Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Day 30 Time ....it's what you make of it!

Today is day 30 of the Challenge.  Wow!  Time does fly by.  A lot has been learned in the 30 days of blogging this journey.  While, I was eating pretty clean anyway, my body hasn't changed significantly, but my mind has.  I feel more in control and more balanced with a better understanding of self, others and the relationship we all have with food. 

30 days, 1 day, 1 hour.  It's all important.  What we make of every minute in our life contributes to who we become, how we grow and the more significant life becomes.   It's our choice how we spend our lives.  We can sit around and feel sorry for ourselves and wonder why?  OR We can take each moment, go after what we want, make big goals, little goals, to do list, challenge ourselves and see how capable we really are.  It does take a plan, it does take a few challenges.  More importantly, it takes ACTION and BELIEF.  Without action our plan and goals are meaningless.  Without belief, we cannot implement the action with full force. 

You have to believe your goal is obtainable.  Forget what everyone else thinks.  Prove them wrong.  You may stumble, fall and the goal may not be reached in the time frame you expected, but it's keeping the goal alive, keeping it in the forefront of your mind at all times and finding the strength, motivation and willingness within you to keep you going day in and day out while you hurdle over every obstacle.  We all have them.  Think of someone who's already achieved the goal you are after.  They did it.  Maybe under different circumstances, they had different obstacles.  But they did it.  YOU can too!  Believe it!

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Day 29 Helping Others!

I continue to grow strong and learn from this challenge.  I have no doubt I will continue to take this further but improve every step of the way!  30 days sure does fly by and so much can be learned in a short period of time. 

What I find interesting working with individuals who are ready and willing to make a change is how much they start to help others.   With their stories and learning's, they too start to reach out and tell people of their new found knowledge.  I think this is very powerful!  When we help others, we help ourselves!  When we begin to preach or teach our beliefs, we are more likely to follow them ourselves.  We grow not only in our new paths but as human beings as a whole.  The power to help heals ourselves in so many ways.  It digs deep into our souls, a satisfaction of being is established.  We are givers and when we do find this gift, it so overcomes the selfish aspects of taking.  A whole new meaning of life is established.

Many of you know of or have seen the movie Pay It Forward.  It is still one of my favorites.  We all struggle sometimes, but to get help from a friend, family member or even a perfect stranger shines light that we are not alone and when we receive the selfless gift, it is easy for us to find the reason to Pay It Forward.

If you have knowledge, share it!  If you can help someone, emotionally or physically, help selfishly. Find out how much it helps you!

When speaking to my students I hear stories of them helping co-workers with their eating patterns or motivating them to eat properly.  All the blogs that everyone is doing, is helping many as each blog and each individual helps a different person as all relate differently.

This blog started out to be one story and has ended up a completely different one.  I hope my stories, experiences and outlook helped someone, even if just one person, to decide to change their lifestyle.  I know writing it, helped me.

One more day but the journey....will never cease.

Going Strong.....ALL DAY LONG!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Day 27 Sharing the Success!

Skipping over Friday and Saturday, I just needed a little break and focused on my students, kids and a little down time.  This Friday was SO much better than last.  I had no urge for the typical Friday night cheat night.  Remembering how bad I felt last weekend was enough for me to stick to good clean eating.  I wanted to enjoy my weekend and get in some strong workouts!  Saturday morning, I did just this.  Good ol leg day.  I'm at a new gym so maneuvering around probably slowed me down a bit, but if you've ever seen me workout...this is a good thing.   Today, is Sunday and I have every intention of getting in a great workout, it's nice out so I'm thinking...stadium stairs with a few sprints!  By the looks of my yard and house...I'll be burning a few calories around here too.

