Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Lessons Learned-Lessons Earned

This past weekend, I attended the Idea World Fitness & Nutrition Convention in Los Angeles, CA. I was blessed to be chosen by SweatPink to be apart of  Blogfest to join the more than 14,000 personal trainers, group fitness instructors, club and studio owners and managers, mind-body professionals, nutrition professionals from over 60 countries and over 300 exhibitors. I have to admit when first presented with this opportunity, I was a bit overwhelmed and anxious. Ok, VERY overwhelmed and anxious. I honestly felt inferior. Here I am a newbie blogger and fitness professional about to step into an event...THE event...the WHO'S WHO of events...with the world's most successful fitness professionals, bloggers and industry leaders. Thanks to #thehubs for encouraging me, the supreme introvert, to step out of my comfort zone and take this experience head on. So still through a cloud of nervousness, I researched everything I could about Blogfest, IdeaWorld, and even stalked the other Bloggers attending. 


So early (like O'dark thirty) Friday morning, #thehubs and I got on a flight to L.A. 

We were so excited we could hardly sleep the night before. I still had so many anxieties about the trip...having enough money for the unknown, packing the right clothes, packing enough clothes, having enough space for the swag that I'd bring home, being able to network effectively, being able to absorb all of the education, being able to keep up in the workouts, collecting enough content to blog about or share with social media, making sure #thehubs is fed and entertained while I'm in working, being able to have enough time to see the sights since I've never been to California...just to name a few. 


After delayed flights and chaos at our hotel, I finally made it to the Convention.



I scheduled all of my sessions for Saturday and Sunday, so Friday was dedicated to going to the Expo. I cautiously entered the Expo filled with what seemed like a bazillion people...there's that anxiety starting to creep in again. #thehubs at times was literally pushing me to go up to exhibitors, to talk to people; to network.


The Expo had everything one could possibly think of or want that was fitness related.






And everyone, unlike myself, seemed so engaged and empty of any stress or anxieties.




 It took a little bit...ok alot a bit, but I finally started to warm up. 



Saturday was my nutrition and workout session day. I started the day with the Nutrition Summit. This was truly a FitFoodie lover's dream class led by medical doctors and registered dietitians
A few standout key notes: 
  • 80% of premature deaths and chronic diseases are attributed to what you do with your fingers (tobacco), your fork (nutrition) and feet (physical activity)
  • Instead of concentrating on lifestyle IN medicine, let's think of lifestyle AS medicine
  • Having a healthy lifestyle will not only add more years to your life but more LIFE to your years.





After the Nutrition Summit I was to start my workout sessions. I had secretly prepped for and dreaded this part for the last few weeks. I had signed up to workout with my fitness icons. How crazy of me to think that I would be able to keep up with, let alone stay alive through doing all of these in one day.


But my thinking was that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity; some people pay thousands of dollars just to see one of these trainers...and I get to actually workout with all of them...for FREE! Besides, I can rest when I get home, right?! 


I made sure not to eat too much that morning so I didn't throw it all up...I ate just enough not to pass out. I packed extra clothes, baby wipes and deodorant just in case I sweated out of my original outfit. I also packed protein bars and water because all of these sessions were pretty much back to back. 
Was it worth it...YES! Did I feel like I wanted to die afterwards... HELL YES!





So after a hard and good night's sleep, Sunday was focused on more educational classes. 



and a little more play...


And by the way, #thehubs had an awesome time not only at the Expo, but we also got to get in some site seeing.






Overall this entire weekend was filled with so much fun, fitness and education. I met so many great people and learned so much...not just in practical skills for my brand and business...but also about myself. I feel like I was nervous for absolutely nothing. I may not be converted to an extrovert quite yet, but I am less anxious in stepping out of my comfort zone. I'm excited to attend next year!










Friday, July 8, 2016

Trying to #FeelAmazingEveryday

A little known fact about me: 

Seriously. I've been doing it off and on all of my life...consistently for the last 3years and I still hate it. All of the people that told me in the beginning that I would learn to love it, that it would get easier...


