Fall in Love with Your Life

Yes I know it is FALL now, hence my appropriate blog title. Furthermore, I am extremely behind the ball on posting-the whole summertime and living by the beach has kept me away from my computer. I have some professional transitions going on and I am excited about where they will take me, clients, and readers. Refreshing change and a new kind of positive atmosphere seems to go right along with this time of year. Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to see an informational blog post on. I will do my best to get you the best information...that’s what this is for so don't hesitate to write questions, comments or concerns.

For those of you that have been keeping up with our nation’s news these days bring with them an air of unsettled feelings and a sense of fear for many people. But here's what I always come back too- regardless of where a leader or wall street takes us, at the end of the day we all still have our own lives to be accountable for. So, fall in love with that life of yours however simple, complex, glamorous, or modest that it may be. And if your not in love with it at the moment (we all have those days or even weeks) find a way to get back in tune with it. I have a little note by my door that says "She designed a life she loved..." It always reminds me that it’s what I make it...so yeah life is what you make of it no matter the circumstances- and so is your health. As for your body you choose what goes in and out of it and how much you use it. I know that a lot of times it doesn't seem to be quite as faithful to us as we think we are to it, but consistency in this aspect of life will pay off I promise. Take Care!

Today

My sister and roommate have both gone out of town for the week, and for those of you who may have met or heard me talk about them, you would all understand what I mean when I say it has been unusually quiet at my house. The very normal out of the blue laughter and girlie drama will sadly be at a minimum this week. But, with them gone I've had a couple evenings out on my porch where I've been pleasantly forced to be a little more introspective and get some "me" time, something I think we all forget to do. I realized that sometimes we need our own way to gain perspective, call an old friend or remember an old goal we might of had and why or what made us not meet or go through with it. Ya know just because you once had a dream or idea for something doesn't mean that you cannot go back and re evaluate why it never happened. Pleasantly you may be surprised to find yourself even more prepared to reach it now. Passions may change but I don't think that they ever leave you, they just take on a new face sometimes. If I get a certain staleness to my life, I go back and look at pictures or read an old journal or some quote I jotted down on an old coffee stained college notebook from a finals induced all-nighter. I laugh as I gain inspiration for my present day for what was seemingly one of the worst nights ever three years ago. So-even at 24 sitting on my back porch I realize that life goes by fast and sometimes we get so caught up in the future that we forget today. If you've been to Starbuck's recently as you walk out the door you will read something to the affect of "the best days go by the fastest." Why is this? I think that its because the best days are when we are living out our passions...so while those days may go by fast, remember that one thing that you always have is today-

Food For Thought

I know that changing your lifestyle in terms of diet and nutrition can be a huge task sometimes. I wanted to create a list that can be taken to the grocery store and hopefully make this a little more manageable when your trying to make the right choices.

Produce:
-Load up on anything green, look for seasonal vegetables it will be fresher and more cost effective
Opt for Sweet potato s in stead of white.
- Apples, melon, any berries, kiwi, Avocados

Breads and Cereals:
These are not enemies just be careful to buy only whole grain, not anything white
-Rudi's is a brand that are all good and taste great
-Organic Flax waffles (freezer section)
-Kashi products (including bars)
-Only whole grain oatmeal or hot cereal

Dairy:
Low fat or fat free milk (try to buy organic)
Cottage cheese
Yogurt (not ones with a lot of added sugars)

Protein:
Ground chicken or Turkey
Any kind of fresh fish (Salmon, Tuna, Halibut, and trout are some of the best)
Lean skinless chicken breasts
If you do eat steak try to buy sirloins or fillets
Boca Protein burgers
Turkey burgers
Turkey Sausage or Bacon
Eggs
Vacuum sealed salmon or tuna packets in the canned fish isle
Nuts (Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts or pumpkin seeds)

Midsummer Thoughts

Midsummer when everyone may be finding themselves mid goal I think it is really important to evaluate how much we are mentally putting into the standards we have set for ourselves regarding every aspect of our lives. Whether it be building a bigger business, preparing kids for the upcoming school year or the thing I am most familiar with-your fitness program, all are affected by your attitude and outlook.

"Its a funny thing about life. If you refuse to settle for anything less than the best, that's what it will give you."
-w. somerset maugham

I was sitting at my desk the other day thinking, "why is it that our own personal goals (including health and wellness) many times fail or get pushed aside because we are consistently putting other things and individuals before yourself." No lets not all become narcissistic now, but what we fail to realize is that by making ourselves happier and healthier people we will be much more fit to take on the many other challenges that, lets face it, will probably always be there. Do you ever find yourself thinking, why can't I just pop a pill or get nipped and tucked as effortlessly as getting sushi or a massage...but would you really want it that way? Ok don't answer that-just think about this first, our body is one of the most powerful things we can control I have seen it in myself as well as so many other people. We miss out on a lot of internal growth by always shortcutting ourselves.

Learning how to control and strengthen our bodies will benefit us two fold, were going to develop some amazing will power and also develop a much stronger mental attitude that people around us will find infectious and inspiring-so we are really not so selfish at all. Its often said, but I feel easily forgotten that anything truly worth something takes a lot more effort than what our convenience driven society wants us to believe. So here is something that I encourage everyone reading this to do, I like simple so here it is- "Be surprised by yourself," push yourself a little harder run or walk faster then further. Inspire yourself by what you are doing rather than discourage yourself by what you are not, and finally live up to what you think your worth-if your not living this way it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks.

"You can live a lifetime and, at the end of it, know more about other people than you know about yourself"

-beryl merkham

Just for Starters...

As I sat down to write this first blog entry I went back and forth with which or what topics I should use. What would individuals like to read when they visit this site for the first time. So I am beginning with this thought, what am I doing and why am I here? For those readers who either know me or already train with me I don't think it will surprise you when I say I am passionate about what I am doing. Likewise I am just as passionate about being included in the challenge of those who are ready to make a change. Bypassing all the stories and boring details, let me just say that I am euphoric about what each individual can accomplish, because I am here to say I did everything unfit and unhealthy already. I always share with my friends and family that anything I can do right is most likely only because I have done it all wrong before. I know the dedication, the "torment" at times and sacrifice that it takes but I also know that is the single most self empowering decision I have ever made. A part from the negative connotation that our society has superficially placed on body type there is a bigger picture (believe it or not). The human structure has an ideal, this is found when healthy lifestyle choices and physical training meet in the middle. Everyone can reach their ideal! Sure it may take the 24 year old a little less time then the 44 year old...but I'll be honest sometimes you would be surprised. Ok, ok, as your sighing through my cheesy motivational rhetoric...here is the point, no matter who you are, or what health/fitness challenges you are facing you can overcome them. Yes it is as simple and as complicated as that, the choice is up to you. I have made the success of my clients my own personal success, nothing thrills me more than to see the progress that has already been made. So, my pushing and "extra counting" is all a part of what I do only because I realize what you may not at times...you can achieve it, it is in you, now we just have to do it. I would love to be a part of your journey, so until I write again, feel free to post with any specific questions or comments you may have....live well today~