Friday and Saturday, I had some great conversations and/or text from my students.  WOW!  What successes!  Take a look!
  • Anita went from "I'm not cooking, so you have to help me find a way to eat healthy eating out.  I also love Braves games and this will be a problem."  to "I'm now cooking, making a mess in my kitchen but loving it!  Also, I'm taking my food to the Braves game because I no longer want to eat hot dogs and pretzels."   She's not sure of her weight loss but the jeans that she could barely get over her hips....she's now wearing them!
  • Rebecca - She is past her 30 days of no drinking and continues on with this challenge!  She's losing weight, eating right and it's now her chosen path!
  • Kelly - Going strong!  We didn't weigh him this week - I don't like to weigh every week.  But...he was looking much more defined.  I was seeing muscle!  The fat is definitely shredding.  We joked he's going to be spraying for mosquito's this summer with his shirt off, showing off those muscles!
  • Steven - Continues to improve and gaining weight every week!  This is his goal!  He's slowed down on his drinking and started to hit the weights again!  Steven and Kelly are brothers with 2 opposite goals.  One to lose, the other to gain, but they work off each others energy and they BOTH show me the can do attitude.  It's no wonder the Mosquito Squad is a successful business!  If you see 2 guys spraying for mosquito's with muscles pouring out this summer, those are the Sanders Brothers!
  • Chad!  He started his blog and texted me last night....20 pound loss!!!  WHOOHOOO!  
  • Sandi - Looking stunning and big smiles!  She too is strutting a pair of jeans she's brought back out of the closet that were no longer fitting!  
The list goes on!  I couldn't be more proud of these individuals.  Changing lifestyles is not an easy journey, but seeing how the confidence is just beaming out of these amazing people is ....well....there are no words.  It's a feeling you'll need to experience.  One that you can, it's all up to you!

Going Strong.....ALL DAY LONG!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Day 24 Self Talk

When talking to some students about their nutrition, I often hear the words, "It's hard".  This is often followed by excuses as to why it's hard to eat correctly.  Some excuses are:
  • "My company ordered in lunch and all they provided was sandwiches, chips and cookies. "
  • "I have to eat out a lot to entertain clients." 
  • "My best friends birthday is coming up and we are going out for dinner and drinks."
  • "My parents or friends are having me over for dinner."   
  • "I travel a lot and don't have good choices."
 We love to put the blame on someone or something besides ourselves.  If you put up a mental block and provide yourself with excuses rather than solutions, then yes, it's hard.  You can however, make it much easier on yourself.  Instead of looking at everything in a negative manner, take initiative, control and stand up for yourself.  If you truly want something.  If you truly want to be healthier, lose a few pounds, prevent disease, prolong your life, feel better, have a stronger mind.....then change your attitude.  You have to be willing to change the way you think, create reasons why you CAN, stop saying "It's hard" and start saying, "It's easy".

How you talk to yourself has a HUGE impact on whether you can, can't, it's hard or it's easy.  We are all given different genes and talents, but the WILL, self talk and attidude to be our best is completely up to you!  Let's examine the above excuses and see how we can change your mindset, self talk and attitude.  Suggestions in blue. 


  • "My company ordered in lunch and all they provided was sandwiches, chips and cookies. " 
    • Instead:  I take my lunch to work.  So when when the company decides to have a lunch meeting, I'm prepared.  
    • or:  I've suggested to my company some healthy alternatives to those of us concerned about our health.  I emphasized the difference of performance after eating certain meals.
    • or:  I took the bread off the sandwich, ate the meat, lettuce and tomato.  After the meeting, I stepped out real quick to grab a healthy snack or meal from the grocery store.
  • "I have to eat out a lot to entertain clients." 
    • Great!  This is my opportunity to have someone else chop up my salad!  Saves me some work in the kitchen at my companies expense!  Now Mr or Ms. Waiter.  I'll take the Grilled Chicken Salad, just remove the bacon, croutons and put the dressing on the side."   or Mr. or Ms. Waiter, I see you have a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries.  Can you omit the bread and replace the fries with the grilled vegetables?"
  • "My best friends birthday is coming up and we are going out for dinner and drinks."
    • You know this is coming up, so maybe this is your free meal night.  Have fun.  
    • OR  order just like the above recommendation and offer to be the designated driver!
  • "My parents or friends are having me over for dinner."   
    •  You know this is coming up, so maybe this is your free meal night. 
    • OR offer to bring a dish, or just show up with some fresh raw vegetables as an appetizer.  
    • OR explain your new lifestyle, either they can work around your menu or you can have them over to your home. 
    • (I also covered this in a previous post - so refer back regarding talking with your parents about your new lifestyle!)
  • "I travel a lot and don't have good choices." 
    • You ALWAYS have good choices.  It's just a matter of finding them or preparing prior to your trip and packing up some tools and snacks to take with you.  I've also covered this in a previous post! 
With the right mindset, you can make your healthy lifestyle journey much easier on yourself.   I'm often thrown excuses and with every excuse, I have a solution.  I'm not saying you can completely change over night, but if you truly want to succeed, you have to change the way you think and APPLY the techniques, strategies, knowledge and your WILL!  When you fall, it's just about being strong enough and determined enough to brush it off and start again.  As with anything in life.  We would never know how to ride bikes, drive cars, read a book, learn a sport if we didn't fall and get back up!

