Fit Mom Society

Low-Carb Diets = NOT Smart long term. New Research!

2011-10-24T09:03:00.003-03:00

Low Carbohydrate Diets Linked to Long-Term Psychological Problems

Losing weight is psychological torture for most people. The long-term success of weight loss diets depends on the psychological capacity to eat less food. Australian researchers found that people following low-fat diets (LF; 46 percent carbohydrate, 24 percent protein, and 30 percent fat) were psychologically healthier after 12 months than those following low-carbohydrate diets (LC; 35 percent protein, 61 percent fat, 4 percent carbohydrate). Both groups ate reduced-calorie diets (1,433 calories per day for women and 1,672 calories per day for men) and lost similar amounts of weight (30 pounds).

At 12 months, the low-carb group scored higher in measures of depression, anxiety, anger-hostility, tension, and dejection. The LF group showed less fatigue and better all-around mood. Reduced-calorie diets that are either low or high in carbohydrates produce similar weight loss after a year, but long-term adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet produces more psychological side effects. (Archives Internal Medicine, 169: 1873-1880, 2009)

Inspired to do a Figure Competition - May 7, 2011

2011-04-25T18:42:00.002-03:00

Love Yourself...and you'll love the results!

2009-09-04T12:38:00.003-03:00

You train people how to treat you by how you treat yourself.

~ Martin Rutte

Think about all the times you worry about what other people think about you...the way you look, your clothes, that extra lump on your thighs that shows in your bathing suit.

Is it just you that sees it? YES!!! While you scrutinize and judge yourself you are training everyone to see you that way...especially if you're verbalizing it to everyone.

Time to train yourself first... love yourself, see how fit, stron and beautiful you are and you know what? Everyone else will too!

Stay Motivated during Summer

2009-07-13T15:39:00.005-03:00

If somewhere between May and right now your fitness drive pulled a disappearing act, don't despair. Here's a summarized version of WH tips on how to maintain your workout mojo—for good.

Curing the motivation problem is at the crux of a theory developed by Deci and his colleagues called Self Determination Theory (SDT ). It boils down to this: The more you do stuff you like to do and not what you think you should do, the more you'll keep doing it.

Step 1: Take charge Appoint yourself CEO of your fitness decisions. Don't let well-meaning friends (or mothers or spouses) force you into another gym membership you won't use.

Step 2: Give yourself props for progressHow many times have you said to yourself during a workout, "I'm getting nowhere"? To make it work, keep the focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't, Wilson says. And don't compare yourself to anyone else. Once you start focusing on you, your confidence will grow and ignite a cycle of positive reinforcement that will keep you hooked.

Step 3: Make it socialAccording to the principles of SDT, making your workouts more like happy hour will put you well on your way to stoking your inner motivator. Start by finding like-minded workout buddies. A study by Canadian researchers found that a congenial atmosphere, rather than a competitive one, helps people stay motivated by providing a source of encouragement.

You already have what you need within you: It's just a matter of tweaking your perspective so you can tap into what really gets you going.

Keep moving this summer moms, you look hottest when you're feeling the coolest!

Keep your fitness momentum mojo.

Zen Master Technique:Feeling Alive

2009-05-27T09:28:00.005-03:00

"People say that what we are seeking is a meaning of life. I don't think this is what we're really seeking. I think what we're seeking is an experience of being alive." ~ Joseph Campbell

Feel alive again.

As a Zen master once said; this technique is so simple that a 5 year old can know it, but a 90 year old man can fail to practice it.

It’s simply the practice of being in the now.

The past and future never exist except in your own mind. But how many of you have had your mind zip away to somewhere else while reading this article? How many of you are, right now, thinking of something you did or going to do, instead of being fully here?

Every moment you spend away from the present is a moment you lose, and the only time you can ever really be alive is now.

But centering yourself isn’t rocket science, it’s quite easy. You don’t have to go anywhere, find anyone or even do anything much.

All you need to do is breathe!

1) Decide to take a moment for yourself (maybe this moment? :)). Find somewhere you won’t be disturbed.

2) Close your eyes, if you can, and decide to focus on nothing else but your own breathing.

3) Start taking deep breaths, and become more conscious of how it actually feels to take deep breaths. How does it feel going into your nose? How does your chest feel when it expands? Focus on nothing except your breath.

4) If thoughts of any kind intrude, let the thought go and come back to focusing on your breath.

5) Repeat as many times as you like, until you feel centered and in the now.

6) Open your eyes, noticing how differently the world looks, hears and feels.

We get caught up in our errant thoughts that often we lose focus of what it really means to be a human being, not a human doing, and to focus on the only time we have to be truly alive.

Find and Conserve Energy: I'm talking about your own!

2009-05-11T10:12:00.005-03:00

This constant, unproductive preoccupation with all the things we have to do is the single largest consumer of time and energy.

~ Kerry Gleeson

I agree completely: How much time to we spend thinking about all that has to get done, what we want to get done, what we don't want to do, what we haven't done, what someone else hasn't done... and so on. Now if we could gather up all that time...use it diligently to do just ONE thing at a time, how much more uncluttered could our minds...and our lives get.

And then there's this useful quote:

Avoid fragmentation: Find your focus and seek simplicity. Purposeful living calls for elegant efficiency and economy of effort—expanding the minimum time and energy necessary to achieve desired goals.

~ Dan Millman

So how can you be a better consumer of your time. We hear about conserving energy for the environment, I'm encouraging you to conserve your energy in your INTERNAL environment.

Task: Less thinking wasted, focus on the task at hand.

Have a great week everyone!

An early Mother's Day Treat for you from Fit Yummy Mummy

2009-05-06T14:16:00.002-03:00

If you've always wanted to be on one of those makeover shows,
but they've never come and swept you away in their limousine ,

I have some exciting news for you...

My friend Holly Rigsby is celebrating Mother's Day all week by
offering a collection of exclusive interviews with 13 of the
world's top fitness, goal achievement, style, beauty and
relationship experts to share, with you, their secrets, strategies
and tips...all in celebration of Mother's Day.

As a bonus for anyone who orders Fit Yummy Mummy before
Friday, May 8th at noon EST, Holly is going to GIVE
you the complete Yummy Mummy Makeover Teleseminar Package
(normally $97) as a Gift!

Indulge on your own personal makeover, except that unlike on
those TV shows, the changes that you'll enjoy won't disappear
one the makeup is washed off.

But the Yummy Mummy Makeover Package will only be available
as a special Mother's Day Bonus until Friday, May 8th at
noon EST.

After that, this Yummy Mummy Makeover Package
goes back to it's normal price of $97.

The Yummy Mummy Makeover Package includes some of the top
fitness, beauty, style, relationship and goal achievement experts
in the entire world... experts featured on Oprah, Good Morning
America, Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, and in
publications like Women's Health Prevention and countless other
shows, books and magazines.

Along with 11 super bonuses including workout plans, recipe
books, beauty tips and organizational blueprints - all in
addition to your 13 makeover calls!

So, if you want your own personal 'Yummy Mummy Makeover,
click here now:

Fit Mom Mother's Day Makeover!!!!

to get all the calls, bonuses and inspiration to make this
the best Mother's Day yet!

Happy Mother's Day!

10 New Metabolism Boosting Workouts

2009-04-26T17:15:00.004-03:00

1. Nia is a whole-body expressive exercise - a fitness experience - that blends 9 movement forms, is done barefoot to music, and enhances the mind-body-spirit connection. It’s self-guided, which means you don’t have to “follow the leader.” Nia is a workout that can help you reach your fitness goals and boost your metabolism by encouraging your body to move in new ways, which will startle it out of its weight loss plateau.

2. Laughter Yoga combines breathing movements with “tee-hee-hee’s” and “ha-ha-ha’s” to increase energy, lift moods, and relieve tension, increases oxygen flow, lower blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and increases immune function (and of course, this workout can help you reach your fitness goals and boost your metabolism!). “We can now laugh at will, for absolutely no reason, and we get all the health benefits,” says laughter yoga teacher Jeffrey Briar of the Laughter Yoga Institute. “Plus, when done in a group, any ‘forced’ laughter quickly becomes real due to the social factor.”

