Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? Recaps @MoreMag @OxygenMagazine @PreventionMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of More, Oxygen and Prevention 

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

I am back from conventions and work stuff and ready to rock it like a hurricane people! That's right--Brooklyn Fit Chick is back and ready for some magazine recapping so let’s just dive right in and do this thing!

 

 

 

More: October 2012

•  Salma Hayek: The beyond-gorgeous actress started her career as soap star in Mexico and through hard work and will has created an incredible life for herself. At 46-years old (!) Salma runs many businesses including her own line of juices and a beauty line sold at CVS. Plus when she is not filming with Adam Sandler or creating hit TV shows (Ugly Betty) she is a an attentive mom to five-year old Valentina. I need a nap just reading how busy she is! (I have loved her work on 30 Rock!)
•  “Look Better with Age” 20 women offered their secrets to looking and feeling their best.
• “Your Fall Beauty Shopping List” I love, love, love me some beauty stories and these pages had me very eager to go out and try all of the lotions and potions.
• “Hail to the Sheath” This being an election year (have you noticed?) More asked seven newswomen to try on the hot fall trend—sheath dresses. Included are Christina Bellantoni, Chris Jansing, Soledad O’Brien, Helene Cooper, Kathleen Parker, Norah O’Donnell and Maggie Haberman.
• “A Field Guide to the Mature Man” More attempts to instruct us about all things dealing with the male species and they include a feature on  the adorable Joel McHale plus they asked comedian Kathy Griffin to name her top reasons NOT to date a man over 40 which totally cracked me up.

•  “Maura Tierney: Debunking Chemo Myths” The soon-to-be featured in The Good Wife star has survived breast cancer for three years now and talks to More about dealing with chemo and how she maintains her good health these days.

 

Check out MORE online here: www.more.com

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: October 2012

• “Can Kettlebells Trump the Treadmill?” Oxygen looks into the benefits of choosing one over the other when you are crunched for workout time.
• “Lift Up to Firm Up” Do you have medicine balls? Then take this workout with you to work out the entire body.  
• “Nothing Can Stop Me Now!” Cover star Melissa Hall is showing off her strong, fit frame after having twins. The former Ms. Bikini Universe is back into the competition game and participated this past August in the WBFF World Championship.
• “Break Through Your Comfort Zone” Jordan Symonds of Reebok CrossFit demonstrates a WOD routine that will kick yer butt for sure.  
• “Bottoms Up” If you are looking to work on your glutes—these pages will give ideas that will do just that.
• “Make a Date with Your Weights” You know that lifting weights is just as important for women as it is for men? So do it!!
• “Build a Stronger Back” Oxygen magazine is not interested in creating “skinny minnies” but rather strong females with defined muscles. Here we get ideas on how to build a stronger back.
• “How I Learned to Clean up a Classic” Tosca Reno talks about visiting a sausage factory (get your mind out of the gutter—it was a REAL sausage factory) and figuring how to make a “clean” version of sausage.

 

Check out Oxygen online: www.oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

 

Prevention: October 2012

• Dr. Oz:  Talk show host and Oprah favorite Dr. Mehmet Oz shares his secrets to “great health” including never skipping breakfast, getting “off your tush” and creating more intimacy in your life.
• “The Healing Power of Plants” The best in the natural world of herbs to cure your stomach aches, ease your heartburn and more.
• “The New Way to Walk it Off” Did you know that using walking poles will help you burn 50% more calories on your next power walk? So get a pair and use them!
• “Mammograms: Who Needs Them” Prevention is taking on the subject of breast cancer (October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and informing us on who needs to get a mammogram and when.
• “Problem Solved: Dry Eye” Back when contact lenses were expensive and total crap—I used to have this problem all of the time so I can relate. Here we get tips on how to avoid temporary dry eye.
• “Take a Hike” Loved this! A whole section on the best outdoor gear for your feet. Who doesn’t like a good hike in this fall weather?  

 

Check out Prevention online www.prevention.com  

 

 

That’s all she wrote today folks.  Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Giveaway Time! #fitbloggin @Reebok Goodie Bag & More!

 

 

Fitbloggin’ Goodie Bag Giveaway Time!

 

Featuring Reebok Sneakers, McCormick Spices, “Lean Beef’ Apron, “Nature Made” Exercise Bands, Zumba Bracelet, Soyjoy Bar and a Crab Pen!!!

