Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Get some grit

I went on an early hike with a friend this morning. It was such a great way to start my day. While we were on our hike, I recalled an article I read last night in my Women's Health magazine, regarding grit. I read it right before I went to bed and it was still on my mind, I love when this happens.

So what is grit? Well, it's a mental trait that has an enormous influence on success. To put it bluntly it's an ability to set a far-reaching goal and drive towards it on full speed. The ability to gut it out and NEVER GIVE UP until you reach it, whatever it takes.

Some people are born with grit, but for others don't lose hope, it can be developed. First thing you need to do to develop grit is set a goal that has challenging obstacles. That's why right now I want every person that is reading this to write down a hard, challenging goal and make it your mission to achieve it. Mine is to have a strong voice in helping America tackle it's obesity epidemic. No matter how long or how hard this is........I am committing myself right now that I will one day accomplish this goal and I will not give up.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape and size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Incorporate alkaline rich foods into your diet. Your body needs alkaline rich foods to break up acid. Some great examples are: cucumber, spinach, wheat grass, and kale. This will help you in your process to losing weight.


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Summer is around the corner

I can't believe we are at the end of April. Where has this year gone? I remember celebrating New Year's like it was yesterday. Summer is approaching and I want to pump you up, and keep you working out strong, so you can show off your beautiful beach body.

Most people who come to me for help complain about 2 things, time and motivation. I consider these the two "big" excuses. I don't understand when someone tells me they don't have time to get healthy. We, as humans, have one life, one body.......starting right now you need to put your health first and make the time.

I am a firm believer in scheduling your exercise regimen. You don't need to be a fanatic like myself and exercise 6 days a week, start out with 3. Don't go overboard, studies have shown that when starting out if you go overboard you will burn out and will stop after a short time period. So, for now, sit down with your schedule and schedule 3 days a week anywhere from 30-60 minutes per session. Once you get in a pattern that number will grow. You need to take this little time for yourself and your health.

If motivation is your problem then call on an accountability partner, or ask someone for help. Find a friend who also wants to get healthy and make each other stay on track. Also, do a form of exercise that excites you and that you enjoy. Dance classes and sporting games are great. Group fitness classes are also a good motivational tool. If your really stuck then budget for a personal trainer, that's what we are here for....to kick your butt and get you going.

My hope is by summer that my friends, family, and readers all feel good putting on that bathing suit!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape and size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Don't drink your calories. Liquids travel too quickly through your stomach for your brain to notice the calorie consumption. Beverages add up, especially alcohol. Drink your coffee black and drink your water cold. Ice water is a negative calorie drink, your body burns calories warming it up.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Keep it positive

Hello, I took an early morning yoga class with a new teacher, it was very challenging.....love it! My mind is relaxed and my muscles are killing me, what a great combination. I had a very frustrating day yesterday, so I wanted to write about positivity.

I realize we will all have bad days, that's inevitable. How you handle these days is what matters. So, with my bad day it started with my car and then filtered to every technological piece of equipment I use throughout the day. I honestly couldn't believe it when my phone, Internet, and ipod all went down on the same day. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to say, for me.

Since I've returned home from my journey, many things have changed, including my night job (for the worse in so many ways). Yesterday as I was dealing with problem after problem, I started getting so angry and negative. Then I thought to myself about all the people who were affected by the recent storms in the southeast....it made my problems seem trivial.

Instead of going out and drinking with friends, I went to the gym and cleared my head. My point to all of this is: When you are having a bad day, and under a big amount of stress, take a moment,breathe and think of all the positive things you have in your life. Then, go to the gym and work it out. I promise it will make you feel better.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape and size you are, always love yourself!!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
When you are cooking, substitute olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil is good fat your body needs that has health benefits. Also while dining out, ask your server to substitute the olive oil, I do this all the time and I have NEVER been told no.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I'M BAAAAAAAACK!!!!!

Hi, for those of you who don't know, I went on a 2 month journey. I'm not at liberty to discuss details, but what I can say is that it challenged me in every way. I believe when you do things that challenge you the most, you get the best rewards. This stands true for my journey. I've changed and grown in ways I couldn't imagine, and because of it, I've never felt more confident, healthy, strong, and happy........life is fabulous!!!

So, I'm back, full speed, and ready to help all of you. While I was gone, let me just say, my fitness knowledge and skills were put to the test. I do not believe in ANY type of excuses. When you say, "there's no time"....sorry, I'm not buying it. My days were 12-16 hours long, I still woke up every morning to train. When you say "I don't have equipment"......... well, half the time I had the bare minimum of equipment, and I still got a good session in. It's pretty amazing how a small core board, a few rubber bands, a bench, and a set of hand weights can still get the job done. When you say, "there's nothing healthy on a menu"....sorry, your wrong. There is always a chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

It is my mission in life to help control the American Obesity epidemic. Please try and make small changes, and let's all get healthy.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape and size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
It's Tuesday, schedule 3 days of exercise this week. Even if all you do is just jump rope in the morning for 10 minutes. This can burn up to 120 calories, and you will have more energy throughout the day.