What you NEVER want to see!

You've been doing so well, and you are so proud of your accomplishments, then something happens....Maybe it's an injury, maybe it's stress, maybe an illness, or maybe it's just life in general...But something got in the way of you keeping yourself in shape.

Maybe you feel it in your clothes, maybe the pounds are creeping up on the scales, or worse yet......someone makes a comment to you!

We've all been there, and I know it can be hard to not focus on it, but you will come back...You can achieve your goals!

First, make sure you are setting realistic goals. It's easy to get discouraged when we are focused on unattainable numbers or we are trying to look like someone else. Visualize and focus on you....You and only you!

Secondly, make sure you are managing your time wisely. We all make excuses for not working out or not eating healthy....we don't have enough time, we don't have enough money, it's too hot, it's too cold....No more excuses! You may not think you have 90 minutes a day to work out, but start off small. Take a quick walk around during your lunch break. Wake up 15 minutes earlier....Every little bit helps! If you had an injury, check with your doctor, but even stretching can be greatly beneficial to your body. I've always been a fan of yoga and water aerobics. These activities are great for all ages and ability levels! A great instructor can modify for all participants in a group class. 

Third, try not to get too discouraged. So what if you ate that piece of cheesecake....or whole cheesecake....Don't focus on the negatives and give up just because you may have over indulged- especially around the holidays. Tell yourself that you are strong and you will get back to eating healthier....and actually do it!

Fourth, don't let anyone drag you down. Don't let the comments of others make you feel bad. Some times we are our worst enemies. Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful. Maybe you're not in love with every inch of your body, but you should thank God you are there to see it!

In conclusion, at some point in all of our lives, we fall off that health and fitness wagon. Some of us get right back on...Some of us need a little boost...Some of us need to be thrown on there by a loved one- and we'll kick and scream and make excuses, but it all comes down to motivation. I'm motivated to see where I can go....What I can do...How about you?   

When the Unexpected Happens

While I was traveling home for Spring Break, I experienced an unexpected snow/sleet/freezing rain storm through the mountains of West Virginia.

This unexpected event parallels events that can happen in our lives.

We are traveling along the highway, obeying all traffic laws and rules of the road and something beyond our control detours or causes us delays.

Of course it's frustrating, aggravating, and unnerving but how we handle ourselves when the unexpected happens defines who we are.

We could get mad and beep our horns; we could scream out the window or we could take a deep breath and enjoy the company of others (or the company of ourselves).

Try to appreciate the unexpected opportunity no matter how hard it is especially if you have young ears and eyes in the car. They will observe your behavior and sense your coolness or lack thereof. They will imitate you too.

Stay safe and calm out there especially when the unexpected happens!

~JF~

   

Living in the Moment

My yoga instructor is amazing! She is motivational and inspirational, but best of all, I leave her sessions feeling tranquil and mindfully optimistic. During my most recent class, she recommended that we live in the moment.

I know it's hard for me, because I always focus on the past, but she asked us to focus on the moment at hand. Don't dwell on the failures of the past, Don't worry about what the future holds- YOU can't control everything!

It really got me thinking. I do need to focus more of my energy on the task at hand. I only have one shot at life and I'm tired of tirelessly dwelling on the negative and waiting for something better to come along! That futuristic Utopian day may never come! The old adage "Good things come to those who wait" may not always work out as originally anticipated!

Take full advantage of today and every day! Enjoy each and every moment with family, friends, and yourself!

What's the best advice you have ever received from a mentor, coach, friend, or family member? Feel free to leave a comment!

© 28 March 2013 

~JF~

Realizing YOU are Out of Shape!

6:30:50. That was my time-six minutes, thirty seconds, and fifty hundredths of a second.

I remember back to my high school days. I could run a mile in this amount of time.

Fast forward to the present. In this amount of time, I manage to jog about 1/4 of a mile and my legs hurt, I was gasping for breath, and I was salivating. The nasty salivating that happens right before you toss your cookies. :(

It's official.
I AM OUT OF SHAPE!

Now that I've admitted that, I can set a goal, make a plan to achieve that goal and attack that goal....And of course celebrate that goal with a new one!

My goal will be to make that mile jog/run.....in 6:30:50.

I realize it will take hard work, dedication, motivation, and inspiration, but I'm ready to be In Shape Forever!

What's your goal?

© 24 March 2012

~JF~

Start the Day off Right with a Well-Balanced Breakfast!

I LOVE my weekends!

I love being able to have time to make a wholesome meal that combines all of the food groups!

This morning, I was thinking about making the standard Sunday breakfast- eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns. I quickly realized I didn't have any hashbrowns left. So I started a reconnaissance throughout the kitchen and discovered a frozen potato and green bean medley. Green beans for breakfast? Why not?

It was a hit!

Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, strawberries, and apple made the plate as well.

My hardest part of eating well has always been portion control; I've started trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into every meal. I've also started to cut back on my portions of starches and meat while increasing healthy fruits and vegetables on my plate.

Don't like vegetables? Eat them first! That way you will fill up before you devour that whole 22 ounce steak!  

Have a great weekend!
Cheers to being In Shape Forever!

~J~

© 24 March 2013