Hi readers
Are you becoming motivated????? What are you doing for that nutrition and exercise program…..Changes being implemented…..even baby changes. Today is the day after Thanksgiving and the pumpkin pie was wonderful…. How did you do over Thanksgiving? Did you read my last blog on “Eating for the Holidays”? Christmas is just around the corner and filled with wonderful temptations like cookies, fudge, candy, and let’s not forget that Christmas cheer…alcohol. Before you dive into December, re-read my November 17th blog and glean motivation to enjoy the holidays healthfully. The votes are in and my next article will be on “How to Gain Muscle”. I love this topic and look forward to addressing it.
Jumping into my morning…..I wanted to share my breakfast creation….leftover mashed potatoes, egg whites, pepper and spices. In a skillet, I heated up the potatoes making them a bit crispy and added the whisked egg whites. Added a bit of pepper and a pinch of salt. I also had some High Five Fiber bread……and Yummmmm…..protein, carbs, fiber….the works and perfect for my mid morning run!!!! I will probably hit a bit of weights before enjoying a fab protein shake. I am in a stage in my life where I utilize my time and exercise efficiently…..but there is always TIME….whether 20 minutes or one hour….I am a NO EXCUSES trainer and exercise ME time person. So…..if you hit me up with the NO TIME thing….I will definitely give you suggestions but simply refuse to accept that…..I think if you are honest with yourself, you would also come to the same conclusion….but sometimes it does take someone to kick you in the mental and physical bootie to get you going.
For those running on FITNESS STALE or BURN OUT and do not DO IT because the motivation is well…..burned out….
It is important to remember the stages of your fitness program and when it has become stale….now is the time to step it up. Also, if you have been performing the same routine for months or even years….guess what…time for a change. The body is very adaptable to routine and to ensure muscle confusion, changing up your exercise program will not only fire up the muscle fibers, but also bring a new mental outlook to your routine. Every one likes something brand new….right? Or another good line…. “Variety is the Spice of Life.” So spice up that routine that may have you in a non-motivational rut by trying weight resistance training, plyometrics, circuit training, or a boot camp workout just to list a few.
Stay healthy!
Darla
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Be a Smart and Healthy Eater During the Holidays
Hey Readers
The holidays should not mean putting your good nutrition program on holiday as well. I have prepared some tips to help you stay focused and allowing for a little moderation. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to continue your exercise programs while enjoying the festivities.
How to Be a Smart and Healthy Eater during the Holidays
By Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT, Fitness-4-You.com
Have you heard of the book called the “Food Snob”? It is a fantastic book that tells you how to enjoy a splurge. I have to agree. Do not waste your time on calories that just are not worth it. What do you really desire to eat at that party? Scan the table…avoid the blasé foods like crackers and chips. Try a sample of the host’s signature dish or fabulous hors d’oeuvre. If you sample something that tastes ….well ….crappy ….. Discreetly ditch the item and try again. Once you have found that perfect splurge sample, savor every bite and put the fork down.
Grab a plate. Do not be one of those eaters who stands over the food items dipping and grazing. You have no control here. Putting your food items on a plate allows you to have control of your portions. Also, pick up a SMALL plate. This will reduce or at least ensure that the portions are proper size.
Head for the veggie tray. Place plenty of the GOOD stuff like fresh veggies and fruits on your plate and leave little room for the high calorie items like sweets and cheeses being served at the event.
Enjoy great conversation while sipping on lemon water. This also keeps you from talking with your mouth full of food….pretty gross as well.
Reduce your options. Variety is the spice of life except when it comes to food at parties. Variety food options at parties tend to be an open door for over eating. Instead of feeling as if you have to sample every type of mini sandwich, select one type. You will grow tired of that flavor more quickly but feel satisfied and on lower calories….YEAH!
EAT SLOWLY! This can not be emphasized enough. It takes 20 minutes for your body to register that you are full. If you are surrounded by speed eaters, make sure you have that glass of water nearby to sip often, as you enjoy eating at a slow pace.
