Cut the Waist

Posted on January 19, 2012 | 2 Comments

I remember watching an interview with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford when he was running for office and thinking to myself, “He’s going to explode!”

His face was flushed, he was sweating and he was breathing very heavy.  For those of you who don’t know him, he had called himself 300 pounds of fun.  I thought to myself the first time I heard that, 350 maybe.

On Monday, Mayor Ford and his brother Doug kicked off a weight loss program and a very special challenge.  “Cut The Waist Toronto”.  This cut has nothing to do with the budget, over spending or the gravy train.  It has to do with challenging themselves, the Ford Brothers and Toronto, to lose weight and promote a healthier lifestyle.

The Mayor weighed in at 330 pounds and his Councillor brother tipped the Toledo at 275 pounds.  Between them, they account for more than a quarter tonne of fun!  Not to mention several thousands of dollars of future medical expenses.

What was even better about the announcement was that the Mayor during the press conference issued a challenge to all of Canada by throwing down the gauntlet and saying Toronto would lose more weight than anywhere else!

Congratulations to Mayor and Councilor Ford for your commitment.

Besides the fact they have committed to losing weight, I applaud them for how they are intending to do it:

  • They set their goals
  • They put a date on that goals
  • They have a support buddy
  • They announced their plans public
  • They have established accountability to their goals

All Carrie approved.

Both men have indicated that healthy eating and increased physical activity are in their plans.  Did you hear that?

Healthy eating

Physical Activity

No fad diets.  No gimmicky programs.  No diet centres.  No surgery, potions pills or lotions.

They are right in issuing the challenge to get Toronto healthy and to encourage everyone, everywhere else to do the same.  Obesity is an epidemic.  It is costing this country millions of dollars in related medical expenses.  It is shortening the lives of people in an age when we can live longer, healthier and more vibrant than ever before!

Diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, chronic pain and many other problems are preventable and treatable through proper diet and exercise.

But here is my caution…remember losing the weight is one challenge.   Keeping it off is a completely different challenge.  You need to educate yourself through the process to learn how to keep weight off.  You need to understand how and why you gained the weight in the first place.

I can’t wait to find out who will be the biggest loser. (No pun intended).

I wonder if we can get them to come out to Georgetown to get their butts kicked by Boot Camp?

 

 

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Challenge creates change

Posted on January 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Results ALWAYS happen 1 step / 1 lap / 1 lunge past where most people give up so they never get to see the results they are looking for as fast as they want them.

I know how it feels when you just want to give up. When you are too tired to try.  When you are too busy to make the time.

BUT, I also know how amazing it feels to pull it together and push past those feelings.  To give it your all with exercise and proper nutrition.

You know what I’m talking about.  When you come to boot camp and you push beyond the tired and give me, “Three more, two more, one more. You did it!!”

You feel strong and proud!!

How do you feel when you stop halfway thru an exercise?  When you walk when you know you can run?  When you give into those cravings when you think you are hungry?

We all need to be reminded that the MAGIC doesn’t happen on the 1st mile, it happens when you go the EXTRA mile for yourself and for others.

Anybody who knows anything about weight training or dieting will tell you that you get most of your results from those last 2-3 reps you don’t want to do, or from those last few weeks that you really don’t want to diet.

But here’s the catch.

Most people quit on themselves and their goals and dreams, right when it gets tough.

Unfortunately, they then never get to experience the MAGIC that would have taken place for them. That same magic that could have transformed them from ordinary to extraordinary.

I’ve said it over and over again, but I’ll repeat it here one more time…you don’t have to be 50% or 100% better than everyone else when you diet or exercise.

You only need to be 5% better.  5% is it. 5% is all it takes to be extraordinary.  To be better than the average.  To accomplish more than the norm.

That’s it.

  • Push past your desire to stop.  Do a little bit more today.
  • Do one more rep. Run a bit faster on that lap.
  • Drink one more glass of water.
  • Eat that salad
  • Show up to boot camp even on those days you are tired (I promise you will leave feeling more energetic).
  • Motivate one more person to exercise with you.

Are YOU ready to give 5% more today?

