How to Add Jogging to Your Fitness Regimen

One of my lifelong goals has always been to jog. I think since I was a little girl I have always been fascinated with how graceful most runners look. Granted running is definitely a step up from jogging, but still the idea of moving with the wind at my back, the sun on my face and the pebbles crackling beneath my feet is appealing. So this year after I completed my first round of P90X ®, I decided I was going to even turn it up more with round 2. I bought and incorporated the P90X+ ® . The same P90X ® intensity you know and love, only at a quicker pace and shorter workouts. Definitely a great way to BRING IT and bring the sweat! I can't say enough good things about this program. Still there was that desire to fulfill my lifelong goal. So I set out on a journey to add in jogging 3 miles 3 days a week. I am happy to report I DID IT! I hit my goal mark last weekend.

For some people, this might seem pretty trivial. For me - it was monumental. When I look back at where my fitness was compared to last summer, I would have been lucky to jog two or three blocks at most. Not that I didn't try. I did - over and over. At least we can say I am persistent when I really want something.

What I have learned from the experience is it is POSSIBLE to reach your fitness goals if you (1)are persistent, (2)set smaller goals to achieve the bigger ones and (3)remain patient. I started out by finding a good location where I could measure my progress. I used the track at our local middle school. Each lap measured a quarter of a mile. At first I would walk 4 laps, jog 3 laps and finally walk 5 laps - 3 miles total. As the weeks went by I started lessening the laps I walked and adding a quarter of a mile to the laps I would jog. Then as a surprise to myself, I hit the point where I just added a half a mile and finally achieved the full 3 mile jog! I can't even begin to describe the moment I knew I had finally succeeded.

When it comes to your fitness program, always remember you are in the driver's seat. You are the one that ultimately decides at what pace you will go and just how far you will travel. It's not a race, it's a lifestyle. For me, it is looking at the years I am adding to my quality of life. Yeah, that's me. I am a planner. I want to be one of those "grandmas" scooting around town in my cute little jogging pants and sun visor. I want to know long after they have retired my driver's license, I will still have a mode of transportation...even if it is my own two feet.

So where from here? I am just content right now on working on improving my time with the 3 miles. I will call it my pacifier until the real excitement starts. I am just biding my time until the real cardio rush begins. TurboFire ® is going to rock my cardio world - that's when the real adrenaline rush begins! Then watch out world because I am going to be unstoppable!!! LOVE IT!

Easy Veggies & Brown Rice

1 cup Long Grain Brown Rice
2 1/4 cups Water
1 Tomato Bouillon cube

1 tbsp Virgin Olive Oil
1 Medium White Onion chopped
1 (12 oz.) pkg Kroger Fiesta Blend Vegetables
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
Salt & Pepper to taste

In medium sauce pan bring rice, water and bouillon to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 40 minutes with lid tight (no peaking). When done, uncover and set aside 5 minutes. Then fluff with fork.

After rice has finished simmering and you have it set aside, in medium skillet add oil and chopped onion. Cook until onion is translucent. While the onion is cooking, microwave frozen vegetables in bag for 4 minutes. Pour microwaved vegetables into skillet with onion, sprinkle with garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon vegetables over prepared rice and serve. Delicious!!!

Serving size: 1
Approximately: 4 Servings

Calories:  253  Total Fat:  4.9 g   Cholesterol:  0 mg
Sodium:  439 mg   Potassium: 159 mg   Carbs:  47 g
Dietary Fiber: 8 g   Sugar: 2 g   Protein: 7 g

So How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight?

Isn't funny that this question is probably the most asked question of anyone looking to get in shape? We never even consider "how long" it took us to get to the incredibly unhealthy state we are in when we finally have that "wake up call." I spent years playing the yo-yo game. The days when it simply wasn't about nutrition or exercise - the days when it was all about "what can I do or take to make these 5, 10, 15, 20... pounds go away?" I have probably tried every fad diet on the market. If you were to step into my living room and glance at my bookshelves, you would find a HUGE assortment of books written claiming to be "the one true" way to lose weight and keep it off. Not that I am going to discount these diets or their promises you will lose weight, because quite honestly - I did lose weight. The problem was maintaining the weight loss.