Going Strong.....ALL DAY LONG!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Day 23 Growing up

I've been having many discussions lately regarding habits and the way we were raised.  Majority of our habits are formed by the time we are 8 years old.  I grew up with a variety of changes.  Initially, living next to my Grandparents, where my Grandfather was a farmer and vegetables were plentiful.  At the same time, my Grandmother was quite the southern cook.  I spent many hours with her in the kitchen making cakes, while chicken pot pie and mash potatoes were on the stove.  Our meals typically consisted of a variety of vegetables but also a variety of main dishes and don't forget to leave room for dessert!

My family then moved about 1.5hours away from my Grandparents.  My dad decided to go back to school after having 3 kids.   He worked nights at the Coca Cola Plant.  He studied, went to school and worked on our very old home during the day and weekends.  My mom had a job too, but income was very little.  Money was extremely tight.  Somedays, we were lucky that someone brought us a bag of food to hold us over for a few days.  It was mostly canned food such as apple sauce, pork n beans and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  My dad got an internship with a church (he is a minister) that we had to drive pretty far out too every Sunday.  I remember fighting over a bottle of Mountain Dew with my 2 older brothers.  One would spit in it so he could have it all to himself.  After church (which was so small and so remote...it had outhouses!  Yes...I once experienced prairie life!)  one of the members would have us over for lunch, which was much similar to good ol' Granny's cooking.  I remember biscuits and lots of them!

Once my father graduated from College, we moved to Virginia.  We had a decent size backyard so my mom decided to have a garden.  I was in the first grade at this time, and working in a garden was just one of the chores I was responsible for.  Still, very modest living, preachers just don't make a lot of money. Fast food was just not an option or even a consideration.  We were active in sports so the occasional hot dog, hot fries, popcorn at the ball field were a treat.   For fundraisers as a kid, we sold peanuts (a far cry from what kids are selling now).

Four years later, we moved back to North Carolina in the SMALLEST town in the whole state.  Population 300 with a caution light as you go through the town.  I lived here until I graduated high school.  This town consisted of nothing but farmers, preachers, teachers and a few nurses.  I went from being the only girl on my baseball team in Virginia, getting involved in tennis and couldn't wait to do track and field to being forced to play softball with the girls....so I took up basketball. We only had 3 tv channels to watch and my mom never wanted us in the house...well unless we were doing chores.  So we were outside constantly.  We had a basketball goal and eventually got a light put out so we could play at night too.  We all became pretty talented players.  (I still have a decent shot).  My brother got a full scholarship and I probably could have if I stuck with it, so all that playing did pay off.  Again, we had vegetables galore!  Apple trees in the backyard and then....there were the church functions. In a small town, that's about the only gatherings there are. (Ones I was allowed to go too anyway).  These church functions ALWAYS involved food.  Pig Pickn's to the largest spread of cakes, pies, mac and cheese, mash potatoes, biscuits, fried chicken, ham, corn....basically starch and sugar city!  Still, not much for fast food.  I lived 14miles to the nearest fast food establishment.

