Style for Life

Episode 40 - How your mindset impacts your health (and weight)....

Our minds are super powerful. 
This podcast explores how our mindset impacts our health and sometimes also our weight.   When researching this podcast what stood out for me was  - adopting a choosing vs a cheating mindset about food - what are we choosing for our health?   Im on a constant journey of sugar reduction so this is an interesting thought as I don't need to lose weight but could improve my health in this area....  
This podcast explores a fixed vs a growth mindset and also how to 'unfix' a fixed mindset as well as some mindset shifts for better health and weight loss.  
How to 'unfix' a fixed mindset
Focus on the journey 
Incorporate ‘yet’
Pay attention to your words and thoughts
Take on challenges
6 Mindset shifts for a better health outcome (and weight loss if you want it) 
Focus on the bigger picture of overall health improvements - digestion,  stress,  emotional health, immunity,  joint health ,  cardiovascular health, less alcohol etc... 
Have a specific action plan for how you will improve your health
Ditch the perfectionist mentality - there will be hiccups and mistakes along the way but move along from these and stay on track and problem solve how to make healthy choices next time. 
Adopt a choosing VS cheating  mindset around food
Focus on what you can control – your sleep, water,  protein intake
Surround yourself with supportive people.
I enjoyed the book by Carol Dweck 'Mindset:  The New Psychology of Success'.  This is a great read in this area.  
Enjoy the podcast 
 
 

Episode 39 - Does your body image impact your children?

Such an emotive topic.
I have broken this down in this episode and given some tips on what body image is,  how to overcome negative body image and what you can do about it.  
To help your children (and yourself) its about leading by example - heres how: 
Reflect on your own relationship about your body
Encourage your child to speak about what they think, and how they feel about their bodies
Be aware of the effects of negative body talk around your children about your own body or the bodies of others. Don’t complain about body parts you are dissatisfied about with your child or anyone for that matter.  
Accept that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and celebrate body diversity. Avoid all the focus being on personal appearance and talk about the other things that make up a person
Be aware of societal ideals that promote thinness or muscularity. Encourage your child to be media savvy and  challenge the western narrows view of beauty or attractiveness.
Try to avoid labelling foods as ‘good’ or bad’ instead focus on the nourishment that food provides and encourage flexibility in eating patterns. Assigning moral value to food which can create shame and guilt. 
Avoid talking about diets, engaging in diets and never encourage your child to diet regardless of body shape or size or weight. This can promote an eating disorder.
Promote eating for nourishment and pleasure
Engage in physical activity and keep the focus on fun and enjoyment.
Enjoy and thank you so much for listening.  

Episode 38 - How to choose shorts and wear them with confidence

In this beautiful summer weather it is important to feel physically and psychologically comfortable in your clothes. 
Sometimes choosing and wearing shorts can feel confronting if your legs have been hidden over the winter. 
This episode unpacks the options, decisions and everything else about shorts that you might need to consider to get yourself into a pair this summer. 
Here are 10 things to consider when choosing the perfect pair for you: 
What is your comfort level - what can you handle and try
Fabric – do you want stiff,  stretchy,  soft or slinky?
Waisted-ness  - high, mid or low rise?
Length  - short, mid thigh or longer?
Leg width – Slim,  medium,  wide or super flared?
Pale legs  - choosing the right colour for your legs.  
Body shape - what works for you?
Choose the right shoes for shorts -flat,  chunky,  platform,  sandals or shoes.
Choose the right tops for shorts - long,  cropped,  fitted or relaxed.
Positive self talk and start by wearing them around the house and don’t compare yourself to others.
Enjoy the summer and the freedom of shorts..  
I hope this has been helpful
Steph xx
 
 

Episode 37 - Guiness world record attempt for the most number of consecutive ultra marathons - interview with Shannon-Leigh Litt ultra runner

Today I was so privileged to interview my beautiful friend Shannon-Leigh Litt who is in the middle of attempting to break the Guiness world record for the most number of consecutive ultra marathons run - this is over 51kms per day.  Today she completed ultra 382 - the current record is 200.  
Listen for some super heated inspiration from this incredible athlete and human.  
Thank you Shannon and best of luck with your amazing journey.  