 

 

Hello everybody!

 

Today I am finally getting to my big Fitbloggin’ giveaway—whoo hoo! To read all about the conference check out the official link here. And to find out what and how I am doing this damn giveaway—keep reading…

 

 

Most of what you view in the photo above will be given away (I had to keep my Fitbloggin’ shirt and JumpSport protein shake bottle for pity’s sake!) But I am including a pair of Reebok sneakers (Size 9!) spices from McCormick Spices (who gave an exclusive tour to the attendees,) an exercise band from Nature Made vitamins, an apron from the folks at the National Cattleman’s Association (think lean beef,) a Soyjoy bar, candy from a Brooklyn-based company (my treat to you!) and a pen with a crab on the top that I bought at the hotel gift shop. Really!

 

Click on the link below to see all the goodies. After that, scroll down to see how to win everything.

 

 

 

You can read all about the Reebok shoes here at this link. I already have a pair in pink and I just love them to death so I just had to share then to one of my wonderful readers! You can use them for CrossFit should you be ready to give that a whirl (which I did with the totally amazing @DubyaWife) or any other aerobic activity. Plus, they come in a groovy purple color which will jazz up any workout outfit.

 

Along with all of the items mentioned; I will also include a whole slew of coupons I was given as well. You’re welcome!

 

Plus, you get all of the goodies in a brand-new (only once used) gym bag and I will ship it directly to you. YES! I will buy the box, pack it up safely and send off via UPS to your home or office (Continental U.S. only please.)

 

So how do you enter to win this thing? You must do all of the following to be considered:

1. Subscribe to my You Tube channel (BrooklynFitChick1)
2. Tweet out this giveaway (@BrooklynFitChik)
3. Comment on this post below.

 

Got that? Easy peasy, right?

 

I will randomly pick one lucky winner next Wednesday, October 3^rd at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. So let’s do this thing already!

 

Good luck and thanks so much for reading my Blog. I really appreciate it!

 

Ox Ox,

BFC 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

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What Did We Learn at #Fitbloggin This Year? with @MizFitOnline @JackSht @FatGirlVsWorld @DietsInReview ...

 

 

Fitbloggin’ 2012

 

My Recap of the Amazing, Incredible and Fabulous 2012 Fitbloggin!!!

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

This past weekend the Fitbloggin convention met in Baltimore and I had an amazing time. In fact, I am so overcome with how much enjoyable it was (and how much I miss my Blogger friends already) that I had to just SHOW you how great it was and not merely tell.

 

Keep in mind that next year’s event will take place in Portland from June 25^th – 27^th. Who is meeting me there?

 

My apologies in advance for however long this takes to load on your computer but I took so many great pictures and I just had to share them.

 

Now, let’s do this thing!

 

I was thrilled to hang out with the amazing Brandi K. of Diets in Review (@DietsInReview) and could not believe my ears when I learned that we share a favorite movie—the 1987 classic Overboard. (How much do you love her curly hair?)

 

 

 

My first night was spent at the famous Phillips seafood restaurant with Brandi, Dr. Mary Hartley (@MaryHartleyRD) and Mark L. who is a past winner of The Biggest Loser (@blmark.) Such great company and yummy oysters!

 

 

Here we have the outrageous Robby of @FatGirlvsWorld lifting a JumpSport Fitness Trampoline @fittrampoline (She gives amazing hugs by the way.)

 

 

 

Sheryl Yvette (@bitchcakesny) looked totally amaze-balls as always. Honestly—this woman is style personified! (She was pretending to slap her own ass while the photo was being taken. So sassy!)

 

 

Do you follow Jack Sh*t (@JackSht) and Tara M. @tidbits_of_tara because you damn well should!

 

 

This is my “sister from another mister” Christine A. @DubyaWife. We did CrossFit together and actually survived!

 

 

 

Me with my Long Island pal Toni C. @tonee78 who is a badass runner.

 

 

 

I took my first Zumba class with the world-famous Sue O. @mrsfatass and she rocked it!

 

 

I had to grab her for a hug afterwards.

 

 

 

Carla B. @MizFitOnline was looking fierce as she always does. (Look at those guns!)

