What's In Your Bucket?
Exercise & Eating Right - A Healthy Combination

Chef Allison Coia's Newsletter, January 2010

What's In Your Bucket?

By Linda S. Jassmond Lanfear, Personal Trainer

This is the time of year for New Year's Resolutions. These resolutions are often about getting fit in the new year by starting a new diet or joining a gym to exercise. But we have a tendency to slack off, and in a matter of weeks the resolve is forgotten. Instead, I'd like to share with you a more successful way to get healthy in 2010.

In the recent movie, The Bucket List, two terminally ill men put together a list of things they want to do before they die, and then head off on a road trip to do them. Although we usually don't know when we're going to leave this earth, why not create your own list now? This list can include sedentary things such as learning a new language, or physically extreme activities like competing in a race. The beauty of this is that it's your list, so you will be excited about wanting to accomplish what you have added to it. In addition you will look forward to accomplishing these items, which can be a means of relieving stress.

Jackie, the subject of my latest book, Journey to Fitness — Chronicles of a New Triathlete, had a goal of competing in a triathlon. She noted that she went from not swimming, biking or running at all, to now having all three be a part of her life.

So create your own bucket list, and remember to have fun achieving what's on your list. That's the key to a healthy new year!

Linda is the owner of a personal training business where they come to your house. Her books are available on her personal trainer website and for more detailed information about her book at Fitness Journey Books.
 

Chef Allison Coia's Newsletter, Spring 2009

Exercise & Eating Right - A Healthy Combination

By: Linda Jassmond

You're working out and trying to lose weight but nothing's happening. You keep working out and keep trying to lose weight but still nothing happens. Then, you gain a little weight and tell yourself it is muscle. What's odd is your clothes still fit the same and you still look the same, no different. So, you go back to working out and trying to lose weight. Below are three tips to help you break the vicious cycle:

1. Keep a Journal. Record everything you eat and drink. You'll be surprised when you have to write down how much you consume. Make sure you record the portion/serving size too. An example: a client was pleased with herself for choosing almonds as a snack. When I asked her to check the serving size on the bag, she realized she had eaten three servings. Almonds are healthy: when you eat one serving - around 12-16 nuts.
2. Weight Train - Lifting weights two to three times a week helps improve your muscles which helps you burn calories. Weight lifting helps eliminate saggy skin and makes you look tone. And for women who don't want to have huge muscles, don't worry, the guys have the hormone for that, not us.
3. Be Accountable to Someone or Something - The someone could be your friend, neighbor, partner, or a trainer. Choose someone that will keep you on track. If you choose to be accountable to something, it could be the scale or your favorite pair of jeans, as long as the jeans have a snap or button (stretchy waistline don't count).

Try these three tips for three weeks then send me an email. I bet you notice and feel a difference!
Linda Jassmond owns a personal training business where trainers come to your house and bring the equipment. She is the author of a new motivational fitness book, Journey to Fitness - Chronicles of a Working Woman.