Think before you eat....

When you stop to see the amount of empty calories an average American consumes each year, it's enough for you to want to run a marathon to burn it all up. It's crazy how unhealthy some of our habits could be. Sometime a year and half ago, I had gone to the doctor for some kidney infection, and he did full blood work to make sure everything was OK. When the results came back, he looked me in the eye and said, "Honey your sugar is way too high for your age!" You see, these are not pleasant words for me, my family has a history of diabetes so, if I wanted to stay healthy I needed to make some changes. Especially because diabetes can be the leading cause of kidney damage, and considering I only have one I have to take care of it. I started to look at my eating patterns and although I have a sweet tooth, this alone could not be the cause of my high sugar levels. As I decided to change my lifestyle around I began to see how we can damage our bodies when we're not cautious of what we're eating. Now I am not saying for us to eat like birds or rabbits for the rest of our lives, I am saying we need to take it upon ourselves to be more cautious and find a balance in our nutrition. I wanted to share some "eat this not that" options I found in my little research.


FAIL:Dairy Queen Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzard (Large):1,350 calories
58 g fat (28 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
133 g sugars
WINNING:Eat This Instead! Dairy Queen Chocolate Sundae with Cookie Dough Topping (Small size)
360 calories
14 g fat (10.5 g saturated)
45 g sugars

FAIL:McDonald’s Big Breakfast with Large Biscuit, Hotcakes, and syrup:1,330 calories
60 g fat (20 g saturated)
2,280 mg sodium
49 g sugars
WINNING:Eat This Instead! McDonald’s Egg McMuffin with Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait
460 calories
14 g fat (6 g saturated)
905 mg sodium
24 g sugars

FAIL:Quizno’s Large Tuna Melt:1,450 calories
98 g fat (20 g saturated, 1 g trans)
1,910 mg sodium
WINNING:Eat This Instead! Quizno’s Regular Honey Bourbon Chicken
520 calories
8 g fat (3 g saturated)
1,470 mg sodium

FAIL:Stouffer's White Meat Chicken Pot Pie (large):1,160 calories
66 g fat (26 g saturated)1,780 mg sodium
WINNING: Eat this Instead! Stouffer's Chicken a la King
360 calories
12g fat (4g saturated)
800mg sodium

FAIL:Blimpie Special Vegetarian: 1,180 calories
59 g fat (18 g saturated)
3,540 mg sodium
WINNING: Eat this Instead!Mediterranean Ciabatta
450 Calories
8g fat (3g saturated)
1,720 mg sodium

FAIL:Wendy's Triple Baconator:1,350 calories
90 g fat (40 g saturated, 3.5 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium
WINNING: Eat this instead! Double Stack with Bacon
400 Calories
21 g fat (9g saturated)
990 mg sodium

FAIL:Domino's Chicken Carbonara Breadbowl Pasta:1,480 calories
56 g fat (24 g saturated)
2,220 mg sodium
WINNING: Eat this Instead! Hand tossed pizza with grilled chicken, peppers and Parmesan(2 slices)
430 calories
16 g fat(7g saturated)
1030 mg sodium

FAIL:Uno Chicago Grill Classic Deep Dish Pizza (individual size)
2,310 calories
165 g fat (54 g saturated)
4,920 mg sodium

WINNING: Eat this instead! Cheese and tomato half pizza and a house side salad
495 calories
22 g fat (8 g saturated)
1065 mg sodium

SO you see, we don't have to deprive ourselves, just make better choices. A little swap here and there can go a long way! (=

REAL PEOPLE-REAL RESULTS( Olivia Alincastre McAdamis)

Bloggers meet Olivia! She's just awesome! When I begun my P90X journey we became friends through Facebook and the P90X women's page.. She answered allot of my question and would randomly send me motivation which helped allot! I wanted to interview her for my blog, because, she's a mother, a wife a real person with real results! Let's hear from Olivia (=