 

 

 

JumpSport Fitness Trampoline presented a class and one of its biggest fans was Susan I. @foodiemacbody seen here with Master Intructor Jeff McMullen @jefffitnesspro

 

 

Here is a view of the gorgeous Bar Harbor region of Baltimore. (It was hard not to duck outside and take in the view!)

 

 

 

Now the one thing that DID suck about my trip was the crappy hotel where I chose to stay (and refuse to name publicly) which featured an old musty room, threadbare linens and this crappy view…

 

 

Holy shite! I left Brooklyn for this?  (Note to self—do NOT grab the first bargain I find online.)

 

Anyhoo—tomorrow I will feature my own giveaway featuring many of the items you will see below that came with the goodie bag I received our first night. (We got tons of great SWAG!) Just scroll down to my next posting to see the Vlog describing its contents and then check back tomorrow to find out how to win it. (Hint--subscribing to my You Tube channel is key!)

 

 

I hope that if you did not make it to this year’s event that you can make it happen next June in Portland!

 

Until next time one and all…

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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What Did We Learn This Week? Vlog #Fitbloggin 2012 Version (with Giveaway!)

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick “What Did We Learn This Week” Vlog 

Episode 4

 

The "I Loved FitBloggin' So Much I Am Giving Away My Goodie Bag" Version

 

Hi Everyone!

 

Whoo boy! I just got back from the wonderful and amazing Fitbloggin' conference and I am just so filled with enthusiasm and love that I want to pass it along to one of my lucky readers. Today's Vlog will show you the goodie bag we were all given at the conference plus the fun stuff I am offering as a giveaway. Details to come soon so keep checking back...

 

Vlog Post:

 

 

 

 

That's right folks--I am giving away a Reebok gym bag, a pair of size-9 sneakers and much more. You're welcome!

 

 

Talk soon!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

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Yoga Gear Giveaway Time! Courtesy of Stick-e @StickeSocks

 

 

Fun Yoga Stuff Giveaway Time!

 

Stick-e

 

 

 

Hello everybody!

Today’s giveaway is from the folks at Stick-e (www.stick-e.com) which is a brand-new company that creates unique exercise gear as a response to certain annoying yoga conundrums. Their price point is very accommodating (all items are under $50) and well made (I saw them in-person and was quite impressed) and I just knew my readers would think they are as cool as I do.

 

Yoga is an amazing practice to follow no matter what your age, size or fitness level but for people with knee and/or wrist issues—some of the poses can be extra challenging. So today I am very excited to be able to give away 3 Stick-e Knee and Wrist Savers and 3 Stick-e Wrist Saver blocks—whoo hoo! So here is more information about the items I am offering:

 

Stick-e Knee and Wrist Saver
The Stick-e® Knee and Wrist Saver is designed to decrease stress in the delicate wrist and knee joints.  By elevating the heel of the hand, the Wrist Saver® lessens extreme extension of the wrist, making exercises much more comfortable.  As a Knee Saver ™, this plum purchase provides comfort and support to the sometimes tender knee cap.  They are non-slip, one size, and orthopedic surgeon approved. Price $19.95/pair

 

 

Stick-e Wrist Saver Block
What better way to enhance your fitness experience than with the new Stick-e® Wrist Saver® Block! This two-in-one innovation combines the traditional foam Yoga Block with a wrist saving device to alleviate wrist discomfort during upper body exercises, yoga and Pilates poses, or everyone’s favorite, push-ups. Price: $19.95 each

 

You can follow Stick-e on Twitter @StickeSocks and on Facebook at Stick-e.

 

If you are interested in this giveaway (and why the heck wouldn’t you be?) all you have to do is just hit me up either by posting on this Blog or reaching out to me via Twitter @BrooklynFitChik and let me know which item you are hoping to win. Yup, that’s it! (Continental U.S. only please.) 

 

I will randomly pick the lucky winner next Wednesday, September 26^th at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!

 

Ox Ox,

BFC 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick

Instagram: margodono

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What Did We Learn This Week? Brooklyn Fit Chick Video Episode 3

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick “What Did We Learn This Week” Vlog 

Episode 3

 

Hi Everyone!

 

Today I have episode three of my Vlog and in it I talk about Taylor Swift and her (too) young boyfriend, Neil Patrick Harris' Halloween bash in Food & Wine magazine and the latest Vanity Fair featuring the Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise Scientology article. Juicy!!