3. Beach Tennis is a new workout that combines a regulation beach volleyball court with tennis, and suits all skill levels. It can be played with strangers or family - a great way to meet people. Beach tennis will get you sweating fast, which will boost your metabolism quickly! To really break that weight loss plateau and reach your fitness goals, play it regularly (just trying it once may not be an effective way to lose weight).

4. Capoeira is a new way to work out for many North Americans; it combines self-defense, music and acrobatics. Capoeira encourages women to be strong, confident, and powerful. Other dance workouts include Teasersize, the Showgirl Workout, Pole Dancing, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop, jazzercise, etc - any type of dancing and sweating will trim your muscles, build new brain cells, and boost your metabolism. Plus, these workouts increase your motivation to lose weight.

5. Dragon Boat Racing is, for me, a new workout that improves back, shoulder, and arm strength - and research shows that it increases the health of breast cancer survivors. Or, try canoeing or kayaking for an exhilarating challenge or restorative activity. Using your arms and upper body can break your weight loss plateau by using muscle groups in different ways. (Okay, these may not be new workouts to you - but have you tried them? To reach your fitness goals, try these new workouts to see if they boost your metabolism and break your weight loss plateau).

6. Bhangra Aerobics is a lively form of folk music and dance, originating in India. Other forms of aerobics include aerobic boxing, step aerobics, and kwando. Any type of aerobics that gets your heart pumping and the sweat flowing can help you reach your fitness goals and boost your metabolism - especially if you do it regularly. Once is never enough!

7. Vocal Gym is a playful way to wake up both your body and your voice. Yoga poses and simple body movements are combined with song - for both singers and non-singers alike. This is a great workout if you’re recovering from illness, interested in trying a new way to work out that’s not overly strenuous, or needing a change from your regular exercise routine.

8. Dance Sport combines the beauty and grace of ballroom dancing with the thrill of competition. Though ballroom dancing isn’t exactly a “new” way to work out, we often forget how dancing improves brain health, coordination, and intimacy between couples. If your ballroom dancing makes you feel graceful and fluid, you’ll be motivated to reach your fitness goals and break through your weight loss plateau.

9. Dru Yoga keeps joints relaxed, which creates a free flow of energy. It balances the chakras, improves spine flexibility, reduces back pain and controls stress. Dru yoga is about accessing the heart, healing painful emotions, and relieving your body of negative energy. This “new” way to work out involves becoming emotionally grounded, which makes emotional eating less likely - which in turn can help you can help you reach your fitness goals and break your weight loss plateau.

10. Hoop Fitness strengthens your core, sculpts your waistline, and relieves anxiety. It’s easy to do at home (with your kids!); weighted hoops and videos are available on the internet. While “hula hooping” isn’t a new workout, hoop fitness led by a qualified, experienced instructor can can help you reach your fitness goals and boost your metabolism by forcing your hips and core to move in new ways. Plus, it’ll make you laugh. :-)

Live well, Be well

2009-04-13T10:05:00.002-03:00

Short, Sweet Inspiration Today

Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.

~ James Allen Quotes from As a Man Thinketh

Karma Economics for Friday

2009-04-03T09:42:00.003-03:00

"The science is simple: When you give the world love and respect, the world will give you love and respect back." ~ Russell Simmons from Do You!

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There is a great idea that you will encounter again and again on your quest: you are a living magnet, constantly drawing to you the things, the people, and the circumstances which are in accord with your thoughts. In other words, you are where you are in experience, in relationships, even in financial conditions, because of what you are (which is where you are in consciousness)." ~ Eric Butterworth from Spiritual Economics

Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay, Compensation: "Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit, cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed."

Esther & Jerry Hicks describe the Law of Attraction in Ask and It Is Given: "Every thought vibrates, every thought radiates a signal, and every thought attracts a matching signal back. We call that process the Law of Attraction." The Law of Attraction says: That which is like unto itself is drawn. And so, you might see the powerful Law of Attraction as a sort of Universal Manager that sees to it that all thoughts that match one another line up."

Get out your magnets. Try out your smiles. Open your eyes. Clear your mind and welcome some fresh insight!
_____________________________________________
Smile: if you can't lift the corners, let the middle sag! :)

This Yummy Mummy Definition is PERFECT

2009-03-31T21:04:00.004-03:00

Love this description of a Yummy Mummy

What Is A Yummy Mummy?

A superwoman who fits into her size 6 Seven jeans three weeks after giving birth (by scheduled C-section of course)?

A sexy mama who shops for groceries in heels, closing deals on her cell phone while waggling finger puppets to stimulate her baby's growing cerebellum? Give me a break!

A true Yummy Mummy struggles to find the impossible balance between the single sexpot she used to be, the woman she's become, the professional she works hard to be, the wife she aspires to be and the mother she has to be. Basically, she's confused and exhausted.

Forget CEO. THIS is the toughest job in the world. Why didn't anyone warn us?

Can you relate? Then welcome to the Yummy Mummy Lens....So, what's this Lens all about? Well, it's unabashedly un-exclusive. If you have...

a) kids
b) guilt
c) no time for yourself
d) all of the above

... then, you need to read it!

Healthy & Happy Moms = Healthy & Happy Kids!

Do what you love, love what you do!

2009-03-30T20:49:00.001-03:00

Nobody said you have to join a gym to get exercise benefits. Enroll in a fun class and try out something new. Take up belly dancing, or give martial arts a whirl, or hop in the pool for some aquafit, or join a sports team. Participating in activities you enjoy takes the "work" out of workout.

Loving what you do makes it easy. Find some thrills, forget the drills.

Dear Body, You do so much for me...I promise I'll take care of you.

2009-03-25T20:38:00.002-03:00

The alternative to eating well is cheating the body of what it needs.

You wouldn't want to to do that!!!!! Your body is your best friend, take care of her!

Zen and Exercise Meet

2009-03-20T19:13:00.001-03:00

Repetitive, rhythmic motion of exercises like walking and running brings a serene mood and clarifies thinking.

I've had all my best writing ideas when walking or running, and sometimes assign myself a particular problem to think over during a walk.

Find some ZEN today.

Motivated by Rewards

2009-03-19T14:08:00.008-03:00

Positive reinforcement has proven again and again to out perform negative "correction".

Most of us are extremely motivated by rewards, and rewards can be beneficial to your weight loss and fitness success. I have been using rewards for most of my life but failed to realize the true power of them until I took the time to reflect on what all I have accomplished because of them.

My friend, Coach Jenn got a reward yesterday for working out... and I'm really happy for her and she's super excited about the $1000 she gets just for logging in to the Beachbody WOWY system and completing her daily workout session. Now that's a great reward system, Daily Prizes, visual record keeping and virtual buddies. I'm new to it all but I tell you, seeing someone else win, makes me want to keep logging in every day for my chance!

What are some ways you can use the reward system to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals?

What is your favorite meal? Make a deal with yourself that if you stick with your eating plan for the entire week – you will enjoy your favorite meal on Sunday. Perhaps and Ice Cream cone will motivate you to stick with your diet all week. The point is to find something that really motivates you that won’t be so destructive to your health.

Stick with your exercise program for a complete month and reward yourself with a massage. Every time you think about missing a workout because you are tired – think of how great the massage will feel. Cut out your massage therapist’s advertisement out of the phone book and tape it to your exercise equipment or refrigerator.

It goes without saying that if you reward yourself without carrying through with your end of the deal – you certainly won’t enjoy it as much and you will register a failure in your mind. That ice cream cone is going to taste so much better when you have paid for it with more than money – you have paid for it with commitment – and that feels good!

