Work it Kitty - More motivation?

Fitness should be fun.  I saw this video and thought you might enjoy.  Cats make the world better.  Why not let them inspire you to work our harder.

Happy Friday!  Don't forget to do something that makes you sweat today.

Let's get motivated

Most days I love working out.  I get a high out of pushing my body to places I thought it would never go; lifting weight that I thought would be impossible.  Women should not be afraid of lifting heavy weight.  It is good for you.

Here is some motivation to get you going through the holiday.  Happy Memorial Day!

Favorite fitness and health resources

Lifestyle changes.   That is what healthy beginnings is all about.  I would like to share my favorites sites for fitness resources, fitness tips and most especially recipes.

Fitsugar

This is one of my favorite overall websites.  There is great information on recipes, fitness wear and activities.  

Health.com

Another great site for recipes.  This is a destination when I am looking to cook something new.

Clean Eating Magazine

My favorite piece of mail!  Simple but delicious recipes.  A must for family on the go.  So many healthy 30 minute recipes. 

Women's Health Magazine

The place I go when I am trying to spice up my workout.

You don't have to go it alone.  There are many resources to help you on your way.  

What are some of your favorite health and fitness sites?

Goal setting for summer

"Impossible is a great place to begin a worthy goal."

C. R. Stewart, author of The Five Great Principles for Life

When you are trying to lose weight, you can sometimes lose focus because all you can see is the number on the scale.  Sometimes it is just easier to break your goals into mini or more simple/achievable goals. Some people HATE to workout.  I get it.  There are some days where I would rather lay in bed.  However, to lose weight and have optimal health throughout your lifetime you need physical activity.  

Here are a few tips on how to get more active during the day?


At Work
Walk the stairs at work instead of taking elevator.
Walk outside 30 minutes at lunch.
Try walking meetings (particularly helpful for brainstorming type meetings).
Stand when talking on the phone.

At Home
Work in your yard.  Gardening is a great way to get your body moving.
Play with you children at the park.
Ride your bike on local errands instead of driving your car.

Go swimming.

Do sit up and/or push ups during commercial breaks.

Walk your dog.

Will Power - part deux

So if we all have perfect will power, we would all be thin.

Such a nice easy saying but we know that this is not true.  Real life means that sometimes you eat what is available and/or easy.  This does not mean that you should not make a plan.  I attended a conference at the end of April.  I know conferences are food landmines - you get feed every 2 hours and then someone apologizes and gives you more food during the 30 minute break.  I always make a plan for conferences so I can minimize overeating.

Here is what I do:

Carry a re-usable water bottle that I carry at all times.  Conference centers are notoriously dry.  Staying  hydrated will help with trying to figure out if you are really hungry.

Walk outside during the breaks.  A few minutes walking outside will keep you away from the snack stations.

Carry your own snacks.  I brought apples, dried apricots, almonds, granola bars and pieces of dark chocolate so I could stay away from the snack stations.  I  rationed out how much I should eat for snacks per day so that don't over eat.

Salad first.  I take the larger plate and fill with salad and fruit and use the smaller plate for the entree.  Again, it is really about portion control.

This is how I take will power out of the equation.  I love that saying 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.'  Try these tips next time you are at a conference.