You are more....

I know there are plenty of people who struggle with their weight and body image.  The number on the scale can be deceptive and most importantly it does not define you as a person.  You are amazing, talented, and God loves you regardless of the number on the scale.

Lots of fitness experts say ditch the scale altogether and use a body fat monitor, well those sometimes aren't that accurate either.  A few months ago, I checked mine twice within about 10 days and it fluctuated by 8%.  Tape measures are a better way to chart your progress or take pictures once a week.    

I do still own a scale and I think as long as you're not obsessive over the number, scales are a useful tool.  My husband is an ultra-runner and he uses the scale for measure how much water he's lost on a long run.  

Muscle weighs more than fat and the more muscle you have the more calories you burn.  Weight training, yoga, and body weight exercises will all increase your muscle so don't be super surprised if when you first start exercising the number on the scale goes up.  I've always told my kids that you have to find something you love to do for exercise or you won't do it.  So whether it's dancing, running, weight training, yoga, whatever just get out there and move.  Exercise produces endorphins so you end up happier in the long run.

Until next time, Ciao!

Never trust...

Work for it!

How to eat healthy at parties

The holiday party season is upon us.  I know there's tons of advice out there on this subject, here's mine...

It's not impossible to eat healthy at parties, it just takes a little planning.  One night won't ruin your fitness/weight loss goals.  My strategy is to bring something that I know I will eat and I try not to arrive starving.  It's a lot harder to make good choices if you're really hungry.

I always offer to bring a salad or a vegetable tray.  Your hostess will most likely appreciate your help.  (In my group of friends I'm known for my salads!)  Costco has large vegetable trays with a lowfat peppercorn ranch dip for about $10.   (They don't usually have celery on them, so I like to slice some up and take it on the side)

I try to make my salads very colorful.  I usually use an organic greens mix, sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, sliced yellow or orange peppers, olives, avocado, sometimes dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds.  I'll slice cucumbers and either red or green onions and take them on the side (because I don't like them).  I also like to grate carrots, raw beets, or zucchini.  I don't put meat in my salads because I want there to be at least one vegetarian option.  You can add cheese if you like, sometimes I'll add feta.  There's plenty of dressings out there that are healthy options, Trader Joe's has several, I also like Paul Newman's brand or Litehouse makes some good ones.

I like Bethenny Frankel's advice, "taste everything and eat nothing".  To me that means have a little bite of whatever it is you want, just don't go overboard.  You'll be less likely to overeat if you have a little bit of that brownie or red velvet cake.

The most important thing is to drink plenty of water!  Lots of party foods are really high in sodium.  I also try to get in at least 30 minutes of some kind of cardio in early in the day.

A Votre Sante!

Get moving...

When I told my friend what this blog is about, she held her breath for a second because I said it was all about the F words. These words are....faith, food, fitness, fashion and family, all starting with F. Hee hee. =)

Have any of you seen the movie Julie and Julia? One of the things I didn't like about it is that Julie let her health and her relationships go to hell while she was working on her blog/project. I'm a big fan of exercise and staying in shape. The key there, in my opinion, is finding something you like to do. I've been through phases where I've worked out in a gym (weight training and cardio). I've also done kickboxing, aerobics, pilates, yoga, walking and running lots of miles, and I used to jump on the trampoline in our back yard. When it comes to exercise, you have to do something you like to do or you won't do it.

My husband runs barefoot, I think he's nuts. Running on the beach? Absolutely. But asphalt, not so much. However, he loves it and it works for him. As for me, I'm just back to walking and doing some pilates. Exercise is important for your health and your well being because we were made to move! So, my encouragement for you today is find something you like to do and get moving, weather permitting, of course.

Have a beauty-filled day.

Ciao