I saw this the other day:

I exercise because I can. When I get tired, I remember those that can’t exercise and what they would give to have this simple gift that I take for granted, and I work harder for them.

Powerful.

Focus on that when you think you can’t do one more rep or go the distance.

I know you can tough it out; CHALLENGE CREATES CHANGE.  Make that your mantra when you want to give up.

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My 2012 Predictions

Posted on January 10, 2012 | 3 Comments

I PREDICT that if you reach into your pocket on any day in 2012 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your realistic body and fitness goals written on it in precise detail, the odds are in your favor of you’ll achieve every one of those goals before the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, you will reach your goals so fast in 2012, it will make your head spin. #truth

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don’t want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with them when the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough. But you need to tough it out.

I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind’s eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you have a setback that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself “this is temporary; this too shall pass”, then it won’t set you back and it will pass. Don’t be a victim to excuses.

I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won’t even make much of an effort this year.

I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.

I PREDICT that if you’re unhappy with your physical condition and you say, “it’s not my fault” or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2012 as it did on New Year’s day.

I PREDICT that the more you seek “miracle pills” or “quick fixes,” the more likely you are to be a failure a year from now.  That’s the cold hard truth.

I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2012. You’re smarter than that–don’t fall for it.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers (not weight) and negative people (food pushers) this year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with winners (boot campers) and positive people this year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners. Choose wisely who you want to be like. There is a reason there are more negative people…it’s easy.

I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2012, you will double your chances for success. If you surround yourself with numerous support buddies, you will become unstoppable.

So how does your future look this year? It’s totally up to you!! Just know that I am here to help.

The past is the past and you can’t change it, but by changing your thoughts, attitudes and ACTION in the present moment, the future is yours to create.

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Christmas: Eat, drink and be merry! (for 1 minute)

Posted on December 23, 2011 | 4 Comments

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS by Lauren NOT CARRIE.

1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat.. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day ?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I really do love a good laugh! No, I don’t support any of these, but it’s Christmas, so enjoy.

Special thanks to Julie for sending this to me.  You know, I sometimes think you are on a personal mission to cause me to have a stroke!

 

 

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Avoid the “Last Supper” Mentality

Posted on December 13, 2011 | 1 Comment

Christmas festivities are in full swing and now the countdown or should I say chow down (bwahaha) to Christmas is on.

Last night at boot camp I was telling the group to eat responsibly.  It is not your last supper, so you don’t have to binge on all of these decadent holiday foods.
You have probably tasted these treats before so you know what they taste like and it is not like you will never be able to eat them again.

When I was overweight I use to eat like it was the last supper. It didn’t matter if it was Christmas or Tuesday.  I just overate…all the time.  In my mind, it was like I would not be able to eat again, so I better fill up.  I would eat so fast and shovel the food into my mouth I had no idea how the food actually tasted.  I still eat fast and have to really concentrate on slowing down the whole process.  I remember the first time I had a meal with my mother-in-law, she saw how fast I was piling the food into my face, she asked if I came from a big family because it looked like I was eating so no one would take it away from me.

Not only did I eat fast, I would stretch my stomach and  that’s when my portion distortion started.  Have you been doing this at the Christmas parties? Have you been eating so much because you have convinced yourself that you deserve the treat or you won’t have it again because it is the holiday season.  Well, both “reason’s” are completely lame.

Three issues that were hurting me (I bet you have experienced some of these):

  1. I ate out of boredom.  I was 225lbs,  I didn’t have much of a social life, so I ate because I was home and had nothing to do.  I got fatter, so I ate more…vicious cycle
  2. I was an emotional eater (I still struggle with that today). I ate because I was sad/miserable: ( I was sad and miserable because I was so overweight) I ate when I was happy. I ate when I was mad.  If there was an emotion I would turn to food. Food will never solve a problem or make you feel better.  I guarantee it will make you feel worse!  You know this already.
  3. I was skipping meals. I would never eat breakfast. Then I would eat like a lumberjack at lunch and then I would eat crappy snacks in the afternoon and binge on dinner.

