Saturday, June 21, 2008

When do YOU "BURN" calories?

when you're exercising? while you're eating? when you're sleeping? The answer is yes, yes, and yes!
We burn calories ALL the time...our bodies are like little machines. And just like any other 'machine', it needs to be maintenanced and supplied with appropriate 'nourishment' to function properly. You know what they say, 'garbage in, garbage out'...and that is what you will see if you are eating a poor diet...it will show on the outside AND it may even show up on the inside, too. Your diet affects your health and well-being and can affect your risk of many diseases, including the big ones: heart disease and cancer.
The more effeciently you exercise and eat and the more sleep you get, the better you will look and feel. Foods with high nutrient density will give you the energy you need to perform activities of daily living - from being a mom, to being an employee, to being a friend, to being whomever you want to be and beyond! But foods that are high in fats and sugars will drag you down, your energy will be low and your body will recognize that. And it will think you are not taking care of it. And guess what? Your body is on a survival mission...it is a smart machine! And if you make it think you are not going to care for it, it will hold onto fat because that is the last thing to break down if you are starving. It's going to make sure you live!
So why not show your body that you want to be fit and healthy so it can be rid of excess fat...drink lots of water, keep those colorful veggies and fruits on hand, eat primarily whole grains, enjoy plenty of lean proteins, exercise regularly doing a variety of cardiovascular conditioning, strengthening, and flexibility exercises...and your body will say 'thank you!' by looking and feeling great.
Take that first step to feeling and looking better...make a list of just FIVE things that you can change about your diet, your exercise regimen, and/or your sleep schedule, and implement them for one week. Make an ongoing list during the week about the things you feel or experience...you may just be amazed at what you learn about yourself and how GREAT you feel!

2 comments:

BOM said...

Mary Allison, you are the bomb! You have such great ideas. And of course two of my favorites children! Thanks in part to you, I still maintain the habit of working out daily. My current passion is the stationary rowing machine. I get up at 5 every morning and go to the gym where I row 30 minutes...6000 meters. I will do this 6 days a week. I am still a beast but I feel good, eat healthy, and plan to live a long productive time longer. My best to you...

Kristen Hallinan said...

Hi Mary Allison, my name is Kristen Hallinan and I am getting ready to open StrollerFit in the south metro area of Denver. Here is my first blog...keep up the great work with yours!

Counting the days until Grand Opening...
As the mom of a 10 month old baby, and after having a very difficult pregnancy myself, I am so excited to begin offering a physical and emotional empowering program to moms in my area. I know what your body can feel like (and look like) after being on bed rest for 14 weeks and then caring for a newborn 24 hours a day. You feel like a disaster!

For the past four months I have been attending a different franchise of StrollerFit in the Castle Rock area. Jillian, the owner and instructor, has been great. In late July/ beginning of August, I will be opening two new locations of StrollerFit in the Highlands Ranch and Greenwood Village areas. Not only will moms be able to join me for a complete cardio and strength workout, but I will be offering restore the core and mommymuscle sculpt classes as well. I am thrilled and can't wait to start reshaping the bodies and lives of moms in my community!

restore the core is a mat pilates format that gives you the option of bringing your baby to class with you, as long as they are not crawling yet. Pre and Post natal moms are welcome- in fact, moms of all ages are welcome! Other owners have shared stories with me of moms that are now grandmas and losing multiple pant sizes in just two months of once a week class! (Now that's hard to beat!) It is such a relaxing class; time to focus on just you- and yet results seem to just roll in (as your belly rolls disappear!) mommymuscle sculpt uses resistance and weight equipment to gain the strength you need as a mom. You are also welcome to bring your baby to this class, as long as they are still able to fit in a front carrier.

Not only are the workouts great, but StrollerFriends, I know is a saving grace for many moms. StrollerFriends is our group of moms that will meet often for playdates for the kids (it's okay if you have a baby and they just sleep the whole time...YOU need playdates too!) and moms nights out! You can find a sitter for just one night a month and meet with the ladies for dinner (without chicken nuggets), bowling, or whatever sounds fun that month! Please join us for StrollerFriends even if you are not ready for StrollerFit. Everyone knows, the more moms the merrier when it comes to newborn advice, potty training help, or just another ADULT to talk to! Visit the website posted on the right hand side to find out meeting info.

I'll keep you updated on opening dates, promotions, etc. I certainly don't want anyone to miss out on a great deal! This will change your life- come give us a try. (Plus, the first class is always free- what do you have to lose?)