It is through this balanced life that I believe I was connected to and drawn to working at Living Inline. What an amazing team and I am excited to say the least.

Jason and Elissa and I were talking the other day and I reflected back to a time in my life when I didn’t follow a healthy lifestyle which was when I was growing up and getting through high school. I was raised in a "natural" household, and was fairly opposed to the foods I was offered, as I was a child who wanted his McDonalds. I can remember getting very fussy and throwing temper tantrums when our fridge used to always be filled with tofu and health food desserts. Even though I was active in soccer, tennis, and various activities throughout high school, I made many less than ideal food choices with many fast food experiences sprinkled in.

-Then, things began to shift for me. I can remember when I would feel amazing after an intense gym workout years ago. The feeling of the endorphins and energy that runs through the body during and after exercise has always been an attraction to me. When it comes to food, my body is extremely responsive to the right mixture and quality within 20 minutes of eating. I love the energy that food brings to by body. I love the taste of good food, whether I prepare it myself or a restaurant serves it.

-My passionate nature originally stems from my discipline. However, I am also passionate because I have been someone who has experienced true health through eating. When someone eats a balanced meal for their body, they know very soon after that meal if they will have sustainable energy lasting for the next 3-4 hours. I have been able to do that on a regular basis for that past 7 or 8 years and it feels so good. I hope I can help you do the same.

-Sharing nutrition and wellness with others is important to me because I love teaching and seeing change in individuals.

I hope that sharing my own experiences with nutrition and exercise will motivate others. Even though the discipline with these habits is a commitment, I feel that so many people are missing out on what "true health" really feels like. Its one of those things that I can keep explaining, but others need to experience it to actually FEEL what its like.

What I feel is important for others to learn and what I will be working on with my clients

-Set goals and make a commitment so there is a focus and direction. Every time I used to hear someone say that I thought it was silly. I’ve tried goal setting and it has worked wonders. It serves as a reminder to what we are attempting and why.

- Reward oneself after reaching a specific goal. The body and brain needs to feel like it has accomplished something. If you lost 20 pounds in x number of weeks then you deserve to go enjoy a caramel sundae or buy a new pair of shoes

• Stick to your commitment within social gatherings, restaurants, and places outside the home

I feel that food is always TEMPTING to all of us whether it is in the break room at work, at a friends deep fried dinner night, or at a restaurant with friends/family…being that dining out happens daily for most. Yes it is hard to say no to foods in these circumstances. I think it partially feels like peer pressure to most people, especially when friends and family are not leading the healthy lifestyle.

I distinctly remember the inner strength and power my body and mind began to create each time I said "no thanks", didn’t deviate, and stuck to my plan of action. For me it felt like I had jumped over another hurdle and made a mini accomplishment. Keep feeling the mini accomplishments….this can lead to better progress.

- Variety is gold! As we take in better food and exercise, our bodies can respond better to different stimuli. Whether its getting a variety of fruits, veggies, and meats or getting into hiking, walking, swimming, skiing, figure skating, tap dancing, or even horse back riding!

• Make an internal and written "do not touch" list. I feel that this list can assist with the mini accomplishment experience. Writing a list of 3 to 5 things that you will give up/sacrifice can be powerful for the mind and certainly reap quicker benefits toward the goal. i.e.-soda, fried food, and beer

-Eat breakfast! Please don’t skip meals to achieve a weight goal. Our bodies need to have some type of fuel soon after waking up since its been empty for the past x number of hours. Think of your body and metabolism as a furnace. Eating food after the body wakes will turn it on…and when we continue feeding the body throughout the day it allows us to keep the fire burning. Skipping meals leads to snacking, overeating at other meals, and fat storage….plain and simple!

• Allow some cheating. I began the one cheat day a week 9 years ago and still follow it…for the most part! Choose one day where you can have anything you want to eat or drink within moderation or start with allowing two days a week for a short time and then progress to one. Another way of practicing this is the 80/20 rule more or less. The body needs 80-90 percent healthy foods most of the time and can handle cheat foods 20 percent of the time. Having "naughty foods" are essential for us to not feel so rigid. We have to enjoy life, and the taste of goodies here and there.

• Read. There are so many books on diet and nutrition. It can be extremely confusing due to the overload of various diets and people preaching how "this is the way to eat and exercise." However, try to be open to reading material on this subject because there is well written information out there.

Most importantly- Find a balance. Try to become aware when you are being too hard on yourself or when you are way off track from your plan. Having discipline and healthy habits are great, but don’t let it get in the way of enjoying friends, family, and life. It might work better for someone to start with a heavy discipline approach, but it might work for others to incorporate structure and habits as time continues….build it up as time goes on and enjoy the ride!

I have so much to share over this next year! We will be offering Living Inline one on one food coaching, food coaching workshops, regular healthy habits and nutritional focussed classes-by phone.

We will be holding exciting community cooking classes, recipe tips, fastest meals imaginable, feeding healthy children classes,food planning and so much more.

I will be in the Living Inline office to meet and greet all of you and please introduce yourself and feel free to ask me any nutritionally related questions. The whole topic just nourishes me!

and now Drumroll please! ------I am happy to share that I have my advanced training complete in Active Isolated Stretching!

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is one of the methods of stretching most used by today's athletes, massage therapists, personal/athletic trainers, and professionals. Active Isolated Stretching allows the body to repair itself and also to prepare for daily activity. This powerful yet gentle technique is good for the general public, senior citizens, children and is especially powerful for active/ athletic people.

The Active Isolated Stretching technique involves the method of holding each stretch for only two seconds. This method of stretching is also known to work with the body's natural physiological makeup to improve circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints and fascia.