Calm…..present….peace

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How can you bring calm and peace to the middle of a stress-ful, chaotic day?

What if I told you the simple choice of being present or being mindful would change your outlook? That practicing those things would bring a sense of calm and peace to your day?

No matter how out-of-control your day is, no matter how stressful your job or life becomes, the act of being present can become an oasis. It can change your life, and it’s incredibly simple.

We can work to be more mindful in everyday. It doesn’t have to be a special time or place. 

Bringing mindfulness to the activities we already choose to include in our lives is a great way to start. Many of these activities—gardening, running, biking, and swimming come to mind though the list is long—already have a kind of natural quiet to them. So it’s not a big leap, and it can be time well spent in more ways than one.

Below is a great graphic from mindful.org

Protein required……it varies

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Protein requirements vary depending on your age, gender, level of physical activity, special health conditions, and pregnancy.  The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. Individuals who workout especially weight training typically need a bit more 1.0-2.0 gram per kilogram body weight. I typically recommend 1.2g/kg for my clients when starting out. 


Meat, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, dairy foods and lentils are among the best sources of protein.


Rituals are what make you truly successful

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Regardless of how you define success, you don’t suddenly become successful. You become successful over time based on your rituals.

In my opinion its not motivation per se that drives you. It is determination through development of a plan that series of events those daily rituals that truly decide success.

This is why we complete goal sheets that include stepping stone goals and behavior modification goals. It’s important to outline the plan for success in finite details at times.

We often fail to realize fitness and health goals are no different than other life goals. You want to become a doctor or nurse? There’s the schooling clinicals/residency then the profession. You want to own a home same thing a plan to work, save, peruse, negotiate then buy. Even something as simple as making coffee has steps to brew the perfect cup. So why would our health and fitness goals be different? Truth is they are not. They require rituals. Those routine daily steps towards your goals.

Yep truth is becoming fit and healthy takes work. It takes consistency. It is not a linear path. There will be tougher days than others. There will be days you fail. That’s all part of the journey. But your rituals will keep you determined towards your goals and striving towards success. That’s why they are so important. Sure someone may motivate you but that’s is only an external cue. We as humans need internal cues like drive determination and ritual to truly shine.

How much protein is enough?

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MYTH: Excess protein in the diet just gets excreted and cannot make you "fat"


THE SCIENCE: it is true the body's ability to store excess protein is limited. It is true that a portion of the protein is excreted in the urine (the nitrogen group i.e.: protein urea). However, the other portion(carbon group) is converted to fat or glucose depending on the body's current needs. Ultimately excess consumption has the same fate as other overconsumption of macronutrients fat or carbohydrate and that is the storage of fat. 

Protein consumption ranges should be 15-35% of daily caloric consumption depending on activity. Plant based protein intakes need to be 10% higher for vegans. The most complete sources are whey, eggs, beef and soy providing both the essential and non essential amino acids required for complete protein. Other sources should be combined to meet requirements of all essential amino acids for example beans plus rice. 

Heres a handy food list for combining foods to complete proteins

Legumes + Grains

Legumes + Nuts

Dairy + Grains

Legumes + Seeds

Below is a great graphic of servings of protein

Fit tip

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Fitness Tip of the day:  Losing weight the WRONG way:  starving yourself, crash dieting, cutting carbs, relying on tons of cardio, taking weight loss drugs, supplements or using tricks and fads really isn't that tough and can be done fairly quickly. That's why they "sell". 

The CONSEQUENCE is that you WILL gain the weight back and often times more than you originally lost. Losing fat (and maintaining muscle mass) for GOOD takes patience, commitment, consistency and a CHANGE of outlook toward your body and your relationship with food and exercise.  To change your body, you must first change your MIND!  Realizing that a temporary fix to lose weight quickly will put you on a lifelong rollercoaster of frustration over your weight.  TRUE Fitness is a lifestyle change and a long term commitment to YOURSELF to become and LIVE at the best you can be!

