Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Mental Health and Fitness

I apologize for the longer post in advance!

So after I finished posting about social media and fitness the other day I thought about the role social media can play in overall mental health and support for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.  Everyone isn't meant to compete or body build, but everyone was meant to be healthy and happy.  Life was designed for movement-- in fact I am blogging while standing up.  The human body simply was not designed for a sedentary lifestyle. This has been proven time and time again.  Even walking around your house will improve your mental and physical state.

So how important is mental health?  I am not doctor so I can only abstractly summarize what /how mental health can contribute to your wellness plan, or how social media and popular culture can impact your mood, and how all if this can impact your overall success...

An anonymous IGer reached out to me after reading the blog yesterday and wanted to give me feedback.  She has been working on losing 100lbs for the past three years.  By "working on", she explained, it was at the forefront of her conscious for the past three years, and this year she decided to proactively lose the weight.  She mentioned the void that IG fills, giving her daily quotes and inspirational pictures to look at and envision.  Instagram is not the only social media outlet.  This IGer has recently turned into a BodyRocker.  She follows the YouTube channel and Facebook page for daily workouts and tries to modify at home, while adding walking on nice weather days and cardio at the gym on the weekends.  Visual aids are important to her-- to the point of addiction.  Each week she selects a new role model to get her through seven days of workouts and then she inputs her macros daily on the MyfitnessPal App.

Mobility is key in these post-post modern times (more on that term later).  What seemed like a nice stroll in the park is a highly choreographed Zumba routine, a protein shake to follow, and then a recipe from the Internet for dinner.  What does this mean?  Can people still meet their fitness and wellness goals without the internet?  I think so.

I have a close friend, who is expecting her first child.  Facebook is a hassle for her, but she posts occasionally and she's never even taken a photo for Instagram or Twitter.  She has remained active throughout her pregnancy and plans to compete in her first figure event postpartum.  She is not any less motivated than those who post or read daily anecdotes online.  The Internet isn't for everyone, but it does provide mobility for the successful transfer of motivational information to those seeking it.

I would compare the Internet to Weight Watchers.  It isn't for everyone, but those who commit to seeking the advice and support will remain connected long enough to succeed.

Personally, I have done Weight Watchers, and succeeded.  Attending the meetings was not convenient for me to fit in my schedule with my workouts, and other life duties/obligations.  But it works.  Health insurance even reimburses you for attending sessions (up to 50%), so if you need coaching, it is a good option.  They have an online community that supports what you do collectively.

I am more of an in-person type when it comes to coaching.  I like checking in with real people, coaching phone calls, and workout circuit training groups.  I now rely on my workout buddies and MyFitnessPal for tracking.  I also have pretty defined goals at this point, so it is more about diet and stern fitness goals in tandem.  It is unfortunate that healthy living is way of thinking or mindset rather than a way of life for all.  In today's society it takes thought, processing-- mental work, if you will.  That being said, you have to mentally be healthy and have a healthy mindset to approach diet and fitness, Internet or solo.

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Min{OUR}ity Report Pinterest
Min{OUR}ity Report on Instagram



Monday, June 10, 2013

Fitness and Social Media: Blessed Union or Releasing the Dragons?!

So I have been on somewhat of a hiatus... life happens.  One thing I haven't stopped doing was following fitness aficionados on social media.  I confess, I have given up on Twitter but INstagram is definitely still "in" and still a major means of me getting my daily fitness word.

A few observations... Being able to visually see fitness experts, models, and those undergoing transformations is inspiring.  It can be motivational and assuring for those seeking assurance of their fitness goals but does it leave novice fitness fanatics vulnerable to internet "dragons"?

