When You Need Something Done...

...do it yourself or call the best!

 

 

Besides me, the greatest trainer I know, and truly trust my body with, is my best guy friend, Rae Siskind. Rae was my Personal Trainer in Atlanta and now that I'm here we hook up as often as possible. As I've shared with you already, I'm being led down sugary trails right now so in order to combat what could be a very hefty holiday season for me, I had to call in the big guns.

 

I never have to wonder if the workout will be a good one because like I said, Rae is definitely the A-list trainer. No matter how much of a celebrity I become, he will always be the only one I call. Because he knows my injuries and limitations, he's able to quickly adjust just in case something happens, which is not so far fetched when you're dealing with a back like mine - something can tweak at any time. I've dealt with other trainers before and they seem to be a bit gun shy with me even though they know I'm strong and can do, or at least will try anything. I always find myself asking them, 'ok, what's next?' and feeling totally unsatisfied. Rae doesn't baby me. If I say I'm good then we keep going.

 

I love his confidence and he pushes, pushes, pushes. I will be relying heavily on my friend this season because at the tender age of 42, sugar pockets just seem to hang around longer than they used to and I can not have that! As much as I love sweets, I don't want to look like I love sweets and there's only one way to ensure that doesn't happen... keep the sweat rolling your back!



Nothing Gained, Nothing Lost...

Minnie Mouse has been tucked away (at least until I can find a use for my cute pink polka dot skirt), and it's back to the gym. I WILL stay on track this season. I WILL NOT gain a single pound due to my overindulgence in cakes, pies, and candied yams, yes ma'am. I WILL NOT lose a single pound of muscle because I WILL keep it moving!

Girls, one of our biggest trouble spots is the triceps! Fat just likes to gather back there but I'd rather it not. I know what I ate yesterday and since I don't want those cupcakes hanging under my arms, I'm burning them out today! Now, I'm sure it's a safe bet to say you'd rather not feel the jiggle either so...

What's the plan?

Ummm... Sugarrr...

I am an admitted chocoholic. I wake up to find little packages at my door from my neighbor (or I did before I moved). Even my clients bring it to me. The only time I say no to chocolate is if there’s coconut in the mix. But then again, I recently had some coconut that I liked.

Yes, I have a problem. This became quite evident to me when I recently woke to find it smeared all over my bed. This is rated G, I promise. Apparently, I fell asleep eating Powerberries which are these little tart, sweet, fruit chewys covered in dark chocolate from Trader Joe's. Yea, ridiculous! The next morning I pull back the sheets to make the bed and there’s chocolate everywhere! I guess I dropped a few as I slipped into my happy chocolate sleep.

Now my favorite time of year is here – the season of TREATS!! Halloween parties begin this weekend and there will be candy around for weeks to come. Thirty days after hanging up the Catwoman costume is Thanksgiving. Cakes, pies, and candied yams, yes ma’am! But the last thirty days are a god send with someone having a party almost every single day which means more cakes, pies, and candied yams! Whew…

For the next two months, sugar is king. No matter where you go there will be treats and if you’re like me, it’s impossible to say no. I plan on enjoying this holiday like I always do but this time around I'm staying physically active. Yes, my workouts suffer in the winter too but I'm 42 years old now and things don't respond the way they used to. I will enjoy my sweet season but I promise myself that I will not gain any weight nor will I lose any muscle (the result of not working out).

Who wants to take this challenge with me? When January rolls around and everyone else is writing their New Year's resolution, of which losing weight is ALWAYS one, you and I will be ahead of the game because we got a jump on the holidays.

Go to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/NaturalRhythmFitness and send me a message. We'll build a community to help us all through the holidays. There will be tips and support and recipe ideas for healthy versions of our favorite sinful delights.

Now that's a pretty good gift...

And this is Sandy...

I spoke recently about a new project that I've gratefully been asked to be a part of - Mt. Saint Mary's icomunidad First Year Experience Program. My job will be to help the girls realize how a healthy, sound mind and body, will enable them to move through the challenges of college with a bit more ease. Sandy is a part of the Mt. Saint Mary's staff. She mentors students in the STEM program which influences girls to, and supports them in, their choice to follow a career in math and science. How much more powerful she will be as a role model by moving through this challenge. You can view some of her video posts at www.facebook.com/NaturalRhythmFitness and these are her words...
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Motivation, where are you?! I wish Costco would sell it by the bulk, that way I could store it in a cabinet and use it as needed. I am admittedly inconsistent. There’s no other way of putting it. I’m 28 years old and have been struggling with my weight since I was 8. I’m only two years away from the big 3-0 and I hear it’s even harder to lose weight after that!