Gigi: How would you describe your life before you lifestyle change?
Olivia: I didn’t think about my health, AT ALL! I ate what I wanted, and if I ever felt like working out, it was in passing, and never really occurred. My time with my kids wasn’t as fun because I never had very much energy. Walking up a flight of stairs was sometimes all I could take cardio-wise.Though most people would have never looked at me and thought that I was overweight, at 134 pounds and only 5 feet tall, I KNEW that my body fat percentage put me in that category. THAT was always in the back of my head. I typically avoided mirrors and got dressed in the dark, only to look in a mirror when I was fully clothed, or when I was doing my hair and makeup. My self-image suffered greatly, as well.
Gigi: What made you decide to begin exercising and eating right?
Olivia: It was Lent a couple years ago when I decided – I was so tired of being tired and depressed about how I looked! As a Catholic, I was raised to make a sacrifice through the 40 days of Lent, so I chose to sacrifice the time I usually spent watching TV or napping and spend it working out DAILY. After those 40 days, it had become a habit! The nutrition part of it came along gradually, though I do remember an instance in which I had brought home my weekly Quarter Pounder with Cheese. I took a bite, and had a light bulb moment. I was sabotaging my success. Exercise doesn’t mean that I get to eat whatever I want. If I wanted REAL results (a strong AND healthy body) I needed to feed it properly. Over time, we’ve taken many things out of our diet (high fructose corn syrup, sodium, artificial sweeteners, etc.) and added in more healthful items (more fruits and veggies, lean proteins, snacks like Greek yogurt and light cheeses) and recently, we’ve decided to eat vegetarian once per week and limit our red meat meals to once per week!
Gigi: What was your biggest challenge?
Olivia: Eating out. I’m a foodie. I like to eat good food, but good food at a restaurant is not typically healthy food. The food I cook at home is usually very good and very healthy, but finding healthy foods when we go out to eat as a family can be a difficult task. I’ve learned that most restaurants, even the chains, will make a special meal for you that may not be on their menu, or even alter the menu items so that they are healthier. You just have to ask! Also, I’ve learned to plan my restaurant dinner ahead of time by looking at the menu online. Sometimes, larger restaurant chains will put their nutritional information on their website – this is especially helpful. If it’s a fancier dinner, then this is not usually the case, so knowing a few “red-flag” words (i.e., au gratin, basted, breaded, crispy, loaded, smothered) can be VERY helpful in making a healthy decision.
Gigi: How do you balance motherhood with your healthy lifestyle?
Olivia: It can be a difficult balance. When I started 2 years ago, my youngest daughter was just about 2 years old. She still napped a few hours in the afternoon, so I had plenty of time to work out during her naptimes. While napping may be a thing of the past, Audrey knows that after lunch is either quiet-time or naptime in her room, and that it’s Mommy’s time to work out. Maria, my 7year old, when not in school, usually fills that time with books, coloring and computer time. But in all honesty, it is my healthy lifestyle that helps me to balance the daily stresses of motherhood. If I’m having a rough day with the girls, a good, tough workout is just what I need to take my mind off the “troubles” and come up with a fresh, yet sweaty, face. It’s actually quite relieving!
Gigi: What is your favorite work out?
Olivia: I have many at home work outs that I love (P90X, TurboFire, Insanity), but my all time FAVORITE workout is horseback riding. I basically lived my tween through teen years at a stable. Horseback riding is great for the core – trotting, cantering, jumping force you to keep proper posture and keep your trunk strong. It is also a great workout for the legs and bootie! I don’t have many opportunities to ride anymore, so in the meantime, I work out at home with my favorite trainers, Chalene Johnson, Tony Horton, Shaun Thompson and Leandro Carvalho!
Gigi: How to you stay motivated on the days where you feel overwhelmed?
Olivia: Being overwhelmed, for me, is usually a good thing! HAHA! I usually get more done when I have a lot on my plate, but usually organizing my schedule the night before a busy day/week puts things into perspective. I try to break things down into easily achievable goals on a daily basis, and then it doesn’t look so bad. This isn’t to say that I NEVER feel like the sky is falling on me, because, well, I’m a mom, and sometimes that’s just how we feel, but usually, organizing my tasks keeps me from losing my mind!Additionally, being a Team Beachbody Coach is motivation in itself. I have a team of people who look to me for motivation, so that motivates me to work as hard as I can during my work outs. I’m inspired those that I coach, and their transformations, and it makes me work twice as hard!
Gigi: What are you health goals?
Olivia: My goal is to be the best example for my friends and family. I’m a real person, not a movie star or professional athlete. I want to show my friends and family that overall health and fitness can be achieved by anyone on ANY budget, no matter your time restrictions or schedules!My physical goal would be to finally have six pack abs, but I’ll take a flat, post-two-baby tummy without a doubt!
Gigi: Do you incorporate your family in your healthy habits?
Olivia: My kids love to exercise – they even have DVDs by Tony Horton (of P90X fame) and Shaun T (of Insanity and Insanity: The Asylum). My oldest daughter just finished her first track season, as well. Also, I allow them to help me prepare our weekly dinner menu. I take their suggestions and apply them to the menu each week, so that they always have something to look forward to each week. They still have cravings for McD’s Chicken McNuggets. It’s slow progress with them, but they’re coming around! My husband is my workout buddy, though we work out at different times of the day. It’s a great way for us to bond, and gives us something else to talk about besides the kids. On days when I just don’t want to work out, he’s usually the one that gives me that extra push to get it done!
Gigi: What would you say to someone who has lost will power after having kids, and wants to get in shape?
Olivia: Do it for you kiddos. Kids like having parents who will run around and play. Setting an example for your kids now will set them up well for their futures. My girls LOVE to see me and my husband flex our biceps at them… they think it’s hysterical! And then they say, “I want muscles, too,” and then proceed to do push-ups and jumping jacks in the kitchen! A fit family is a fun family!
Any motivational quotes?
I was born and raised in Chicago, so I LOVE Michael Jordan…
“If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