A "dragon" would be someone who may be posting pictures of other fitness experts, posing as someone else or those who have transformed their bodies with the help of others, and now posing as fitness experts.  I commend Instagram fitness popular personalities such as Bsanlo1, who openly discusses her appreciation for her diet and fitness team.  Brittany is an up and coming fitness competitor, business owner, and, in previous posts, has cautioned followers using the following words of advice:

"Please be aware of Instagram celebrity online trainers.  A procard and/or 6 pack does not make you a trainer.  Do they have a degree in a related field?  Are they certified to write nutrition plans and individualized diets?  What is their background?  Years of experience?  These things are important, your health and body are in their hands."

Brittany couldn't be more accurate.  While social media is a means of mobilizing your services and talents, it can be easy to follow and even fall victim to internet scams.  Would you send $100,000 to the Prince of Zamunda via wire transfer?  Then why would you pay $500, or even $100 to someone to send you fabricated or replicated diet and nutrition plans????  Check the individual's background.  Competing is not enough to warrant them to advise you when it pertains to your overall health and well-being.

I personally have taken a more medically based approach to my diet and fitness.  I have consulted dietitians and nutritionists and then joined a gym that offers a wide range of group fitness classes to keep me attentive and motivated.  I am not perfect.  My plan may not be perfect for you or anyone other than me, but you have to find your perfect fitness Zen.  Social media paired with EXPERT advice may be a blessed union for those seeking a plan and a means of staying connected and motivated with others who share the same passion.  It can also be the Pandora's Box of diet and fitness scammers.  Proceed with caution and post-on!

You can check Brittany Sanlo out on social media using the following:

Bsanlo on YouTube
Bsanlo on Instagram
Bsanlo on Instagram

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

No Woes Here!!!

Yesterday I received lots of encouraging feedback about my Veggie Tales (not to be mistaken for the animated guys that teach awesome moral lessons)...
Yep, I took a leap of faith with hopes of improving my quality of life... I can't live this way.  Food literally feels as though it is stuck and won't budge-- namely meat products.  Ergo, my decision to become a veg-head was not only by choice but by force, I can't keep that up in the name of a sirloin...just can't. LOL

So, my journey to veggie-dom is a three-tiered process; mental, emotional, and physical... I will elaborate:

1. Mental.  I have to mentally remind myself that although meat seems like a great idea because it's something I have eaten off and on for nearly three decades, the repercussions belie the truth, which is meat isn't helping me feel better.

2.  Emotional.  Sometimes I hate meat.  Sometimes I love meat.  I am human!  I can appreciate a tender Argentine, Brazilian, or Japanese steak, but the way in which those animals are bred, fed, and "dead" is totally incomparable to their North American relatives, so the taste, texture, and aftermath all lead to different paths... It hurts, but again, can't keep meat-eatin' up in the name of a good steak.

3.  Physically.  I just need to physically remind myself.  For instance, today, I wrote "NO MEAT" on my hand with a smiley face (Please see picture I posted on Instagram and attached to this post)... that is a physical way to remind myself-- much more efficient than a ribbon or rubber band on the finger, OR having a friend pop me on the arm when I go to press my lips up against a meat product.

I make light of the situation, but I really had to tie in vegetarianism with my studies.  It was in early Portuguese letters from the New World (in this instance Brazil) to Iberia that the indigenous people were observed as healthier even though they did not raise cattle or consume the same food as the Europeans.  Their diets, largely of fruit and manioc (aka cassava or yuca) and other plants, was foreign to the Portuguese, and although they did not have immune systems to withstand European disease, they were otherwise the healthier beings.  I didn't make it up, check out Azurara and/or Caminha "Early Portuguese Expansionism" and their writings will divulge such truths.  At any rate, reading this for class ironically reaffirmed my decision to go back the basics... now determining which facet of vegetarianism to identify as, that is an entirely different story... we shall see, details later!

In the meantime, I will leave you with this recipe for a dish with manioc so near and dear to me.  I found the recipe here : http://southamericanfood.about.com/od/saladssidedishes/r/farofa.htm It is called farofa, a popular Brazilian accompaniment to feijoada, black bean "stew" if you will... I'm always up to try new things, I hope you all give it a shot!