 

Check it out here:

 

 

 

This week I am leaving for Fitbloggin' so please let me know if you will be there. Next episode--live from Baltimore. Can't gurantee I will be sober so stay tuned!

 

Tomorrow I have a new giveaway for the yoga fans so be sure to look out for it as well.

 

Talk soon!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

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What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine October Issue #FitFluential

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness: October 2012

 

 

 

 

What Do We Learn This Month in Fitness?

 

"Why I Gave Up My Breasts" 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fitness covers the issue with one of the most compelling features I have read in quite some time. Margaret W. Smith decided to have a double mastectomy (without reconstruction) at the age of 29. Smith gives us the reasons she came to this particular decision plus she bravely posed for the portrait below. A must read!

 

 

 

"Germs at the Gym" 

Be prepared to look at everything differently at the gym from now on. (Now, will someone please hand me some hand sanitizer?)

 

 

 

 

“Fitness Beauty Awards 2012”

Fitness picks the best of the best of this year’s crop of beauty products and I will want to run out and get most of them right away.

 

 

 

 

“Get Into the Groove”

Madonna has a fit and fab body so it comes as no surprise to me that she owns her own global gym chain—Hard Candy Fitness. Fitness has a routine from Hard Candy Fitness called “Jaw Breaker Chair” that features a chair and looks pretty cool though I am thinking you will need one really sturdy chair to do these moves.

 

The provocatively titled DVD for this workout is called Jaw Breaker Chair: Dripping Wet. True story!

 

 

 

 

"On the Ball” 

I love using a stability ball for my core workouts and these moves from Nedra Lopez of Studio by Remorca Fitness in New York City look very challenging indeed.

 

 

 

"The New Rules of Fitness” 

Forget about the old standby rules you have heard about fitness including one needs to have a sneaker with extra stability to be effective or that you have to have a gym buddy in order to workout harder (sometimes going it alone will help you gain focus and work ever harder.)

 

I liked the section that showed these “classic moves” done in a whole new way.

 

 

 

 And now the rest of the best of this issue of Fitness:

• “Make Tonight a Total Snoozefest” Getting more sleep has been a big goal of mine this year and articles like this one are a big help for me.   
• "Saving Face” Secrets for getting beautiful skin from top dermatologists.
• "See Spot Run" Taking your pooch out for a walk can include all kinds of extra exercise including lunges, sprints and jogging. Also features the best leashes to get for your particular breed of furry companion.
• "Ride On!” A complete “how-to bike ride” story that always makes me happy and makes me wish I could get on my bike right now.
• “Best of the Crunch” Fitness offers their “Healthy Food Awards for 2012.”
• “Healthy Little Helpers” A shopping page featuring some of the coolest kitchen gear I have seen in some time.

 

 

Overall Grade: 

A! This is one of my favorite issues of Fitness in quite some time. Tons of great information and workouts are featured here.

 

You can follow Fitness magazine at www.fitnessmagazine.com

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

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New Playlist Time! "The Big Climb Workout" #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"The Big Climb” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 

 

 

Hi Everyone!

 

I am back and rearin' to go after my restful “staycation” and the playlists are just pouring out of me.  Today, it is my pleasure to send along "The Big Climb" playlist that had my classes happy this past weekend. (Seriously, I folks were dancing outside the spin room!)

 

I was inspired by my monthly ride out to Far Rockaway (30 miles roundtrip with some hills) that includes clmbing over over the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge which you can see way, way out in the background of this photo (below.)

 

 

Technically you are not supposed to ride your bike over the bridge nor am I saying you should .In fact, if you are a new cyclist and/or afraid of heights—than I do not recommend this bridge at all. There is barely room to get by and it is rather treacherous.

 

But, if you like that kind of thrill—I will tag along with you to Far Rockaway anytime!

 

Anyhoo, two weeks ago I was climbing the bridge and I heard a couple of songs on my iPod that made me say “wow” out loud. These are songs I normally wouldn’t associate with indoor cycling but they were somehow perfect for steady climbs.

 

So here is my “Big Climb” playlist which features a couple of fast tunes but mainly heavier on the resistance songs. Enjoy.

 

• Where the Streets Have No Name: U2

One of my favorite U2 songs of all time—I prefer to use the longer 5-minute version from The Joshua Tree CD.

