feeling guilty or derailing her progress.
Focus on Whole Foods
She prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These foods are packed with essential nutrients and fiber, which help keep her feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Portion Control
Bethenny emphasizes the importance of portion control. She doesn’t believe in overeating or restricting herself, but rather in savoring smaller portions of her favorite foods. She once said, “You’re really tasting everything, eating nothing.”
Mindful Eating
She is a slow eater and chews her food thoroughly, allowing her to better recognize her body’s hunger and fullness cues. This practice helps her avoid overeating and promotes better digestion.
Indulge Intentionally
Bethenny picks her spots when it comes to indulging. If she knows she’s going to a place with tempting treats like doughnuts or hot dogs, she might have a lighter meal beforehand. However, she avoids skipping meals altogether, as that can lead to overeating later on.
“Tasting Everything, Eating Nothing”
Bethenny’s motto is “tasting everything, eating nothing”. She allows herself to sample a variety of foods but avoids consuming large quantities of anything. This approach helps her satisfy her cravings without derailing her health goals.
No Food Shaming
She doesn’t believe in cutting out entire food groups or feeling guilty about enjoying her favorite foods. Instead, she focuses on balancing her choices and enjoying everything in moderation. She emphasizes the importance of having a good relationship with food, where indulgence is allowed without leading to self-criticism.
Bethenny’s Exercise Routine: It’s All About Movement
While some celebrities rely on intense workouts and personal trainers, Bethenny Frankel keeps her exercise routine simple and sustainable. She focuses on incorporating movement into her daily life rather than adhering to a rigid workout schedule.
Walking: Her Go-To Activity
Bethenny swears by walking as her primary form of exercise. She aims for 10,000 steps per day, preferably outdoors in nature. Walking is a low-impact activity that’s easy on the joints and can be incorporated into almost anyone’s daily routine.
Occasional Yoga
While walking is her main focus, she occasionally incorporates yoga into her routine. Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.
Listening to Her Body
Bethenny emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and not pushing herself too hard. She does what she can, when she can, and prioritizes activities that she enjoys.
No Obsession with the Gym
She has mentioned in the past that she is “not the kind of person who loves to hit the gym for hours”. She prefers activities like walking and yoga that keep her moving without feeling like a chore.
Prioritizing Overall Well-being
In addition to diet and exercise, Bethenny Frankel places a strong emphasis on overall well-being. This includes prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated.
Sleep is Non-Negotiable
Bethenny considers sleep a “big character” in her life and is “militant” about getting good quality rest. She aims for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, using an eye mask to block out light and a night guard to prevent teeth grinding.
Hydration is Key
She makes sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This is especially important for her, as she manages POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that can cause dehydration.
Balance and Moderation
Bethenny believes in balance in all aspects of her life, not just diet and exercise. She prioritizes sleep, happiness, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Stress Management
She avoids getting “crazy” or stressed out, as she believes that negativity can have a detrimental effect on overall health. She advocates for a “zero f—s lifestyle” as you get older, focusing on what truly matters.
Bethenny’s Runway Confidence and Body Positivity
Bethenny Frankel’s recent appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway has sparked conversations about age, body image, and confidence. She has used her platform to promote body positivity and encourage women to embrace their natural beauty.
Embracing Her Natural Body
Bethenny has stated that her body is “natural” and that she has a healthy relationship with food and exercise. She acknowledges that there’s “a lot of glam, a lot of contouring and a lot of lighting” involved in runway appearances, but she also emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in your own skin.
Responding to Critics
She has responded to online trolls who have criticized her weight, face, and hair, reminding them that she’s “never been vain” and that she prefers “to stay home” without makeup in her normal life.
Encouraging Self-Acceptance
Bethenny encourages women to allow themselves to indulge without beating themselves up and to have a good relationship with food and exercise that doesn’t involve “being screamed at in a gym or beating yourself up”.
Daughter’s Reaction
Bethenny shared that her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn, had a positive reaction to her runway appearance, which was especially meaningful to her.
Key Takeaways from Bethenny Frankel’s Routine
- Balance is Key: Bethenny’s approach emphasizes balance in diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle.
- Moderation, Not Deprivation: She allows herself to enjoy her favorite foods in moderation without feeling guilty.
- Listen to Your Body: She prioritizes listening to her body’s needs and not pushing herself too hard.
- Movement Over Intense Workouts: She focuses on incorporating movement into her daily life through activities like walking and yoga.
- Prioritize Sleep: She considers sleep a non-negotiable aspect of her well-being.
- Embrace Body Positivity: She promotes self-acceptance and encourages women to embrace their natural beauty.
- Sustainable Habits: Her focus is on creating sustainable habits that can be maintained long-term, rather than quick-fix solutions.
- Mental Health Matters: She underscores the importance of mental well-being, advocating for a balanced and stress-free lifestyle.
- Hydration is essential: She highlights the importance of drinking plenty of water, especially for those managing conditions like POTS.
Bethenny’s Wisdom: Quotes and Insights
- “Sleep is a big character in my life.”
- “I walk. That’s it. I tried weights once—it didn’t stick.”
- “You’re really tasting everything, eating nothing.”
- “I believe in balance. I believe in sleep, I believe in living, I believe in French fries, I believe in alcohol, and I believe in not being crazy.”
- “It’s healthier to just be healthy.”
By following Bethenny Frankel’s advice, you can create a sustainable and enjoyable approach to health and fitness that works for you. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about finding a balance that allows you to feel your best, both inside and out.