If you’d like to learn more about becoming Beachbody products (P90X, Insanity, TurboFire, ChaLean Extreme) or becoming a Team Beachbody Coach, you can visit my website.  http://www.beachbodycoach.com/fit4lifeolivia

If you’re interested in having me as your FREE coach, you may also use the above link, and click on JOIN! Your fitness transformation will only cost you some hard work and sweat (maybe some self-induced tears), but my coaching is always FREE!

How to stay motivated....

Summer is around the corner and everyone goes crazy to get that beach body! They truth is, although this kind of thinking gets you the results you want, it doesn't help you maintain it. In order to have consistency you have to live a lifestyle, not just go on crash diets. I 've learned with my yo yo dieting throughout the years that, when I go crazy and cut back on too many calories, or deprive myself, I end up one day losing it and out of nowhere gaining all my weight back! You have to pick something that you can actually do! Healthy living should NOT feel like a sacrifice. Off course you have to have will power to choose what to eat, and how to exercise, but you shouldn't feel like you're in boot camp, or on a episode of the biggest loser everyday of your life. When we don't maintain balance in our lifestyle, we are not truly living healthy. I think the best thing to learn is MODERATION! If you're out with your family and you want to enjoy a nice burger, go ahead! But then hold back on the bucket of soda, and have a juice instead. I always think of the cartoons I used to watch as a child which had a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other.. It's the same idea. We have the same thing going on when deciding to eat healthy. I wanted to share some tips on how to stay focus when changing your lifestyle!



1. Make a list of your health frustrations: When you actually put it down on paper, it becomes more real. Example, I used to hate that I had no energy to exercise,and when I actually stopped to see how sluggish I was at 23 I decided to make a change. I've also had a serious problem with anemia, so when I accepted that I needed to eat more iron, I did, and now I feel great!


2.Make realistic goals: The problem with today's society is that we want everything NOW! We start to work out and within a week we want to see abs and drop 10 pounds! When you're losing weight "healthy" it doesn't work this way. Yes you can go on crash diets and crazy cleanses and drop 15 pounds in weeks, however you won't be healthy, your body won't feel balanced, and you won't maintain. Tony the trainer from beach bodies says" Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is your body" Health research have shown that healthy weight loss should consist of 1 pound per week 2 at most.


3.Pick a plan that works for you: The truth is everyone is different, so the same thing I do, might not work for you. We all know our bodies well, and we know what we can and can't manage, therefore look for a plan that catches your attention. There's no excuses.. There's something for everyone out there!


4. Don't go crazy: I suffered from this in the past! I would decided I wanted to lose weight, and out of nowhere I would eat like a bird or a rabbit, and be the lame person at parties eating one bite and saying" No I am full" Meanwhile I was starving! Did I lose weight? YES!, Did I feel good? NO! Healthy lifestyle living is not just about appearance the outside effects are just a bonus, The focus is health!!! So after making a realistic goal, balance your meals and exercises so you can feel like a normal person when making your plans and menus!


5. Rejoice with your accomplishments: You can motivate yourself when you recognize how far you go.I started doing this idea and it totally works! I look back to when I couldn't even go up the stairs without catching my breath, and now being able to run 10ks, and I feel amazing! Being healthy is a huge deal, and you deserve to pat yourself on the back when you stick to it!


