How do you look healthy/strong?

So I managed to keep in relatively good shape thus far in to my job (~ 2 years). I want to push harder to both be and appear strong.

I do 4-5 days of weightlifting and put in 2 sessions of 15-30 mins of high intensity cardio per week. I take multivitamins every morning and try to drink a lot of water/tea throughout the day.

My diet is somewhat clean (try to get fruits daily but not many veggies), fairly good amount of chicken/meat, though I do have less healthy food sometimes. Still I appear tired/weak at times (mostly due to lack of sleep), but curious how you all look your best? 

Whitening eye drops help, staying hydrated, etc. In terms of weightlifting I find myself having plateaued but I need to just start picking up heavier weights and eating more I think.

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips to help you look and feel healthier and stronger:

Exercise Routine

  • Weightlifting: Continue with your 4-5 days of weightlifting. To break through plateaus, consider:
    • Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight you lift.
    • Variety: Incorporate different exercises to target various muscle groups.
    • Full Body Workouts: Include compound lifts like Trap Bar Deadlifts, Bench Press, and Pull-ups.
    • Cardio: Maintain your 2 sessions of high-intensity cardio per week to improve cardiovascular health.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Protein Intake: Aim for 1g of protein per pound of body weight per day to support muscle growth.
  • Balanced Diet: Incorporate more vegetables along with fruits. Less processed food and more whole foods like oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
  • Meal Prep: Prepare meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options available.
  • Hydration: Continue drinking plenty of water and tea. Avoid excessive coffee and sugary drinks.

Sleep and Recovery

  • Prioritize Sleep: Lack of sleep can make you appear tired and weak. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Active Recovery: Include activities like walking, stretching, and light exercises to keep your body moving and aid recovery.

Additional Tips

  • Skincare Routine: Use a simple skincare routine with products like retinol and moisturizers with SPF to keep your skin looking healthy.
  • Mental Health: Manage stress through activities like meditation, hobbies, or talking to a professional if needed. Mental health is closely linked to physical health.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated helps with overall appearance and energy levels. Drink water consistently throughout the day.

Supplements

  • Multivitamins: Continue taking multivitamins to cover any nutritional gaps.
  • Other Supplements: Consider supplements like protein powder, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D if needed.

By following these tips, you can push harder to both be and appear strong while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sources: Anti Aging / Staying Healthy, How the hell do you stay healthy in sweat shop groups?, Maintaining physique in IB, How the hell do you stay healthy in sweat shop groups?, How I stay Healthy in Investment Banking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Looks like you are doing the right things when it comes to exercise and nutrition. I guess it could be all due to the lack of sleep maybe? Try increasing sleeping for a couple of weeks and see how you look then

“Bullshit reigns.”
 

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