What motivates you and excites you? Perhaps it is something as simple as seeing a movie, enjoying a favorite meal, buying a new purse or outfit, or some other indulgence. Perhaps you want to think more long-term and treat yourself to a vacation for 6 months worth of discipline. What if you made a deal with yourself – If I pack my lunch for the next six months, (rather than eating out) I will spend a weekend at the beach or perhaps Vegas? You will probably save enough money by packing your lunch to pay for the trip!

Think about what motivates you and then think about what challenges you. What is the hardest thing for you to do to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals? Is it the exercise or is it the eating? Now- what do you find easy to do? What do you look forward to doing so much that you are willing to bribe yourself with a sacrifice to do it? Find a way to make your motivations strengthen your challenges. This can be a very powerful tool to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Take is seriously and give it much thought – You will be much better off a year from now by using rewards to help you live a healthy life.

Fun St. Patrick's Day Runs

2009-03-17T14:49:00.003-03:00

I love how there's so many fun run's set up for St. Patrick's Day, don't really know how it combines with green beer and irish traditions, but it's a great fitness tradition and looks like a lot of fun!

Chicago actually dyes it's river...had to add this in because it's such a contradiction of what we now mean when we say..."go green!" (meaning eco-friendly!)

Monkey See Boutique: Monogrammed Water Bottles and Coffee Tumblers

2009-03-17T14:48:00.000-03:00

Monkey See Boutique: Monogrammed Water Bottles and Coffee Tumblers

I'm a twitter newbie but I've got a twitter mozaic!

2009-03-16T21:19:00.003-03:00

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Need some Inspiration to stick to your Diet and Exercise Plans?

2009-03-11T15:46:00.002-03:00

Think about your goals...Think about where you've come from. Look at these results!!! If they can do it, so can you!

Leo B. had some good advice for us...

2009-03-11T15:37:00.003-03:00

It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.

~ Leo Buscaglia

What can we do today to show we are really living for something?

Be inspired!

Mia

Optimism Fitness: Turn your down days up again.

2009-03-07T20:47:00.005-04:00

Sprouting happy slogans will not ALWAYS brighten your outlook. On the other hand, the right kind of optimism at the right time can improve your life—here's some experts take on keeping optimism in your fitness life.

Studies have found that an optimistic viewpoint can bring all kinds of benefits--from better health and a longer life span to a higher level of achievement in your fitness regimen, on the job, and in your love life. But the people whose work it is to think about positive thinking are looking at it in a new light these days. To them, it's not enough to chant affirmations to yourself and expect to see things differently. For life's real problems, a more sophisticated strategy is in order.

Here's some research from two professionals studying the difficult challenges we can face, Barry Maher, a lecturer in Santa Barbara, Calif., is the author of Filling the Glass: The Skeptic's Guide to Positive Thinking in Business.

"The positive thinking I talk about is reality-based as opposed to pixie dust," he tells us. "The person who will ultimately be more successful is not concerned about whether a glass is half empty or half full, but with trying to figure out what he has to do to fill it up."

Julie K. Norem, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Wellesley College near Boston and the author of The Positive Power of Negative Thinking, believes optimism is the best policy for some situations, other circumstances call for what she terms "defensive pessimism."

Here's how our two experts put their ideas to work for you.

OPTIMISM CHALLENGE : IN THE GYM

Linda's attempts to build a better body are falling by the wayside. After a few months, her progress in the gym and on the scale have begun to stall, and she's starting to hit the junk food again. How can she keep herself motivated?

SOLUTIONS

MAHER: Set short-term goals. "Linda might think that the `positive' answer would be to aim for a huge goal, but that almost never works. I always recommend focusing on short-term goals, with the understanding that they will eventually lead to long-term results. Losing 50 pounds is too far away--it isn't going to happen immediately, so who cares if you work out today? The shortest-term goal may be to get started on today's workout and do the best job you can in the next exercise ... then in the next one and the next one after that."

NOREM: Don't let anxiety stop you. "Given that Linda started working out, I'll assume she doesn't have a lot of anxiety at this point. The key thing, then, is not to turn this into an anxiety-producing situation that makes her feel like a failure. Linda should avoid ruminating about how she's done, and, in fact, she should take away as much choice and thought about working out as she can, because those thoughts are likely to create anxiety she doesn't need--and lead her to junk food to deaden that anxiety. She should `book' her regular workouts so she does them automatically; the workout bag should have a regular storage space; and, if possible, she should find a gym on the way to or from work. In other words, she can avoid unconstructive thinking by arranging the situation so she doesn't have to think about it very much in the first place."

When it comes to sticking to a goal, slumps occur but the trick to keeping a positive attitude isn't always as simple as saying a couple affirmations. We need to acknowledge our need to create a complete positive picture so our thought patterns and actions work FOR us and not against us.

Create a simple plan of what you need to keep optimistic. The reality is, nobody is exempt from a weak moment, a down time or stressful period. Be prepared and ACT optimistically.

You can do it!

Mom's: earning $130,000/year? Smile & Love every minute of it!

2009-03-07T16:19:00.004-04:00

Refresher Read: 10 Great Reasons to Exercise.

2009-03-02T13:03:00.004-04:00

I LOVE this quote from the movie Legally Blonde

"Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people don't go around shooting their husbands!!."

I don't think it is word for word - but you get the idea.

The 10 Best Reasons to Exercise
1. Clear skin. Regular physical activity promotes circulation and sends nutrients to your skin, making breakouts of acne less frequent. Plus, acne breakouts will clear up faster if you’re regularly sending oxygen to your skin. Healthy skin is one of the best reasons to exercise.
2. Better sleep. As long as you don’t exercise two hours before bed, you’ll get better, deeper sleep if you exercise regularly. A good night's sleep is a great reason to exercise.
3. Less stress. The more you exercise, the better you’ll cope with anxiety, stress and depression. You’ll enjoy more naturally induced happy, positive feelings (endorphins). That alone is a great reason to exercise.
4. Delicious food. If you exercise regularly, you can indulge in your favorite gourmet chocolates without feeling guilty. Healthy weight loss will happen if you exercise regularly – and you can enjoy yourself at the same time!
5. More brain cells. Exercise drives more oxygen to feed your brain, making you think quickly and clearly. Learning new physical activities such as dance or jazzercise builds new connections between your brain cells and helps clear environmental toxins.
6. More confidence. Not only will you have more confidence in yourself if you exercise regularly, you’ll be perceived as kinder, smarter and more confident. Feeling good about yourself is one of the best reasons to exercise.
7. Toned, defined muscles. The more you exercise, the stronger and healthier your muscles will become - and the better they'll serve you. It's not all about healthy weight loss: building healthy mass is also an exercise benefit. Feeling toned is a great reason to exercise.
8. Better sex. Physical activity sends more blood to all parts of your body, making you respond more quickly to sexual activity. You’ll enjoy sex more not only because you’re chasing healthy weight loss – you’re also more confident about your body. Getting satisfied sexually is one of the best reasons to exercise.
9. Stronger immune system. Regular exercise helps combat free radicals, and you sweat out the toxins that trigger disease and infections. The health benefits of exercise include lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol levels, and a lower heart rate.
10. More energy. Physical activity is not only an effective weight loss method, it’s also a great way to increase your energy levels. Having energy to enjoy life is probably the best reason to exercise!

Who's your body boss?

2009-02-27T10:28:00.002-04:00

When you tell yourself you don't feel like exercising, reply, "Thank you for sharing," then put on your workout clothes.

You gotta be the boss!

Awesome 6 Minute Butt Workout to Try Right NOW!!!

Movement is great medicine.

Have an awesome friday and "Get Your Butt in for a little tune-up!"

Optimism in every day life...

2009-02-23T12:27:00.004-04:00

"Flourish in optimism." Here's 4 Ways to support an Optimistic Life and Healthy Body!

1. Find foods that give you energy. (Mine: green tea, grapefruit, oatmeal, protein shakes and ...the raw chocolate power bars my sister-in-law makes...YUM!)