** If you aren't chef material I recommend making friends with a Brazilian or enthusiastic Brazilianist  asking for an invite to dinner!**

Tchau

Monday, October 15, 2012

Veggie Journey

So I've had a series of unfortunate events occur in my life, and in retrospect 50% of them were under my control and watch.  The phrase "I could do better" rang in my head as I sat in doctor office after doctor office, and today I have decided to recommit.  We all fall off of the wagon sometimes?  We all have weak  moments that turn into weak days, and weak ends, etc.

I haven't been the worst eater, and even when I wasn't able to hit the gym I was walking two-three miles a day.  Obviously I haven't been doing that bad but there is that inner guilt lurking inside-- because I know I can do and I deserve better.

My gastro issues are due in part to the food I eat, so I have decided to once again commit to being a vegetarian.  I have never eaten a ton of meat, but I just can't seem to shake the pain, literally, associated with consumption of processed foods and meats.  I'm going to take a step back and make my way back to my-MYFITNESSPAL account (follow me on there my user name is whoisalove) and log everything, and get back to the vegetarian drawing board!

Udemy is an excellent resource for anything.  As a lifelong student (of life in general) I browse and take the free courses because some are really rich in content.  http://www.udemy.com/see-my-personal-motivation-for-becoming-vegetarian/ is the website for the vegetarian course I am taking to re-jump start my journey.  Many people don't take the time to learn about true vegetarianism and why such a thing exists anyway.  Most college kids turn vegetarian because it's cool, but overloading on bread or just "juicing" isn't the premise of vegetarianism, there are abundant resources to guide you.  I encourage everyone to take a look and feel free to comment on my veggie journey-- I am most certainly open to feedback!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Confession-- I want it ALL

I have a confession...I suck, at doing 50,000,000,000 things at once... I mean, I totally try to manage 49,000,000,000 but sometimes that extra 1,000,000,000 gets caught in the multitasking crossfire!

I have so much to blog about today!!! I have lost 18 lbs so far on my 90 Day Challenge (www.ashleylove.bodybyvi.com) and I have been working on maintaining the proper balance between work, working out, and personal time-- and by that, I mean, not always looking like a gym rat with a knotty ponytail and expandable clothing LOL.

I recently started selling Mary Kay!!!! In addition to the other millions of things I have going on (www.marykay.com/allove ) and I have been working on my overall image, because in all facets of life you wear how you feel about yourself and others in everyday demeanor.  I had to take a couple of weeks off to reflect on what I truly want to get out of life and everything I am doing...what I seek to fulfill, if you will...

I decided that instead of thinking about all that I AM doing (which at times can be TOO much), I'm choosing to look at things I can do once I accomplish the short term goals currently on y plate.

I want a BMW. In order to earn that I have to hit the streets and tell people about the wonderful benefits of Body By Vi, and how just being a part of the challenge motivates me to want overall wellness and weight loss. This way of thinking is much better than thinking about how to convince or "sell" people on their own health. The minute I thought about my own health and losing weight I did the typical "I can do that on my own..." -while this can be true, it's not for the most part. If I could do it I would have. If I could self motivate and lose it all on my own personal 90 Day Challenge, I would have. The model is fool proof. You drink two shakes for two meals you need anyway, and just aim not to screw up the rest of your day. The minute you stop "selling" and start "doing" is the minute you succeed... I'm adopting the "I can show you enter than I can tell you" mindset, so just be on the lookout!