A boot camper asked me last night if I crave chocolate or things like that.  I don’t anymore.  Yes, I have my days and yes if you put a cupcake in front of me,  I might start sweating but generally I have controlled my eating by eating real food and eating throughout the day. I won’t go longer than 3 hrs without eating. This is an easy fix for everyone.  Eat real food, it is that simple, stop making it complicated.

How did I overcome the “last supper” syndrome?

 

  • I started eating smaller meals throughout the day-making sure that I had protein with every meal.
  • I started drinking lots of water and boy oh boy did that help me feel better!
  • Exercise….need I say more? This is a deal breaker–without exercise you are going no where fast.
  • I started doing my food journals-that I nag you all to do. When you track and see what you actually eat in a day, it will wake you up fast. You will be able to catch any portion distortion or overeating when you see it on paper
  • Late night eating…this is a tough one still. I work odd hours so when I get home if I don’t have a post workout protein shake then it will lead to me opening the cupboards looking for food. The shake and having tea help me get through the hours before bed. I also cut off the eating 2 hrs before bed…the kitchen is closed!

For many of you, you know all of this and it is more often than not, a mental game. This is where you summon up that mental toughness.  It’s just food. Crappy food makes you feel like crap.  Sorry, there really is no way to church that statement up.

Recognize your triggers and be aware of how you can fix them.

If you actually want to change your body you need to change your mind and yes it wouldn’t be me without saying “get your head in the game” (shout out to High School Musical)

Will it keep you up at night because you didn’t have that extra Pina colada, Egg Nogg or  butter tart?  Heck no it won’t!  But I know you go off the rails, at some point you will ask yourself, “Did I really need to eat that entire box of chocolates?”

Jingle bells people not Jiggle Bellies!!!

BONUS – Yummy Smoothie
  Banana Split Smoothie

1 Scoop of Carrie’s Vanilla Protein
1 Frozen Banana
1/2 Cup of Frozen Pineapple Chunks
5 Frozen Strawberries
1 Teaspoon of Pure Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 Cups of Cold Water

Blend and enjoy the no guilt treat!

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Beware of the “Experts”

Posted on December 7, 2011 | 9 Comments

I saw this on Facebook the other day , shook my head and now I have to comment on it.

Just have a baby, low on energy, want your old body back? (notice the bad grammer-guess the product doesn’t help that)
Have picky eaters, children, teens, seniors, want to ensure their nutrition?
Need to lose weight for health reasons, Diabetes, Heart Conditions, Back Problems?
Want more Energy for family, friends and the busy holiday season?
Want to trim down for Family Pictures, High School Reunions or Tropical Vacations?

Well what is this all in one miracle that works for children to seniors?
For sickly people to people in pain?

So if you are trying to lose baby weight or if you are a senior with a disease then this miracle product will work for you!! Actually, it will work for anyone with a heart beat including the dog or the squirrel on your lawn.

WHAT A BUNCH OF LIES!!!!

This is a post from someone with ZERO health/fitness training and education–pimping some product.

I am sure you all know someone like this. It could be a neighbour, co-worker, family member that has gotten involved with some kind of multi level marketing company.

They have no idea how these products are manufactured–they have no idea about the “ingredients” in these products–all they know is that it might help them lose weight and get rich.

What also shocks me is that smart people will take health advice from someone who has no training or education–that is a whole lot of crazy!

I always find amusing is that the majority of these people selling these types of miracle products are usually unhealthy, sick and broke!  Great role model for your company folks.

If you are selling a weight loss product, you likely shouldn’t be overweight.
If you are trying to get someone to join your “company” you likely shouldnt be broke.

There is no miracle product that is a one size fits all…..read that again.  If someone is trying to tell you that it is good for your kids and for your grandparents they are way off base. (Unless they are selling water or vegetables).

What I see usually, are people who are drawn into these quick fixes and then they are on to the next one.  It might not be a direct selling company, it might be that they started with Jenny Craig and then moved on to Herbal Magic and then on to the next diet centre. Or diet books; one week it is Atkins then the next week it is the blood type diet.

What the heck has happened to society……
Everyone is looking for the easy way out.
Lazy, lazy, lazy.

