Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

There have been some pretty great changes since the last time I was on here to write an entry. I have, since, become a Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor! My family & I have relocated to Saratoga Springs, NY & are LOVING it here! Sometimes, a change of scenery can be a great thing! I have been actively searching for a position at area gyms so I can utilize my skills that I have learned to help others. I have managed to land a "substitute" position at the 5 area YMCA's. Hey, it's a start, right? I have also started up my OWN mobile & online personal training business, New Beginnings Fitness (the name suits me & my situation PERFECTLY & also applies to those wanting a fresh start in changing their lives)! I am SUPER excited about this new adventure & know the possibilities are endless. Sometimes, if you want something bad enough, you have to go & MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! If you have the time, head on over to my Facebook page to "Like" & "Share" my new venture! And if an online workout & coaching plan is what you are searching for, I'm your gal!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Beginnings-Fitness-Saratoga/1537438526472649

Why do YOU exercise???

Think about this for a second. What REALLY drives you to get up & get moving? What REALLY pushes you to lace up those shoes & press play on that iPod that you know will immediately throw you into the zone? Aside from the obvious health benefits that exercise delivers, what REALLY motivates you to push through on those days when you don't think you have anything to give which, in turn, ends up being one of your BEST routines? 

I'll start...

COCONUT OIL! I'm sure you've heard about the "coconut oil" craze either on TV or on the radio these days. If, for some reason, you haven't, allow me to share with you why this is my new FAVORITE "must have" item in my household!

     There are HUNDREDS (that's right...HUNDREDS) of uses for this amazing stuff! Aside from the benefits it delivers from being a healthy fat that can boost your energy levels, raise good cholesterol & balance out blood sugar without the weight gain, cholesterol & other health risks that come from other saturated or trans fats, it can be used for a huge list of things that you would have never thought of! It, actually, is an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, & anti-viral! This amazing stuff also aids in the absorption of vitamins & minerals. These reasons, alone, sold me on purchasing it.

Happy Monday, fitness friends! I just finished cleaning up from dinner & I was compelled to get on here & post. For the last two years, I have fallen into the trap of making more than one meal for me & my family. My youngest had mastered the crinkling of her nose at the sight of quinoa when I would offer it to her. WELL...tonight I made a healthy pasta primavera dish for my crew & it was a HUGE hit! I MADE ONE HEALTHY MEAL FOR DINNER TONIGHT! I am over-the-moon excited! I will try my best to keep this up! I am noticing that my youngest daughter is gravitating towards healthy options because it is now her only choice! I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment seeing her be lead by example. On days when I have felt like giving up, I remember who is watching. 

If you are trying to eat properly & live a healthy lifestyle, chances are that you don't want an INSANE amount of pesticides entering your body in the process, right? I'm sure that most of you on here are aware of the importance of buying organic produce & meats these days. I'm a huge stickler for this in my household. I also know how overwhelming & expensive it can be so I've decided to share two lists from an app I have on my phone with you. The Dirty Dozen list (produce to buy organic versions of) & the Clean Fifteen (produce with the least amount of pesticides so you can purchase the cheaper option). Dr. Oz recommended the app one day on his show & I use it often when shopping on a budget.

DIRTY DOZEN (buy organic versions of these)