Train Like a Pro: How Lori Harvey Stays Strongs and Finds Balance
“I loved it there, but I have an old knee and an old back injury that messes with me sometimes,” she says. “So it was getting hard for me to do the gym thing every day. So, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll try pilates, I think I can handle it.’ When I tell you I literally died, I have not had a harder workout in my life. I was shaking. I felt muscles I didn’t even know existed. I just got hooked and intentionally set a goal for myself. I was like, ‘I’m going to have [visible] abs.’”
It’s been a long journey to “balance” for Harvey, who, like many young women, has embarked on highly restrictive, unsustainable diets and cardio-heavy workout regimens only to contend with sugar cravings or binging. But now, the “ultimate foodie” knows her body better than ever, particularly what a healthy caloric intake looks like to maintain a high metabolic rate for balanced hormones, a boosted mood, and more fuel.
“I think, when I was trying to lose fat, I definitely had to figure out what my BMI is, what my caloric intake is to maintain or [be in a deficit]… I had to figure out my rhythm and the pattern that works for my body. Now, I’ve found what works for me.”
Perhaps the most exciting part of hearing Lori Harvey unravel her journey is her acknowledgment that, well, it is one. While many influencers may credit “I woke up like this” genetics or skinny teas, Harvey is the first to admit that her physique is the result of discipline. It’s not the result of some six-week challenge, unattainable personal trainer-nutritionist combo, or overnight wonder procedure. For Harvey, it’s always been a matter of consistency, adhering to the same set of practices in order to achieve holistic wellness—day in, day out. “I really, really did work hard for this, so for that to be a conversation is a cool moment.” Below, Harvey breaks down the nonnegotiables to feel her best.
It’s All About Balance
The biggest thing for me is that I don’t really try to restrict myself too much on what I eat, but I will portion control, which I found helps me a lot more. When I dieted and was super restrictive, it got hard—I craved the stuff that I’m “not supposed” to be eating even more. And then, when I did start eating [normally] again, I’ll go a little bit too hard. So the portion control helps me balance. I love a great meal. I still like to eat great food; that’s where the portion control came in. I’ll go to dinner and all my friends are like, “Let’s get a drink,” and I’d rather have water, but I’m definitely going to have dessert after dinner. I’d rather eat my calories than drink my calories. I always have to have something sweet after my meals.