6. Share and motivate: I am finding that my biggest tool to continue on my health journey is to share my experiences with other, and help to motivate people to make this decision. I started a face book group page because for this purpose, and it's working wonders. I am so pumped seeing everyone feeling good, and getting their results, that its motivating me to keep bringing it! You can share with your family, friends, co workers, join a class, group, blogs.. anything!

These tips seem pretty basic, but they are so important! Remember the person that benefits the most from a healthy life style is YOU! So take control of your future, and JUST DO IT!

Join our face book page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_199276280110908

REAL PEOPLE-REAL RESULTS (Luana Vasconcelos)

This interview is with a sexy lady Luana Vasconcelos.. She did a popular New Years resolution which we all have done in the past which was " to get healthy" but she actually stuck to it past January 15th! She's almost done with her P90X first round work out,and is super pumped to keep her journey going. She doesn't know it, but she motivates me to keep going.. So here's my interview with Luana....
Gigi:What made you stick to your resolution?
Luana: Well, after quitting P90X twice before, I opted for a different workout schedule. I wasn't quite sure if it would make a difference to workout in the morning before work instead of at night, but it made a HUGE difference. I'm on my last week of the workout schedule as opposed to the 2 week cut-off the first two times around. But I am positive that were it not for my wonderful boyfriend diving head first into this workout with me I probably would not have been able to get this far.
Gigi:Were you active and ate healthy before?
Luana: Absolutely not. The last time I could actually consider myself active would be in High School when I played soft ball. The mere thought of walking up and down the stairs was enough to make me give up on whatever task I had in mind. haha As far as my diet? Well.. that was just another 4 letter word for me. I remember myself actually saying to a friend of mine once, "The less healthy the food, the better." I've been blessed with good metabolism so I've always taken great advantage of it. Until I realized that sooner or later (more like sooner than later) I would need to be careful what I ate or age wasn't going to be a friend of mine.
Gigi:What has been the biggest challenge?
Luana: Oh gosh. I would say waking up in the morning. I'm a night owl through and through. And to wake up 3 1/2 hours before I had to be at work just so Tony could whip me into shape was a daunting task. But after a little while it became routine. Until I had my lazy days haha. At which point I would workout when I got home from work. It was good to have that extra time in the day to fit in a work out if I had gone to sleep late the night before or something like that.
Gigi: How do you get yourself to work out on the lazy days?
Luana: To be entirely honest ther were days I didn't. And great part of this whole experience was realizing that life happens. There will be days that you can't make up a missed AM workout at night because you have dinner plans or whatever the case may be. I was never severely overweight or obese so it was never a fight to lose weight. I just wanted to be able to say that "I'm happy with myself and my body." So I tried not to beat myself up over missed workouts... too hard lol The guilt trips that my boyfriend gave me also helped haha
Gigi: What's your favorite exercise?
Luana: I would have to say yoga. I mean, here's a workout that doesn't involve weights or bands or even a large amount of space and it TOTALLY kicks your butt. Being able to do some of the more difficult poses brought such a sense of achievement that I haven't really been able to get out of the other workouts. If only my dog would stop showing off perfect downward dog pose I'd be complete. hahaha
Gigi: How would you describe your P90X journey?
Luana: A pain in the ass, arms, back, butt, chest, and legs. Excruciating at times. Extremely challenging. But 100% worth it! Not only for the workout itself, but also because it was a milestone for me as far as workouts go. I stuck through it. Not wholeheartedly, but I stuck through it. And now I'll be able to do the same with anything I set my mind to.
Gigi: What are you health goals?
Luana: Healthy wise I think I'm on the right track. I know I won't ever be able to let go of all the impurities that comes with good food, but it's all a work in progress. Small changes will lead to something monumentous. If only I wasn't such a picky eater. But like Tony says, "Rome wasn't built in a day, and netiher was your body."
Gigi: What's your favorite healthy recipe?
Luana: Gnocchi with zucchini ribbons in a brown butter sauce. YUM! I brag about this dish to anyone that even touches on the topic about healthy eating lol It takes a mere 25 minutes to make and it'll fill you up with a small portion, which has been my biggest obstacle during meals. I found the recipe on Eatingwell.com. The site has a lot of great recipes and good alternatives to your every day dishes.
Gigi:Any motivational quotes?
Luana: "You can dooo it" Rob Schneider in "Waterboy". haha Just kidding.