By the time I was in the 5th grade, I was working in tobacco fields sun up to sun down on my summer vacations.  For lunch, the farmers wives had that big ol spread again...after all, we did work up an appetite!  MORE biscuits! Then when I entered the 9th grade, I started cleaning houses and in a sense started my own little business.  I was good and I was booked solid.  There was this little dutch lady that I worked for and boy did she bake!  I'd work all day, she'd bake all day and forced me to stop and have snacks and lunch everyday.  She was proud of her baked goods and whether I liked it or not, I said "yum!".  I couldn't make a proud lady sad. (plus we were taught to respect our elderly, you always say thank you and never provide negative feedback) I think she hired me more as someone to eat her food rather than cleaning.  I'd then take home tons and tons of food after work. 

The trend here in my life....while vegetables were plentiful, I ate tons and tons of baked goods.  Sugar, sugar and more...sugar! It was no wonder by the time I got to college, I started having intestinal issues.

The good trend...I developed a good active lifestyle and became a pretty good worker bee.  I once carried a "small town" title of Miss Independence and that couldn't have been a more accurate title.  I had my own checking account opened by the time I was in the 6th grade, all monies deposited earned by me.

Now, as a parent, while I'm no where near perfect, I am more mindful of the habits I'm creating for my kids.  While guilty of it myself, I will continue to try harder to break the emotional, traditional or economical relationship with food.  I don't want it to be a "gathering" of friendship (such as the church events mentioned above), a "forced" (the dutch lady story) feeling in order to make someone else feel better.  I want food to be what it was intended to be.  Enjoyable, yes.  But one of fuel for the body, one that is our personal choice and we eat for health sake, to feel good, strong and productive.  I was not taught what the effects of food would do to me.  I was just told I had to eat my vegetables.  Then if I did, I could have dessert.  There is no lesson learned here.  We need to educate our youth as to the why and not "reward" with the wrong message.

As adults, we can change our habits, but it does take work.  Consistent work, techniques, support and who we surround ourselves with are huge contributors to this change.  So be mindful of your surroundings, find a support group, other like-minded people and change your habits.  Your life and, if and when you do have kids, you'll be helping to mold theirs.


Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Day 22

It's day 22 and I'm feeling awesome!  I got in a great workout this morning to start my day, a healthy breakfast, clients are continuing to make progress and systems and strategies are in play!

I'm going to keep it short and simple today with one thought in mind.  Knowledge is powerful, but even more so, is to apply your knowledge day and and day out, minute by minute.  If you don't ACT and DO and FOLLOW your plan, whatever it is in life, your knowledge is useless.   It doesn't have to be complicated, have a simple plan, but have one and follow it through.  Never give up AND even more important than this, never put off what can be accomplished today, in this moment.  We don't know what tomorrow holds or even the next hour.  Accomplish what you can now! 

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Day 21 Moving On!

Today was MUCH better.  So I failed Friday night...it only made me stronger.  I understand my body that much more, I WANT to feel healthy and alive that much more.  I can become a better coach and mom THAT much more.  You see, if we learn from our failure, we can let them guide us to being a better person.  It's overcoming our struggle, picking back up and getting better and better with each step.  The key is to stop, listen and remember the lesson when the next temptation to slack off hits. 

My body was getting good clean fuel for 18 straight days, then when contaminated, it reacted.  It's a huge lesson.  It goes to show what is good for my body and what isn't.  Just like when I began the diet, I got the clean dieters high the first week.  My body reacted in a good way, saying:  "YES!  Here is your reward for feeding me the proper fuel, I shall grant you energy and good feelings!"  Then when I fed it the wrong fuel, it puttered just as a car would if given the wrong fuel.  It said: "NO!  Now you must be punished by lack of energy, focus, and feelings of aches and pains, now I will make you bloated!" I think I need to listen to what my body has to say.  I want more of the Yes and prefer to just skip out on that no.
 