DRINK SMART! Alcohol calories add up quickly and tend to weaken your resistance when it comes to eating. Studies have shown that drinking and eating portion sizes that are too large go hand in hand. Be a slender drinker and select a slender glass for your beverage. Head for a small glass of champagne or wine over the hard stuff. Also, wine and champagne encourage sipping, are less in calorie than mixed holiday punches and those hard mixed drinks.
If you slip, do not slide the rest of the way down. If you eat 3 helpings of stuffing, half slice of chocolate Christmas cake, DO NOT tell yourself….I BLEW IT SO I MIGHT AS WELL FINISH OFF ANOTHER PIECE OF CAKE. Think about the night….did you come to the party starving? Did you stand by the food table all night because you did not know that many people? If you are attending a function where you do not know very many people, make sure you eat a small, healthy meal before leaving for the party. Once you arrive at the party, stay away from the Danger Zone (that damn buffet table), meet a great new friend and have fun conversation.
I hope these tips are helpful for you as you get ready to PARTY! My favorite splurges during the holidays are pumpkin pie and apple dumplings. I will pass up mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and any other high fat, grease/butter laden food item so that my splurge calories are saved for the pie!
The holidays should not mean putting your good nutrition program on holiday as well. I have prepared some tips to help you stay focused and allowing for a little moderation. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to continue your exercise programs while enjoying the festivities.
How to Be a Smart and Healthy Eater during the Holidays
By Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT, Fitness-4-You.com
Have you heard of the book called the “Food Snob”? It is a fantastic book that tells you how to enjoy a splurge. I have to agree. Do not waste your time on calories that just are not worth it. What do you really desire to eat at that party? Scan the table…avoid the blasé foods like crackers and chips. Try a sample of the host’s signature dish or fabulous hors d’oeuvre. If you sample something that tastes ….well ….crappy ….. Discreetly ditch the item and try again. Once you have found that perfect splurge sample, savor every bite and put the fork down.
Grab a plate. Do not be one of those eaters who stands over the food items dipping and grazing. You have no control here. Putting your food items on a plate allows you to have control of your portions. Also, pick up a SMALL plate. This will reduce or at least ensure that the portions are proper size.
Head for the veggie tray. Place plenty of the GOOD stuff like fresh veggies and fruits on your plate and leave little room for the high calorie items like sweets and cheeses being served at the event.
Enjoy great conversation while sipping on lemon water. This also keeps you from talking with your mouth full of food….pretty gross as well.
Reduce your options. Variety is the spice of life except when it comes to food at parties. Variety food options at parties tend to be an open door for over eating. Instead of feeling as if you have to sample every type of mini sandwich, select one type. You will grow tired of that flavor more quickly but feel satisfied and on lower calories….YEAH!
EAT SLOWLY! This can not be emphasized enough. It takes 20 minutes for your body to register that you are full. If you are surrounded by speed eaters, make sure you have that glass of water nearby to sip often, as you enjoy eating at a slow pace.
DRINK SMART! Alcohol calories add up quickly and tend to weaken your resistance when it comes to eating. Studies have shown that drinking and eating portion sizes that are too large go hand in hand. Be a slender drinker and select a slender glass for your beverage. Head for a small glass of champagne or wine over the hard stuff. Also, wine and champagne encourage sipping, are less in calorie than mixed holiday punches and those hard mixed drinks.
If you slip, do not slide the rest of the way down. If you eat 3 helpings of stuffing, half slice of chocolate Christmas cake, DO NOT tell yourself….I BLEW IT SO I MIGHT AS WELL FINISH OFF ANOTHER PIECE OF CAKE. Think about the night….did you come to the party starving? Did you stand by the food table all night because you did not know that many people? If you are attending a function where you do not know very many people, make sure you eat a small, healthy meal before leaving for the party. Once you arrive at the party, stay away from the Danger Zone (that damn buffet table), meet a great new friend and have fun conversation.
