In the beginning of 2012 chances are you said 2012 was the year you were going to finally reach all of your fitness goals. We’ll there is no reason that you can’t keep this promise! For tips, tricks and motivation to Keep Going, check out this 5 part series.
Part 2 – Strategies to get you psyched about eating clean
This is sectioned out into three different ways to help you Keep Going!
Little changes go a long way:
- New Tupperware – This can add fun to food prep! It may sound silly but new Tupperware with various shapes, sizes and materials can have you looking forward to food prep and pulling out your containers at meal time.
- New Spices – Have fun shopping in the spices aisle. Play with various flavors and don’t’ be afraid to try new combinations. New spices can make you feel like you have a brand new menu and add life to your blah food.
- New Cooking Techniques – If you are sick of one way of cooking then switch it up between baking, grilling, steaming, poaching, barbequing, and slow cookers. This will trick yourself into thinking you are eating something new every time!
- New Preparation Techniques – This may sound a little weird but trust me when I say a cucumber tastes different depending on the way you cut it. Try changing up the way you prepare your meals and see for yourself.
- New Sauces – Be careful with this one because fattening sugary sauces can be the root of your problem. Instead of grabbing new sauces off the shelf try combining the sauces you know are good for you. For example combine balsamic vinegar, mustard and stevia for a healthy low cal balsamic vinaigrette. (this recipe and more to come in my next blog)
- New Recipes – Search the internet or mobile phone apps for free new recipe ideas. Be sure to check out the calorie and macronutrient portions to make sure they are healthy substitutions.
Tips and tricks:
- Give life to water – We all know that water is important but sometimes we want something with flavor. Try adding lemon or lime juice, cucumber, fruit, or crystal light to your water. You can also boil tea and refrigerate it for a real (no sugar) iced tea.
- Keep tempting items away – If you can avoid keeping tempting items in the house then do! Make your journey easier and don’t even buy them!
- Drink before you eat – Most of the time when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty, so before you eat, try drinking two cups of water and waiting 20 minutes. If you are still hungry then go ahead and have your next nutritious meal.
- Get Food Educated – Education is power and food awareness is key. I strongly suggest that you become aware of what is in your food by doing your research and keeping a food journal. One of my favorite online journal sites is www.myfitnesspal.com. You can also use this site by downloading the free mobile apps.
Inspiration & motivation techniques:
- Look at your “Before” or “Goal” photos – Keep your before or goal photos close and any time you are feeling unmotivated or weak to a tempting situation, then look at them as a reminder of where you don’t (or do) want to be.
- Visualize your dream body – The power of the mind is amazing. See it, believe it, BE it!
- Feel the joy of reaching your goal – Feel the joy and success as though you have already accomplished it. This feeling will transcend happiness through your entire being and help you stay on track.
- Think long-term over short-term satisfaction – Think about how you will feel AFTER the last bite of that tasty treat has passed your lips. Think of how proud you will be once you walk away from it. Is the short-term satisfaction more fulfilling than the satisfaction of reaching your long term goal?… No, it’s not.
- Consistency is key – Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see your results. Consistency is the key to reaching your goals. Stay on track and I guarantee your hard work and dedication will pay off
- Diet is #1 – Diet is the biggest contributor to success or failure. Work smarter not harder by keeping your diet clean.
Here’s to the best you in 2012!
Exercise your Body, Stretch your Mind, Feed your Soul.







Everyone looks forward to the holiday season filled with cheer, festivities and oh yeah….food. Getting swept up in the parties doesn’t give you the right to wreck the progress you’ve made on your diet (not to mention fitting into your skinny jeans!).