2. Ensure that you have enough light. (My office blinds are up right now and even though it's snowing outside, it's all the light I need. I use pure outside light as much as possible during the day, candle lite during my baths!)

3. Surround yourself with a supportive community and leave time for volunteer activities. ( My optimism support? Kids are great for happy smiles, hugs and laughter..I really try to laugh with them instead of letting them have their own little moments of glee... I read optimistic books and blogs and try to connect with positive people (especially my great girlfriends!). My hubby is pretty great at keeping me happy too!)

4. Create 3-5 positive affirmations and repeat them at least twice a day. ( I am so lucky, I am so thankful for... I love you... I have so much abundance in my life, I keep attracting such amazing things.... and the list goes on)

How would you answer these?

Hey, any bloggers out there? Try this free service at the Entrecard Market!

2009-02-23T11:26:00.004-04:00

Hey all you online mommy entrepreneurs with great products and internet savvy...I've listed some free advertising for the Fit Mom Society!!! It's on ENTRECARD, a free advertising system for bloggers that I've been experimenting with. I don't understand all the ins and outs but I'm having fun checking out other blogs, getting clicked on and experimenting with new online marketing systems.

Here's the link to my new ad: My Entrecard Listing!

Here's more details on EntreCard

http://entrecard.com/blog

Entrecard is a blog widget and social network that allows you to promote yourself in the blogosphere. Spend your credits in our shop on SEO, graphic design, advertising, and more!

Bounce Back Skills

2009-02-19T13:41:00.003-04:00

"Remember, no matter how ready and willing you are, all change is inevitably interspersed with backsliding... but... Everyday Geniuses are programmed to bounce back." p. 165 ~ Mary-Elaine Jacobsen, Psy.D. from The Gifted Adult

February can be a long month. Especially for us northern folks. Flu, cold weather and shorter days can take it\'s toll, especially on our health and well-being. If your schedule hits a bump in the road (ie: the flu that slammed my house this week)...

are you programmed to bounce back?

Bouncing back from the inevitable downs in the ups and downs is a MANDATORY skill if you want to reach your goals and live to your potential. Because, if you haven't noticed, once in a while things don't go as planned. :)

How do you respond when something goes wrong? Imagine if you had a team of coaches and parents and friends and advisers who shared this wisdom with you when you fell down:

Mary Kay: "For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour."

Robert F. Kennedy: "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

David Viscott: "In the end, the only people who fail are those who don't try."

Michael Jordan: "There was never any fear for me, no fear of failure. If I miss a shot, so what?" And, "I've missed more than nine thousand shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Anthony de Mello (from Awareness): "Get rid of your fear of failure, your tensions about succeeding, you will be yourself. Relaxed. You wouldn't be driving with your brakes on. That's what would happen."

James Russell Lowell: "Not failure, but low aim, is crime."

Vince Lombardi: "In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail."

Thomas Watson, Sr. (founder of IBM): "The fastest way to succeed is to double your rate of failure."

Are you beating yourself up with every little misstep, missed workout or mistake? Might want to integrate a Jordan-esque air to your perspective on failing and just take the shot!

You can do it! Just get back up, get back out there, you\'re making progress!

Be courageous this week

Put the fun back into your workout!

2009-02-08T22:09:00.004-04:00

Remember a really good laugh, silly summer salt sessions, dancing the rain...anywhere where happiness and exertion were combined. That's a rush. The giddiness, the blood flow, the awesome feeling.
Now how can we get that feeling during a workout. Impossible? OK, yes, on a lot of days, we're not going to experience a big rush of pure fun, laughter and joy but here's a couple ways we can add a bit more fun to our "work"outs.

Get Fresh Air - If you're alone, yell like crazy for a minute (who cares what the drivers think!) With a friend...have a little joke/laughing competition.

Buddy Up - Find someone you have fun with all the time. Not your trainer (unless they're really fun!) or your competitive training buddy. Giddy laughing in the gym while doing abs is a triple +++ workout!

Laugh Tunes - Find a couple songs that are crazy funny. Place them randomly in your playlist to get you smiling during your usual routine. (Crazy frog anyone???!)

Try a Super Hard Class - Let go of your pride. Laugh at your mistakes and challenge yourself. Who cares what everyone else thinks.

Try Gymnastics - (This would be me in the one above!) Learn to do a handstand or a back flip. Can you touch your toes? Work on it either on your own, or with a certified expert. Check your area for a gymnastics gym in your area and start at your skill and fitness level.

Pole Dancing - Yep, this you can try at home, or in a fun class. You'll definitely get a lot of encouragement!

Dance Your Heart Out (especially with kids)- Hip-hop, Salsa, Break Dancing, Belly Dancing, Ballroom, or even Exotic Dancing. Who would think that dancing could be a great workout and a complete blast!?

Rush Lovers, Get giddy in Fear - Enjoy the high you get from skiing, snowboarding, para sailing, jet skiing, hang gliding, and surfing. What other activities do you enjoy that pushes the limits of your comfort zone!? Try something new each year.

Relaxation - Are you needing a break from all the excitement in your day. Many people have taken every cardio class under the sun but may benefit greatly from taking a relaxation course. Improve your joint mobility, and muscle flexibility.

Bosu: Meaning "both sides up". This training uses a Bosu balance trainer, which you can buy at many online shopping websites. The goal here is to adjust to an unstable surface. Try the Bosu in a group, guaranteed to have some good balancing laughs too!

Crack a smile today. It's the best kind of muscle workout your body can get!

Today I will...

2009-02-03T15:21:00.002-04:00

What do we think when we wake up? Do we think? Or just Do? When we just go through the motions of day-to-day life, we miss out on creating our reality. Responding instead of Initiating is a dangerous trap to get stuck in. Here’s a thought to think about.

Abraham Maslow said that in any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.

I love that. I like to think of it this way:

We wake up in the morning. Is our first act a step forward (we get up immediately; we say the mantra we committed to; whatever) or do we step back into safety (stay in bed; hit snooze; etc.)?

+1 one if you stepped forward. -1 one if you stepped backward.

So, after that first act/thought, you’re either at +1 or -1. Yah?

<|-------------------|------|------|------|-------|-----|------|------|--------|------------------|>

-100 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +100

(Notice that the difference between where you could be and where you actually are is actually TWO units apart, not one, but two…)

OK. How about the next moment? Forward or back? Forward or back? Forward or back? Moment to moment to moment…

Fast forward to the end of the day. Where are you? +25,000 or -25,000?

Pay attention because the weight of those negative #s is going to make it hard for you to sleep well. In fact, why do you think people skip their workout, binge on junk food, get grumpy at their partners, complain, and feel depressed too often at the end of a day?

Exactly. Too many steps in the wrong direction.So now it's up to you. Wake up, take a step forward, then another, then another. If you take one back, that's okay, you're still ahead.
Go ahead, dust it off and keep heading in the right direction.
Know where you're heading? Exactly where you want to!

Exercise Your Mind and Take Your Brain for a Walk!

2009-02-03T15:17:00.003-04:00

The brain needs more than just mental stimulation - it needs physical stimulation as well. When we exercise, our brain literally thrives on the increased oxygen and blood flow. It rewards us with increased sharpness and focus. Negative or “Feeling down” thoughts are blockages in our thinking patterns and they can manifest from being stagnant. When we use exercise for increasing circulation and with that rush we intentionally take the time to CONNECT our brains to our bodies, we can create a fresh flow of ENERGY, new ideas, increased motivation and of course, our favorite: ENDORPHINS!

Ready for a Brain-Body Rush of Fresh Energy? Try this:

1. During your next exercise session (make that happen soon!) take a moment to feel the blood flowing to your head.

2. Now, either during your stretching or cool-down, Imagine a fresh flow of energy flowing from the tips of your fingers and toes, right to your heart and then right to the tip of your head.

