For former The Real Housewives of Orange County star Lydia McLaughlin, fitness and wellness are the cornerstones of her lifestyle, and she happily shares all her favorite tips and tricks with fans and social media followers. McLaughlin, 42, posted pictures and video of herself posing in a variety of different workout outfits, including one of her on the court in a black tennis dress. “I’m so excited to share my health journey with you! 💪🏼 #newyearnewme,” she captioned the post. Here’s how McLaughlin stays fit, happy, and healthy.
McLaughlin tries to live an overall healthy lifestyle instead of going on fad diets. “I believe everyone is created beautiful and we are all unique. For me, staying fit and eating healthy is a lifestyle choice. It gives my confidence and makes me feel the best in my skin,” she writes on her website. I am not a fan of any ‘fad diet’ but am a big believer in a lifestyle of health. My diet is my lifestyle. It’s not like I’m on a diet and once I reach a goal weight I will eat junk again. I don’t crave junk food because my body isn’t used to it and it will honestly give me a tummy ache. I eat “real” dessert and never deprive myself, but I have a healthy lifestyle. I make smart choices and have a good relationship with food.”
McLaughlin is not interested in overdoing it with cardio, instead mixing up her workouts with a focus on building muscle. “I spend most of my time working out at Bootcamp, Pilates, boxing. I feel bad for the girls on the treadmill for hours on end. Cardio is important but shouldn’t be 90% of your workout. Should be more like 30-40%,” she wrote on her website.
McLaughlin schedules all her workouts on Sunday so she is motivated for the week. “Show up. Even if you don’t feel like it. Consistency is king,” she captioned an Instagram post. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins and give yourself grace. You are unique and beautiful, and working out is a way of life to make you strong, not to fit into a certain size.”
McLaughlin recommends working out with a friend and/or partner to make exercise more enjoyable. “Workout with a friend!” she says. “Have a workout buddy not only gives ya accountability but keeps it’s fun 👯♀️. Set yourself up for success and do workouts that are fun for you. I love to keep my workouts moving and I enjoy workout classes, so sign myself up for those types of workout.”
McLaughlin believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness. “You aren’t going to get to your goal weight or size and be done with working out,” she wrote on her website. “You train because your body is a gift and it is your responsibility to take care of it. I love to exercise and view my body as strong and beautiful. If we take care of our body, it will take care of us. This isn’t about getting to your goal weight and going back to your life. This now is your life. You are an active and healthy, fit and strong person.”