Live Like A Royal: Simple And Effective Health Habits From The British Monarchy
Have you been keeping up with the royal family's latest shenanigans? In the past few years, they've been on a health kick that could rival even the most dedicated gym-goer. It all started when Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle joined the royal squad, bringing with them a wealth of wellness wisdom.
With all the weddings and new heirs popping up left and right, the royals have had to prioritize their health like never before. And let me tell you, it's paying off! Even the Queen's corgis have been seen doing downward dog. So, if you want to take a page out of the royal playbook, keep reading for some habits you can adopt, too, from quitting smoking to perfecting your warrior pose.
Ginger Is Helpful When You're Feeling Sick
If you're sick, ginger is a great supplement to start including in your diet. If you're not sick, it's a good idea to start including in your diet anyway. When Kate Middleton was pregant she turned to the root to help battle morning sickness and nausea.
When Kate felt sick, she would eat a ginger cookie. If sweets aren't your thing, ginger tea is an option also. It's a delicious ingredient to including in recipes as well!
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Find Your Wellness
Part of being healthy isn't just working out. It's also about what you are surrounding yourself with. To make sure she's living her best life with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle turned upgraded their 10-bedroom Frogmore Cottage at the Windsor Estate to make it healthier.
In their wellness sanctuary, they soundproofed the entire home, painted the walls with vegan essential oil-infused paint, grew a vegetable garden, and installed an eco-friendly green energy unit. All of this just shows how much effort the Duchess put in to try and make those places feel like home.
Incorporate More Plant Based
Meghan Markle isn't just a proponent of "meatless mondays," she also believes in being a part-time vegan. Before being insulted by this, hear her out, "I try to eat vegan during the week and then have a little bit more flexibility with what I dig into on the weekends."
The diet has clearly worked! Markle revealed her highly nutritious part-time lifestyle in an in depth interview with Best Health magazine.
Keep Up With Fitness On Vacation
Being a member of the royal family means Prince William travels a lot. While he's away from home, it's important that he stays active, which he does in a variety of what.
While he was in Bhutan, the prince when hiking. He loves skiing in Frances, rocking climbing in North Wales, and canoeing in Canada as well. How do we sign up for his life? It's impossible not to stay in shape with that kind of amazing life!
Take Care Of Your Skin
So far we've covered diet and exercise, but what about skin care. Let's go back to Kate Middleton for advice on this one. She can't resist treating her skin in the best possible ways.
Kate's go to product is reportedly Beuti Skincare's Beauty Sleep Elixir. While she gets her beauty rest, the elixir gets to work reducing inflammation and soothing redness. It is made from 14 plant-based oils ranging from sea buckthorn to cherry seed.
Acupuncture Helps Meghan Relax
When she was pregnant with Archie, Meghan Markle attended regular acupuncture sessions to assist with her help. The holistic habit is believed to help increase health, and it worked for Meghan.
A royal insider told Vanity Fair, "Meghan has been having regular acupuncture sessions to help her unwind and relax. It's brilliant for the blood circulation and boosting blood flow to the uterus. She plans to use acupuncture right up to her due date."
Cut Back On The Drinking
Meghan Markle has encouraged Prince Harry to cut back on his alcohol consumption. "Considering he's been a pretty brutal drinker since he was a young teenager, it's quite an achievement," a source told Express.
While alcohol – primarily red wine – is okay in moderation, it might start having a detrimental effect on your health if you have one too many drinks. Many alcoholic drinks are high in carbs and sugar, which really adds up.
Planks Are A Go-To Exercise
Kate Middleton is reportedly a huge fan of planks, according to Daily Mail. Kate likes to perform the equipment-less exercise and can hold planks for a considerable amount of time.
A source close to Kate told Daily Mail, "It tightens her muscles. There are three elements, the basic plank, the side plank, and the prone skydive, all of which are positions Kate can hold for 45 seconds or longer and repeat at least ten times each."
Try A Raw-Food Diet
If you've ever wondered how Kate Middleton has managed to snap back and look radiant following all three of her pregnancies, the answer may be in the raw-food diet she became fond of in 2014.
Sources close to the Princess say that she often sticks to uncooked meals such as ceviche, watermelon salads, gazpacho, tabbouleh, and goji berries. A raw-food diet is great for hair, skin, and nails since it contains more nutrients than cooked food.
Have A Healthy Smoothie
Meghan Markle likes to drink nutritious smoothies to keep her fueled throughout the day. She's even shared a number of her go-to smoothie recipes with the world, but her favorite is a blueberry concoction that also includes cinnamon, chia seeds, almond milk, and coconut water.