I know there are a few, if not many, of you reading this that know exactly what I am talking about. You follow the diet to the "T" and miraculously the weight just seems to drop off of you. Then one day you reach your goal weight, you are wearing the size you wanted to wear and life is perfect. You immediately rush out and buy yourself that new wardrobe and sport that fantastic body all over town.

Now let's fast-forward this moment to two or three months later. You've resumed eating normal meals again, you've added in the protein, fat, carbs or whatever you were told to avoid to lose the weight. But something has changed...those size 6 jeans suddenly don't look as good as they once did. That muffin top is coming back and it doesn't look pretty and where the heck did that double-chin come from? OMG! Are you actually getting bigger than you were before? And what about that cellulite...was that there before? Um yeah, I've been there. Incredibly not just once or twice - that was more like the story of my life. It's a vicious cycle and one that is destine to repeat itself over and over until you decide NO MORE!

In November of 2007 I reached my all time highest weight - I toppled the scales at 188 pounds! Mind you, I am a small-framed woman at only 5 feet 4 inches tall. So any excess weight on my frame may as well be threefold. If you think the camera adds an additional 10 pounds, can you just imagine how "camera-shy" I became? If you look through our family albums during that time, I can guarantee you won't see any pictures of me. And the photos that did capture this very unflattering time in my life are the candid shots taken by friends and relatives that you "HOPE and PRAY" never get tagged on your Facebook page!

Fortunately, I caught an infomercial on television advertising Turbo Jam ® . It was right after Thanksgiving and I was feeling worse than ever. Everyone in the house had gone to bed and I was channel surfing, when this bubbly blonde was bouncing up and down on my television screen and you know what? She was having FUN! She was happy, smiling and it was exercise! The best part - Chalene Johnson said I could do it in my home. I could get the DVD, load it up in my player and just "PUSH PLAY!" How cool is that? NO special gym membership, NO fancy gym clothes, NO stares over my shoulders and NO "pity-party" from the Fit Girls Club. So I did it. I got my hot little hands on the program and my journey began - the journey that lead me to where I am today.

Now, I'm not going to lie to you. I've had my pitfalls and dabbled a little here and there. Exercise is not the total answer to solve all your problems. As a matter of fact, I am the "QUEEN of DENIAL" when it comes to that. Doing the program and not eating properly will get you results - just not the REAL results you want. It took me about a year and half to figure that one out. Then probably another half a year to realize that it wasn't going to be a "pick and choose" thing on having some good foods mixed with bad. If I really wanted it - I had to commit.

This year I started doing P90X ® . This had been my ultimate goal since my journey with Team Beachbody began. I was happy with my progress, but not getting those KILLER results I really wanted. Finally, I caught a chat with Tony Horton and his challenge to give up a few things to gain "feeling better than I ever had before." It was at that moment, "IT ALL CLICKED!" Nutrition and Exercise = A HAPPIER HEALTHIER YOU!

It was then and only then that my life has been forever changed. I finally got it, the "light-bulb" turned on! If you want the results, you have to fuel your body with the proper nutrition and exercise. It isn't one or the other. It is a package deal. And if you want to keep those results, you have to commit to making this a "lifestyle change." So when people ask me, "how long does it take to lose the weight?" My one reply is "as long as it takes you to decide to make the commitment to change your lifestyle."

DECIDE * COMMIT * SUCCEED!!! 

You don't have to be the "fat-girl" anymore and you don't have to do it alone. I am here to help you with your journey. Let's start writing your SUCCESS STORY today. Email me at equildottsin@beachbodycoach.com . If you have questions, we will find you answers!