Healthy is an adjective unknown to my family, exercise is a verb that I rarely practiced, and insecurity is an adjective that became synonymous with my name. My weight prohibited me from being an active kid. While in high school I wanted to join the Choreo[graphy] team, but all the girls were skinny; no one looked like me. Plus, they would wear skimpy outfits that revealed parts I did not want to expose. So instead, I took a P.E. dance class my junior year and discovered that I LOVED dancing and was pretty good at it. This let me know that I could try-out for Choreo, but it was my own insecurities that led me to believe that even though I danced better than half of those girls, they would never select me because of my weight.

My senior year proved to be a pivotal moment for me. With prom approaching, my friend and I made a pact to lose weight. We worked hard, we were disciplined, and dedicated. I still remember the first mile I ran non-stop…Success! Within weeks I began getting compliments of how good I looked and at that point I had lost roughly 15lbs. Prom came and went, and by then there was no turning back! I knew how to eat healthier and what it took to be fit. By my first quarter in college, I had become a gym member, learned more and more about fitness and even got a trainer, but unfortunately, my school was known for its reckless party scenes. I started drinking, partying, and stopped working out completely but I tried to maintain a healthy diet, at least compared to that of my roommates, who all seemed to live on carbs!

By graduation I had gained 30lbs! I was disappointed and mad because I had taken a million steps backwards, but it was my fault. The first thing I did when I moved back home was join a gym. With time and effort, I lost he weight and was able to maintain it… for a while.

By the time I started my Master’s program, inconsistency had won again and my motivation was nowhere to be found. I felt I was too busy to take care of my body and rarely stepped foot in the gym.  Although I didn’t gain all 30lbs back, I was getting there slowly, but surely. I was back to feeling insecure and lost.

In January 2010, two of my friends signed up to compete in a triathlon happening in June and somehow I convinced myself and my mentor to compete. I was completely unfamiliar with triathlons and thought it was a relay where each of us would complete one leg of the race. I thought, ‘Yes, I can do the running portion because I love to run. Wait a minute, I have to do what?!?’

So, of course the journey was not an easy one, but with the help of my team, especially my mentor’s encouragement, I learned how to swim correctly, began biking for miles, and began to run more than my typical 2 miles. I have to say that running our first mock triathlon was the best feeling ever! A few laps in the ocean (I almost drowned wearing that stupid wetsuit), about a 10 mile bike ride up and down the Malibu highway, and my first 4 mile run; all non-stop. I seriously wanted to cry as I crossed our ‘pretend’ finish line because Sandy showed up!

June 27^th and it’s tri-time! Game face is on and my nerves are crazy but there’s no turning back now! This race was not easy but I finished it. I can’t even begin to explain the feeling I got when I was closer to the finish line and saw my family, friends, and teammates cheering for me because my motivation was slipping away. Legs, please don’t fail me now we’re almost there! Yes! I finished...and lost a few pounds in the process. Call me triathlete now, please!

I have maintained a healthy lifestyle since then. I work out pretty consistently, but sometimes my bad eating habits take over. In the last two years, I have lost 20lbs, participated in my first half-marathon, become stronger, but I still can’t seem to get down to my ideal weight. I have worn weary of the same gym routines and have reached a plateau. Reaching a healthy weight and becoming stronger are definite goals but the main focus is consistency because after all, I deserve to be healthy. I’ll be participating in another half marathon a week before my 29^th birthday in October. Naturally, I want to beat my time and be lighter for the sake of my knees, but more importantly, I want to be a step closer to being in the best shape ever by the time I’m 30.

I have found my motivation again and this time I’m not losing it because I have a great support system and I know I can push myself… hard!  My ultimate goal is to compete in the San Diego International Triathlon. I am Motivated. I am Confident. I am Found. Yes, I will do this!

This is Sandy's video after her 1st day...

She listened to her heart above all the other voices...

Celebrate her wisdom.

Slave??

A couple days ago, a friend accused me of being a slave to my body. He says my life is spent in a gym and that I constantly workout.

He said it as if I don’t enjoy every bite of food I put in my mouth. He said it as if my hand isn’t constantly in a bag of chips. He knows I have a weakness for chocolate that I willingly cave to, a lot. He said it as if I don’t enjoy how it feels to be vibrant and strong and as if I don’t like that I look younger than my peers. I am always at the gym because I work at a gym but I don’t believe it takes hours in the gym to develop the body you want so my workouts are tough and quick.

I think I understand his statement though. Most people still believe that being healthy must be hard. I don’t know what else to say other than it’s not! Most of my meals take no more than 15 minutes start to finish and I eat real food. Nothing prepared, packaged or substituted. It’s not expensive or boring because I refuse to throw food away so I get creative with the leftovers. That way I don’t feel like I’m eating the same thing which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Most people still believe cooking healthy must require all kinds of equipment and special toys. Unless you’re trying to stuff your own sausage or press your own almond butter, a basic set of cookware will get you everything you need.