I hope these tips are helpful for you as you get ready to PARTY! My favorite splurges during the holidays are pumpkin pie and apple dumplings. I will pass up mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and any other high fat, grease/butter laden food item so that my splurge calories are saved for the pie!
Stay healthy!
Darla:)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
DIRECTIONS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG
Hi Readers.......
I wanted to supply simple instructions for you to subscribe to my blog and be kept up to date when I post articles, comments, or answer questions for you. Whether you have a PC or MAC, these instructions will allow you to follow the blog.
Step 1: On the left navigation bar you will see the option to subscribe with a link to posts and comments under it.
Step 2: Click on posts to follow what I am writing about
Step 3: You will see a drop down menu and at the end you will see a bar called "Atom"
Step 4: Click on "Atom" and it will open a new page
Step 5: The new page will allow you to subscribe to the blog. If you have Internet Explorer it will add "Ask Darla" to your RSS Feeds. If you have a MAC and Safari it will add "Ask Darla" to your email as a new folder. Click Subscribe to successfully complete the process.
Step 6. You are finished
You should see your name listed as a follower on the Blog profile once you have completed this process......CONGRATS!!!!
Last but not least, please forward articles to friends and family that may be interested by clicking on the envelope next to the comment line under the article. A page will appear where you enter your information and give you the ability to email the article directly from the Blog.
Another Last but not least........please utilize this site by clicking on the comment link appearing with each article, and leave your thoughts, suggestions, questions, etc.....so that I can get back to you with information to assist you with your journey to getting healthy!!!!
Stay Healthy
Darla, LCPT, LCMT
I wanted to supply simple instructions for you to subscribe to my blog and be kept up to date when I post articles, comments, or answer questions for you. Whether you have a PC or MAC, these instructions will allow you to follow the blog.
Step 1: On the left navigation bar you will see the option to subscribe with a link to posts and comments under it.
Step 2: Click on posts to follow what I am writing about
Step 3: You will see a drop down menu and at the end you will see a bar called "Atom"
Step 4: Click on "Atom" and it will open a new page
Step 5: The new page will allow you to subscribe to the blog. If you have Internet Explorer it will add "Ask Darla" to your RSS Feeds. If you have a MAC and Safari it will add "Ask Darla" to your email as a new folder. Click Subscribe to successfully complete the process.
Step 6. You are finished
You should see your name listed as a follower on the Blog profile once you have completed this process......CONGRATS!!!!
Last but not least, please forward articles to friends and family that may be interested by clicking on the envelope next to the comment line under the article. A page will appear where you enter your information and give you the ability to email the article directly from the Blog.
Another Last but not least........please utilize this site by clicking on the comment link appearing with each article, and leave your thoughts, suggestions, questions, etc.....so that I can get back to you with information to assist you with your journey to getting healthy!!!!
Stay Healthy
Darla, LCPT, LCMT
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The BEST Motivation for a Successful Fitness Program
I was reading an article in MORE magazine and came across a small piece on what motivates you to exercise. The reason I bring up the piece, is that I agree highly with the content. According to MORE, the top reasons women over 40 exercise are to lose weight and protect their health.
Well........does that sound like FUN.....does that say......I want to do this because it is fun......or does this say that it is something I HAVE TO DO....like taking a mouthful of bitter medicine. I think the latter......how about you.
The lesser percentage of women surveyed stated that they exercised to improve their mood and reduce stress.....NOW....that sounds FABULOUS.....and you know what. The women who exercised for this reason remained true to their programs and exercised 30% more than those seeking to lose the weight and protect their health.
Now......you might think that losing weight would be motivational.....but let's say that you do not see the results you are looking for, and the I do not like myself, or I am not good enough feelings overwhelm you....then what....FRUSTRATION.....and then....GIVE UP. Let's chew up and spit out that animal and think about your fitness program differently.......
