Tag Archives: Exercise

Super Bowl Belly Hangover

Posted on February 6, 2012 | 3 Comments

If you’re like a lot of people, you may have over-indulged last night while watching the Super Bowl.

This morning you might even have a food hangover. Part of the food hangover is the actual hangover of pudge. Your pants are tighter, you feel icky, you have LOTS of regret.  Thoughts like, “Why you ate that 4th piece of pizza?” might even come to mind.

If you are one of those scale jumpers, you know who you are, you might even be cursing yourself this morning!!  The ones that get on the scale a few times a day may be having a fit today trying to figure out where the extra weight came from this weekend.  You will notice that your weight is up after the weekend festivities if you decided to indulge, (over-indulge).  For those of you professional dieters, you are likely trying to do some kind of math to figure out how in the world you are up 3 -5 lbs in one day. Pizza x beer + nachos – water / chicken wings + chips (insert a lot of math lingo here) = WEIGHT GAIN!!

For those that have been at this weight loss game for a while you will know that a pound of fat is about 3500 calories and with your rough estimate there was no way that you scarfed down that many calories this weekend.  (Oh, for you points people, just hush….I will deal with you and your points in another blog post.)

Maybe you didn’t and I really hope you didn’t eat over 3500 calories yesterday. So, why the weight gain???

Drum roll please…………

SODIUM

All of that party food tends to be loaded with sodium.
Women have a terrible time with hormones and water weight.
Men will be feeling the super bowl belly this morning as well!

Don’t stress, I have your post super bowl binge recover plan.

How to overcome this….well, boot camp of course.  You need to move your body! Oh and don’t use excuses like super events to sacrifice sound nutrition in the first place!

I am not a fan of Madonna but I will give her props for looking great at 53yrs old and poppin’ and lockin’ like a 25 year old.  Who doesn’t want to be in fab shape at 53??  I can guarantee you that she doesn’t take her fitness lightly and she sure doesn’t eat like a lumberjack, “just because”.

Don’t just talk about how you want to be fit.  Become fit.  Show up and do what has to be done!

Here are some other steps to take to get back to your pre-super-bowl weight:

Action Step #1:  Water, water and more water.  That is your drink of choice. You need at least 3-4 litres to flush that sodium out.

Action Step #2:  Add 2-3 cups of dark leafy greens to your food intake today (spinach, kale, etc)

Action Step #3: Show up to boot camp and we will do the super bowl shuffle and sweat out the bloat!!

Action Step #4: Have a post boot camp recovery protein shake (add in some spinach).  Feed your muscles the nutrition they need.

Action Step #5: REPEAT tomorrow and the next day!!

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Boot Camp is BETTER!

Posted on February 2, 2012 | 8 Comments

Boot Camp IS better!!

A bold statement.  A true statement.  Don’t worry I can back up those statements too.   For those of you know that know me, I am not the wishy-washy type. So, when I say boot camp is better, I mean it, I believe it and I can prove it.  Here’s why.

At boot camp we move from our feet to fingers.  By move, I mean we MOVE our ENTIRE bodies, every single muscle. We push, we pull, we lift, we get up, we bend/stretch, we run stairs.

What kind of moves are those? ALL FUNCTIONAL REAL LIFE MOVEMENTS.  They are the moves that mimic real life activities.  Things you actually do!  We make those movements more challenging with the use of body weight and resistance.

Boot camp better because we have accountability.  You don’t show up, you get an email from yours truly!  You have group support.  Other boot campers support and encourage you…we’re a team, a kind of family.
(The gym knows and actually hopes you don’t show up.  I want you to show up.  We want you to show up.  I make sure that you do! )

Simmer down all of you yogi’s and gym goers.   Sitting on a bike peddling away, going nowhere fast doesn’t do it for me.  To each their own.

An ABC news report revealed that standard cardio equipment caloric readings are not accurate.  “Liar, liar elliptical on fire” was the biggest offender with a false reading of 42%.  42% over-estimate of calories burned!  Yikes!! You just got burned! Your calories, not so much.

So you think that you just burned 500 calories pushing away on that elliptical, bike or treadmill and you really didn’t #fail.

We burn 800-1000 calories at boot camp.  We move feet to fingers!

I am proud of you boot campers.  I am proud of how hard you work.  This blog post is to give you a virtual hi-5!!!  I am proud of your dedication, commitment and energy!

Here is a shout out to some of our 7 Day Slim *stars*.  These are INCREDIBLE 7 DAY results! 7 DAYS people.  Who else wants results like this?

  • Kelly  8 3/4 inches lost
  • Rhoda 5 inches lost
  • Lori 9 inches lost
  • Bridie 5.5 inches lost
  • Sara 10 inches lost
  • Maureen 9 inches lost
  • Lisa 4.5 inches lost
  • Diane 7 inches lost
  • Jess 5.5 inches lost

So proud of everyone that shows up to boot camp each and every night!!!  You are awesome!

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It will be worth it

Posted on January 30, 2012 | 2 Comments

I know there are times that I rant about things or get on my soap box and preach to you all about what not to do.  I do this for a couple of reasons. One being, that I want / need you guys to be informed. Second reason is because, I have been where you are. When I ask you to listen (ok, sometimes I beg you / tell you) it is because I actually do know what I am talking about.

Some of my blog posts are meant to get you fired up.  They are meant to motivate you.  Some are to get you thinking or re-thinking about your fitness and food.

If you take nothing away from what I say this is what I want you to know.