3. Close your eyes if you can, take 3 deep breaths.

4. Feel Connected…You Bet!

I’ll let you know, this experience was inspired by Yoga (my favorite connecting exercise!)

Get that fresh brain feeling! ( You’ll know what I talking about when you try it!)

BONUS

Neat Site I just found ****FREE full YOGA classes ***http://www.yogatoday.com

I tried them out and they really are great. Perfect for getting connected and getting a great workout at home, even with kids crawling around!

Smiles are contagious, Hugs are Healing.

2009-01-27T14:59:00.006-04:00

As a mom, we always seem to hear about all the "bugs" going around. "So-and-so's kids all have _____" and "Mom! _____ in my class has chicken pox/lice/the flu!" We quickly shiver in fear, pull out the extra vitamins and hope that our little ones' immune systems will fight this virus before it hits our home if full force.

Enough about "bad" virus' though, I seem to keep most out of my body and family by sheer will and positive thinking (at least I hope! [fingers crossed]). Let's talk about "GOOD" contagious bugs.

Here's a list of the ones I can think of right now:

Smiles (super easy...genuine ones act really well, fake ones just don't cut it.)
Hugs - we need to spread these a lot more...the more you give, the more you get!
Compliments (who have you complimented today?)
Positive thinking: Hang around someone with pure positivity and it grows on you pretty quick.
Encouragement: try to encourage someone else without encouraging yourself...it's almost impossible.
the "Helping Hands" bugs, the more the merrier. There's nothing quite like doing something together.
Giving, loving, caring, - these are all such contagious bugs that anyone in their midst seems to catch them or at least bask in their glow, learn from them and usually desire them in their own lives.

So now, we get to try and spread these good virus'. Experiment by seeing how contagious a smile really is. How many faces around you can you change purely by grinning. And then there's the Positive Thinking virus. If we spend time with people who have it, read books about it, read blogs and quotes full of positivity, we're bound to catch a case of it!

I challenge you to become a "good bug" carrier, an infectious bundle of love, happiness and smiles...let's see how contagious you really are.

Deficiency motivation doesn't work!

2009-01-23T14:40:00.003-04:00

“Deficiency motivation doesn't work. It will lead to a life-long pursuit of try to fix me. Learn to appreciate what you have and where and who you are.”
~Wayne Dyer

So in other words, the constant "I want to fix, I need to lose weight, I need to be more organized, I should, I wish, I shouldn't, I'm not going to" words we use often need to be replaced.

Think of a sentence of POSITIVE motivation. An Appreciation Statement full of hope and inspiration that is specifically for YOU.

Say it out loud, write it down....send it to me if you want! I'd love you to share!

Mine? Hmmmm: " I'm committed to opening up to the millions of opportunities around me, even the little ones; right here, right now...!"

And one more practical line for me to repeat. "I'm lovin' it" (To be said at least 100 times a day!) thanks to McD's for the inspiration!

Wishing you an inspired day!

Mia

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5 Ways to Get Excited about exercising.

2009-01-16T08:17:00.005-04:00

Set Goals: Look at the year ahead, set a challenge for yourself that will motivate you and excite you. These types of goals should be positive. For example: Run a cool race, Fit my skinny jeans, Play a game, Go on a vacation wearing and cute bikini and feel good about myself....instead of "lose weight", "work-out more", stop eating too much, stop complaining. See the difference?
Pump the music: Get great music for working out, play it before too.
Buddy Up: I'm serious, reach out of your comfort zone and find someone that makes you smile and push yourself at the same time - that's going to make this year of exercising a lot more fun
Reward and Celebrate - you know what I'm talking about. Create your own system of fun, healthy rewards and be true to yourself. When you meet your goals, reward generously!!!!!
Dance, Sing and Be a little Wild! Exercising doesn't have to be "work", "hard" or "boring". Find as many ways as you can to move your body, throughout the day (and night!)

Monday, January 12th Motivation

2009-01-12T13:29:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we limit ourselves, our strength, our shape and our future by one thing, our THOUGHTS.

THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS: Choose the Best one for yourself.

Remember: "Your body is an amazingly adaptive machine. Ask it to be stronger and stronger you will be. Challenge it to go further and further you will go. Coax it to be more limber and more limber it will be. Allow it to mold into the seat of a recliner and, you got it, a recliner seat it will become. Stretch it, push it, pull it; your body is like cellular Play-Doh waiting for you to be the sculptor." ~ Shawn Phillips from Strength for Life

How are you shaping your body?!?

What one (or two or ten) things do you know (!!!) you can do to optimize your body and bring you one step closer to a more consistent connection to your Highest Self?!?

(Well, what are you waiting for?!!? Get on that. :))

Aim high. Aim for strength.

Breaking through a plateau.... fitness or bodyfat.

2009-01-07T09:28:00.003-04:00

You've been a faithful fitness fanatic, following a regimented lifting routine, performing plenty of cardio and eating fairly well. In the first few months, the bodyfat magically melted away--your clothes fit better, you even dropped a dress size. All was looking rosy. But now, even though you're doing the same program, you aren't seeing results anymore. in fact, you've come to a complete halt. What's going on? Chances are you've hit the dreaded plateau!

Here's a handy list of questions to ask yourself and get you back on track. Don't fear, don't stress and don't do anything drastic. Change comes in small increments. Don't just judge by the scale.

PLATEAU CHECKLIST

Ask yourself the following:

* Am I making good food choices?

* Am I eating every four hours?

* Am I getting the right amount of calories per meal?

* Am I getting the proper nutrient ratios per meal?

* Am I doing three to four cardio sessions per week at 40 minutes each?

* Am I lifting weights consistently?

Making improvements in just a few of these areas can help you continue to see improvements in your physique.

One day at a time. I need to read these questions today. My resolution is to stop looking so much at the scale and focus on other markers of success. Like the way I feel when I wake up, how my clothes are fitting, how strong I am in my workouts.

With you in fitness and health!

Mia

Daily Motivation...every day counts.

2008-12-26T13:21:00.002-04:00

You can't just read a book on being positive and you'll be positive for the rest of your life... you have to practice every day. Same as hiring a trainer - one session of training doesn't make you fit.

It takes every day!

That's why I made the Fit Chick Tips. I want to make it a little easier to stay motivated. Sign up today - you'll see what I mean.

