Healthy 716- Connecting the 716 to Healthier Living

  There’s a trait that separates people who reach their goals from those who struggle. It’s not talent, luck, or genetics (although those things don’t hurt). This trait does more than just help you reach your health and fitness goals. It also helps you do better in school, excel in sports and your career, and it also plays a role in being a better parent and/or spouse. It’s mental toughness — aka personal responsibility and accountability — and it’s something you can get better at, over time. FUN FACT: It might mean something different than you think. It’s NOT about being a single-minded drill sergeant who harps on discipline all the time. In fact, it’s almost the OPPOSITE of that. It’s more about being able to stay focused and determined when challenges pop up — and having the resilience and flexibility to overcome obstacles so you can keep moving toward your goals. It pays off by helping you manage your thoughts, emotions, and actions so ...

 The other day I was in the middle of a workout and listening to a podcast. A guest said something to the effect of: “Change is going to happen no matter what. It’s up to YOU to decide whether that change is progress.” This quote got me. I have a LOT I want to accomplish this year. How about you? It’s already April… can you believe that? It’s time to get busy and start racking up some real progress. What would you like to be able to look back at 6-8 weeks from now (summer time) and say, with pride: “I did that.” Hearing this lit a fire under me… and now it’s my turn to light one under you to make it happen for yourself! Even taking one tiny step TODAY can move you in the direction of your goals. Choosing a healthy meal Going for a walk Meditating Reaching out for support or accountability It doesn’t have to be complicated.  Just one thing. Get it done — no excuses! As Greek philosopher, Heraclitus...

Let’s talk about cravings for junk food – and what you can do to beat them.You know what I’m talking about… you’re sitting at your desk at 2 p.m. and suddenly ALL you can think about are chocolate chip cookies.   Or you’re watching TV at night and feel the ice cream or chips in the kitchen calling your name.These cravings are super common — and they can be caused by a lot of things. You could be hungryYou might be stressed, lonely, or boredYou’ve developed a habit of snacking around a certain time or activityYour hunger hormones might be out of whack from a bad night of sleep, hormonal or a number of thingsYou might have a nutrient deficiency    Eating a special treat every once in a while is fine — and even encouraged! But on a regular basis, it can get in the way of your results (not to mention your health).   I’ve got a 5-point list to help you slay those junk food cravings and take back control!  Plan ahead. Have healthier options on ha...

You want to get into better shape, to drop the fat and to increase your tone and strength. Join the club…most people are actively working toward an elusive fitness goal. So what separates those who end up achieving their goals from the rest of the masses who are trapped in a fruitless struggle? Winston Churchill hit the nail on the head when he said, “Never, never, never, never give up.” The bottom line is that it is possible to achieve any fitness goal when you lock on to it and strive towards it every day. Unfortunately, distractions are everywhere, making it easy to fall off track. This brings us to the classic Henry Ford quote, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” In order to stay the course, it is vital that you keep your eyes on the goal. Here’s how to get to your goal in 5 Steps: Step One: Only One At A Time When you’re feeling motivated and decide to set a goal, it’s tempting to become over-am...

  You know how it feels to wake up on Monday morning after a weekend of less-than-healthy eating… Your body is puffy and bloated. Your joints are achy. Your clothes feel tight. Maybe you are feeling that way right now. I’ve outlined the 5 steps below to get you back on the fitness fast track. Step One: Get Focused. Your crazy weekend happened. You ate things from your “never eat these” list, you drank more that you should have, but now it’s over. Draw a line in the sand. The bad eating stops now. If you’re serious about your fitness goals, then this weekend was the exception, and not the rule. Maybe it was your birthday, or your friends and family were gathered for a celebration, and the peer pressure to partake in unhealthy food was too much for you to resist. Don’t beat yourself up for falling off the fitness wagon this once. Simply get back up, dust yourself off and get re-focused. Leave the past, and your slip-ups, in the past. Step Two: Get Hyd...

I know why you’ve been reluctant to jump on the fitness bandwagon, and I’m not blaming you for it. Because fitness is hard. ESPECIALLY after 40. What worked in your 20's and 30's suddenly STOPS working. Its a vicious roller coaster. Want to know just how hard? Here’s a glimpse into the Fit Life: Fit Life Truth #1: Exercise Counts Lace up your shoes and hit the gym instead of getting extra sleep, watching TV or doing whatever else it is that you’d rather be doing. Do this 3-5 times each for 30-60 minutes. Fit Life Truth #2: Nutrition Counts Choose your meals based on nutritional makeup rather than following your taste buds. Limit your intake of simple carbohydrates and get lots of protein and fiber in each meal. Fit Life Truth #3: No Room For Junk Turn down your favorite junk foods –even when you really, really want it. Cut simple sugars and harmful, processed fats out of your diet completely. Fit Life Truth #4: Push Harder Push your body...