As far as Mary Kay and image...it speaks for itself...cosmetic and beauty industry went unshaken in a time of economic turmoil not just in the US but across the globe. Check your facts, Mary Kay has been around 50 years and is a billion dollar company. The products are amazing, reviews and tests are conducted by a third party, outside laboratory (so unbiased)--as a consultant you get a generous discount and commission like NO OTHER direct sales company and as a consumer you look great:) as a businessperson you are able to attain a level of success that no part time or really full time job could potentially offer... Lisa Madson, one of the most humble women EVER, can say she's earned nearly SIX figures in just ONE MONTH... While we grind daily she goes with what she knows, and that's Mary Kay...I'm stepping off the soapbox, but one thing to know about me is who I am...I'm a shopaholic who is also a VIB at Sephora, VIP at Macy's, and on the private invite list places like Nordstrom and Gilt Group...I'll try what's on the market and review it for anyone...
Sephora is amazing, I love their free gifts and great customer service, but I don't get paid from Sephora when I shop there...and I definitely don't get to keep HALF of what I spend at Sephora, which is what I get when I buy Mary Kay for myself. I'm a rational woman, so Mary Kay makes sense to me. My driveway will have a BMW and Pink Cadillac sometime soon:) I'm the typical woman, I want it all!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Baby's got BACK {problems}

So I've been working out pretty hard and my body feels like one of the construction cranes rolled over me--although I might like that as stiff as I've been feeling! A great friend who's also a physical therapist gave me insight...

Here is how my day went...I went to a health fair and voilá! A chiropractor told me to come get a free consultation for my aching neck and shoulder pain... Sounds fair enough?! So after talking to my friend about my fears of becoming addicted/dependent upon the snap crackle and pops of the chiropractor I learned of preventative things to do to help and optimize the work chiropractors and physical therapists do...
1. Do sit with good posture. Practically 99.9% of all humans sit and stand with poor posture. I'm not statistician but this is my lighthearted guess:)
2. Try sleeping on a FIRM mattress AND do not use more than ONE pillows-- if any at all! You read correctly. ONE, UNO, Un, Um, ένας, Een...any other Languages you need "ONE" translated to?!
3. Do ask for exercises to strengthen your neck and back, lower and/or upper, but having your back or any part of the body "set" is pointless of you go back to the same poor habits (posture, sleep, etc.)
4. Take frequent work breaks, get up and move, do toe touches, stretch, step away from the computer for a few minutes
5. This ones for my ladies: wear the right under garments--supportive and posture supporting!

I know, I probably lost you at ONE/NO pillows! Just google back exercises and give it a shot:) I am not a doctors and my suggestions are personal action items I plan to take. I'm not a doctor so you should definitely consult a doctor and see what action you should take to improve any ailment(s) you may have!! Swimming is a good cardio workout that's virtually heaven for your joints!!! I'll have to share my Aqua Zumba experience so that you can try it out near you!!!!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Hiatus

So I've taken a few days to reflect on life and my goals, what I want from this fitness thing... Is it a fad since everyone is jumping on board the bandwagon or is it a serious choice I've made to improve my quality of life and overall health.

It's amazing to see so many people interested in health and fitness but am
I seeing this as a "trend" because there is increased access to photos and others via social media (Social Cam, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)or is it society's way of capitalizing on the opportunity to make money off of people by selling competitions, fitness gear, personal training and other misc. products?

What do I know, I'm just a former athlete trying to recover from cancer and a few other small injuries that have made weight gain possible. I'm just going back to what I know and what I remember-- but what I remember where days without social media...

So again I'm back to my original premise; do I disconnect and do my own thing or take advantage of the many resources available using such outlets and compete, just as I planned to do 7 years ago?! It's nothing personal, but it's exhausting for me to log onto any given social media outlet and a million people are quoting fitness industry people and then in the same day posting pics of loaded baked potatoes and fried chicken 😳 it's too much at times! I figured since I'm not a judgmental person I say "Do YOU" but I definitely need strong players on my team only! Sure we all cheat sometimes and we deserve indulgence but if you really want something eventually you need to make sacrifices...leading me back to the fad question... Are folks online only temporarily given up indulgences to be "in-style" rather than "in shape"?! Who knows... I know I have to continue to move toward my goal(s) and I hope to inspire people along the way!