"The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.” - Denis Waitley


"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” -Unknown

Gigi: What would you say to the people who have made the same resolution that you made, and failed?
Luana: Don't think of it as failure entirely. Maybe the way you were going about things just wasn't right for you. Try and find the best schedule, workout, and partner (if need be) for you. It's just a matter of finding what's best for you. More importantly, stick with it. I've heard that habits take at least 2 weeks to form so give it your all for AT LEAST 2 weeks. It'll all be easier with time. Small changes eventually add up and when you look back you'll see how much things have changed, and you'll be proud of your accomplishments. Good luck and if you feel yourself falter reach out to the available resources out there, because you're more than likely not the only one on this journey so there will always be a helping hand available.
Check out Luana's health blog journey: http://my2cents-lv.blogspot.com/

REAL PEOPLE-REAL RESULTS (SORAYA NEVES)

Soraya is a good friend and coworker who has amazing will power and determination. She sets her mind on something and does it.. She's also very organized with calendars, agendas and lists.. So when she decided to lose weight, she did it! With a decision and determination she reached her health goal, and has maintained it for a couple of years now. Soraya is someone who anyone with a weight loss goal I think can completely relate to...check out our interview
Gigi: How much weight would you say you lost until you reached your goal?Soraya: I’m not sure exactly what it was in terms of weight but I know I went from a size 12 to a size 4, which I've maintained for the passed 5 years.
Gigi:What made you decide to change your life around?Soraya: I was always a chubby kid and then a chubby teen and I was on my way to becoming a chubby adult. One day when I was about 19, I was sitting in a diner with some girlfriends talking about the summer and it occurred to me that I had never worn a bikini. That led to my thinking about how unhappy my weight made me feel and how my insecurity about it prevented me from doing “normal” things. Something about that thought made me so sad and it’s like something clicked in my brain. I couldn’t stand the idea of another summer going by and me being the same unhappy, overweight person. I made the resolution then and there that I had to lose the weight.
Gigi: What did you find most challenging about your process?Soraya: The most challenging aspect for me was becoming an active person. I had asthma so running was a huge struggle for me. I also hated sports so I had to find another way to become active. I just began doing any exercise I could find. I bought workout dvds…I tried dancing around my room…anything that got me burning calories, I would try. This worked for me and it kept me from getting bored. Eventually I did build a workout routine.
Gigi: How do you continue to maintain your weight loss?Soraya: I had to learn to be willing to adapt to new phases in my life. When I got married I started gaining some weight because I was eating with my hubby all the time, but then I adjusted my eating habits and it stabilized. When I started working at a desk job, I automatically became less active throughout the day, so I learned how to move around a bit more. It’s all about adaptation. This isn’t a diet. Just because you get to your weight goal, doesn’t mean it’s over. I've fluctuated at times but this is life from now on. I will always have to monitor my habits and I’ve embraced that concept.
Gigi: Do you see a difference in how you feel now and how you did before the weight loss?Soraya: Definitely, not just physically either but especially in terms of emotions. There is nothing like feeling good about yourself. I have a confidence now that I never knew growing up. 
Gigi:What are some of your health goals?Soraya: My main goal is to become a completely balanced person. There is so much I still want to learn about nutrition. I also want to keep pushing myself physically because although I’m at a healthy weight I could always become more physically fit. Those are two very different things.
Gigi: What is the most important thing to you when it comes to a healthy lifestyle?Soraya: Balance is the most important thing. This is about taking care of yourself. This is the one body I’m ever going to have and if I don’t take care of it, no one will. It’s about eating foods that will keep me strong. It’s about working the muscles I have so that they don’t lose their function. Perserverance is also really important. You might mess up and gain a few pounds again at some point but don't fall apart. Keep moving forward.

Gigi: What advice do you have for someone who is unhappy with how they look?Soraya: If you are unhappy with how you look really think about whether this is the feeling you want to have for the rest of your life. Then, think about what it would be like to reach your goal. I speak as someone who has been there and is still working on it. Making this change in my life was one of the best things I ever did for myself. All it takes is a decision. It needs to come from inside you. Just make that choice and then try things out. What works for me, may not work for you but find what does. You might have to test out different workouts or activities before you find what you like but don’t stop. It won’t be overnight, but it will happen.
Gigi: Do you believe in diets?Soraya: I believe you can lose weight on a diet but I don’t believe you keep it off or become a healthy person on them. Being healthy means having knowledge. It means learning what’s good and what’s not and then doing it. The main difference between people who lose weight and gain it back as opposed to those who keep it off is attitude. 
Gigi: How do you stay motivated?Soraya: I just think about the alternative. The unhappiness I felt when I was overweight is not something that is easily forgotten. Once I got a taste of this "new life", I couldn't fathom ever going back. Life is too short to be unhappy.
Any motivational quotes?“When friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the "I still have more to go" crap.  You worked hard and you deserve the compliment!”  ~Jillian Michaels