So.....take a minute to think about the immediate benefits of exercise....and focus on how you feel after you have finished exercising.... Positive endorphines (happy hormones) are released during exercise creating a positive mood and reducing stress. Being able to flow through your day more at ease and "feeling good" "feeling accomplished" "feeling on top of the world" are feelings that you will want to repeat again, and again, and again......and the long term benefit will be an improvement in the quality of your life and health.....and before you realize it....an adapted regular fitness program.
Now....take a minute to see what you can fit into your lifestyle....time/work/family/relationship. Also, in this thought process, think about what you like to do that is active and make that the core of your fitness......doing something you are passionate about will also keep you coming back for more.
I look forward to your comments and questions......
Stay Healthy
Darla
Well........does that sound like FUN.....does that say......I want to do this because it is fun......or does this say that it is something I HAVE TO DO....like taking a mouthful of bitter medicine. I think the latter......how about you.
The lesser percentage of women surveyed stated that they exercised to improve their mood and reduce stress.....NOW....that sounds FABULOUS.....and you know what. The women who exercised for this reason remained true to their programs and exercised 30% more than those seeking to lose the weight and protect their health.
Now......you might think that losing weight would be motivational.....but let's say that you do not see the results you are looking for, and the I do not like myself, or I am not good enough feelings overwhelm you....then what....FRUSTRATION.....and then....GIVE UP. Let's chew up and spit out that animal and think about your fitness program differently.......
So.....take a minute to think about the immediate benefits of exercise....and focus on how you feel after you have finished exercising.... Positive endorphines (happy hormones) are released during exercise creating a positive mood and reducing stress. Being able to flow through your day more at ease and "feeling good" "feeling accomplished" "feeling on top of the world" are feelings that you will want to repeat again, and again, and again......and the long term benefit will be an improvement in the quality of your life and health.....and before you realize it....an adapted regular fitness program.
Now....take a minute to see what you can fit into your lifestyle....time/work/family/relationship. Also, in this thought process, think about what you like to do that is active and make that the core of your fitness......doing something you are passionate about will also keep you coming back for more.
I look forward to your comments and questions......
Stay Healthy
Darla
Monday, November 3, 2008
Do not Stress About the Food!!!!
Hi Everyone
Are you thinking.....eating healthy is too hard? I say....keep is simple and do not stress. I see people getting so caught up in calorie counts, weighing food, percentages of proteins, carbs and fats that the new healthy food choices become an overwhelming chore. Have you heard of the saying.....throw out the scale.....well....apply it to the food....throw out the scales and calculators. Look at it this way....if you are eating pastries, white breads, and high sugar empty calorie cereals for meal 1 or breakfast....simply switch it out for a healthy choice such as oatmeal and while you are at it....throw in some blueberries. Sound easy.....now enjoy how the meal tastes. Often times eating healthy needs to start with just that.....EATING HEALTHY. OK....moving on to meal 2.....this would be a snack between breakfast and lunch.....resist those donuts sitting out in the office break room....and bring out that Clif bar you brought today. Again, take your time eating and enjoy the flavors. Meal 3......the friends want to go to their favorite pizza restaurant......well....you can opt to go and select the salad bar and throw in some egg whites, load up on the vegies and mixed greens...ALL DRESSINGS ON THE SIDE.....try to avoid the creamy stuff.....dip your fork in the dressing and enjoy the colorful mixture of greens, vegies, beans, proteins, that managed to make it on your fork. Meal 4.....another snack between lunch and dinner......I love to mix Non Fat Knudsen cottage cheese with a light and creamy Yoplait yogurt and throw in a few raw almonds....YUMMO. Meal 5......this is usually dinner.....load up on your favorite vegies and a grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast seasoned with spice. If you are a night owl.....you will feel hungry about 2 1/2 hours after meal 5.....I love to have rice cakes on hand with a smear of peanut butter....this does the trick. I also have vanilla whey protein powder on hand and will sometimes mix that in some vanilla silk light soy milk.