Go to the form on the left of my blog. www.fitmomsociety.blogspot.com

Cheers,

Mia

Top 10 Bootylicous Butt Exercises

2008-12-22T12:23:00.003-04:00

The Back step lunge : Start with you standing with your feet together. Keep your chest out and your abs tight, do not slouch forward. Place your hands on your hips or by your sides if you are not using extra weight. Step backward with your left leg. Bend both your knees until your left knee is nearly touching the floor. Your right shin should remain in a straight line with your ankle perpendicular to the floor. Pull yourself forward using the right leg until you're in the standing position again, squeeze your glutes. Then swap legs and perform the exercise again stepping back with your right leg. Stay tight and watch your balance.
Sumo squats: stand with your legs wide apart - (about a foot wider than shoulder with on each side). Point your toes out ward (I think like a sumo wrestler but you might want to use the ballerina approach!). Keep your chest out and your abs tight. Holding one end of a dumbbell with both hands or a barbell behind your back, lower yourself making sure your back is straight. If you lean forward you will lose the effect and not be able to go deep enough into the squat. Squat low until your thighs are parallel to the floor and make sure to push through your heels squeezing your glutes and inner thighs.
Single leg bench step-up: Position a bench in front of something tall and bolted to the floor. The power rack is a good piece of gear to use for this. Stand on the bench holding onto the power rack and squat down using only ONE LEG. The hanging leg should be curled up by your butt just resting (or squeezing your hamstring if you're a keener!) With the assistance of your arms helping to pull you up, push with all you have using your hamstrings and butt to get back into the standing position.
Glute Kickbacks:Get on your hands and knees on a mat on the floor with your back parallel to the ground. In a controlled motion, thrust one of your feet backwards as though you are kicking like a horse. Be sure to really flex your butt for a one-count when your leg is fully extended back behind you. Return to the start position and repeat with the opposite leg.
Exercise Ball Butt Raises:While laying on your back, place your feet on the top of an exercise ball. Slowly raise your butt off the floor and really squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your butt back to the starting position and repeat.
Exercise Ball Leg Lifts:Place your hands securely on the floor and position your feet on the top of an exercise ball. Position your body so it's almost in a 90 degree angle and raise one leg as high as you can towards the ceiling. Make sure to really squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement. Slowly lower your leg to the starting position and repeat with your other leg.
Lying Butt Bridge: Lie flat on your back on a mat with your knees bent pointing up to the ceiling and your arms at your sides. Simply raise your pelvis up toward the ceiling to a point where your body will be at a about a 45 degree angle relative to the floor. At the top of the movement, be sure to really flex your butt for a one-count. Return to the start position and repeat.
Heel Kicks:From the hands and knees or from Downward Dog Pose, kick one leg backward and up, then contract it to bring your knee to your chest. Ankle weights will make this significantly more difficult.
The Fire Hydrant:This actually targets the abductor or outer thigh muscles. Begin on your hands and knees, and lift your leg out to the side and up, keeping the knee bent and shoulders level. For an extra challenge, hold your leg up and extend at the knee in a roundhouse kick.
Hover Squats Sit: On a high step bench, with dumbbells on shoulders. Lift off to stand, but stop midway and hover a moment before pushing all the way to standing position. As you lower back down to sit on the bench, hover again just inches away from the bench.

Welcome to December! Tips to stay sane and healthy during this month of craziness!

2008-12-01T16:27:00.004-04:00

The parties, sweets, alcohol, missed workouts, late nights, mall-crawling, small talk, family issues, breathing air on crowded planes -- ah, it's the holidays.

Exercise During the Holidays.
The experts say you need to get in training and be mindful to stay healthy and stress-free. Exercise Tips for Holiday Health Fabio Comano, a certified trainer at the American Council on Exercise, recommends plunging in and getting in shape now, knowing that the holidays will bring a few pounds. "Most people tend to put on weight in winter," he tells WebMD. "It's part of our (biological) survival pattern, a little like animals packing it on for hibernation." Comano thinks the holidays are stressful enough without loading yourself down with unrealistic exercise goals.

"If you exercise 45 minutes a day, you may only be able to do 30 minutes," he says.

Start the day with deep-breathing and meditating (if you meditate).
Take a walk before a meal, then one after. Or take a walk after dinner but before dessert.
If you bake cookies as gifts, walk them around to the neighbors' houses.
If you exercise in the morning normally, keep up that schedule. Just don't skip.
Buddy up with a family member. Walking is a good time to catch up.
Start some family traditions that are active, such as cross-country skiing.
Gillespie recommends make-work projects, such as setting the table one piece at a time and returning to the kitchen in between. "Put on some holiday tunes and dance!" she urges.
Don't stress out about exercise. It's the other way around -- exercise eliminates stress!

Tips for Calming Holiday Emotions
"You need to get sufficient sleep during the holidays," Steelsmith says. This is part of a "lifestyle tune-up" she recommends. The No. 1 priority in such a tune-up is to see if you are spending your time on the things you value most.

Stress goes up if you do things you don't value.

Write down what things are most important to you -- family, care-giving, work, status, whatever it is -- and pursue those most important. If you are over-committed, say no. Don't feel guilty.

The person who asked probably didn't want to do it either. If the holidays are a time of religious observation for you, leave plenty of time for that. If there are children around, remember how they love this time of year and look forward to it. Make sure they get sufficient rest and get to help with the wrapping, shopping, decorating, and cooking, even if they make these projects take longer.

The ACE recommends against unrealistic expectations. Don't expect to throw the perfect party or find the perfect gift for everyone. Somewhere, at almost every moment, a dog is eating a dropped turkey. It's part of life.

To get in touch with the "new you," take 15 minutes to be alone each day. Do some stretching.Read. Or just focus on what is around you with every sense. Do you hear tinkling bells? Smell gingerbread and pine? See sparkling lights? Feel the soft cheek of a napping child curled up next to you? Taste a sip of mulled cider or a dab of traditional eggnog on your tongue? See? The holidays are not all scheduling, stress, sore feet, arguing, and obligation! ~ By Miranda Hitti

Happy December everyone! Mia

Top 10 Excuse Busters to Get Excercising!

2008-09-14T15:00:00.003-03:00

Who're you gonna call....Excuse Busters!

Do you come out with a lot of excuses when it's time to get moving? Are you always putting off going to the gym until tomorrow? Do you really want to exercise but somehow never get around to it? Here are 10 ways to blast right through those excuses.

1. Exercise is boring! Not all exercise is created equal. You don't have to get fit by spending hours on soul-less machines down at the gym. Somewhere out there is an activity you'll love and it's just a case of looking around until you find it. Is there something you loved to do as a child which you've stopped doing now you're an adult? Take it up again! Is there something you'd love to do but just haven't got around to? Try it out! How about taking up tennis or golf, salsa-dancing or skiing? Find something that sparks your enthusiasm and you'll never look back.

2. No time! This is the excuse people give most of all for not exercising. Yet everyone has the same number of hours in the day. We just choose to spend them differently. What are you giving a higher priority to than your health? Chatting on the phone? Watching TV? Working too many hours? Even if your time is largely tied up in caring for others, how much good will you be to them without your health? And can you really not squeeze in three 20 minute sessions a week? What are you doing that is so important?

3. No energy! Your energy may be low because you are mentally rather than physically tired and in that case exercise will actually give you a boost. You'll usually find if you just get up and get moving you'll feel more energetic than ever. So, provided you're not tired after a hard physical day of work, just get moving to start to feel more lively. In any case, with regular exercise you'll find your general energy levels will soar and you'll be able to do far more without feeling tired.

4. I'm too embarrassed! If you're embarrassed about being seen exercising or wearing exercise gear then try walking. It's the ultimate non-exercise exercise. You can do it anywhere and you don't need to wear any special clothes other than normal comfortable shoes. Alternatively get some exercise videos and exercise in the comfort of your own home.

5. I'm too fat! Now there's a difference between being embarrassed about your size and being physically incapable of moving. If you really are unable to take normal exercise because of your size and associated problems then speak to your doctor about getting some help to find exercises you CAN do. Also there is some information around to help. Look up the organization called Active at any Size on the web. They promote fitness for everyone. Anything you can do will help you and as you lose weight you'll gradually find you're able to do more.

6. I'm a clutz! I swear some aerobics classes are designed to put people off exercise for life. You just get used to one part of the routine after spending your time bumping into people when the movement changes to something else equally as complicated and you find you've gone left when you should go right again. It does get better if you keep going to the same class but if you hate that feeling of always getting it wrong why not find an activity for the less choreographically challenged. How about the easy-to-learn repetitive movements of rebounding, swimming or cycling? 7. There's nowhere near here to exercise Sometimes that trip to the gym or swimming pool is a journey too far. It just eats up too much time from your day. If this puts you off getting fit, you can look for somewhere to exercise that's more convenient for your home or workplace. Or follow the advice for the embarrassed exercisers above and take up walking or exercising with videos or equipment at home. Jogging might suit you too.

8. Exercise doesn't work!?! Exercise is proven to help prevent heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. It burns calories, increases your energy levels and makes you feel good about yourself. It really depends what you expect. It won't turn you into a slim sylph-like figure overnight but it will help you lose weight. It won't give you a super-toned body after one session in the gym but you will firm and shape up over a few months. It's not an instant cure for a lifetime of overeating and neglecting your body but it does give you enormous benefits. These will only come if you do it regularly.