My workouts are quick, my meals are simple, and I don’t think I’ll ever give up chips or chocolate. My life is healthy, my body is strong and this actually feels quite like freedom.

And this is what happens with the leftovers...

Last night's dinner was truly simple and really good. Yes, I do say so myself. A parmesan breaded chicken breast on top of fresh basil leaves and beautiful tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Done.

Eight total ingredients - chicken, parmesan, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, pepper, basil, and tomatoes plus twenty minutes in the kitchen, and dinner is ready!

I cooked two chicken breast which give me plenty to use for breakfast and lunch. There were about three big bites left over from dinner so this morning I took those bites, sliced up less than half of the remaining breast, added nine more ingredients - eggs, garlic, onions, spinach, olive oil, tomatoes, avocado, sea salt, pepper, and twelve minutes later... breakfast! 

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No, I didn't feel like I was eating the same thing. My common denominators were the chicken and tomatoes. But the garlic and onions for sure made it a totally new eating experience. And even if it did feel the same, who cares. The dish tasted phenomenal! Yes, that's me patting myself on the back right now. And I'll be having the last of the chicken on a BIG salad for lunch.

Who has trouble cooking for one?

What do you want to be?

Fit.. Radiant.. Daring.. Strong.. Powerful.. Courageous.. Healthy.. Energetic.. Passionate.. Wise.. Resilient.. Authentic.. Bold.. Patient.. Great.. Fast.. Independent.. Open.. Boundless.. Magical.. Present.. Friendly.. Outrageous.. Loving.. Warm.. Free.. Brave.. True.. Lively.. Funny.. Sensational.. Better..

Here's the thing, you are entirely up to you and you can make yourself whatever you want. Repeat after me, 'I am in charge of this. No one else. Just me'. Now, get busy being yourself girls and whomever that is, respect her, make her happy, like her, and use all of her gifts and resources because you.. her.. she, is something quite extraordinary!

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The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. Eleanor Roosevelt

Natural Rhythm Strength Camp

Wake up to greet the day with reverence and to strengthen your strengths.

Girls, we rock! I don’t know if you’ve fully accepted that yet but, we kick ass! When we get hurt, our bodies heal themselves. That’s amazing! Yes, I know, the boys too. Without our help or understanding, our heart beats. Yes, I know, the boys too. But the fact that our bodies are designed to carry a life for nine months before opening up, helping it out, then given charge of nurturing that life, means that our base, us, truly must be strong because we have so much to give.

Physically, every inch of us is covered in muscles and I think you will agree that it’s the muscle that gets us around this place. So, being that the strength of your muscles affect your way of giving I ask, how strong are you?

I want you to fall in love with your design so you will discover that confidence in your body’s ability to do is intoxicating. I think I speak for us all when I say strength is sexy. Yes dear, it’s ok to be turned on by yourself. It starts with you anyway, remember that.

Come out to play and learn:
• To push yourself using the best tool ever, your own body.
• That it really doesn’t take much to be in the shape YOU want to be in.
• That it simply requires your honesty. Only you know what you’re doing 100% of the time and whatever that something is will have a positive or negative effect on you… truly your choice.

The next camp starts Aug. 22nd – Sept. 16th
Each 4 week camp is only $300 and groups will always be small so that you receive the guidance and personal touch that is needed.

Groups Meet in Dana Point:
Monday – Friday

6am & 7:15am

Saturday
6am, 7:15am, 8:30am

Contact me for more details!

Today's catch...

This is my ‘go-to’ plate – fish, sautéed veggies, and some type of salad or side, in this case, tomatoes. I never get tired of eating this dish, and for the record, it’s never really the same dish. The fish varies, the veggies change, and the side could be anything from a salad, rice, or avocado. There’s so much food to choose from. It’s simply a matter of going to the market to select what you want.

The best food for you will always be what’s grown near you. Most cities have weekend farmer’s markets so find one in your area and hit it this Saturday. Grab a couple of these, maybe one of those, and experiment. Don’t know how to cook something? Buy a few cook books. It’s not about being a master chef. It’s about discovery. But, if you are a master chef or simply a good cook, then develop a cooking class in your neighborhood. What’s your gift for other than to use it right?

