Throughout my adult life, I’ve been fairly fit—give or take two pregnancies. But until somewhat recently, my efforts were primarily focused on the short term.

I’d eat whole foods, track my calorie intake, count my steps, go to 6 a.m. barre classes or, in the late aughts, follow along to Tracy Anderson DVDs in the hopes of achieving a pert butt and pencil arms. My intent was not to optimize my organs or improve my healthspan but to look good for an event, whether an upcoming vacation, a Halloween party, a first date, or, later, my own wedding.

At times, this may have taken a mental health toll. But in retrospect, I think it was mostly just inefficient.

Fast-forward to today. I’m a 36-year-old married mother of two and a full-time writer who thinks a lot about the future. I’m focused on w

See Full Page