Curried Tuna to Celebrate Halfway Point

I have successfully completed Week 6 of the P90X+® !This morning was Kenpo Cardio Plus. I just love Kenpo. That tells me that I am so ready to move to the next level. I can't wait until they launch the TurboFire® . Life couldn't be more exciting than it is now.

Today I went shopping for new clothes! YAY ME! What girl doesn't like getting a "smaller" wardrobe? It was simply fabulous to walk into that dressing room and slide those skinny jeans on. Can we say "buh-bye fat pants...hello skinny jeans?" Armed with all my new clothes (shopping bags galore), I rushed home and immediately boxed up all those big girl pants. Yes, tomorrow we will be making a Goodwill donation. There will be NO COMFORT ZONE in this house. That size is long gone and no reason for it to return. Temptation has left the premises.

To keep my eating in check, I also picked up some really cool cookbooks today at the local garage sales. Isn't just amazing what some people with practically give away? My favorite find in garage sales are cookbooks. And today I scored big time. One of the cookbooks I found was copyright 1990 "Light & Easy for Two!" by Lee Harvey & Helen Chambers. The cookbook is complete with shopping guides, food storage recommendations, tips, sample menus and delicious recipes. Each recipe shows a breakdown for both oven and microwave directions. It truly is filled with some very good recipes. Tonight I ventured on the Curried Tuna recipe. Excellent choice! This recipe will definitely be a keeper for my family.

Curried Tuna

1 tbsp Canola oil
1 small Onion, chopped
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1 Celery Stalk, sliced thin
2 tsp Brown Rice Flour
1 1/4 tsp Curry Powder
1/4 tsp White Pepper
1/2 cup Vegetable Bouillon
1 (1.5 oz) small box Raisins
1 (6.5 oz) can Chunk Tuna in water, drained
1 small Jazz Apple, chopped
Prepared Brown Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil slightly. Add the onion, garlic and celery. Cook until softened. Stir in the flour, curry powder and pepper. Add the vegetable bouillon, stirring to avoid lumps, while thickening slightly. Mix in the raisins and tuna, cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the apple and cook and additional minute or to desired consistency. Serve over prepared brown rice.

Recipe was modified to make it Gluten free. Light & Easy For Two! Lee Harvey & Helen Chambers.

Serving size: Curried Tuna over one cup prepared brown rice.

Approximately: 2 Servings


Calories: 457 Total Fat: 10 g Cholesterol: 27 mg
Sodium: 350 mg Potassium: 711 mg Carbs: 65 g
Dietary Fiber: 6 g Sugar: 13 g Protein: 29 g

Tacos without Guilt

One of my favorite things to do is to take my family's favorite foods and try to create healthier versions. WE LOVE TACOS!!! Who doesn't? But all that grease doesn't make me very happy. Not to mention the FAT. So let's do the comparison. Two tacos at a nationally known fast-food Mexican restaurant will set you back 440 calories, 28 g of fat, 70 g of cholesterol, 720 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber, 4 g sugar and 18 g of protein.  Let's note my healthier version has almost 2/3 less fat (and by the way those are good fats), NO cholesterol, 4 times the fiber!!! The sodium is a toss up. I suppose if you use a low sodium taco seasoning or get a little creative with the spices and you could totally tweak this number, too. I just went for convenience, but it definitely could be corrected with a little experimenting. Plus I can guarantee my portions are a lot heartier than you will find wrapped in those waxed tissue papers in your little white paper bag...still not naming names here.

Clean eating doesn't have to mean giving up the foods you love. It simply means finding better alternatives to make healthier choices when it comes to your nutrition. The nice thing about my recipe is it is not only vegetarian, but gluten free as well!

As a wife and a mother, I want to know that I am giving my family the best nutrition possible. Finding creative ways to make their favorite foods healthier that taste good is a win win for everyone. They get the foods they love and I get the satisfaction of knowing what they are eating is actually good for them.  What is your family's favorite foods and how are you making them healthier? I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave your comments.