It may be day 21 and only 9 days left of this specific challenge but with the way my body said no, I'm not so sure I'll be going back to pizza for a while.  Maybe make my own with proper ingredients that keeps my body saying yes!

I kept today's diet on the light side, probably barely broke 1200cals of good clean eats.  I ran stadium stairs and played with my kids so plenty of fuel was burned, but my stomach was still full and needed a slow fuel day.  I feel so much better and my mind is clear, focused and driven yet again!  Yay!

We all fail from time to time.  But pay attention to the lesson when you fail and you'll reap much knowledge to improve! Apply your knowledge to make your journey stronger!  Learn what works for you.

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Day 20 CHEATED!

Ok.  I admit it, I let stress get to me and I had Pizza with my boys on my typical Friday night cheat night.  I hadn't seen my boys this week, missed them and fell into the parent trap of wanting to go out with them for pizza.  I could have chosen a better way to spend an outing with them and in fact, I had spoken about this earlier in the day with one of my clients.  We discussed how we are examples for our kids and we don't need to be creating habits of "comfort, reward or family time" to be associated with food....then I go and do just this.  Honestly, it was more for me than it was for them.  I think I used them as an excuse to go cheat.  Bad mark on the mom and coach board.  ( Shows I'm human and suffer the same struggles.)

The side effect:  I felt horrible!  Here it is Sunday and I still feel horrible.  I"m bloated, achy, tired and just blah.  I usually workout really hard on weekends and my weekend suffered too.  So was it worth it?  NO!  UGH!  This does reinforce the effects of food.  That cheat wasn't even all that enjoyable and it messed up my energy, focus, drive, workouts, etc.  for the entire weekend.  Not to mention, my self esteem.  Seriously.  I didn't want to go anywhere because my stomach expanded to the point I looked a few months pregnant.  So weight loss or not...eating healthy....IS SO WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!!   It's not all about the vanity.  It's FEELING amazing, have a STRONG MIND and having the ENERGY to keep up with today's busy life.  If you feel good about yourself, you're going to be more productive.  Now, I did try to keep myself productive over the weekend, but with busy house work.  Because I felt so bad...I didn't want to blog, read, research.  I wanted to take my mind off of it for a bit.

So to learn from my own mistake...for me...cheats really set me back.  I need to remember the next time there is an urge for something that's not good for me, if I participate in the urge, it's going to be harmful for a few days...not to mention the vanity part that eventually shows up on the hips. Most importantly...for me...there is immediate consequences. I can't afford a weekend of the blah's.  Lesson learned and I'm ready to eat clean, grain free and healthy once again.  Give me my moxie back!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Day 18 Traveling

I have many students who travel frequently, so today, I'm sharing some ideas that I provide them for traveling.


Packing for your trip:
·         Portable foldable insulated bag – in case your hotel does not have a fridge
·         Baggies of nuts, vitamins, protein powder etc.
·         Small George Forman Grill (optional – going the distance!)
·         Oatmeal single packets (if no microwave – you can run hot water through the coffee maker! )
·         Plastic forks, plates
·         Cans of tuna, chicken
·         Request hotels with microwaves and small fridges

Upon Arrival:
·         Go to a local grocery store!  If you can’t or don’t want to pack some of the above items, make it a priority to head to the grocery store upon arrival.
·         Purchase
o   Pre-made chicken, tuna and boiled eggs
o   Oatmeal
o   Protein powder
o   Milk
o   Pre-made veggies and salads
o   Nuts and sprouted bread
o   Hummus and veggies for snack
o   Light popcorn – if you have access to a microwave

·         Don’t be afraid to ASK!!!  If your room doesn’t have a microwave – maybe they have a room where they provide continental breakfast – usually a microwave can be found in there – or if there is a restaurant – ask to use theirs!

·         If no fridge – you have your portable insulated bag – grab some ice from down the hall and bam!  Refrigerator issue solved!

