Style for Life

Episode 46 - How and why almost anyone can run...

Running is one of those very polarising sports that most people resist because they feel in some way inadequate.  It hurts,  they feel to slow,  they worry others will judge etc etc...  
 
Physiologically and anatomically there is no real reason why most people can't get out there and run.  There are a lot of physical and mental barriers.   Thus podcast unpacks how to get started and debunks some common myths that may hold people back.  Covered are: 
The benefits of a walk / run
Starting slow
Running technique
Benefits of building strength and flexibility
Why shoes matter
Running clothes that work for you 
How to get comfortable with sweating and puffing
Enjoy and feedback is always welcomed.  

Episode 45 - How to choose the right underwear for you..

This is a response to a listener question.  Thank you VB for the suggestion!  This podcast unpacks all the niggly questions you might have about bras,  knickers and shapewear.  
The link for the non camel toe underwear is: 
https://official-aura.com/en-nz
 

Episode 44 - How to put yourself first

So often the reasons that my clients do not put themselves first come down to guilt.  This podcast explores the concept of 'workability' and how to unpack what is holding you back and stopping you achieve the life you want whether that is around your image or health goals.
 
Have a listen to find out how you can unpack some strategies to help you in this area and reprogram your brain to allow you to put yourself to the top of the list even for 1 hour per day!! 
10 tips include: 
Set an alarm. ...
...
Prioritise your fitness. 
Spend 15 minutes doing exactly what you want. 
Eat your 5 a day. 
Practice affirmations. 
Use the good china. 
Smile at yourself in the mirror.
Be grateful
Choose to do something everyday that helps the future you
 
 

Episode 43 - One year of 'Style for Life' A bit about my history..

Its the one year anniversary of 'Style for Life'  - thank you you so much for listening to my podcast  - Im really grateful to all of you for listening to this Podcast and so many of you interacting with me. 
I have made this episode about my history,  when I came from and how I got to where I am..  
 

Episode 42 - Unpacking emotional eating and how to deal with it.

Many of my accountability coaching clients have trouble with emotional eating and fall into the trap of using food to manage 'unbearable feelings', quell boredom or just generally deal with stress.  
This episode explores some of the causes of emotional eating and some strategies for dealing with it.  
 
!3 strategies for managing emotional eating: 
Keep a food / mood dairy 
Tame your stress 
Check-in with your hunger – is it thirst or is it that you are thinking about food?  
Get support – call a friend,  join a support group,  let me help you…
Fight boredom - Instead of snacking when you're not hungry, distract yourself and substitute a healthier behaviour. 
Take away temptation – don’t  have the foods in the house that tempt you…
Don’t deprive yourself – don’t limit calories too much,  keep the balance of food right,  eat large amounts of healthy food
Snack on healthy things 
Learn from your setbacks  
Move your body
Schedule your meals
Banish distractions like TV
Positive self talk
 
Enjoy,  keep the feedback coming and let me know what you want to know more about..  

Episode 41 - All about your arms and how to love and accept them

One of the most hated parts of the female body that I hear about all the time is the upper arms.   As the summer heats up there are some ladies that are battling the heat with long sleeves and covered arms.  
We New Zealanders are notoriously bashful about our arms.  This podcast unpacks all the issues we experience around our arms and also gives some tips and tricks on how to fall back in love with your arms and actually improve them so you can gain confidence.
 
Physically what can you do to improve your arms:
 Do upper body weights
Get your arms out in the air and sun
Body weight exercises like press up and tricep dips 
Loose body fat
How to change your narrative around your arms (if you need to):
Stop and identify negative thoughts.
Challenge your negative thoughts.
Write down what you like about your body.
Wear clothes that fit you well.
Treat your body with respect.
Do activities that you enjoy or that help you relax
Wear the singlet top
Tell yourself that your arms are great
Thank you so much for listening...
 

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.