Losing weight takes an effort.  No magic drinks, pills, lotions or potions.

Guess what, you did this to yourself. You did not wake up with an 30 extra pounds on your frame. You had to have the Eggs Benedict when a veggie omelet would’ve been fine. You had to have the chips because they were out on the table at a party. You had to have the pizza because everyone else was. You couldn’t pass up dessert because it was your favourite……shazam you gained weight!

Everyone is unique…..its this special thing called DNA, maybe you have heard of it?!

Your genetic makeup is your own. So what works for Sally won’t necessarily work for you.

One thing that is true is that you need to eat real food–(not boxed food) and you NEED to exercise—-those are two truths that will never change.

Just so we are clear anyone telling you to buy some “magic” product and replace two of your meals with this magic product and you will be a brand new person is lying.

Slim Fast said the same and remember what happened to Oprah when she went on that liquid diet.  Yeah she lost weight but now look at her.  Has she ever been able to keep it off? Did she ever learn why she loses weight than gains it back, faster and bigger then before?

What’s your thoughts? Let me know…agree / disagree?

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Diets; gah that dreaded word

Posted on December 5, 2011 | 3 Comments

If there is a diet out there, I know about it. Either I had tried it before I knew better or now I do my due diligence and research them so I can see if any of them are actually valid and will help you.

Most diets are nothing more than marketing gimmicks.  Deep down, I know you know that already so yes, I am going to yell “YOU STILL FALL FOR THESE GIMMICKS”

I will say, SOME diets do work and are not a health risk. Depending on how crazy or restrictive they are will be a factor if you can tough it out and if it is sustainable over the long-term for your health.

Those few good diets work.  People fail. They give up. They quit and then blame the diet. A diet is like a budget.  If you stick to it and stay within the terms, they will work.

I have told all of you what to do.  I have blogged about it and I have listed out what to do.  It’s your choice if you don’t want to listen or actually apply what I have said.  I find it funny that people will take diet advice from friends (who have no health or fitness background) or from a book that has no actual proof that the plan works.

This is an epidemic. Diet companies, book sellers, potion/pill manufacturers, Dr’s that are putting bands around your stomach are banking on the fact that you are so desperate and lazy they can sell you something.

Here is the secret; you have to eat real food and exercise.  No glitter or sparkles.  No high paid celebrity endorsement.  No wow factor or clever copy writing. Just sweat and mental toughness. Look at that, I just saved you hours of reading some book that claims to be the best diet plan ever.

Stop over eating, stop eating junk, stop eating processed food, stop filling yourself with chemicals.  Turn off the television, walk away from the computer, close the iPad and exercise. Get off the phone and make a meal with real food.

Fit people think differently.  Food is nourishment and energy.   There is no emotional value to food. If being in a room and cake is being served and it is driving you to cold sweats, you need to toughen up. It is just cake. You have had it before and you know what it tastes like so there is no big surprise there.  Get over any emotional value you put on crappy food.

Everyone is tired, busy, stressed, overworked and over scheduled but why is it some people find a way? They make their lunch, they drink water, they exercise.  Those people know how good fit feels and how it is so worth it.

One component that every diet or program or system is missing is how to re-train your brain.

The key to any program is found in the individual.  “Results may vary” no guff!!

Mental toughness/fitness my friends is what is key. I have blogged and blogged and blogged about getting mentally tough.  About standing up to that piece of cake and saying “NO!” Mental toughness about not giving into some made up craving.

I like to consider myself a cute and cuddly kinda girl, but this is one topic that gets me fired up.

I don’t sugar coat things for you, (because sugar makes you fat), I tell it like it is and sometimes you don’t like it. Monday’s blog hit a few nerves. No one wants to think of themselves as a quitter, but when it comes to health and fitness we have somehow given ourselves an out by blaming everything under the blazing sun except taking responsibility for eating those dang cookies and pizza.

Being overweight is uncomfortable both physically and mentally.  I know this first hand. Why, oh why do you do this to yourself???? You are putting yourself through this pain.  If you are overweight you have done it done it to yourself.  Sure, you may have been tricked, misled and uninformed by slick marketing and hidden facts, but you are the only one who can fix it.  I

I have told you what to do.  It’s now up to you if you choose to listen and apply it. I have worked with thousands of people, so yes, I know what I am talking about.