·         If you are going to be in meetings all day – pack your food and take it with you!  You never know what food options will be provided - so be prepared!

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!                                                                                                                 
g





Thursday, April 7, 2011

Day 17 Live In The Moment

I speak with so many wonderful people everyday, ones who want to make a change in their life.  They realize they need the change to feel better, look better and live a longer life so they can enjoy their family, watch their children grow, be able to play with them and have the strong mind it takes to keep up with all the curve balls life throws at us.  Your health is a HUGE factor in so many areas of life. 

While its important to look ahead at what can be accomplished with a healthy lifestyle, let's not forget to live in the moment.  Take one day at a time.  If you can make today strong and conquer your fears, your cravings, your workouts, your to do list...just for today, never putting it off, you'll be amazed how soon your goal will be accomplished and not only this; the journey will be easier.  When we focus too much on the future and all the obsticals we face, we tend to put off what's important today.  Have big goals and dreams, yes.  But also have daily goals that will lead to the major goal.  Know what you have to do TODAY in order to reach the big goal, then take it day by day, moment by moment.  Make today strong!

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 16 What to Believe

There is so much information regarding nutrition and exercise, many people don't know what to believe.  One person will say one diet is good because it works for them.  Another will argue that their diet, which is the opposite, is better because that's what works for them.

No matter how you choose to eat, higher proration of carbs or higher of protein or higher of fat.  They can all work as long as other macro-nutrient prorations work in conjunction with your choice.  We are all different.  We have different metabolisms and body types.  We all workout at different levels.  There is no one size fits all. 

One thing that is constant is sugar intake.  Whatever diet macronutrient prorations you choose, sugar should not be included in the forms of table sugar or its substitutes.  If its not natural, don't bite!  We do live in a world of talked "cheats" or "free meals", these on occasion can be ok.  The reason for this is mostly sanity since we were raised on so much sugar and feel deprived when changing our lifestyle.  It is suppose to give us more "social" acceptance.  But necessary...I don't think so.  If we eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, protein and even occasional healthy starches such as sweet potato, you are feeding your body everything it needs.  You can play with your proratations with these foods.  Higher fat, ok...eat more fatty meat, whole eggs, nuts.  Higher protein...ok eat less of what I just mentioned and make it leaner cuts of meat, egg whites.  Higher carb, no problem.  Eat more sweet potato, veggies and fruit.  Just stay clear of harmful substances, sugar and man-made products.  

How do you find a plan that's right for you?  Seek someone out such as a nutrition coach who can put a plan together based on their knowledge of your metabolism and body type.  Then log and monitor your progress and tweek your plan until you have the one that works best.

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day 15

Today, I'm still going strong.  I have to say...I did have an urge for some oatmeal or pancake (yes...I LOVE pancakes...but a pancake however natural you make it, is not a pancake without syrup), but I kept myself busy, diverted and the urge did indeed pass.

I'm sticking to the allowable foods.  While, I don't think I'm losing any weight, my mind is strong and constant.  This is something that is very important to me.  I spoke to someone about this today.  He's an X3 Sports Member and has been making progress with his weight but goes through some very difficult times staying on course.  I asked him too, for now... take the scale, throw it out and to stop logging everything.  Just focus on what goes in his mouth. Eating healthy goes beyond the scale and weight loss.  Brain function is huge, a healthy heart, feeling energetic!!  You have to think of this as a lifestyle and ALL the benefits that go with it.

For me, my mind is a powerful tool.  It should be for you as well.  If used properly we can get an amazing amount accomplished in a days time and I thrive off accomplishment.  It's another way to reduce stress and correct hormone imbalances.  Stop thinking of eating correctly as a way of weight loss, sure that's nice and it WILL happen but it takes time.  There is no instant gratification UNLESS you look at other factors such as brain function, how you actually feel, energy and other appearances such as hair and skin.

Proper nutrition goes beyond the pounds on your body and if you are consistent long enough....you'll be at a good healthy weight.  The way it was intended.