 

 

 

 

• Are You Gonna be My Girl: Jet

A nice hard charging tune to get the heart rate up and going.

 

 

 

 

• 25 Miles: Edwin Starr

This song plays toward the end of Adventures in Babysitting and no one is immune to its charms. (“Come on feet—don’t fail me now!”)

 

 

 

 

 

• Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked: Cage the Elephant

This is the first “mini-climb” of the class.

 

 

 

 

• Wild Thing: X

After watching Major League again for the 100^th time on cable I knew I had to somehow include this song.(Can someone explain the weird video to me? Is this from an Xbox game? Just curious. Thanks!)

 

 

 

 

 

• Basket Case: Greenday

I was referring to a couple of songs with a very fast beat before and this is the first one.

 

 

 

 

 

• Objection (Tango): Shakira

In my dreams my hips can move like Shakira. In reality my dancing resembles Elaine from Seinfeld.

 

 

 

 

 

• Paralyzer: Finger Eleven

As I am typing this I just figured out what “Finger Eleven” means—ha ha ha!!

 

 

 

 

• Jump: Van Halen

This is one of those songs that make people clap and smile from the beginning. (“Aw, might as well jump!”)

 

 

 

 

• Midnight City: M83

I know nothing about this band but when “Midnight City” comes on my iPod—I get transfixed by the music.

 

 

 

 

 

• Tongue Tied: Grouplove

A really “young” sounding song that I would normally associate with annoying hipsters but, in fact, I find it bouncy and enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

• Can I Get A: Jay-Z

Word to the wise—get the “clean” version to play out loud.

 

 

 

• The Middle: Jimmy Eat World

One of my favorite tunes from 2001. (I don't know what else to write about it!)

 

 

 

 

• I’m Like a Bird: Nelly Furtado

My favorite song by Nelly Furtado—it always makes me happy.

 

 

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

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New BFC Vlog Post Time! Episode 2 Featuring Empower Fitness 12 Rounds Boxing

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick “What Did We Learn This Week” Vlog 

Episode 2

 

Hi Everyone!

 

Today I have my second episode of my Vlog "What I Learned This Week?" featured in the clip below. This week I talk about Empower Fitness 12 Rounds of Boxing workout DVD that is taught by Jamie "The Hurricane' Clampitt plus why I learned about Jessica Alba in Self magazine and the joys of kicking people's. Check it out for yourself!

 

 

 

Stay tuned for new playlists, reviews, giveaways plus my upcoming postings on Fit Bottomed Girl. So much to look forward to (can you tell how excited I am?)  

 

Before I leave you, if you are on Instagram—please follow me at “margodono.”

 

Talk soon!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

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Guest Blogger: @DubyaWife Advice for Weightloss Seekers #FitFluential

 

 

Guest Blogger Post:

“DubyaWife”

 

(DubyaWife)

 

 

Today I am so pleased to introduce DubyaWife to all of you. I met her last year at Fitbloggin’ and think she has such an amazing story to tell. Here is her guest post:

 

 

 

After many years of weight loss and blogging about it, many of my friends, acquaintances, and in the "internet" world some people consider me a "guru."  (Me? of all people.)  Please by all means, do not take that to mean I'm full of myself.  I mean don't get me wrong, while I am very awesome (and completely humble about it.)  Compared to the enormity of others I'm a tiny fish in a big pond (perhaps a puffer fish?).  But nonetheless I'll have friends and e-mails come in from others asking advice and they usually all start the same way... (some slight variations)

 

 

"Dear DubyaWife, 

I'm fed up with being fat.   Starting tomorrow, I'm going on a diet and going to start exercising.  I've heard cardio is the best thing to do and that I need to eat more fish. I want to lose about 50 pounds.    What is your advice on the best way to lose weight?

Sincerely, 

Nameless"  

 

And here's my usual response, 

 

Dear Nameless, 

 

Though your e-mail is short, the content tells me a lot.  

 

First and foremost, quit calling yourself fat.  What that tells me is that you compare yourself to others, which is already part of the issue you probably have in becoming overweight.  It sounds like you lack the most important part of being you - self-confidence.  And trust me; you're going to need that on your weight loss journey.  You're not fat - you just make unhealthy decisions.  Just like many of us do.  Quit the self-hate and try some self-love. 