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." - Unknown

Check out Soraya's awesome blog: http://insearchofsutopia.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-129.html

REAL PEOPLE,REAL RESULTS(ANDREA DORNELAS)

This interview is very special to me! Andrea is actually the person responsible for inspiring to start running. She's a hardcore runner, who actually started from "scratch" She went panting on her first mile run, to now running full marathons! She actually put together a schedule for me last year, where I followed and ran my first 5k ever! Andrea is an aspiring personal trainer, which I know will be successful, not only because of her determination, but also because she'll be able to say, " If I did, you can do it too!"

Gigi: What motivated you to start a healthy lifestyle?
Andy: After having my second daughter, Alisha, I wanted to lose weight. I started eating healthy and going to the gym 4 days a week in the mornings. I not only wanted to lose the weight, but also wanted to do it in a healthy long lasting way.

Gigi: How would you describe the first time you ever ran?
Andy: I had run on the treadmill many times at the gym, but the first time I ran outside was a very different experience. Running was not easy, but challenging...and I love a challenge.

Gigi: What are the biggest difficulties you have you came across?

Andy: The mental battle I face almost every day. My body wants to stay home and rest, but I have to convince myself all the time that it's better if I just go run or to the gym.
Gigi: What did you find more challenging once starting your walk, exercising, or eating right?

Andy: Finding a good balance. Figuring out what works for me.

Gigi: What are some of your health goals?

Andy: At this moment, I have a few more pounds I'm trying to lose. I am very strict with my diet during the week and am a bit more flexible on the weekends. I have 2 marathons I am training for this year.

Gigi: What would you say to someone who has never ran, and every year makes it his or her resolution?
Andy: If you are doing it to lose weight, that's great, but it can't be your only motive. Being healthy should be a lifelong commitment. At some point we will hit a plateau...as I have twice now during my weight loss, but if you view your journey as a lifelong commitment instead of losing x amount of pounds, you will eventually reach your goal. If you really want to run and love it, I would recommend signing up for a 5k to keep you motivated and focused.

Gigi: How do you teach your daughters to live a healthy lifestyle?

Andy: They eat what I eat (unless I make them Mac & Cheese loll). Also, I take them to the track every Saturday morning to go for a fun run. I don't pressure them and try to make it as fun as possible. I also don't allow them to play on the computer more than twice a week and encourage them to play outside.

Gigi: Do you have any funny running stories?
Andy: Um, I'm sure I have funny, but I did have many episodes of peeing myself. It was an issue that has now been resolved with the help of a physical therapist. Loll
Gigi: What other exercises do you do besides running?
Andy: I have incorporated strength training and functional training into my workout. I do not do any exercises that are stationary, like bi-cep curls. All my exercises mimic movement we perform on a daily basis. This type of training, not only helps with weight loss, but also helps my running.
Gigi: What would you say for someone who wants to change his or her lifestyle?

Andy: You can't worry about the weight...it will eventually come off. If you don't generally take to vegetables, make them with some extra butter and salt at first until you become accustomed to the taste. Eventually your palette will change you and you will actually like them. Think of food as fuel and it will change your outlook on food.

Check out Andy's blog:http://andisideaofblissfulliving.blogspot.com/

Real people-Real Results (Bianca Valentim)

I wanted to start motivating people to get into a healthier lifestyle and had a asked a friend for help. She suggested we do a interview, which I thought was amazing.. REAL PEOPLE, that made the decision and changed their lives around... This is so exciting, I want to jump up and down like a little girl and scream lol. So since she suggested the idea I want her to be my first interview! Bloogers & cherished followers meet Bianca Valentim... Aside from being an amazing photographer, she's also a hardcore health nut.. She went from never running to now training for a triathlon!!! Enough of me talking... on to our interview!
Gigi: How would you describe your health life before you decided to change?

Bianca: Lazy, dis motivated, depressed, low energy and very bad eating habits.

Gigi:What motivated you to become healthier?

