For health coach Robyn Youkilis, following her gut means paying close attention to her microbiome and her intuition.
Before any decision, whether it be something small like what to eat for lunch or a major life-changing choice, she follows the same procedure. “I try to take a breath before I make most any decision–even when I don't think I need it,” says Youkilis. “I ask myself, ‘What would be most supportive?’ and then listen to what that inner voice says.”
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For those who are less in tune with their own brain-and-body messages, her book, Thin from Within: The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight, can serve as a starting point.
It includes recipes and advice on how to balance your gut flora and follow your instincts, because ultimately, “It's what will guide you to the right foods, workouts, and activities for you, in each moment, again and again.” Youkilis says.
Keep reading to see what Youkilis’ philosophy looks like in her own life, including the fermented food that she always has stocked in her fridge.
How Does Robyn Youkilis Live a Nutritious Life?
Your go-to breakfast? My power yogurt parfait.
Your go-to workday dinner? Chickpea pasta, kale, tomato sauce and jarred tuna.
What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Raw, fermented sauerkraut.
The one food you'd never buy? Low-fat, diet, or fat-free anything.
The snack you always have with you when traveling? Healthy snack bars and an apple.
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Your favorite food indulgence? A cheese platter, plus dessert.
Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Matcha and kombucha.
How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? 5 days a week. I do a combination of SoulCycle, running, yoga, hot HIIT pilates and LEKfit.
How do you stay active outside the gym? I ride my bike and walk everywhere.
What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? I don’t really have one tool––it’s all the other self-care practices I make a part of my life (meditation, journaling, food, workouts) that keep me from getting to a place where I’m very stressed out.
How do you pamper yourself when you need it? Shopping and travel
What does it mean to you to “live consciously”? Connect to your intuition and use it!
Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Meditation
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Lightning Round
Meditation or massage? Massage
A hot shower or a soothing bath? Soothing bath (I never get to take baths!)
Almond butter or peanut butter? Peanut butter
Coffee or tea? Tea
A long run outside or a dark spin class? Dark spin class
(Photos: Robyn Youkilis)