 

Next, I noticed you put "starting tomorrow" instead of "starting today" or "starting right now” That’s another thing you will need on your journey.  Each moment, each day is an opportunity to better yourself physically and mentally.  When you have a "poor choice moment" and find yourself halfway into the bag of Cheetos there will be a moment of decision-making:  Do you keep going and finish off the bag?  Well because, who cares at this point right?  Already made a mistake.... Or do you have the courage enough to admit the defeat, but try for better by putting them away and learning a lesson?  It seems like a small task to say "starting tomorrow I will” but you will need to come to the realization (or face guilt) that "Starting tomorrow" will be everyday, for the rest of your life.  And that sometimes, "Starting tomorrow" won't be possible... and that sometimes - it's okay.  There's a lesson in every success and failure. 

 

You also went on to say the most hated word in the "health" community.  Diet.  I know that it is easier to say "diet" than to say "healthy eating" or "nationally balanced meal planning” (which essentially is what you will be doing) Diet implies an end-date - and healthy eating shouldn't ever end.  Btw, eating fish everyday isn't going to get you skinny.  But for the most part there is no one protein shake, there is no one book, there is no cure all for your physical state.  Just as each person in the world is beautiful and unique, such is every journey.  So I encourage you instead to not read one blog, one book or one magazine on health and fitness - read ALL of them.  Because the better educated you are on the many many different methods of health and fitness the better prepared you are on your own journey.  So "eat healthy" - yes.  Diet - No. 

 

As far as exercise goes, all I can say is - it's like any relationship.  Some days you love it, some days you hate it, some days you don't know how you can live without it, and some days you want to choke it so hard its eyes will pop out of its head.  On those first days/weeks of an exercise routine, it will feel forced.  But hopefully you'll have that motivation to push you through.  As the motivation wanes hopefully by then it will become a habit.  And that habit will be like a drug that makes you feel better about yourself.  On the days you run/swim/bike you will feel like the ruler of the universe, and on the days you skip/miss you will feel like a failure.  Find the motivation and stick to it.  And change things up every once and a while.  You never know when you'll find something new and different that really excites you.  

 

Cardio while an important facet of fitness is NOT the weight-loss savior.  Cardiovascular exercise is one part of a multitude of fitness that is good for our body.  Strength training and flexibility are just as important.  Start off slow with just a few days per week (3-4) of 30 minutes or more of cardio (run/swim/bike).  But as your fitness level increases you'll want to add in strength training.  Lifting weights is NOT just for body builders.  If you ONLY do cardio you won't gain muscle.  Muscles are awesome and they look awesome.  Just trust me on this one.

 

So you say you "want to lose 50 pounds" and that's an admirable goal.  Now take it and throw it out the window!  From now on, you want to lose 1 lb.  That's it, just one.  And after that one, you want to lose another pound and then another.  And after about 50 weeks you'll look back and realize that you're ever closer to your 50 lbs.  Don't focus on the big picture, take baby steps.  Focus on that 1 lb.  Visualize it.  Make it happen.

 

So finally, to answer your question "What is my advice on the best way to lose weight?"  My answer is, there isn't.  There isn't ONE way or "the best way" to lose weight.  And in fact I don't even recommend anyone trying to "lose weight."  Shocked?  What I mean by that, dear Nameless, is "the best way to lose weight" is to love yourself and not worry about losing weight.  It sounds silly I know, but IMO, you're focused on the wrong thing.  

 

You'll notice in my response I've used the word "journey" multiple times and there's a reason for that.  Your goal is not weight loss, but instead a life style change.  And any momentous change takes time, acceptance, and commitment.  This is not a 3 month endeavor, but a lifelong endeavor - a journey.  I'm still on mine.  It sounds tough - and it is.  Every day is tough, but every day is rewarding.  Every day you need to commit to asking yourself, "What can I do today, right now, to be healthier?"  And remember that you're not doing it for the weight, how you'll look, your partner, or for any other reason than for yourself.  This is for you.  This is your health.  You are worthy of it, so go out and do it.  I'll promise you this, Nameless.  If you truly choose to be consistent, educate yourself, and focus on your physical self, you will find way more than weight loss.  You will find self-confidence, courage, and best of all self-love. 

 

Good luck to you, 

 

DubyaWife"

 

 

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Twitter: @dubyawife

http://www.dubyawife.com