Sleep well, move your body, fuel it with proper nutrients, complete task and accomplish great things every day.  Enjoy the journey to your new lifestyle.

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Day 14 So You're Skinny...or NOT

Today, I was able to play with my kids in the backyard.  A fun family Sunday morning game of dodge-ball and soccer.  We took some pictures and I gotta say.  I didn't like them.  Not one bit!  I eat healthy, I exercise and my body is NOT where I want it to be.

Later, we go to the park (yep...we spend THAT much time there if you read yesterday's blog).  I watched and observed yet again...this time walking around the playground in circles while the boys played.  I saw people of all sizes and shapes, watched what they were eating, who was sitting, who was playing.  A girl can REALLY get down on herself.  We are horrible about this.  I saw skinny girls, mid-sized and over weight.  I felt I was somewhere in the middle.  I'm not your skinny chick, but don't feel I'm overweight either.  Sure..I'm a girl.  I could lose a few pounds.  I've gained a good bit in the last year, some due to the weight room, some due to .....stress.  We live in very stressful times and as a single mom, you can only imagine what goes through my head at times.  

What we have to keep in mind...ME INCLUDED, is to not to get too bogged down into looks.  I looked a heck of a lot better last year than I do this year.  Yet, my fitness has increased, diet continues to improve...stress....a work in progress.  HORMONES do run the show a good bit.  I will have to continue to work on my stress levels if I want to return to the weight I feel most comfortable.  In the meantime, I'm REDUCING some levels of stress by feeding my body the right foods and exercising.  I have to remember...If I didn't do these 2 things....I may be HUGE! SO, I need to be thankful I've maintained a healthy lifestyle and appreciate where I'm at.  When I stress about how I look...it only adds to the mountain and I need to make that mountain a hill, then a small hump.

On the reverse, I hear people say:  "I have a great metabolism.  Look at me.  I'm skinny!  I can eat whatever I want, it's hard for me to gain weight."   They are one of the few lucky ones...but are they?  When we think we can eat everything we want and then do, we are at even higher risk of diabetes and heart attacks among other many diseases due to our diet.  At least the ones of us who have to work for it are more aware of what goes in our mouth.  Skinny, medium, large  it doesn't matter what size you are, we ALL need to feed our bodies with the proper fuel to live a long, lasting disease free life.  I don't know about you, but I want to die of old age and I don't want my last years of my life to be in and out of hospitals because of some disease that could have been prevented.

Eating healthy should be a way of life.  Take the vein reasons out of it.   Embrace who you are and KNOW you are doing the best you can to be the best YOU.  Stop trying to look like or be someone else.  We are all built differently.  .....Trust me...I'm preaching to myself here!

Embrace YOU!

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!