9. I've no one to go with! You might be surprised at who would be a willing exercise buddy if you asked. But if you don't think there's anyone, don't let it put you off. There's really nothing to be afraid of in turning up to an activity on your own. Most instructors are good at making you feel welcome. Even joining a gym on your own is not so bad. Once you have had your orientation session you'll feel a lot more confident that you know what to do and can just get on and do it without being distracted by anyone else.

10. Exercise hurts! Exercise should NEVER hurt if you go at the right pace for you. If an activity or movement doesn't feel good, then don't do it. Slow down and listen to your body. If it's too much for you, choose another activity or another class. Injuries can result if you do too much too soon. You have to work up to fitness gently to get the most benefit.

10 Great Reasons to Exercise and stay SANE!

2008-08-14T22:04:00.005-03:00

This is from the movie Legally Blonde

"Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people don't go around shooting their husbands."

I don't think it is word for word - but you get the idea. We need to stay sane!!!

The 10 Best Reasons to Exercise

1. Clear skin. Regular physical activity promotes circulation and sends nutrients to your skin, making breakouts of acne less frequent. Plus, acne breakouts will clear up faster if you’re regularly sending oxygen to your skin. Healthy skin is one of the best reasons to exercise.

2. Better sleep. As long as you don’t exercise two hours before bed, you’ll get better, deeper sleep if you exercise regularly. A good night's sleep is a great reason to exercise.

3. Less stress. The more you exercise, the better you’ll cope with anxiety, stress and depression. You’ll enjoy more naturally induced happy, positive feelings (endorphins). That alone is a great reason to exercise.

4. Delicious food. If you exercise regularly, you can indulge in your favorite gourmet chocolates without feeling guilty. Healthy weight loss will happen if you exercise regularly – and you can enjoy yourself at the same time!

5. More brain cells. Exercise drives more oxygen to feed your brain, making you think quickly and clearly. Learning new physical activities such as dance or jazzercise builds new connections between your brain cells and helps clear environmental toxins.

6. More confidence. Not only will you have more confidence in yourself if you exercise regularly, you’ll be perceived as kinder, smarter and more confident. Feeling good about yourself is one of the best reasons to exercise.

7. Toned, defined muscles. The more you exercise, the stronger and healthier your muscles will become - and the better they'll serve you. It's not all about healthy weight loss: building healthy mass is also an exercise benefit. Feeling toned is a great reason to exercise.

8. Better sex. Physical activity sends more blood to all parts of your body, making you respond more quickly to sexual activity. You’ll enjoy sex more not only because you’re chasing healthy weight loss – you’re also more confident about your body. Getting satisfied sexually is one of the best reasons to exercise.

9. Stronger immune system. Regular exercise helps combat free radicals, and you sweat out the toxins that trigger disease and infections. The health benefits of exercise include lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol levels, and a lower heart rate.

10. More energy. Physical activity is not only an effective weight loss method, it’s also a great way to increase your energy levels. Having energy to enjoy life is probably the best reason to exercise!

Happy Weekend to all you Happy Moms out there!

10 weight-loss tips

2008-08-03T15:08:00.003-03:00

1. Burn weight with carbohydrates
When you eat complex carbohydrates like vegetables, beans, legumes, fresh fruit, whole grains and nuts, your body uses so much energy metabolizing and digesting, you expend 250 calories daily "by the simple thermic effect of converting carbohydrates into energy," says Dr. Stutman.

2. Bulk up with fibre
Like complex carbohydrates, fibre gives your intestines a workout, so eating just 30 grams a day will burn off the equivalent of a slice of pepperoni pizza. Fibre also slows down digestion and sugar uptake so much, eating just one apple creates the same satiety as eating three cupcakes, says Dr. Stutman.

3. Sip apple cider vinegar
It's been used as a health tonic throughout history, but science now knows why apple cider vinegar is so good for you. It contains malic and tartaric acid, which help digest carbohydrates and slow their absorption into the bloodstream. Down one tablespoon before eating, or add it to a salad.

4. Nibble protein at night
Eating junk food after hours is a major hurdle many dieters face. Those tasty snacks might help you to fall asleep, but they will also wake you up as soon as your blood sugar falls. Instead of salty or sugary treats, try slow-digesting, appetite-suppressing foods like almonds, skim-milk yogurt or low-fat cheese.

5. Drink water
You've heard it before -- water transports nutrients, removes toxins and rehydrates the body. But it can also help you to lose weight. Nutritionists believe that dehydration, not hunger, causes some overeating. Start every meal with water and sip eight glasses through the day.

6. Pop some nuts
Dieters love snacks, and two of the best are unbuttered popcorn and nuts. The former has two grams of fibre per cup, while the latter contain protein, folic acid, vitamin D, copper, magnesium and monounsaturated fats. Just a handful of almonds and walnuts also triggers the release of cholecystokinin, a hormone that shuts down your appetite.

7. Walk before and after you eat
Just before a meal, take a brisk stroll around the block -- it'll help switch off your appetite. Then, 45 minutes after eating, take another hike. The thermic dynamic action of digesting your dinner along with the exercise will help you burn off 10 to 15 per cent more calories.

8. Don't yo-yo
According to the 40-year-long Framingham Heart Study, going on and off diets messes up your metabolism and your health. When dieters lost 10 per cent of their body weight, they reduced their risk of heart disease by 20 per cent; when they gained it back, they increased their risk by 30 per cent.

9. Pick the best of the worst
Every dieter has been confused about where to indulge every now and then -- it's the unavoidable choice between pizza and a hot dog. Best advice? Grab a slice of plain pizza. Despite its calories, it also has protein and calcium from cheese and lycopene from tomatoes.

10. Cook with garlic and onions
"Garlic and onions contain phytonutrients that break down fat globules from food in the intestinal tract," says Dr. Stutman, "preventing this fat from being absorbed into the body."

2008-07-28T15:05:00.003-03:00

As mom's we know the excitement of little victories that we celebrate with our kids...that maybe others can't really enter in to, such as:

*a nice big burp after feeding
*a poo-poo on the potty
*a "please" and "thank-you" without being asked
*a chosen outfit that actually "goes" together
*a shopping trip with no major mishaps, accidents or tantrums
etc., etc. :)

Today I want you to think of some little victories YOU'VE had in the last few days that are helping to live happier and healthier. Now, pat yourself on the back, grin at yourself in the mirror and realize that you are really great! Celebrate the little things because it's the little things we do that make the big difference.

Here's a link to an inspirational slide show at the Women's Health Magazine of women that have reached their weight-loss/fitness goals. Check out their great smiles :)

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-success-stories-11

Try-umph: It's all about the Umph!

2008-07-14T13:33:00.002-03:00

Triumph: The difference between a try and a triumph is the "Umph"!

How many of you would love to flick a switch and have nice flat abs, a toned butt, or be able to run 10 km's no problem? Or, how many start a diet with full intentions, you TRY it out for a bit...but soon your "Umph" wanes and you're back off track.

It's all about the "Umph", the effort, the get-up-and-go attitude even when you don't really feel like it. Because it's all those day's of "umph" that add up to your Triumph - Your Goals Become Reality!"

So TRY your workouts this week with a little more "UMPH". Set your goals, picture yourself there when the "umph" gets a little hard ... just keep on going!

Summer- Kids Home...How can I work, keep fit & Stay SANE!

2008-06-24T15:57:00.003-03:00

One of the most difficult things about working at home is scheduling a proper fitness routine. If you are a Work At Home Mother and are having to contend with kids, housework and running a business too, you will have to make a special effort to schedule some exercise into your day. I find the best way of doing so is to squeeze in as many five minute bursts of activity as I can, either with the kids or without, and to try to make them fun too.

If the kids are at home:

Put the baby in the pushchair and the kids on bikes or scooters and take a brisk walk around the block. Getting outside into the open air will improve everybody's state of mind and mood. Walk fast to exercise your cardiovascular system (and keep up with the kids!) and you will return home feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Have a five minute tidy up! Set the kitchen timer, put some music on, and get everybody running around the house to pick up toys, books, clothes and shoes and return them to their proper places. Make it fun and the kids will enjoy it and willingly join in. Make it fast and you might even improve your fitness too!

