How to Feel Great over 60 as a Solo Nomad

Throughout my life, in varying degrees, I have exercised. I was a 5:15am in the gym workout person. Getting it out of the way early meant exercise wasn’t hanging over me all day. Or something came up and it never happens. As a consultant, it was the only time of day I could guarantee 60-90 minutes to myself.

Later in life exercise was about maintaining or losing weight. I allowed for my foodie obsession by exercising…sometimes it worked.

Like any woman over 60, my metabolism has slowed, and my body is changing. I’m not mad about it. The goal is to KEEP MOVING so I can KEEP TRAVELING!

Solo travel without a permanent home is or can be a challenge to healthy eating and exercise.

What I know for sure is a day without exercise affects everything. My mood, appetite, health, and mindset.

I remind myself daily, I am NOT on vacation. Being a solo nomad is a lifestyle. I can’t eat like it’s a special occasion.

They say 90% of weight management and good health is food intake. 10% is exercise. We all KNOW this. Some travel days and weeks, I make better choices. Others not so much. Depending on where I am a local farmer’s markets provides wonderful fresh fruit and produce – in addition to artisan breads, pastries, and cheeses. I justify it as a local indulgence I must try. HA!

For me any exercise counts. I have mentioned the Peloton Digital App I use. This provides me with almost every form of exercise from meditation and yoga to cardio dance, boxing, rowing, stretching and more. The Peloton app connects with my Apple watch fitness tracker. It has an outdoor program to either track my morning walks or outdoor programs for walking and running.  I need a tracking system to see what I have accomplished for myself. For $12.99US per month it’s a good investment.

I enjoy an early morning walk for my mental health. But it wasn’t giving me the cardio I needed. The Peloton app makes me move faster and learn new exercises which is good for mental and physical health 

My daily goal is at least 90-120 minutes working out every morning. This includes 30-45 minutes of cardio and light weights as well as 15-30 minutes of stretch and meditation. I feel so much better after and for the rest of the day.

And let’s not forget swimming! I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college. Love the water. Last summer, housesitting introduced me to treading water for 45+ minutes while chatting with nice people. So when I can get a hotel, Airbnb, housesit or access to a community pool, I am so there! Lap swimming or treading water in the sunshine - the best!

Do you have an exercise and eating plan? How’s it working for you?
Please share in comments.

 Food is another matter.

In my former life I hosted dinner parties and cooked seriously good food. Today, I am happy with cheese, crackers, and piece of fruit. I don’t know the last time I turned on an oven or stove top.

My best, good eating happens when I am house and pet sitting. The homes I live in have amazing kitchens. I revert to the shopping list I used before becoming a solo nomad. Lots of fresh veg and fruit. Simple foods, yogurt, cheese, crackers maybe a piece of fresh salmon. I make a mean chopped salad  full of good for you stuff topped with homemade dressing. I found I can make enough for three days. It’s ready and delicious. If I am out for the day, I’ll pack up a container and take it with me to find a park to have lunch later.

On a cruise ship, I make salad from the buffet selecting carefully. Again, this is a place, I need to remind myself (hourly) I am not on vacation like 90% of my fellow passengers. Fortunately, ships have state of the art fitness centers and classes. It’s the shortest commute to a gym ever.  Walks/runs on the deck at sunrise and sunset are magical and motivating. Do I have an ice cream, fresh grilled hamburger, piece of pizza? Of course, but not daily.

That’s my plan or attempt at staying healthy mentally and physically.

What’s your eating and exercise plan?
What does it do for you mentally and physically?  
Please share in a comment below.