Day 13 Observing

 The diet continues to be whole.  100 % compliant. 
I want to bring up something I've observed this month.  I spend a lot of time in parks since I have two active little boys.  2 weeks ago, we were at a park and there was this lady in a swing.  My guess she was in her 60's, no child that belonged to here in sight.  She just sat there on that swing, eyes closed, smiling, enjoying the moment.  I was there at least an hour and she was there the entire time...swinging.  She seemed very much at peace.  
Yesterday, I was at the gym.  There was this lady on the treadmill.  Again, probably in her 60's...she wasn't walking or running on the treadmill.  She was dancing.  Honestly, she would have made a 23yr old look bad on a dance floor.  The Chick had some moves!  
Neither of these women cared about their surroundings but they did what they wanted to do and were enjoying life because of it.  I took a lesson from them.  The next time I went to the park, which was today, I found a bench and did step-ups.  I've done this before, but here and there, never really powering through not caring what people thought.  Today, I did and I did it with a smile.  My kids found friends on the playground so good ol mom had to fend for herself.  I wasn't just going to sit and watch, so I found a bench and moved while watching.  People starred but WHO CARES?!  I'd much rather be the observed crazy lady who is fit and healthy than the overweight mom sitting on the bench drinking a Coke. I'm not making fun of that mom, in fact I wish I could help her.  BUT, she was making fun of me.  Go figure.  I was the odd one out for not sitting while my kids play and not adding chemicals to my body by drinking a Coke.  
Do you know what?  I did have an influence today.  Infact, I had 2.  Two little girls started to do what I was doing, they were watching and observing and yelling "Exercise!".   I just gave them a kind smile.  
You see, while as adults, some people can not be influenced.  They have to WANT to change.  I grew up with religion forced on me and I would never FORCE nutrition on anyone.  If you are reading this blog, it's because you want too.  If you come to me for counseling, it's because YOU are ready for a change. 
Do keep in mind however, that we are being watched.  The children look to adults for guidance.  What example do you want to be?  What impact do you want to make?  
I'm glad I was the "crazy" parent doing step ups and drinking water.  Who knows what an impact that simple visual made for those 2 little girls.  
As for my kids, I think they appreciate me being a non-traditional mom.  We laugh, we have fun and they learn by my example.  I want the best for them.  So, I do my best to lead them in the right direction. 
Keep in mind.  You are not only an example for your kids, but all kids whom surround you.  You can make impressions.  I remember as a kid, going to the park.  I lived in Virginia and we spent a lot of time in this park called Gypsy Hill Park.   The reason for the name was because, well, many Gypsies camped out there.  There was a large variety of people in this park.   I watched and helped the homeless with my Dad.  He showed me a caring heart from a very young age.  But, because of his beliefs he did shun me away from some others in that park. I was about 6 or 7 and  I remember a lady, meditating.  I was away from my parents for a short while, and I started to ask her questions and THAT lady in a very short time, started to talk to me about nutrition and eating naturally.  Now I think she was vegetarian and I obviously didn't go that route..I'm more of a carnivore.  But, I remember her, she impacted me.  (Here I am at 35 writing about a lady I met for 5min at age 6/7) My parents soon found me talking to her and because she was dressed all in white (different), they quickly pulled me away.  (I had a habit of doing this.)  I was raised that there was one way and that was it.  BUT I always had a very curious mind, one to think on my own.  I couldn't be brainwashed if I was put under extreme circumstances.  I think what I think.  I observe and gather my own thoughts.  My parents never really liked this and we have had some battles, but I'm glad I'm a strong minded individual.  It allows me to see past certain traditional ways and enables me to see things for what they truely are. 
I respect people for who they are and have a way of knowing why they are the way they are.  There are patterns I've learned over the years.  Simply, by observing. 

I've ended up rambling a bit today, but my point is this.  Be free to be who YOU want to be.  THINK about the influence you want to have on others and REAP the rewards of a less stressed life.  Once you come into your own, you'll have a greater sense of peace and HELPING others by simply your actions.  This is a remarkable reward that boost self.  Self awareness, Self contentment, Self satisfaction.  The list goes on.  
Again, you ask, what does all of this have to do with nutrition?  Stress has a huge impact on weight loss, weight gain and weight management.  If you stress less about what everyone else thinks.  You'll reap many many benefits. 
Be YOU!  

Going Strong....ALL DAY LONG!


Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 12 Apples

It's Friday, my typical cheat day.  Today was one of those days where my brain just wouldn't turn off and that cheat day...or at least some wine would have hit the spot.  Instead...staying loyal to my challenge, I cheated on ....apples.  That's right...I went to the store...in sweats....just to buy....apples. 
I came home to try and take my mind off things and turned on the tube to watch some of my favorite re-runs of How I Met Your Mother and Old Christine.  4 apples in.....pigging out in front of the tv has a whole new meaning. 
Today's lesson?  I challenge you to pig out on some fruit next time you would normally have pizza/m&m's whatever your cheat is.  Most likely you'll have an ah-hah! moment.  One that says:"eh...I really don't need this. Why do I find the need to pig out and watch TV for comfort?"

Going Strong.....APPLES and all!  .....ALL DAY LONG!