#PLAYSWEATWIN 2020!!

Play. Sweat. Win. 

This year, I intend to clear the way for more of an abundant mindset in what I say and do. That includes intentionally taking action around my self-care, on a consistent basis - no matter how busy I am, I’m scheduling my movement time. 

It’s a must to schedule workouts! In 2020 I’m entering two Triathlons, a Spartan Stadion race at Citi Field with Dr. Jenn, an ABC Chief Medical Correspondent, ObGyn, Nutritionist, Best-selling Author, Fitness Freak ! (We’re going to have so much fun!) and more!

My wellness journey doesn’t just begin with healthy eating habits and incorporating a workout regimen into my everyday routine. It takes determination and self-motivation to be able to train and endure rough terrain, extreme temperatures, and pushing through fatigue. I make it a priority to work out consistently, 5-6 days a week, which preparing me for those conditions. Training not only makes me stronger physically but prepares me to overcome each obstacle I face and become stronger mentally as well. 

My training includes a 5:45 A.M. cycle class. Yes, really. Though getting out of bed in the dead of winter is the absolute LAST thing I want to do in the morning, I encourage myself by thinking about how rewarding it will feel once my workout is complete.

That’s when the phrase and hashtag, “ #Playsweatwin,” rings most true. I always need to play…then if I sweat I know I’m working-it, so if I play and sweat, well, it’s a WIN WIN all around!

Following my spin class - on occasion I take a 3.2-mile brisk walk/run outside. If not, I save my walk run’s for every other day I don’t spin. When it snow, you’ll find out outside. Snowshoeing on the weekends is a luxury — it’s one of my favorite activities in the winter!

With all this activity, I basically wring out my stress and build conductive energy. When I don’t move, shake, jump or groove, it’s like I’m missing something. So kicking-it is a part of my groove and what makes me a happy and well-adjusted individual, on most days:)

Being a cancer survivor (thriver), I am keenly aware of how food and products affect my body. I try to incorporate healthy eating into this routine as often as possible and make wellness choices when I shop for food and cleaning products for my own home. (My SHOP will reflect many of my favorite things in the next month so check back!) When I purchase, I go for as many non-toxic, organic and best quality goods and foods as possible. I truly feel this upfront investment keeps me literally out of the hospital.

I love to eat and have a voracious appetite. When I return from my walk or run, I make myself a healthy gluten-free, dairy-free breakfast. Avocado mash with dairy-free feta cheese on whole-grain gluten-free toast as one of my go-to breakfast combinations. Other days, I enjoy some Chobani yogurt with granola (by some miracle, Chobani doesn’t actually hurt my stomach!). 

I live by the motto “love the skin you’re in” and “go for the joy!” My main goal is to keep healthy and fit to enjoy all life has to offer -  be a supportive mom, friend, and mentor. I hope you all consider coming along on this journey with me. 

Tag #playsweatwin and together, let’s motivate one another and build energy to accomplish what we’re here to do. 

Love the Skin You’re In!

Health + Happiness + Habits = Living Well

 I confess I was not always happy with my relationship with my body. No big surprise since I’ve dedicated decades to the celebration of a woman’s body. (You teach what you need to learn). Thankfully, time does heal but I have discovered that by changing just a few basic habits, my whole outlook and self-image slowly transformed and will never go back.

The top habit I’m practicing makes a priority of eating loads of organic healthy veggies, meats, eggs and plenty of fresh filtered water, supplying my diet with more of that than highly processed and sugary foods. I have the cookie or two for God’s sake but leave the box for the next visit! That goes for ice cream. Have it and enjoy but avoid making it your main meal. Treat these fringe foods as guests that come to visit now and then. Before you know it, you will shame-less-ly indulge and not overdo it. Moderation always is the key, leaning hardest on the freshest food you can find, makes an incredibly happy bod. Add to this what your body needs as far as dietary supplements and you’re off to your best health, ever.

Sleep glorious Sleep takes either our #1 or #2 spot! Most of us are balancing multiple roles in our busy lifestyles, so it’s not always easy to make time for ourselves, more over get enough sleep.  Nevertheless, it is paramount that we do.  That means making time for a quickie (nap) when we need it and include activities we love.  Getting enough sleep each night is without a question, our best medicine!

Our third habit - physical activity.  No, I don’t always work out at the gym, but I do walk, swim, SNOWSHOE, or create an adventure — whatever it is , I make a conscious effort to engage in as many (outdoor) activities I possibly can.  I actually bring a bathing suit on business trips in case the hotel has a pool. A great place to stretch, do a little barre with the water up to your neck while holding on to the side then, fingers crossed for a well maintained hot tub! That’s something to celebrate. The key here is to plan ahead for your business/personal/ trips and do something you actively enjoy. Start dancing in a class or out on Friday night! Whatever you choose is going to be different for everybody.  My goal is not to achieve the perfect body, but to enjoy the activity I do and feel the joy and vitality taking place in my body. Big difference.

Habit #4:  Laughter!  For some people, it’s music or movies, but for me, it’s doing things with people who make me laugh.  I would encourage everyone to find those special activities and people who lift your spirits and free your soul and pepper them regularly throughout your life.

Last but certainly not least: meditation. Try it. Life-changing. ‘Nuf said. (Insight Timer app is free - Voted Happiest App in the world- and a good starter for beginners or for old hacks keeping it simple).

Loving the skin you’re in comes from nourishing yourself: mind, body, and soul! Now in my 50’s, I’m learning one of life’s biggest lessons to let go of other’s opinions and accept myself as I am, right here and now. Don’t waste your time to be otherwise, no one cares. They really don’t.

Be True. Be you.