Bethenny Frankel, the dynamic entrepreneur and former Real Housewife of New York, has always been admired for her sharp wit and business acumen, but also for her enviable figure. In a world saturated with complicated workout routines and restrictive diets, Bethenny reveals a surprisingly relatable approach to staying healthy that focuses on balance, listening to your body, and embracing a sustainable lifestyle. So, what’s her secret? It’s simpler than you might think, and it’s something almost anyone can incorporate into their daily life.
The Anti-Diet Approach: Balance and Moderation
Bethenny is a vocal critic of extreme dieting and believes in a balanced approach to food. Instead of restricting herself, she practices moderation and mindful eating.
- Tasting Everything, Eating Nothing: Bethenny emphasizes the importance of savoring food without overindulging. She allows herself to taste everything but focuses on portion control, ensuring she doesn’t eat to the point of feeling full .
- Picking Your Spots: She strategically plans her indulgences. If she knows she’ll be eating something less healthy, like doughnuts or hotdogs, she’ll adjust her meals earlier in the day accordingly . She won’t skip meals entirely, as that can lead to overeating later .
- No Binging: A key principle for Bethenny is avoiding binging. She eats slowly, chews her food thoroughly, and stops eating before she feels completely full. She dislikes the feeling of being overly full, which helps her maintain portion control .
- Balance, Not Deprivation: Bethenny openly admits she enjoys things like French fries and alcohol. Her philosophy is about incorporating these things into her life in moderation rather than completely cutting them out .
- Listening to Her Body: Bethenny stresses the importance of listening to your body and not adhering to rigid rules. She acknowledges that sometimes she does eat until she’s full, but it’s not a regular occurrence .
This approach aligns with her book, “Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting,” which promotes a lifestyle change rather than a restrictive diet . The core principle is to develop a healthy relationship with food, where no foods are off-limits, but portion sizes and overall balance are key .
Walking: The Core of Her Fitness Routine
While many celebrities tout grueling gym sessions and intense workout regimens, Bethenny’s primary form of exercise is surprisingly simple: walking .
- 10,000 Steps a Day: Bethenny aims to walk 10,000 steps each day, ideally outdoors in nature . She finds that hitting this mark helps her sleep better .
- Walking After 50: Studies have shown that walking is particularly beneficial after 50. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults who walked at least 8,000 steps per day had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who walked fewer steps .
- Occasional Yoga: While walking is her consistent go-to, Bethenny occasionally incorporates yoga into her routine. She has even released yoga workout DVDs .
- No Weights or Gyms: Bethenny doesn’t focus on weightlifting or spending hours in the gym. She prefers a more natural approach to exercise, focusing on activities she enjoys .
- Staying Active: Besides walking, Bethenny stays active by doing activities she enjoys, such as snowboarding or surfing when she has the opportunity .
Prioritizing Sleep and Overall Well-being
For Bethenny, staying healthy isn’t just about diet and exercise; it’s also about prioritizing sleep and overall well-being .
- Sleep First: Bethenny emphasizes that sleep is her number one priority. She aims for 7-9 hours of sleep per night .
- Nighttime Routine: She has a detailed nighttime routine to help her relax and improve her sleep quality. This includes using an eye mask to block out light, wearing a night guard and mouth tape to prevent teeth grinding, and using a scented pillow and magnesium spray .
- Happiness Matters: Being happy is another top priority for Bethenny. She believes that a positive mindset and overall well-being are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle .
- Managing POTS: Bethenny manages Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects blood flow. She stays hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks to help manage her symptoms .
The “Zero F*cks” Lifestyle
Bethenny has, on occasion, described her approach to wellness as a “zero f*cks” lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of not getting too caught up in extreme dieting or exercise regimes .
- Avoiding Extremes: She believes that the more extreme you are with your diet and exercise, the worse it is for you in the long run .
- Living Life: Bethenny’s philosophy is about enjoying life and not feeling shackled by strict rules or obligations when it comes to food and exercise .
- Balance and Enjoyment: She encourages people to find a balance that works for them and to enjoy the process of staying healthy rather than feeling stressed or deprived .
Bethenny’s Diet: A Closer Look
While Bethenny doesn’t adhere to a strict diet, she generally favors healthy, whole foods .
- Focus on Vegetables: Her plan is heavy on vegetables, with the addition of whole grains and lean protein .
- Organic and Local: She recommends eating organic, locally grown vegetables, as well as whole grains, chicken, and beef .
- Hydration: She incorporates hydration packets into her water and experiments with different water flavorings .
Her Workout History
While Bethenny’s current routine focuses on walking, she has explored other forms of exercise in the past .
- Yoga DVDs: She has released several yoga workout DVDs, including “Body by Bethenny” and “Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout,” which feature yoga routines and strength-training segments .
- Yoga with Kristin McGee: In “Body by Bethenny,” she works out with yoga instructor Kristin McGee, offering a 40-minute yoga program for toning and flexibility .
- Skinnygirl Workout: “Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout” includes three quick yoga segments designed for busy schedules .
The Message? Consistency and Sustainability
Bethenny Frankel’s approach to health is refreshing because it’s attainable and sustainable. She prioritizes consistency and listening to her body over following strict rules or intense workout routines .
- Sustainable Habits: Her emphasis on sleep, walking, and hydration are all sustainable habits that can be incorporated into anyone’s lifestyle .
- Listening to Your Body: She encourages people to listen to their bodies and focus on what truly makes them feel good .
- Graceful Aging: Her approach demonstrates that aging gracefully doesn’t mean slowing down, but rather listening more closely to your body and giving it what it needs .
Bethenny’s message is clear: Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By focusing on balance, moderation, and listening to your body, you can achieve a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