Meatless Tacos

Taco Filling:

1 (29 oz.) can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 (1.5 oz) can Black Olives, chopped
1 Medium Onion, chopped
1 tbsp Canola Oil
2 Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
2 tbsp Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped
1 pkt Taco Seasoning Mix
2/3 cup Water

In large skillet over medium heat add canola oil and stir in onion, jalapeno pepper and garlic. Cook at medium heat stirring constantly until onions are translucent. Add in black beans, black olives, water and taco seasoning. Bring to boil at high heat and boil for about 1 minute. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Stir in cilantro. With hand masher, press bean mixture until desire consistency.

Taco Fixings:

Round Gluten Free Corn Tortillas
Tofutti Sour Supreme (imitation sour cream from tofu)
Shredded Romaine Lettuce
Chopped Tomatoes
Salsa (if desired)

Serving size: 2 Tacos
Approximately: 6 Servings

Calories:  350  Total Fat:  10 g   Cholesterol:  0 mg
Sodium:  830 mg   Potassium:  646 mg   Carbs:  52 g
Dietary Fiber: 9 g   Sugar: 1 g   Protein: 12 g

Gettng the Skinny on Shakeology

I'm not going to try to be the infomercial here for Shakeology®. If you really want to know everything that is in it and what other people think about it, then you should check out the SHAKEOLOGY® website. I could go on and on about the over 70+ ingredients, but the truth is I don't have to. I mean when something taste good do you really care what's in it? Well, of course you do. Just testing to see if you are paying attention. But let's face it, there are a lot of people out there that are plain skimping on taste just because some celebrity is endorsing it as being the GREATEST thing since sliced bread on the market. Ok, we all know now that sliced bread wasn't necessarily the greatest or healthiest thing for you. So I am going out on a limb here, but betting so are a lot of those "DRINK ME SKINNY" products out there.

Truth of the matter is, if you are looking for a meal replacement - then you really ought to be looking at the nutritional value you are substituting for your meal. Otherwise you are probably going to rob your body of some very vital nutrients you need to help build and develop the lean muscular body you really want. So how are you going to know what's right for you? The same "label reading" method you have been perfecting when making better food choices while developing healthy eating habits. You need to get out there, look at the assortment of products and make an informed choice about what is right for you. Not just because some Hollywood actor or actress says it's "how they got their body." I'm betting all those personal trainers and hours at the gym had a little to do with it. I mean, if I could spend 4-5 hours in the gym everyday I probably could get that hourglass killer body while being the spokesperson for tap water. But I imagine most of you reading this are just like me. I live in the 8 to 5 corporate world where my mornings are filled with rise and shine workout sessions (even though P90X+® is so worth it) grabbing a quick shower, making breakfast and getting the little guy off to school and me out the door to the job within seconds of missing the next click on the time clock. My evenings are spent cooking meals, helping with homework, doing the dishes, getting the little guy off to bed and then if I am lucky, a few minutes to myself to blog or play on Facebook. My weekends are filled with catching up laundry, running errands and attending whatever sports activity my little guy is currently participating in (sometimes multiple events on one day). I just want something that helps me meet my nutritional goals, taste good and is convenient enough I can pack it and GO!

I like Shakeology® because Team Beachbody did an excellent job of putting all the things I need in a convenient carry-along pouch. I mean as you read above, I don't have very many minutes in the day to always make the best nutritional choices. So having one of these in my purse all the time just helps me to stay on track of my nutrition goals. It's like always having a plan! And everyone knows "if you fail to plan, plan to fail." So I'm not going to tell you what you have to buy, I'm just telling you to do the comparison. Research the other meal replacements out there. Compare what you are getting for your money. Then make an informed choice.