Markle uses Clean Cleanse vanilla shake powder in her smoothies. But of course, not everyone can afford the luxurious Clean Cleanse program so you're welcome to opt for any shake powder of your choice.
Never Deprive Yourself Of Food
Meghan Markle is conscious of what she eats, but that also includes making sure she's giving her body what it needs. When we think of dieting, it's often with the mentality that we can't have one thing or the other.
"Because I work out the way I do, I don't ever want to feel deprived. I feel that the second you do that is when you start to binge on things. It's not a diet; it's lifestyle eating," she told Best Health.
Put In Your Best Effort And Don't Complain
Before she was a duchess, Meghan Markle was an actress who needed to keep up appearances working in the entertainment industry. As a result, her fitness became a top priority and she had a personal trainer to help keep her focused through a busy filming schedule.
Craig McNamee, founder of Catalyst Health in Toronto and Meghan's former trainer, told Women's Health, "When she gets to the gym, there's no real complaining. She gets down to business right away and really enjoys it."
Fit In Even The Smallest Workouts
Prince William is ostensibly quite busy with all the royal engagements he has to attend to, but even he finds the time to get his fitness in – even if it's just for 11 minutes. Sources tell The Telegraph that before breakfast, William performs the Royal Canadian Air Force 5BX plan.
The program consists of five basic exercises, like push-ups and crunches, to improve muscle strength and coordination. The fitter you get, the more the more reps you add in the 11-minute sets.
Consider "Meatless Mondays"
One way to keep fit like a royal is to consider plant-based diets for a majority of your week. Meghan Markle is a self-proclaimed part-time vegan, meaning she focuses on a plant-based diet, but isn't afraid to live a little on some occasions.
"I'm conscious of what I eat. I try to eat vegan during the week and then have a little bit more flexibility with what I dig into on the weekends," she told Best Health.
Consider Taking Supplements
Before their wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle worked together to get in the best shape possible. They partnered with nutritional advisor Gabriela Peacock, whose "Clean Me" supplements became a favorite for Harry.
Of course, supplements aren't for everyone. People get on just fine if they already eat a nutritious and balanced diet all the time. But for those whose diet is lacking in certain areas, supplements may be something to consider.
Definitely Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoking is a tough habit to kick, but if you manage to do it then you're already doing wonders for your personal health! Remember the health-kick Prince Harry and Meghan went on leading up to their wedding? Part of that was Prince Harry ditching the cigarettes for good.
Meghan was reportedly behind the lifestyle change. A source told People, "Meghan encouraged Harry to get rid of any remnants of his party lifestyle. She wanted him to get in shape and be healthy"
Get Your Workouts In Early
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly privy to early-morning workouts, according to Express. While Harry has a gym membership, Meghan has been known to go on six-mile runs around Kensington Gardens.
If getting up early to exercise doesn't sound like your jam, Meghan knows how you feel. She once said, "Sometimes the idea of working out sounds absolutely dreadful, but I always remind myself of how good it will feel afterwards. Euphoric, almost!"
Enlist A Personal Trainer
Prince Harry has taken yet another page out of Meghan's wellness book and enlisted the help of a personal trainer at KX Gym in Chelsea, where he has been spotted almost daily at 7 a.m. "He eats well, doesn't poison his body, exercises, does a bit of yoga and is a lot happier," a source told Express.
Though we can't all afford personal trainers, there are usually trainers on the floor of your local gym available for advice.
It Doesn't Always Have To Be In The Gym
When it comes to staying fit, many people think that they ought to head to the gym to keep up their fitness. Still, there are plenty of activities outside the gym that can help you stay in tip-top shape.
Zara Tindall, the late Queen Elizabeth II's eldest granddaughter, loves horseback riding. The accomplished equestrian even won a silver medal as a part of the British Equestrian team at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Horseback riding is a great core strengthener.
Try For A Marathon
Princess Beatrice, Harry and William's other cousin, reportedly became the first member of the royal family to complete the London Marathon in 2010. Beatrice ran the 26.2-mile race as part of a "human caterpillar," tied to her other charity team members with bungee cords.
Not only was she the first royal to participate in the event, but her team set a new world record for most people to complete a marathon while tied together.
Eggs Are A Great Source Of Protein
Eggs are apparently a staple in the royal family kitchens. Since the time of Queen Victoria, eggs have been served in a plethora of ways. For her part, Victoria ate her boiled eggs out of a golden egg cup.
