by Armando Falcao, December 2024.
In this blog article we are thrilled to feature a special contributor, fitness and wellness coach Armando Falcao (46), who has so generously shared some of his top tips in this blog. While Armando has been vegan for many years, and is living evidence of how we can look and feel in our bodies, he is very down to earth. We don’t have to be vegan to achieve good results. But it’s good to see what’s possible on a plant diet alone, so imagine what else we could all achieve with the right tweaks?
When people ask me how I manage to look at least 10 years younger than my age, I can’t help but smile. It’s not because I have some secret formula tucked away, but because I know exactly what they’re hoping to hear: a quick fix, a magical shortcut, or a one-size-fits-all trick. But here’s the truth—it doesn’t work that way. And honestly, it shouldn’t.
We live in a world conditioned by instant gratification. From having something delivered to our doorsteps in a matter of hours to relying on the latest “hack” for faster results, we’ve grown used to hyper-convenience. This mentality has crept into how we approach our health, fitness, and appearance. So many of us want immediate results—whether it’s shedding pounds, gaining muscle, or looking younger. But meaningful, sustainable change? That takes time. And that’s okay.
This is especially true when it comes to fitness and overall wellness. Personal trainers and fitness programs often promise rapid results—getting “shredded” in weeks or sculpting the perfect beach body in no time. Diet culture doesn’t help either, with countless “miracle” plans that claim to transform our body in days. But let’s be real: the idea that lasting transformation can be quick and easy is a myth. Just as nature’s growth processes take time, so too does the growth of our bodies and our well-being.
When people ask me for my so-called “secret” to looking young, they’re often expecting one simple answer. Maybe they think it’s because I’m vegan, or because I eat super healthy, or because I work out religiously. But the truth is, there is no single answer. Rather than striving to look younger, I believe we should focus on looking and feeling our best—not to meet an arbitrary standard, but as a reflection of how we care for ourselves. This shift in mindset is profound, and it changes everything.
Looking and feeling our best isn’t about chasing a fleeting goal or following the latest trend. It’s about committing to a lifestyle—a lifelong journey, not a destination. And that’s where the magic lies: it’s in the daily choices we make, the habits we nurture, and the care we give our bodies and minds. Every small decision matters.
When we embrace our health and wellness as a lifestyle, we begin to see how interconnected everything is. It’s not just about what we eat, but when and how consistently we eat it. It’s not just about exercising often, but about moving your body well and staying active throughout the day. It’s about prioritizing quality sleep, giving ourselves permission to rest, and carving out space for joy and relaxation. All of these elements come together to create a life that supports us —not just today, but for years to come.
The journey to feeling our best can sometimes be challenging.
Even with a health-conscious lifestyle, there will be days when your bed feels too cosy, or your body too tired. The key is finding an activity that keeps you moving and lifts your spirit. For me, in addition to going to the gym, I’ve discovered the pure joy of roller skating through the park. It’s an incredible leg, glute and core workout, but what truly makes it special is the sense of freedom and fun I feel as I glide to my favorite tunes. It feels less like exercise and more like feeding my soul.
If I could offer just one piece of advice, it would be this: stop looking for quick fixes. Instead, think of self-care as an ongoing process—integrated into your daily life, nourishing both your body and mind. There’s no magic pill for health, fitness, or youthfulness. But when you commit to a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being, the results will speak for themselves—not only in how you look, but in how you feel, move, and live.
So, as we prepare for Spring and the new year ahead, let’s change the narrative. Let’s shift away from the pressure to look younger or achieve perfection overnight. Let’s focus on becoming the best, healthiest version of ourselves—one choice, one day, one step at a time. After all, the most meaningful transformations are the ones that last a lifetime.
Armando also shares his own special recipe for a Vegan Apple and Cinnamon pie, see below!