Free Massage Give-Away!

I bought my mom a gift certificate for a one-hour massage last year for Mother's Day. She hasn't used it. So, I thought I'd put it to good use and use it as a give-away! Don't tell her, though! If she wants to use it, I will buy her another one on the sly. In the meantime, please enter my give-away! There is absolutely no obligation, no purchase necessary, etc. Just be a follower of my blog, follow me on Twitter (fitnessfunclub) and then send me an email as an entry to confirm. Each email you send will be an entry in the drawing, and I will enter you once per day (so please, no more than one than one email per day). I will draw for the prize on Thursday, February 11th at 5 pm. That way, you can either use it as a gift for Valentine's Day, or use it to pamper yourself! The massage therapist, by the way, is in Scottsdale, on the corner of Scottsdale and Shea. She is one of the best massage therapists I know, and has been one for 20 years! Her name is Karen Grant. If you want her contact information, I will be happy to pass it on.

So again, just follow my blog, follow me on Twitter, and then send me an email up to once per day until the 11th! Good luck!

My Posting to the Scottsdale Leadership Blog

I was asked by Scottsdale Leadership to write a posting for their blog, after they happened to find my blog. They wanted to know how it has affected me so far. I was happy to do this! Please check it out-it went live today!
http://thescottsdaleleader.wordpress.com/

My New Year's Resolution

I went last night to my favorite sub shop (Silermine) for sandwiches for my boyfriend and me. The guy working there recognized me, even remembering that I am a fitness trainer. He asked me if I even have a New Year's Resolution... He laughed, saying I'm in shape already, and he knows I already eat healthy, so do I even need to have a Resolution? What he said really struck me. Yes, I have a New Year's Resolution. What struck me is the freedom I have in choosing one. He's right! While I can do better as far as eating and exercise, I will say, hopefully without sounding conceited, that I am happy with myself as far as diet and exercise. So, this time of year, I evaluate my life in many different areas, and try to find something to inspire me. I can choose from my spiritual life, my love life, my career, my social or community impact, my friendships...etc. I can pick from any of those areas. Yes, I think everyone has those same options, but it seems as though society dictates that if you are overweight, your New Year's Resolution is supposed to be to lose weight. While I do not support media or peer pressure being the reason for change, perhaps this could be the year that you pick some small, easy changes to have a healthier lifestyle. The weight will come off gradually and safely, and then when you hit a healthy weight for you, you will keep the weight off. Then, every single year after this for the rest of your life, you can feel the same freedom as I do right now! So...you may be wondering, what is my resolution? Ok, I'll tell! I have been working on being a better person, in ways that make a difference-- actually make an impact on the community or world and make it a better place to be. I have made some small progress last year- I joined Scottsdale Leadership, and also just recently applied to be a Commissioner for the City of Scottsdale. So, one part is to continue this momentum, and, in addition, I resolve this year to increase my impact to animals. I volunteered last year at Liberty Wildlife for 6 months, doing their Orphan Care program. Now I'd like to focus on dogs. I am not sure just what I want to do. I am considering either volunteering at a shelter, or maybe being a foster "mom" to a dog from a shelter, helping it get over fears, anger, etc. I will look into my options and find the one that works for me. Best wishes to you and to your success with your resolution for this year!

Better Options to Splenda

I went to a talk given by Dee McCaffrey, a local nutritionist with a biochemistry background. She explained how the Splenda molecule is not truly related to a sugar molecule; in fact, it is more similar to a chemical fertilizer. I am overnight petsitting and the owners have drinks out that they left me to try. They are "slenderizing" and contain Splenda. I tried them and to me they taste like perfume! I definitely prefer just good ol' plain water. If I need a sweetener, Dee suggested a few that are possibly even GOOD for you! They include agave nectar, Stevia drops, and even honey or maple syrup. Read her great book to find out how to use them and some great recipes! It's called Plan-D, and I have only seen it in Sprout's stores. Probably the best nutrition book I can recommend as a nutritionist! There are a few more on my website: www.BodyDefinitions.com/pages/nutritionalbookclub.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

I did the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk yesterday, which was Novmeber 7th, 2009. Weather was beautiful, and there was quite a crowd. Great job to all the survivors out there! We MUST keep up with intensive research to eliminate this disease. There is just too much cancer in our world. But, the walk felt great, and my friend Carol and I finished it in pretty good time! We jogged a good amount of it in order to catch up with friends that had started a good half-hour before us. I don't usually like to run very much but I have to admit it felt good in the perfect weather; plus, we had to stop a lot because of getting stuck in the huge crowd, so we never felt bad about ourselves about having to stop because of not being in shape to continue. This morning my shins are just a little sore from that, so I am going to stretch them in order to prevent further soreness. To do that, I'll sit on the edge of a chair (being careful not to fall off!), then put one leg out straight, then lean over to reach for my toe, then press my toe down to the floor. That is a great stretch to help prevent "shin splints." I hope you will be inspired to go for a walk around your neighborhood today! You just may be surprised how nice it is to take that time for yourself and enjoy the world around you!

Welcome to My Blog!

Hi! Welcome to my blog, and thanks for following me. I will provide the most accurate and tried-and-true information that I can to help you live a healthier life, lived at the best of your ability. Simple, easy, inexpensive tips to help make eating right and exercising easier and more enjoyable.