Perception and Stress

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Often when we find stillness we become aware of body sensations, thoughts, and feelings. Often times we get caught up in them, make a story out of them, or allow ourselves to be defined by them. But with practice we build our ability to be ‘the sky that holds the weather’. We learn how to hold what we find with a little more wisdom and compassion.


We talk about the power of perception. How PERCEPTION of stress creates the same response as being in a stressful situation. How often times our mind lives in past hurt, anger, resentment, or guilt. Or travels forward anticipating, worrying, or building fear.  


So, what can you do today to shift your perspective? To allow yourself to be present? And meet those moments with wisdom and compassion... ❤️

WE ARE MOVING

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I am excited to announce we are moving the gym and yoga studio!!  December 2017 will be the last month in our current space in downtown Walla Walla.  We will be moving to the West side 1365  Dalles Military Road. 

This month has been a whirlwind!!

My husband and I have been looking since last spring after our spring retreat with the idea that more space will accommodate more and larger retreats.  This space is amazing!  With more open area and windows along with a teaching stage it will make it easier to visually see the instructors.  My wonderful friend and client Kris with a background in design has been assisting in decor and ambiance for a peaceful chill environment.  The yoga space is based on The Five Elements of Earth Fire, Earth, Water, Metal and Wood.

The workout area is open with a freight sized garage door allowing for fresh air and ventilation during the spring to fall during training sessions, an ample parking lot for throwing the tires around and running drills.  We are close to the Fort WW Park as well for morning runs and walks pre and post workout sessions.

Our opening date is scheduled for January 1, 2018 with a Grand Opening Celebration.

0900 Join us for an open house serving teas and light snacks. Jessica Cantrell-Avery will be on site with her 2500 piece LulaRoe store

10 am a FREE Yoga class will be offered

Raffles for a custom made mala from EarthPoiseMalas of Honolulu, Free workouts , Lularoe leggings and MORE>>>>>

SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN US JANUARY 1 2018

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTH TRAINING IN ALL PROGRAMS.

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How good you look at the end of a fat loss diet is dependent more on how much muscle you have and retain that how much fat you lose.  You will only be a smaller version of the "shape" you do not want to be if you do not take the time and effort to gain muscle.  

Strength training not only creates strength but it develops muscle.  Muscular development is how we truly change the shape of our physique.  It is much akin to creating a sculpture from clay. We must have enough clay or our creation will not have balance and structural integrity enough to be pleasing to the eye.  Thus, we need to focus on building muscular density in order to sustain a framework for our new physique.  Only focusing on losing fat through diet and cardio will leave you feeling unsuccessful in truly developing the shape you desire in the end.  This takes a commitment to actually eating enough calories to sustain the effects of building muscles and losing fat.  We will not get there by so limiting our caloric intake so much that we do not have the fuel to sustain quality workouts.  It is a finite balance of the two and no one has the same needs for calories vs training.  We cannot pick up the same training regimen and diet as our BFF or trainer and expect the same results.  We as humans are individuals and our protocols for success mirror that.  It is a challenge of trial and error and it will constantly be changing throughout your cycles of strength (muscle) building and leaning.  As they say insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.

Are you ready for the journey?  

EVERY DAY YOU HAVE A CHOICE

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Every day you have a choice to take responsibility for how you want to live your life.

There is no one to "blame".

You need to stop blaming "willpower" or the lack thereof. 

It's you and you alone that is culpable for the outcome.

Everyone has their temptations, their struggles and the choice how to deal with them..... power through....learn.....fail.....learn.... you put yourself back on the path.

NO ONE ELSE DOES IT FOR YOU!!!

Your trainer, coach, nutritionist is a guide, an educator, a supporter, but the daily rituals and choices are yours and yours alone.

 

 

You are a work in progress

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Yes you are!!! You are a work in progress.  The truth is your transformation whether physical,  spiritual or emotional will take the rest of your life.

