Hi
On the 5th of December, I celebrated my birthday - a day filled with reflection, joy and gratitude for the moments that truly matter. Birthdays remind us of how life should be lived: with balance, joy and appreciation. That weekend held another special occasion as well - on Sunday 8th of December, it was my mum’s birthday! We planned a meal with my Mum and Dad to
mark the occasion, making the weekend all about family, love and togetherness.
Embracing Special Occasions Without Guilt
On those special days, I didn’t track my food. I enjoyed what I wanted, fully immersing myself in the celebrations. But thanks to the habits I’ve built over the years, I didn’t feel the need to go overboard. I’ve learned to listen to my body and my choices naturally reflect a balance that feels good. This
approach wasn’t about restriction or missing out - it’s simply how I live.
Because I have spent years practicing healthy habits, these celebrations felt effortless. I savoured the special foods and moments without guilt or the need to “undo” anything afterward.
The 80/20 Rule in Action
This mindset aligned perfectly with the 80/20 rule I live by:
- 80% of the time, I focus on building and
maintaining habits that supported my goals, such as:
- Weight training 4–5 times a week for strength and vitality.
- Walking most days to stay active and grounded.
- Doing cardio for heart health.
- Eating wholesome, balanced meals and tracking my food most of the time.
- 20% of the time, I let life’s joys take the lead. This included holidays, birthdays and family gatherings where I indulged guilt-free.
This approach helps me
create a lifestyle that is sustainable, enjoyable and free from the “all-or-nothing” mindset.
My Birthday with Paul
On my birthday, I celebrated with my husband, Paul. We had a special day together in Bath and enjoyed a delicious evening meal and quality time. The best part? I could fully indulge in the experience without worrying about calories or macros, knowing the habits I practice year-round kept me on
track.
A Weekend of Family and Fun
The celebrations continued on Sunday 8th of December, as we marked my mum’s birthday with a meal at ours. It was all about creating memories with my Mum and Dad, sharing laughs and enjoying a lovely meal together. Moments like these remind me why I focus on my health - so I can show up fully for these special times.
Healthy Habits Built to
Last
What made all of this possible was the consistency I have built over the years. My habits - like staying active, eating nutritious foods and training regularly - aren’t something I feel I have to do; they are simply part of who I am. They are ingrained in my life, not a chore. That’s why, even when I’m not tracking or following a specific plan, I naturally found balance.
How You Can Embrace
Balance
If you’re navigating health and fitness over 40, here’s how you can enjoy life’s celebrations without guilt:
- Focus on Your Habits: Build a strong foundation by prioritising movement, strength training and balanced nutrition most of the
time.
- Enjoy Special Days Fully: When birthdays or holidays come around, don’t stress about tracking. Trust the habits you’ve created to guide you.
- Let Go of Perfection: Remember, consistency over time matters more than a single day or weekend.
A Birthday Toast to Balance
The weekend was about more than just birthdays - it was a celebration of balance, family and the beauty of life over 50. I raised a glass to enjoying the journey, savouring the moments and
embracing the habits that made it all possible.
Whether it was my day out with Paul or Sunday’s family meal, I fully enjoyed those days, nourished by both soul food and the healthy, happy lifestyle I had built.
Here’s to my mum and me - cheers to living fully, thriving in balance and finding joy in every stage of life! 🎉
Join My Free Facebook Group for Women Over 40
If you’re a woman
over 40 looking to prioritise your fitness, health and overall well-being, I’d love to invite you to my free Fitness After 40 Facebook Group It’s a supportive community designed specifically for women navigating midlife, where we share monthly challenges, live sessions with me and all things health and wellness.
In January,
we’ll kick off a brand-new challenge to help you start building healthy habits for the year ahead. Together, we’ll focus on taking small, manageable steps - because trying to do everything at once rarely works and isn’t sustainable. Instead, we’ll build habits that fit into your lifestyle and set you up for long-term success. This is your opportunity to start 2025 feeling empowered, supported and on the path to your healthiest, happiest self. Come join us and be part of this inspiring and
uplifting community!
Love
Nicki xx