®

Seeing the "WHY" and Reaching Success

 I hope everyone had a simply fabulous Mother's Day! I am so excited to say I achieved my weekly goal of jogging 2 miles. Yesterday I went to the ball fields after a fantastic Mother's Day lunch with my husband and son. It was so peaceful. Nothing but me and nature. I had the iPod all ready to go, when suddenly I realized - the battery was dead. No worries. It was too beautiful a day to let a little thing like that keep me from jogging my victory miles. So I just let the sounds of nature and the crushing pebbles beneath my feet keep me company. Before I knew it, I had reached 2.14 miles! Life is good.

It definitely made me more aware of the "WHY" in pushing forward with my fitness and nutrition goals. I really want to be someone my son can look up to. I want him to see that it is possible to enjoy a happy healthy life. I'm hoping that by putting our health and fitness as a priority, I will somehow help him to avoid all those pitfalls I suffered through. Not to mention the fact that I want to be around for him.

Today started Week 6 with the P90X +®. This morning was Upper Body Plus / Abs Core Plus. I'm so excited about my progress. I just know that Clean Eating, P90X+® and jogging are going to ROCK ME LEAN!!!

Here is a great recipe I threw together tonight to keep us moving forward! I just love exploring all the great vegetable alternatives out there! Eating Clean is not only healthy and fun - it's NUTRITIOUS! What more could a mom as for?

Chickpea and Barley Vegetable Soup

2 quarts water
1 (29 oz.) can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (12 oz.) pkg frozen Mirepoix Cajun Blend Vegetables (Onions, Celery, Green Peppers)
1 (12 oz. )pkg frozen Mixed Vegetables
1 can Petite Tomatoes, drained
1 cup uncooked Pearl Barley

2 cubes Vegetable Bouillon
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Parsley
1 tsp Curry Powder
¼ tsp Black Pepper
1 Bayleaf, crushed

In large soup pot, combine all ingredients.  Bring to rapid boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook 60-90 minutes until barley is tender stirring occasionally. Ladle into serving bowls and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 233.5 Total Fat 1.6g  Sodium 369.1 mg
Potassium 337.9 mg Total Carbohydrate 47.5 g
Dietary Fiber 9.7 g Sugars 1.2 g Protein 8.5 g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Time to TURBO Your P90X - Exclusive TurboFire® Sneak Preview

I am so excited to announce that from May 3, 2010 thru June 2, 2010 Team BeachBody is offering an exclusive sneak preview to the much anticipated TurboFire®. Tony Horton One on One® subscribers will get a FREE full workout sample of TurboFire®, the new High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Program. If you've been looking for a program to rev up your metabolism and get maximum calorie burn, you won't want to miss the chance to preview this program. It is the perfect addition to your P90X® regimen. For all you serious P90X® fans, this will be taking your cardio program to the next level.TurboFire® is a great idea for P90X® users who want to add more cardio to their regimen and an excellent "graduate" course for Turbo Jam®, Hip Hop Abs®, or Slim in 6® enthusiasts.

Don't know what HIIT really is? HIIT is a high intensity interval training routine that is specifically designed to help you get maximum results through cycling your cardio routine with high intensity energy burst. When you do a normal cardio routine, your body adapts to the routine and burns calories in what is known as a "steady state." With a HIIT routine you don't allow your body to reach this steady state, thus you will be burning more calories! This type of training raises your heart rate and allows you to keep burning calories long after your workout. This is definitely the type of fitness program you need if you are looking to rev up your metabolism and trim fat. It is an excellent addition to any weight loss regimen.

What better way to introduce TurboFire® than to bring it along with Tony Horton's One on One® subscription. Any P90X® enthusiast will love continuing their P90X® program with a new workout delivered to their mailbox each and every month! Tony's One on One® workouts offer the same P90X® intensity only at quicker pace. Most workouts are between 20-40 minutes long and are designed to target a specific muscle group. This month enjoy Tony's One on One® 4 Legs! Tony works the biggest muscles in your body while forcing you to work on one leg! The benefits of this program will be apparent as you build strength, stamina and balance. This is definitely a MUST-HAVE for any P90X® fan!