We are creatures of habit and one of the most important things in transformation is habit or ritual.  We need to not only find new healthier habits but eliminate the old ones that are limiting us from transforming ourselves and our lives.  Feeling overwhelmed yet?

I'd like you to do an exercise.  Grab a piece of paper or your tablet doesn't really matter and create a list of all you wish to accomplish.  Include those menial things.  The little projects as well as the big scary ones.  Now, write a list of the things that limit your ability to take those on.  Be sure to include time constraints, people, attitudes everything.   List getting pretty long?

Okay.  So, let's put it into perspective.  Its great to have goals of transformation and change in our lives but we also have lives.....am I right?  We have jobs, kids, maybe caring for an older family member.  We have groceries, cooking, cleaning, running a business 24/7.  We have when the car needs repair, crazy weather snow days, a root canal (thankful I've never had one but I hear they are awful), waiting on the plumber, cable guy etc.... You get the picture.

Perspective is this.  If you want to say lose 30 pounds.  That's a great goal by the way.  But here it is lower your expectations.  Yes I said lower them.  In this instance, losing 30# think of a 5 pound sack of potatoes.  Next time you are at the store look, now line up 6 of them. That's daunting huh?  So when I say lower your expectations I want you to focus on the first 5 pound sack.  Then move onto the next.  

Here's another example.  If you wish to eat healthier (okay that huge and undefined) start with say "I will eat breakfast of 2 eggs toast and an apple every weekday"  Once that sticks add to it.  Begin to incorporate taking your lunch to work and/or meal prep and planing for dinners as a family.

And always remember your plan is flexible.  If something is not working for you, revamp it.  Go at it from another angle.  There is no right or wrong way to achieve what you want to achieve. It's what works for you.  As long as you have a plan and you are consistent and persistent you will get there.  That is why SMART goals work.  That is why we make big goals but also must have those smaller stepping stone goals.

So keep on working.  You are a work in progress.  

Today is 1 of 365

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Happy New Year Everyone!

Many of you are starting fresh a new goal or goals or are contemplating them for the new year. Am I right???  Congratulations!!! Let's make this year count!  Make 2017 an amazing year!

There are several steps you can take to achieve your goals for 2017. Many of us set our goals as too general.  "I want to lose weight" or "I want to lose 20 pounds"  While the second is more specific it is still general in nature.

First step is to set those goals using the SMART rules.  SMART goals are Sustainable, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic and Time specific.  If you are an in-house client of mine that probably sounds familiar.  We also need to set what I call "stepping stone goals".  The daily, weekly, monthly little goals that help us to achieve our bigger ones.  Set goals that are physical, mental, and soulful in nature.  Include goals to nurture your whole being.

Second step is staying motivated.  "Well yeah" you are probably thinking.  Try keeping a log, writing a journal or creating a vision board.  I use a photo app on my phone, create photo collages and set them as my screen lock so I see them every time I open my phone.  Find a workout buddy, check out a new fitness class or hire a trainer.  Keep it fun and challenging for both your body and your mind.  These can keep you just as motivated on day 1 as 100 or 245.

Third step is to stay flexible with yourself.  Remember this is your journey.  And it's the journey not the destination that will truly challenge and change you.  Your journey is really were you will become your new self.  Those tough days when you struggle, the challenges of letting go of old habits and learning new ones those are how you create a new lifestyle.  Some days will be more difficult than others.  And you know what? It's okay to rest.  It's okay to reevaluate and revamp your goals.  Be persistent and consistent.  It takes approximately 12 weeks for a human to learn a new habit.  Try every day.  Do your best.  Don't expect perfection.  You will get there.

Just don't quit.  