So....you see....eating healthy is just switching out unhealthy choices for healthy choices and the above is just a sample of the many wonderful choices you can make. Normal hunger is every 2 1/2 hours and eating small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism turned on, your blood sugar stable, and eliminates the urge to grab that unhealthy choice because you are hungry. Eating this way should keep you feeling satisfied and NEVER hungry. Eating is WONDERFUL and incorporating healthy food choices and ENJOYING them will set you up to adapting a healthy nutrition lifestyle and you WILL SEE A CHANGE in your overall health. So....I challenge you to start today....begin with switching out the unhealthy choices for the healthy ones.....no calculators and no food scales. If you want to write down what you eat for time sake in order not to go over 2 1/2 hours....that is all I would worry about. If you want to include a protein, carb, fat column per meal.....simply put check marks next to those nutrients for your info that they were included with each meal. That is it though.....do not make this a overwhelming task.....and remember to ENJOY getting healthy!!!!
Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla:)
http://fitness-4-you.com
Are you thinking.....eating healthy is too hard? I say....keep is simple and do not stress. I see people getting so caught up in calorie counts, weighing food, percentages of proteins, carbs and fats that the new healthy food choices become an overwhelming chore. Have you heard of the saying.....throw out the scale.....well....apply it to the food....throw out the scales and calculators. Look at it this way....if you are eating pastries, white breads, and high sugar empty calorie cereals for meal 1 or breakfast....simply switch it out for a healthy choice such as oatmeal and while you are at it....throw in some blueberries. Sound easy.....now enjoy how the meal tastes. Often times eating healthy needs to start with just that.....EATING HEALTHY. OK....moving on to meal 2.....this would be a snack between breakfast and lunch.....resist those donuts sitting out in the office break room....and bring out that Clif bar you brought today. Again, take your time eating and enjoy the flavors. Meal 3......the friends want to go to their favorite pizza restaurant......well....you can opt to go and select the salad bar and throw in some egg whites, load up on the vegies and mixed greens...ALL DRESSINGS ON THE SIDE.....try to avoid the creamy stuff.....dip your fork in the dressing and enjoy the colorful mixture of greens, vegies, beans, proteins, that managed to make it on your fork. Meal 4.....another snack between lunch and dinner......I love to mix Non Fat Knudsen cottage cheese with a light and creamy Yoplait yogurt and throw in a few raw almonds....YUMMO. Meal 5......this is usually dinner.....load up on your favorite vegies and a grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast seasoned with spice. If you are a night owl.....you will feel hungry about 2 1/2 hours after meal 5.....I love to have rice cakes on hand with a smear of peanut butter....this does the trick. I also have vanilla whey protein powder on hand and will sometimes mix that in some vanilla silk light soy milk.
So....you see....eating healthy is just switching out unhealthy choices for healthy choices and the above is just a sample of the many wonderful choices you can make. Normal hunger is every 2 1/2 hours and eating small meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism turned on, your blood sugar stable, and eliminates the urge to grab that unhealthy choice because you are hungry. Eating this way should keep you feeling satisfied and NEVER hungry. Eating is WONDERFUL and incorporating healthy food choices and ENJOYING them will set you up to adapting a healthy nutrition lifestyle and you WILL SEE A CHANGE in your overall health. So....I challenge you to start today....begin with switching out the unhealthy choices for the healthy ones.....no calculators and no food scales. If you want to write down what you eat for time sake in order not to go over 2 1/2 hours....that is all I would worry about. If you want to include a protein, carb, fat column per meal.....simply put check marks next to those nutrients for your info that they were included with each meal. That is it though.....do not make this a overwhelming task.....and remember to ENJOY getting healthy!!!!
Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla:)
http://fitness-4-you.com
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hi Readers
I have created this blog as a way to communicate with you and assist you on your road to getting healthy and staying healthy. Please feel free to review my website http://www.fitness-4-you.com/ or http://www.stayhealthyfitness.com/ to learn more about me. I receive countless emails regarding nutrition, fitness, and everything related and providing an open forum to address your questions and concerns is my gift to you.
Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla
Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla
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