Today my ‘go-to’ plate featured sole which is a really light white fish that melts in your mouth. It’s very thin but holds up amazingly well no matter your cooking method. Here’s all it takes for a quick & easy lunch:

• Fish of your choice seasoned with sea salt and fresh pepper
• Leek leaves
• 2-3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• Olive oil
• About 3 spears of broccolini
• Big handful of beet leaves
• Red bell pepper (I used ¼ of a medium pepper)

Let’s cook.
Preheat oven to 375⁰. Place leeks in pan with garlic, drizzle with oil, and season with salt & pepper. Cook about 5 minutes then layer fish over leeks. This will only take about 7 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in pan and sauté broccolini for 2 minutes. Add beet leaves and cook for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

That’s it. A couple slices of tomato and you’re done. A simple, easy, quick lunch. Don’t worry if you have veggies left over. They’ll make a great addition to eggs in the morning!

**You can find lots of information at http://www.localharvest.org/ about farms and markets. You may also want to check out CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), where your support gets you a weekly basket of seasonal produce.

Find a market this weekend and discover all the great foods produced in your own backyard and maybe I'll see you in the cookbook aisle.

Only The Strong Survive..

Part of my job as Health Editor of Mwari Magazine is to find women who are doing amazing things, in spite of it all. In spite of having careers, in spite of being born into a family with hereditary health issues, in spite of having children, in spite of every other responsibility, simply because they believe they can.

Most everyone around me knows I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 11 and that for the past, ahem, 30 years I’ve lived with a 10” titanium rod screwed to my spine. This is my ‘in spite of’. Scoliosis is not allowed to infringe upon my life. It’s there, I can’t change that. It bugs me. I can’t change that. But what I can do is keep my body strong & healthy, remain focused on my dreams & desires, and basically, keep it moving.

With this being the inaugural issue, what better person to chat with than the Founder & Editor of Mwari Magazine, Maci Peterson. You can well imagine that her life is hectic. Early mornings, days filled with meetings, emails, phone calls, decisions, events, and people wanting her to go in a million different directions. I asked her, how, with everything that’s required of her, is she able to maintain her sense of Maci.

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How old are you Maci? I’m 23 years old.

What’s a typical day for you? I’m up at 6:30, 7:30 if I sleep in, and I begin quietly. I read my Bible & I pray. Then, I’m on the train which is a perfect time to read & answer emails. Once I’m in the office there are countless meetings with writers and editors and advertisers which take me into the evening when I have to attend different events for networking. Most people think parties, martinis, glamour. It’s not all glitz. These are long days and you won’t get much accomplished with too many parties & martinis. I’m home by 11pm.

When did you know your outlet would be a magazine for young women? When I was a sophomore in college, I’d thought about publishing a magazine but pretty much dismissed it. I was studying Film, and working in PR & Advertising and realized that I could not imagine living that life for the next 30 years. I prayed and asked, ‘what am I here to do?’ The magazine idea came rushing back.

Why do you feel it’s so important to reach this particular culture of young women? No magazine speaks to us, this age of woman coming into HERself. This is when we are looking for help, preparing for the rest of our lives. In your early 20’s is when powerful seeds are planted and no one was touching that.

How important is it that you spend time with just Maci? Personal time is important that’s why I live alone. I’m able to take personal inventory, clear my head & form a game plan because everything I do is to perpetuate Mwari.

With a schedule like yours, how do you find personal time? Saturday mornings are dedicated to sweats and Lifetime movies.

What do you do just for you? In addition to my Saturday morning ‘Lifetime Movies’, I enjoy hiking which allows me to clear my head and gives me a banging body. I also enjoy reading and aim for three novels every summer. I went to college in California and got into sailing. LOVE IT! Now that I’m in DC, I have the good fortune of having friends with boats so I get out there as often as possible. Because I don’t have the opportunity to enjoy these outings every day, I make sure to fully immerse myself when I can.

What about Maci are you most proud of? In college during ‘Senior Surprise’, my mother wrote me a letter and used the word “assurance” to describe me. She stated that I do things knowing I’m serving a higher purpose, that I am diligent in fulfilling my calling. It’s always good to know how your actions are being received and for my mother to describe me in such a way was, and continues to be, a very proud moment in my life.

Give me one thing that you believe is the utmost importance for young women to know. Girls, I know we hear this all the time but you really do have to ask yourself the question, ‘why am I here’. Then do it… execute it! Creating this magazine isn’t easy by any means but I love it. It fills me with joy and I know I was created for this. Even if you’re already walking a certain path, you need to take a personal inventory and ask yourself if you truly love what you do. You may very well lose an excellent Wall Street income but do you love waking up in the mornings? I do.

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I'd love to hear your 'in spite of'? What have you had to push through? And what strengths did you discover on the other side of that?

You can read the current issue of Mwari at http://issuu.com/mwarimagazine/docs/mwari_issueone_1209?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed

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