What is the weather like? Can you take the kids out into the yard (garden) for a five minute run-around? Run races, do some star jumps, and just mess around. If you can't get outside, clear a space and do a five minute exercise routine with the kids indoors. Make it a daily event, and vary the routine to include walking and running on the spot, skipping, star jumps, stretches and bends, making faces, shaking out your fingers and toes - whatever you and the kids will enjoy!

The main thing is, be realistic, it's only 2 months. Have fun, get outside and do what you can!

Fit Mom Society Loves Lululemon Contest!

2008-06-20T20:55:00.000-03:00

Fit Mom Society ♥'s Lululemon
Contest
ENTER HERE!

Win A $100 LULULEMON Gift Card!

After months of asking, Fit Mom Society has finally gotten some love from Lululemon! We have 2 - $100 Gift Cards to give away in a contest..

...and we want to share it. The more people that enter, the more gift cards we'll have to give out. For every 500 people that enter, another $100 Lululemon Gift Card will be added. Let's say a big cheer for our favorite workout wear store!

Prizewinner will be mailed a gift card valid in Canada for a Canadian winner or valid in the United States for an American winner. If the winner is international, they will receive a Canadian LULULEMON Gift Card.
(Draw Date: July 15,2008)

Playing - When was the last time you did it?

2008-06-19T11:52:00.000-03:00

When was the last time that you played an enjoyable game with your friends? If you have quit playing because it is a child's sport, then you are wrong. As George Bernard Shaw said "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
Find some fun, enjoy the fun, revel in some fun... and don't feel guilty for taking time to have fun!!!
Just a little wake-up call for us all. We know play is important for a child's development, but play is also important for big kids too!
Smile!

Procrastination Elimination

2008-05-29T12:39:00.000-03:00

What is Procrastination? Here's the Definition:

1. to defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
–verb (used with object)
2. to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.

So let's say, the Opposite of Procrastination is: INITIATE

in·i·ti·ate

1.To set going by taking the first step; begin: initiated trade with developing nations.
2.To introduce to a new field, interest, skill, or activity.

Let's focus on Initiating today. Taking the first step, which is usually the hurdle.

Assign yourself a manageable period of time just to BEGIN your task. Tackle just that first step, you'll be able to catch the momentum and move on from there.

Hope this helps you, it came to me this morning as I gave myself 15 mins. to finish folding up the laundry basket that never seemed to get empty!

Crowd running takes less work

2008-05-24T16:04:00.000-03:00

As I was running the 1/2 marathon race of the Blue Nose Marathon last weekend I noticed how much more energy I had. It definately was nerves, adrenelin but I started experimenting with something else as well... stealing other peoples energy!!! So now you think I'm a little crazy, but the fact is, there's just so many fit healthy people, all putting out there best effort, I'd come along behind them and just borrow some of their energy... take it and then pass them! Yes, it's phsychological-but it works! You have to try it some time!

Anyways, I had a personal best... out of 2!!

I ran on my birthday so my #'s of the day were 1:41:17 for 21.1 at 29!

Rest days are harder to take than you think...

2008-05-16T10:55:00.000-03:00

Well, it's 2 days before my 1/2 marathon and I'm on scheduled rest. I know I should be enjoying it but when you're kind of used of training and you like the little break from the kids with the gym daycare, I kind of miss it. So today I'm going to address my restlessness. Why can't I enjoy a day of rest? Is it because I'm addicted to exercise (I'm not that hardcore), it's kind of like my cup of coffee, the day's just a little better with it. I think the concept for me to learn it how beneficial rest is for my body - a day off doesn't mean sluggishness and backtracking - it actually means replenishing and renewing. Sounds a lot better. I need to repeat that:

replenishing and renewing

replenishing and renewing

replenishing and renewing

I feel better all ready, you know I think when I hit that race start line - I'm going to know how itchy my legs are to just giv'r, and this rest is going to be the best present I ever gave them.

Here's to Rest Day!

Here's my Competition!!!

2008-05-14T10:03:00.000-03:00

I got a new tool...a Virtual Partner

2008-05-14T09:55:00.000-03:00

After many long runs by myself, and a couple hint to my dear hubby... guess what showed up on mother's day... A Garmin Forerunner 405. Yes, it has so many features I don't know where to start, but the one thing that shows up first is my virtual partner. I'm out running yesterday for a trial jog and right away I'm told I'm 0.15m behind VP! That got me going (slightly competetive!) so then I hit it...gotta say, nothing like a little VP for some competition. I haven't figured out many of the other features ... but I'm going to! but I do now that I have to kick some VP butt and if I do that I'll hit a personal best at the Bluenose 1/2 marathon http://www.bluenosemarathon.com/EN/raceinfo/5-race.cfm this weekend!

Watch out VP!

Accomplish rather than just Do...

2008-04-30T15:14:00.000-03:00

What shall I ACCOMPLISH today...that is the question!

If you're like me, lately I've been very BUSY but I really feel like I haven't been getting anything DONE. So, today I'm going to write a list of the 5 main things I've been working on, and I'm going to completely finish one...I mean it..TODAY!
The power of completing ONE task, is much more inspiring than the feeling of extreme busyness.

I'm challenging you all to do the same. Write down five main things you've been working on...or thinking about working on... Pick One and just do it!
Happy Accomplishing and have a wonderful day- Make sure you fit in an exercise high, whenever, wherever, however!

Quote of the Day - Love it Love it

2008-04-25T15:03:00.000-03:00

"I believe that everyone is the keeper of a dream - and by tuing into one another's secret hopes, we can become better friends, better partners, better parents, and better lovers.

-Oprah Winfrey

Love this description of a Yummy Mummy

2008-04-24T14:12:00.000-03:00

I've been experimenting with Cafe Press too...

2008-04-21T21:23:00.000-03:00

I made some stickers on Zazzle... check them out!

2008-04-20T18:59:00.000-03:00

Fit Moms Feel Marvelous!byfitmomsociety
Get this custom sticker at Zazzle

Cool running skirts - I'm In! www.runningskirts.com

2008-04-18T19:28:00.000-03:00

Fit Mom Society just got invited to get 20% off running skirts.... I'm so excited because the site is so great and it'll b e my first try at them - I'm going to wear them to my first 1/2 marathon :)

Join my Facebook group to get your discount:

A Bigger Purpose...

2008-04-16T12:46:00.000-03:00

It just hit me today how lucky we are as a group of women that can take care of our families as well as our health and homes.... there's so many women in the world that are fighting o survive, who just want to see their children fed and clothed and hope for the future. We truly are blessed and we have the opportunity to send some help, make some change. A compelling thought... "What help can I be?"

Runner's High - Learning to Fly!

2008-04-13T21:17:00.000-03:00

5 weeks til the Halifax Bluenose 1/2-Marathon

Get my butt in gear!!! I signed up for the event so I could feel the pressure to add mileage for my October marathon, but it's coming up a little fast.

I did get out for a long run on Sat., 22.5 kms in rain and mist but the amazing thing was the runner's high!!! I really got to the point of feeling I could go on forever! I know that doesn't happen all the time, but just like learning how to have a good orgasm, now that I know what it feels like, I'm definitely going to get to that "space" again and again!!!

This week I've got to get in some speed drills and hills, I really think spinning is helping though. There's so many conflicting training programs for racing... what's a girls supposed to choose.

Anyways, I had to write about the runner's high, it just was so good...:) inspired to try and get one for yourself???

Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded

2008-04-13T20:56:00.000-03:00

I'm here to help motivate and inspire moms all over to take care of themselves.

The motto for this blog is: "Healthy Happy Moms = Healthy Happy Kids"

So, with that I'll be blogging about my experiences, inspiring quotes, expert advice and cool products, anything to keep up-beat and up-to-date on keeping active, happy and for most moms.... slightly sane.