If you get fit and healthy, I mean finally take control of your weight you will:

  • not feel uncomfortable and insecure all the time
  • be able to wear anything
  • be able to walk around and “not feel fat”
  • be able to wear a bathing suit without a cover up
  • be able to prove to yourself and everyone else that you are strong enough to do anything

If you don’t lose those extra pounds and keep putting weight on, this is what will happen or continue to happen:

  • you won’t fit into your jeans or any cute pants
  • you will never feel comfortable in a bathing suit
  • you will have a stomach that droops over your pants
  • you will feel self-conscious
  • you will continue to beat yourself up
  • you will not have the energy or the strength to live a long and energetic life
  • you will cut your life short.  That’s a big one!

This is what I know…it’s not theory. 

Those lists could’ve been much longer.  This is what I know, because that is where I was.  I’m not just giving you what I think.  I’ve been there.

Here is something else that you need to read to get your head in the game (yes, High School Musical reference).  It will be tough at times to eat right and show up to boot camp. It will require dedication and willpower.  It will require total effort. It will call for you to suck it up and stay strong

BUT, I promise that when you reach your goal…IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!

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How are your resolutions going?

Posted on January 24, 2012 | 1 Comment

Well , we are one week from the end of January.  The first month of 2012 is almost gone and what have you got to show for it?

How are you doing on your goals for this year so far?  Did you set your goals for the year?  It doesn’t matter if we are talking about finances, family of fitness…you need to set goals.  It’s no just enough to say I want to lose 30 pounds or I want to be a size 6.

When do you want to lose 30 pounds? After you gain 20?  If you’re a size 12 you might just be a little discouraged right now if you wanted to be in the size 6-slinky dress for Valentines Day.

Just like it’s not enough to say (wish) what you want, you need to be realistic about the time line and you need to put a date on your goals.  Here’s what I mean.

Goal

I will lose 30 pounds by December 31st, 2012.

(I’m going to use that as an example for the rest of this post…feel free to put your own number in there)

That’s a great goal and its got a realistic date for achievement.  Now that you’ve got the goal and the date and you’ve written it down, committed to it and even shared it with someone to be accountable to, you have to take action.

Big surprise! All the wishing, wanting, writing and dreaming will NEVER get you where you want to be.  You HAVE to take action, and that action needs to also be set in stone.

How are you going to lose 30 pounds? Are you going to wait until November 1st to go into panic mode and try to take some drastic measure?

Bench Mark Goals

You need to set mini-goals on your way to the ultimate goal.  30 pounds by December 31st = 2.75 pounds per month.  So every month for the next 11 months you need to drop 2.75 pounds.  That works out to be .68 pounds per week.

I will tell you right now…that is very attainable.  BUT, you have to do it right.  Last week I praised Mayor Ford for making the decision to tackle his weight.  One week later, 10 pounds gone! He has a very aggressive goal of 50 pounds in 6 months and after only one week, 10 pounds!  Time for celebration?

NO!!!

It is not time for celebration and that is where so many people go off the rails in their plans.  “This is easy!”  “I deserve a treat.”  “I don’t have to work so hard”  I’ll take tonight off of boot camp.  I guarantee thinking like this is the key to so many people’s failures.

You have not reached your goal.  30 pounds by December 31st is your goal.  Don’t make the mistake of easing off or destroying your good efforts.

Objectives

To reach your bench-mark goal (.68 pounds per week to attain 2.75 pounds per month) you need to set the objectives to meet and measure your plan.

  • I will lose .68 pounds this month by:
  • Eating 4 to 6 times per day
  • Each meal I eat will include a lean protein, a vegetable, a fibrous carb.
  • Each meal will not go beyond an intelligent portion
  • In between meals snacks will be small and intelligent
  • I will exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day
  • I will sleep at least seven hours per night
  • I will not eat after 8 pm.I will drink 3 litres of water per day (divide that as well: 1 cup (250 ml) every hour.
  • I will NOT drink alcohol
Measurement

At the end of the week, before you get on the scale, look back at your daily journal.  What? You’re not keeping a food journal? You’re not checking off your accomplishments? OK, you need to journal what you are doing.  On the top of each page of your journal you need to write down your objectives (To Do List) and as you accomplish them, check them off.  You also need to write down what you eat…EVERYTHING!

I guarantee that if you look back at your week and your journal is not something you are proud of you will not be happy with your results.  In fact, if your journal isn’t good, don’t even get on the scale.

In fact, just stay away from the scale.  Look at yourself in the mirror and see if you have improved at all.  Think of how your clothes feel.  Yes, you will be able to tell after one simple week.

Reward

Meet your objectives? Reward yourself.  Meet your goals?  Then reward yourself.  Rewards don’t mean bingeing on crap. Don’t destroy your great accomplishments with bad rewards.  A facial, new book, a healthy dinner at a restaurant.  Mani / Pedi.  Find your hot button and use that as your reward.

Here is a great tip.  Include your family in your objectives and goal settings.  Make the journey for them as well.  Lets say your children know that if you hit your goals, there will be a family outing or movie night.  They’ll help remind you when you are about to do something that goes against your objective’s.

What happens when you find yourself ahead of schedule? Celebrate by changing your time line.  Move it from December 31st, 2012 to October 31st, 2012.  Don’t slow down your schedule or results by backing off.  That will lead to compromise and delay.  Let that happen long enough and complacency will set in and before you know it…you are right off track.

  1. Goal
  2. Benchmarks
  3. Objectives
  4. Measurement
  5. Reward

Stick to that, be honest to yourself and committed to your goal and you will win!

Then we can move onto to maintaining the new you forever!

Who loves ‘ya?

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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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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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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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Posted in Nutrition

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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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Posted in Inspiration

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