I have written how I battled a food addiction every single day.  Every hour I have to really stay strong to make good choices. I didn’t get to 225 pounds by loving salad. When I tell you that I know how you feel, I really do!  I understand your stresses and I can relate. I ACTUALLY CAN BECAUSE I’VE BEEN THERE!!!

I have studied a lot of written material.  I’ve taken part in research.  I have torn apart food labels, meal plans, diet books to make sure I give you the best quality information for your health that is available.

You need to eat.  That is a simple and plain fact of life.  But what you eat has to be for health not for your pleasure.

If you eat junk you will feel and look like junk.  Garbage in, garbage out.

So get out there, move, eat healthy and enjoy everything you can…for as long as possible.  In 30, 20, 10, 5, 1 years, tomorrow you’ll be happy you did!

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Thank you for inspiring me

Posted on November 29, 2011 | 15 Comments

I love what I do–I get to interact with so many different people, different stories, different experiences, different opinions.

What amazes me is the fact that I have met so many smart people who give up! They just out-and-out give up.

I am impressed by those of you who show up each and every day and really give it your all.

Those of you that work hard during the day, take care of your families, have other obligations BUT still show up, work your hardest and TRY.  Once a week, twice a week or everyday…you keep me going with your commitment, energy and dedication.

We have had a lot of people who have come to boot camp over the years and I can spot a quitter a mile away.  Quitter, I know, it’s a harsh word, but you know I don’t pull punches with this and sometimes the truth hurts.

Quitters make excuses.  Winners show up.  Winners make the effort.
I’m a black/white kind of girl……I really don’t see or understand grey areas.
We all have a story. We all have some kind of history, some life experience that may have changed you or impacted you.

I am sure that you don’t let your kids quit. You encourage them, you show them the benefits of toughing things out, you hold them accountable.

So why is it ok for you to quit. Why is it ok for you to flake out on your fitness? Why is it ok for you to give up on healthy eating??

Many of you know my story.  Chubby girl, lost my dad when I was 6.  Got chubbier then got fat in high school.  I lost my mom on my 20th birthday.
I could have easily slipped into depression or a food coma. I pulled myself together and I didn’t give up. What good would it have done for me to give up on life?

Yes, I had to grow up fast and my world changed first at 6 then at 20 yrs old. I didn’t give up on me.

You have choices.  You are where you are because of the choices you have made. No one did this to you.  You did this.  You have chosen where you are and decided it.  But don’t ever give up on you!

Is boot camp tough?  Oh hell yeah it is! I am beyond proud of those of you who tough it out. When I see you doing push ups on your toes or running faster, pushing harder, reaching further; it makes me so proud!

Some people give up and they will always find an excuse or something to blame other than themselves.  For those of you that are doing it and not giving up I say “you are awesome and unstoppable”.

You don’t always get what you wish for…you get what you work for!

Your choice is to keep sucking it in or…suck it up and just do it!

Don’t stop until you’re proud of your accomplishment and effort.

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Your mistakes should be your motivation, never your excuses.

Posted on November 22, 2011 | 2 Comments

You can’t hope away the extra pounds.  Simple enough sentence but really think about it this:

“If you want to see change, you have to make the change happen.”

We all get off track from time to time and the reality is life happens. You don’t give up, you don’t throw in the towel and you don’t make excuses.

As one wise boot camper said to me, “Those times when you don’t feel like showing up; when you are busy, stressed, over scheduled, that’s when you do show up”

Know the difference between a set back and failure.

Set Back: You slipped up, lost focus, got busy, caved in, got lazy

Failure: You decided your health wasn’t worth the effort.

You can recover from set backs pretty easy.  As long as you don’t suffer set backs too often and your commitment on your goal is always your prime focus.

When you feel like quitting or not showing up you need to remember the reason why you started.  Your goal, whatever it is, has to be from your heart.  Your, “I want it so bad!” motivator.

I am here to motivate you, but you have to actually want to see change.