Bianca: I started to work out with a personal trainer May last year to loose weight. It helped a lot and made me stronger. But I wanted more. Working out only for fitness wasn't working anymore.
That's when my brother talked me into running my first 10K (half marathon relay with Jonatas). He told me I could do it. I would only need to train hard and eat better. He believed in me and that's what made everything change.
I started training, eating and sleeping better. My brother would call me everyday to ask how was my training, what I eat and how I was feeling. He would give me tips and advice. He still does that. I ran the race and finished strong with a smile on my face and after that I wanted more, more of that feeling!! So I kept training and ran my very first half marathon on March 20th only 6 months after m first 10k and now I'm training for my first Triathlon race. So what motivated me to become healthier was my brother!! It's not about loosing weight anymore. It's about health and performance.

Gigi: How long did it take you to get used to running?

Bianca: Let's say about 6 months. I started training for my first 10K only a month before the race. I did good but everything was still pretty new to me. I started to feel more confident about running in the middle of my half marathon training program. But the key is having a training schedule to follow. It makes everything easier.

Gigi:What made you want to train for a triathlon?

Bianca: I have this dream to be a triathlete for years. I have no idea why. I guess I thought it was cool and hard core and I wanted that! lol
But it was only a dream. 'One day I will became a triathlete.' - Then after I got used to running and realized it wasn't bad at all (I was pretty scared about running before, always thought it was impossible for me) I could finally see myself doing a triathlon. I love to swim and ride the bike. So I decided it was time to make my dream come true! It still in the process. I just got my bike and the real hard core training it's only beginning.

Gigi: What's your favorite work out?

Bianca: Swim. I just love being under water. I can't even explain what I feel. It's so good!!!!! I don't even mind the chlorine on my hair. lol

Gigi: What is the most challenging thing for you when it comes to sticking to a healthy lifestyle?

Bianca: Eating right. I'm doing much better than before but there still lots of room for improvement. It's trickier when training. You need very good nutrition and good calories. You can't diet. But I'm very lazy in the kitchen and preparing my own meals is always a big challenge. I need some help, please! :)

Gigi: Do you think anyone can do what you're doing?

Bianca: Oh YES!!! I'm telling you. If I can do it anyone can!!!
Like I said before I was pretty lazy. I would eat brownies and ice cream almost everyday and not workout for months.
We all just need to find something or someone that motivates us and help us keep in track.

Gigi: Do you ever see yourself going back to your old habits? (not working out, eating right)

Bianca: NO!!! It scares me just to think about it.
I ask God for heath and no injuries to be able to keep racing and have fun. I'm a much happier person now and everything is much more exciting!!

Gigi: What are your goals, aside from completing your first triathlon?

Bianca: My goal is to finish an IRONMAN within 3 years. Run the NYC Marathon next year. Eat better. Be more healthier. Get faster. And have lots of FUN!!!

Gigi: What would you say to someone who has never had a healthy lifestyle, and is ready for change?

Bianca: I would say that living a healthier and active life is so much more fun and exciting! It make you happier and puts you in a better mood. It's totally worth it the hard work!
It's not easy but if you have a support group or something that motivates you daily you CAN DO IT!
Find friends that will help you make better decisions. Make fun plans with them. Start a blog to keep track of your hard work and motivate other people. Join dailymile.com.
Day by day. If you went off the track today, don't feel bad. We all have our days. Just start fresh tomorrow!
If you want to start running, register yourself on a race. A 5K or 10K. Start following a training program. You only need about 2-4 months to train. Log your workouts... and before you know it you will be running a marathon!
Any motivational words or quotes?"People say that motivation doesn't last. well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily" - zig ziglar
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."

Gigi: How does your healthier and active lifestyle impacts in your personal life?
Bianca: It's a big change for me and it's working good. This new lifestyle is definitely helping me in all areas of my life. I finally found a balance. My mind is always fresh so I get more creative and I can do my work better.
My energy levels are high so I get more done in less time. My anxiety is now lower than before. I feel more confident and smiles more :)
I'm definitely a changed person but there is lot's to learn and get better. I have to thank God for all the strengthen He gives me everyday. I wouldn't be able able to do it all without Him.
Gigi, Thank you so much for this interview. I feel very honored.

CHECK OUT BIANCA'S BLOG: http://biancavalentimblog.com/
CHECK OUT HER TRAINING BLOG: http://b-3sportsblog.com/