Maribel’s Fitness Blog

I don’t blog as much as I would like, but I do want to make a commitment right here, and right now. I am going to start getting certified to become a personal trainer. This has been a goal that I have been waiting for the “right time” to work on. It seems that the “right time” is NOW. 

80% of what we look like is a direct result of our eating habits….thats great news, we can make a huge difference in what type of shape we will be!!

10% is from the type of excersice we choose to do…..for example if you lift weights you will build muscle, if you choose to run you will be slender & swimmers have broad shoulders.

You can thank your parents for the other 10%….. its from our genes.

Yes, it is a New Year for me. My birthday…..This is when I start all of my new years resolutions. I have many….

I was running on my treadmill the other day, feeling good, when the realization that I am healthy hit me. I am healthy and I am grateful for that. I have no pain, I am not sick, I feel good, (not to mention that I look good too).  I just thought about how terrible it would be to not be able to excersice. Excersice is part of my life, it defines me as the person that I am and everyone knows me as.

I am happy, and would’nt trade my health for the world.

I hope everyone is healthy, and thrives to be healthy everyday. Health and happiness go hand in hand.

Here is a list of 10 LITTLE things you can do today to make a BIG difference tomorrow:

1. Drink 8-10 8oz glasses of water. Easy, huh? Add Crystal Light for variety of flavors.

2. Watch your juice, soda, alcohol, coffee….fluids add lots of empty calories to your clean eating life style. Indulge in moderation (I do). Switch from full soda to diet. Make sure the ingredients in your coffee are not loaded with fat.

3. Sign up to fitday.com. This is a daily on line journal, calorie counter, and activity log book, it helps to keep you accountable…..and it’s FREE!!!

4. Re-evaluate your supplements. Are you taking the right amount of vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy? I can’t suggest what you should take but can recommend that you read “YOU, THE OWNERS MANUAL” by Dr. Rozien and Dr. Oz (shown on the Oprah Winfrey Show) You will get valuable information on what to take and why.

5. Change your exercise routine. If you are sedentary, walk. If you walk, run. If you run, lift weights. If you lift weights, take a spin class…etc.  Change it up for one month. You may just find a new (or renewed) passion to keep moving. 

6. Eat every 2 to 3 hours. Make your meals small, every meal should have a protein and a carb. Don’t forget your fruits and veggies. You should NEVER feel hungry. (That’s the secret.)

7. Make your last meal of the day at least 3 hours before you go to bed. (This is the hard one for me.)

8. Stay away from white foods like, creamy sauces, white bread, white rice, and sugars. Instead, look for whole-grain breads, cereal with fiber and nuts.

9. Plan your next reward for being good to your-self, and look forward to it. It should NOT be a day of straying from your clean eating. Reward yourself with a night out, a spa treatment, a new outfit or subscription to a favorite magazine, or exercise club. You may also reward yourself by signing up to an upcoming race, competition or fitness event of your choice.

10. Smile, don’t be optimistic, don’t be pessimistic…..be realistic. It’s a long journey, learn to enjoy it.

Let me know of any ideas, opinions or upcoming events you would like to share.

Don’t forget to leave a comment, I enjoy reading them..

First of all let me thank you for visiting my blog.

With my commitment to working out and staying active and healthy I have learned that I inspire and motivate a lot of my peers. This has been very humbling and empowering as this was not me intention.

I was 15 when I realized that some day I could be fat. I was 5′4″ 140, not obese but overweight. I did not know how to “diet” so I started reading every nutrition book I could find, I made my mom sign me up for a gym and my lifestyle changed practically overnight. Over the years I have had 3 kids, hired personal trainers and continued my clean eating habits and have been able to maintain a healthy weight. I was fortunate that I found the willpower within me to make the changes necessary. Unfortunately, many people don’t.  

One thing that I have also realized in the last 22 years is that working out is forever. It is never ending, you must fit it into your schedule and learn to accept it as you do going to church, working, or spending time with your family. Find something you enjoy, swim, run, lift weights, dance, hike, or whatever you like, just get moving. This is good for your heart and your soul.

Couple that with good eating habits and your on your way!!!

This year I ran the LA Marathon with my son. A huge accomplishment for me.

I want to hear your proudest moment, what have you done lately???

-Maribel