The excuses get old and tired.  There has to come a point where you just stop making excuses.  I guarantee you that there is someone out there that is busier than you, stressed more than you, over-scheduled more that you and they still manage to eat healthy and exercise.

So what’s stopping you???? That’s right, your answer should be NOTHING!!

I read a great quote and I think this needs to stay with everyone

“Dead last is greater than did not finish which trumps did not start”

Recognizing the things that you do wrong is a great step to fixing your mindset.  You have to be honest with yourself. Your mistakes should be part of your motivation to succeed, not your excuses when you measure your failure.

Hockey practices, swimming lessons, tough day at work, shopping, tired, hungry.  Guess what.  So many people think those reasons for not eating healthy and not exercising are justifiable because you got to “take part” or be there.  Good, you should be there, but what about the television, talk on the phone, surf Facebook time.  Pass on that stuff, because it’s not what the people who are hitting their goals are doing.  And when those people look back, they won’t be saying, “I wish I would have spent more time updating my status, or watching TV.” Nope, they’re looking in the mirror and saying, “It was so worth it!!”

Your mistakes should be your motivation, never your excuses.

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8 Reasons Why You Should Just Do It!

Posted on November 17, 2011 | 2 Comments

You hear it alot….find your “why”   Find your passion, your reason for doing things.

I see so many people who start strong on the road to their improved health and fitness journey and then fizzle out.

Why bother exercising?? 

The first answer of course you will say, is for your health.  Newsflash; Sitting on a bike while surfing Facebook is not really exercise. Neither is walking at a snail’s pace on a treadmill.  It is ok but you know you can do better. So why do you do it? Why not give it your all and be effective?

We all have our own reasons for sweating it out.  I never want to be 225lbs again–NEVER.  Some people do it to lose weight, some do it to fit into their Christmas party dress, some do it because they have had a medical scare and decide to take control (diabetes, high blood pressure).  These are great whys.

Everyone can come up with reasons on why to be fit and just as many excuses on why they can’t.

Here is what I don’t get.  I see so many of you that work so hard at boot camp and then blow it with crappy food.  You sweat your guts out with me and then tell me you had wings, beer, cake, etc.  WHY??

  • Why are you sabotaging yourself?
  • Why don’t you want to see the results?
  • Why are you letting junk food win?
  • Why do you want to look bad?
  • Why do you want to feel lousy?

Many of you will be saying “I know, I have to pull it together”
If you want to see the results and changes in your body you have to do the work, all of the work.  Just showing up doesn’t do it.

You know you need to eat 5x a day.  You know that you must have healthy snacks.  You know that you NEED to drink water.  So why aren’t you?

Boring, lazy, busy, forgot, my back hurts, I don’t like to get sweaty.  The list of excuses can go on and on.

Be a finisher.  Not a ‘half-asser’ (Sorry, not a word but I’m trying to stress a point and maybe my creative word use might get you fired up!)

So why do this?  All of this proper eating and exercise. We all have our own “why’s” but here are a few you might not have thought about:
Do it for the stares.  Yes, we all like to be noticed (in a good way).

  1. Do it for the compliments.  It is nice to be acknowledged for hard, noticeable achievements.
  2. Do it for the shape and definition in your muscles (hello tank tops!)
  3. Do it for the ability to fit into the clothes you want
  4. Do it for the swimsuit.  We all want to be able to rock the swimsuit
  5. Do it so you can be off the gaining weight / losing weight roller coaster!!
  6. Do it so you can be proud of your effort and how you look.
  7. Do it for your health
  8. Do it for your family

Nike has made billions off of the saying “Just do it”.  It really is that simple; Just do it….already

Find you WHY.  Set your goal, focus on it and don’t do anything that isn’t in line with your goal.

Here are some healthy snacks to incorporate into your day:

- hard boiled egg with cubed cantaloupe
- snow peas or sugar snap peas with humus
- greek yogurt with blueberries
- turkey pepperettes with an apple
- lettuce leaf with avocado and chicken or turkey-roll it up

Bonus snack!!
- greek yogurt, pb or almond butter and boot camp chocolate protein

Have a great day…Why? Because you deserve it.

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