They lied. I haven't "learned" to love it and it hasn't gotten any easier. I dread it everyday. I actually dread it the night before just thinking of all of the sweat and anguish I'll go through the next day. Everyday, I think of clever ways not to have to workout...but everyday I still end up exercising. Why?! Why do I keep putting myself through something I don't enjoy?!


Seriously...that's the ONLY reason. Now I realize that I can't totally pig out. 

That wouldn't be conducive or practical, right? No matter how much I want to.

For that reason, I have become an expert in finding healthy nutritional options that will:

  • Be Quick and Easy to prepare
  • Provides Energy
  • Promotes Lean Muscle
  • Satisfies Hunger (so I don't pig out)
  • Aids in Digestion (just in case I do pig out)
  • Ultimately has a Nutritional profile that fits into my active lifestyle (Low calorie, Low carb, Low sugar, Plant-Based, Gluten Free, NonGMO)
Which usually means...rabbit food

I'm okay with that...mostly. But sometimes you need a milkshake or candybar. When I have those types of cravings, I try to either buy or make healthier alternatives. Before you flip out, yes you can make a healthy milkshake-ish type concoction. You just have to have the right kind of protein powder base. 
Let's face it, alot of protein powders out there can be gritty and down right gross.

#FitFoodieTip: Try Amazing Grass Protein Superfood Powder. I just found this gem and it fits all of my must-have bullet points and it's kinda yummy. Check out my full Youtube review. 
And here is my feeble attempt to make Protein bites.

                    
1scoopProteinPowder 1tbspFlax 3tbspAlmondButter 1tbspCocoaPowder 1tbspRawHoney

Ok, obviously I'm not a Pinterest Cooking guru, however they were extremely delicious and a great fit for my on-the-go day. 
I also made my Fakeout Milkshake by preparing as usual protein drink just blend in a frozen banana, frozen Strawberries and 1tsbp of Almond Butter.


Another little known fact about me (if you haven't figured it out yet)


And SOMETIMES


Yea just SOMETIMES I like sharing


Fortunately the people at Amazing Grass are in the giving spirit. So, I have partnered with them to do a giveaway.
1 lucky winner will receive one full size container of the winner’s choice of Original, Vanilla or Peanut Butter Chocolate SuperFoods Protein powder. (US based winners only)


The rules are simple:
That's it! Winner will be announced July 11th. 

So what are some of your favorite protein powder recipes...and are you a Reluctant Fitness, Exercise Hating Foodie? Share your tips! For other great fitness blog posts or more recipes and ideas, go to fitapproach.com.













What Is the Answer?

I usually don't post religious or spiritual blog entries, but the past couple days have been filled with so much tragedy...how can I not. In the last 48hours, live broadcasts of 2 Black Males being killed by Police Officers, Police Officers being shot and killed in a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest; not to mention a close family friend passing away way too early and way too young. It seems as if everyone has an opinion one way or another. People tend to let their opinions fuel their anger, their depression, their frustration...their anger. 
What do you do when you're filled with so many emotions that it feels like you can't breathe. 
What's the answer? How many times can one write Legislation? How many rallies and protest will it take? How many Social Media hashtags will it take to bring awareness and change? 
As I'm writing this, I'm listening to Apple Music Christian radio...and coincidentally the song playing is: "Just Say Jesus" by 7eventh Time Down. A portion of the lyrics are: "When you don't know what to say, Just say Jesus, There is power in Name. Just say Jesus!" 
That's the answer. HE is the answer!
HE is the only one who can erase the hate. HE is the only one who can unite us. HE is the only one who can ease and comfort the pain. 
We have to do our part. How? 
  • Pray
  • Stay connected with God through reading and abiding by his word
  • Show love and grace just as Jesus has done for us
  • Have a spirit of gratitude and humility

I challenge you today to do these things daily for the next 30 days...whether you feel like it or not. Do it out of habit and before you know it, it will be a natural way of life. Invite your family, friends, co-workers and social media followers to do the same. Let's make a conscious effort to spread joy,  peace, forbearance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...kindness.