Character, Wisdom and Success

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There are things in life that take time,  They take effort, work and struggle.  They are sculpted through trial and error, through destruction and rebuilding.  They come with loss, lessons, and triumphs sometimes not in equals parts.  You may doubt or second guess yourself.  Your may be forced to pause and explore unknown interference, saboteurs or parts of you you have kept hidden and denied.   Those are the things that the resilient, the committed, the persistent achieve.  The road to achievement is not straight.  It takes many twist and turns.  And yes, at times you may feel as if you are not of the "right" path.  You may feel that you will "never get there". If there was a definitive path to happiness and success; to achieving your dreams and desires, everyone would be on it.  No one would be struggling.  Everyone would be succeeding seemingly without effort.   The seeds of progress are planted in your past failures.  They are your lessons to grow and truly define who you will become.  Your best stories with come from overcoming your greatest struggles.  Your praises with be birthed from your pains.  Remember the Phoenix rose from the ashes of the fire.  So keep trying, keep learning and keep succeeding one step at a time.     

 

Commit to loving YOU

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You get up.  You push yourself to the gym even though you dislike it. But you go....  you go because you are told you need it, you'll feel better once you are done, your health and fitness depend on it.  As long as we're busy doing whatever it is that distracts us from the truth - the whole truth about our happiness and ourselves we will never be completely fulfilled.  

How many times have you forced yourself to run, to lift weights, to eat "clean"? ...all for an end result that hasn't happened; for an end result that hasn't truly been determined by you?

Society tells you you need to look a certain way, insurance companies give you parameters for health (weight/BMI) and your doc is on board, the trainer at the gym says you should run this fast, do this many push ups, lift this much weight, you need to workout because you over ate or ate something "bad".

The list goes on......

BUT WAIT!

What do you do for you out of love?  Taking care of your body and health is not a punishment is is a reward for loving YOU!  We need to change our dialogue with ourselves.  We need to respect wherever we are right now and love and respect our being just as we are enough to nurture our whole being.  Give yourself permission to find joy in what you do.  Allow yourself to feel good in your skin right now.  Finding that is powerful.   You will realize the defeat of negative self talk and when you stop hating "how you are right now" it's as if a switch turns. Practice positive self talk.  Leave yourself love notes for your efforts. Honor your journey for the good and the bad.  Praise yourself.  

Until you commit to loving yourself as you are and do things that you enjoy you will only find a temporary solution to a permanent problem.  The real issue is loving and respecting yourself enough to care for your whole self....You as a complete being.

And once that "clicks" there is no turning back on what you can achieve!!!

Success

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The Dalai Lama XIV once said "Happiness is not something ready made.  It comes from your own actions"

Thus the same can be said about success.. Your personal actions or inactions set the state for succeeding in your life's goals and endeavors.. Why do we so often as humans think less of our health and fitness goals?

STOP

Start thinking of your health and fitness as just as important as your life goals for career, family, education, home ownership etc...

Walk the pathway just the same.

Set the stage so to speak with a good plan, preparation and follow through.

Sure you may have setbacks.

But see them as joyful opportunities to learn and tweak the process....

TO OWN IT!!!

Now go out and Succeed!!

Make Changes NOT Excuses

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How many times have you heard that inner voice.....I'm too tired, I'm too busy, I'm not making progress fast enough.....The list goes on.

Real fulfillment requires action.  We must act by applying the knowledge that we are given in order to change for the better.

Success is less the result of what you know but the cumulative effect (acting based on what you know) of what you do!

Making excuses takes the same (maybe even more in my opinion) amount of energy to make a definitive change.  

The difference between the two? One is representative of complacency the other growth.  And without growth we cannot truly change.

It's your choice.

Make changes not excuses.

It's the only way you will truly grow and succeed.

 

Live A Life That Feels Right TO YOU

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Life a life that feels right to you not one that looks right to everyone else.  

Give yourself permission to follow the path that make you happy.  And realize that some people in your life will refuse to walk beside you as you embark on this journey; they simply won't approve no matter what you say.......and that's OK.  Some times when you commit yourself to creating your own happiness, it clashes with the perceptions of other.  Some people may lift you up and some may be saboteurs.  Sometimes in order to gain something great or to become something great.....actually most of the time.........you have to let go of something else.

Remember you have the power to change.  Your journey is your and yours alone.  The people you take on that journey are your choice.