Episode 36 - What are cravings and how to manage them

Int he past few weeks with the Christmas and New Year holiday some of my clients have experienced food cravings that have been interesting and challenging for them and I.   I really wanted to deep dive in to this so I could understand more about what was happening for them.  
This podcast explores what cravings really are.  The difference between emotional and actual hunger and how to recognise which is which and then 10 strategies to manage cravings which are:  
Reduce stress 
Water
Get enough sleep
Eat enough protein
Chew gum
Change the scenery
Get some exercise 
Understand if it is hunger or a craving - mental games 
Avoid extreme hunger
Plan a time to indulge or try one treat a day if you are not trying to lose weight.
Enjoy and please do feel free to reach out if you want some help with your own health or weight management.  
stephanie@brightred.co.nz
 
 
 
 

Episode 35 - Do the weight loss drugs really work?

Happy New year!
This podcast explores the weight loss drugs ont he market currenty.  There is no prejudice and its totally up to you whether you want to try them or not.  
The following areas are covered:
What are the drugs 
How do they work 
Who can get them 
How are they administered
Side effects
Benefits
What happens when you stop taking them 
 
Please note I am not a medical professional - this was just an information sharing exercise.  I  hope you found it helpful.  
 
 

Episode 34 - How to feel good in a swimsuit

Over my time as a stylist I have seen so many women who either do not swim, or cool off in water very rarely, because they do not like their bodies in a swimsuit.  Their dislike for their body or lack of confidence to get it in a swimsuit means that they miss out on this summer (or winter!) pleasure.  This podcast is about how you can feel good embracing a swimsuit and getting out there in the world and enjoying our beautiful oceans, lakes, rivers and swimming pools.  
 
Top tips for feeling good in a swimsuit are: 
Choose a style that you feel good in - try them all on and give yourself time to make a good choice 
Bring a cover up to the beach that you can throw on after you exit the water 
Prepare beforehand, waxing, tanning, nails - what ever you need to do to feel good about you
Work on your confidence - check out episode 15 for more details on how to master this!!  
Connect to your body and be thankful for what it does for you - everyone has flabbier pieces and things they don't like 
Change your internal narrative and tell yourself you are worthy and enough and that you deserve to be out there enjoying the water 
Practice self-compassion - be kind to yourself you are enough just as you are.  
 
Enjoy our Southern Hemisphere summer and embrace the water!
 
 

Episode 33 - How to stay healthy and not gain weight over the holiday season

Often the holidays and lead up hits us in December and January and we get overrun with social engagements and deadlines and our carefully curated wellness routines fly out the window.  This podcast is about how to navigate this period of time and come out of it feeling rested,  nourished and still healthy..  here are my top tips:  
 
Plan your meals in advance so you don’t go off track
Keep exercising
Know when to say no and balance the social engagements
Holidays and celebrations are about connecting not just about food and drinking
Stay hydrated
One treat a day - indulge but don’t over indulge
Get adequate rest and sleep
80:20 rule - look after yourself with all of these things 80% of the time and the other 20% relax and enjoy the break or celebrations
Connect with people who fill your cup and vice versa
Allow yourself some time to do the things you need to fill your cup 
 
Enjoy and thank you so much for listening.  

Episode 32 - How to manage and dress your changing body in pregnancy, menopause and older age.

A listener question (or 5!) this week about how to dress your body when it changes through your life.  I discussed what happens physiologically in your body in these life changes then how to dress for them. 
The three stages are: 
1. Pregnancy, childbirth and beyond 
2. Menopause 
3. Dressing an older body - specifically over the age of 75.  
Enjoy! 
 

Episode 31 - How to Age in Style

Aging is inevitable.   There are many things we can do to attempt to make this process easier and more comfortable for us.  
Tips for aging gracefully and maintaining a youthful appearance
Be kind to your skin and wear sunscreen.  
Drink plenty of water. 
Mind your diet. Eat a diet rich in plants. 
Mental health matters. .
Stay physically active.  Get moving. 
Lower your stress. .
Quit smoking and decrease alcohol consumption. 
Get enough sleep.
Establish a good routine. 
Limit caffeine.
How to stay stylish as you age
Assess your ‘fashion travalator’ to see where you are currently.
Determine the image you desire to be projecting for the stage of life that you are in. 
Set manageable ‘baby step’ goals for yourself to begin looking more current.
It takes effort to look effortless.  From monthly facials, to a nighttime skincare routine, to regularly auditing your wardrobe, to making sure they know what’s in and what’s out.  Self care.  
Explore skin care and cosmetic treatment solutions for you
Commit to your style regularly
Understand what works for your body now
Keep smiling