Prince Charles takes after his great-great-great grandmother by having a boiled egg each morning. They even enjoy them during tea time. Eggs are a terrific source of protein that will help satisfy your hunger pangs.
Have A Protein-Rich Breakfast
One way that Queen Letizia of Spain manages her figure is by having a protein-rich breakfast, confessing to ABC newspaper that she often opts for a three-egg omelet for her first meal of the day.
Many dietitians suggest packing your breakfast with a lot of protein because it will satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full. As a result, you won't feel as hungry throughout the day and you'll be less inclined to snack on things.
This Anti-Inflammatory Diet Will Make You Feel Brand New
Queen Letizia also manages to keep her figure in check by taking on the Perricone diet. The Perricone diet is an anti-inflammatory regimen that still allows you to eat all of the food groups. Approved foods include fresh salmon, forest fruits, green veggies, and extra-virgin olive oil.
The Perricone diet was developed by dermatologist Dr. Michael Perricone, who also teaches medicine at the University of Michigan. His regimen is not only ideal for keeping fit but also slowing inflammation that causes aging.
Invest In A Mini Band
If you want a piece of exercise equipment that will give you know excuses not to work out then invest in a mini band. Meghan Markle lives but the lower body exercise equipment that she can take with her anywhere.
With a mini band in your purse, there's no excuses not get in a quick workout before the business of every day life takes over. Did we mention they are also cost-effective?
Make Time Even If You Don't Have Time
Princess Victoria of Sweden is a busy woman but know she still has to make time to work out. That's why she's willing to put her body on the line for her healthy at any time.
One famous workout she got happened while she conducted an interview at the Royal Palace while running in heels. The interview was used as a video PSA about staying healthy and active. If Princess Victoria can do it, so can you!
Eat Organic
You know just a second ago when we said not be be afraid to indulge your sweet tooth. When you do, there is still one big rule you have to follow - only eat organic.
According to King Charles, eating organic food is the only real way to eat food. He even lived by the lifestyle motto before is was cool and trendy. A he says, he "was organic before organic was even invented."
Low Carb Is Good For Your Belt Size
When Prince William dropped a noticeable amount of weight in 2016 he had one secret. He cut out the carbs. The prince changed adjusted his eating habits to be low card, and the belt sized melted away.
The best way to stay low-carb is to focus your eating on lean means and vegetables. Avoid breads, cheeses, and even some surprisingly high car fruits! In no time at all you might just look as good as the Prince!
Try Something Intense
If you're looking try really try pushing yourself, do what Kate Middleton does - crossfit. The high intensity workout is reportedly one of her favorites and works to keep at a crazy high fitness level.
Kate says that doing crossfit has given her a level of fitness comparable to being in the army. We know that's not the kind of fitness everyone is looking for, but if you want a real challenge crossfit might just be your answer.
Work Out With A Friend
Self motivation when it comes to working out and be a hug hurdle for some people to overcome. One way to help get over the hump is to find a friend to work out with.
Kate, for instance, works out with sister Pippa Middleton whenever she can. According to one royal insider Kate and Pippa are obsessed with exercise, "Pippa and Kate take their tones physiques extremely seriously." When you have a workout buddy of your own, so will you!
Follow Princess Eugenie's Routine
You already know a few famous royals who work out early, but do you know their routine? Princess Eugenie revealed her morning routine to Harper's Bazaar and it goes like this.
She sets her alarm clock for 6:45 so she can get to exercising by seven. During her hour-long session, she does circuits, "which I love because they're quick: burpees, quart jumps, lunges, the whole lot. Or I go with my best friend to this amazing, women-only gym."
Have You Tried The Perricone Diet?
Queen Letizia of Spain is a big proponent of the Perricone diet, which is designed to increase energy, boost physical well being, and improve mental clarity. The diet calls for her to eat high quality proteins, low glycemic carbs, healthy fats and colorful fruits.
And for anyone who loves tea, the diet requires plenty of fluids, both water and tea - antioxidant full green tea.
Take In The Natural World
Princess Madeleine helps herself stay balanced by spending plenty of time in nature. She believes in being outside so much she is even teaching daughter about all of its benefits.
Surprisingly, they have been numerous studies that back up the Princess' love of the outdoors. Even if you're not physically active outdoors, you are still breathing in fresh air, giving a boost to your immune system, and lowering your stress and anxiety levels.
Swim!
How have we not talked about swimming yet on this list? Princess Charlene makes swimming a major part of her exercise routine. Don't forget that at one point in her life she was an Olympic swimmer in Monaco.
Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do for heart health. It's also a low impact workout on your joints, which is great as you get older or if you're prone to injuries.
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