So what are you waiting for? Let's get your fitness on track today! Order Tony's One on One® today! Don't forget, if you order through me - I will be your fitness coach! Together we can knock out those workouts and BRING IT P90X® Style! If you are looking for a fitness coach that will be there and keep you motivated, then I am the girl for you. Not sure if you are P90X® ready? Just visit my website and look at all the other in home fitness programs Team Beachbody has to offer. I will be more than happy to visit with you and get your fitness started in the right direction. Simply hit the CONTACT button and let's talk fitness!

Understanding Vegan vs. Vegetarian

The more I study about the vegan society and vegetarians, the more I am convinced there is so much to explore. First, would probably be to distinguish the difference between the two groups. Vegans advocate that our food should come from fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and other nonanimal products. This would also include not eating eggs, milk, butter, cheese and honey. Yes, I did say honey. If it is something that came from an animal source - insects included - vegans do not consume it. In the fabulous words of Tony Horton, "if it has eyes and feet - don't eat." Veganism focuses on alternatives to the use of animals and animal products for our survival. They strive for living compassionately by means that benefit both man and animal. They are strong advocates against animal cruelty and usage.

Vegetarians on the other hand tend to have a broader scope when it comes to their nutritional choices. In fact there is more than one type of vegetarian! Who knew? Seems there is basically a category that almost anyone can fit into that is trying to clean up their diet. Some of the different types include:

• Flexitarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but occasionally eat meat.
• Lacto vegetarians - people who eat no flesh of any kind, but their diet includes dairy products.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians - same as Lacto vegetarians only their diet includes eggs.
• Macrobiotic - people who refrain from the use of any processed or refined foods. Their diets are largely whole grains, seeds, beans and vegetables.
• Fruitarians - people who eat primarily fruit. A person is considered a Fruitarian if 75% of their diet is fruit. Fruitarians also seeds, nuts and vegetables like tomatoes.
• Pollo vegetarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but include poultry in their diet. Some Pollo vegetarians also include eggs and dairy products.
• Pescetarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but include fish and sea food in their diet. Pescetarians refrain from eating mammal or bird.

These are only a few. The list goes on and on. After finishing our last challenge on the Cinderella Pact, I've tried really hard to maintain the vegan diet. But have to admit, it has been a little difficult for me. I tend to be more the Pescetarian. Not that I don't totally enjoy all the terrific vegetable options out there - because I truly do. I just seem to really lack in quick and easy ideas and keep going back to fish. One of my favorite easy fish meals is:

EASY BAKED TILAPIA

1 Large Package of frozen Tilapia (about 12 pcs)
3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Chesapeake Bay Seasoning
Lemon Pepper
Paprika
Dill Weed
2 (10 oz.) packages of frozen vegetables
Garlic Powder

In 9 X 13 baking dish drizzle olive oil. Roll frozen tilapia to coat with oil. Sprinkle seasonings (Chesapeake Bay, Lemon Pepper, Paprika, Dill weed) to coat top of tilapia (I didn't give measurements here because I love to sprinkle heavy...love lots of spices). Pour frozen vegetables over the top of seasoned fish then sprinkle tops of vegetables with Garlic Powder. Cover with aluminum foil and seal the edges. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Fish will be flaky when done. Remove from oven and set on top of stove for about 5 minutes. Peel back foil and enjoy!!! Perfect every time!!! WE LOVE THIS.The photo above is Easy Baked Tilapia with broccoli florets. I also prepared Taste of Home's Easy Vegetable Rice.

So whether you are trying to become a vegan or just exploring some of the alternative vegetarian diets out there, one thing is certain - eating more fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains will definitely enhance your nutritional regimen. There is truly a perfect balance between clean eating and exercise. It is called a NEW FIT YOU!!!

I'd love to hear about your favorite vegetarian dishes or simply where you go to find your favorite recipes. Please feel free to leave a comment!

Making the Most of Your Time

You know it really is CRAZY just how many people I have tell me they "just don't have time" to workout or they wish "they had more time" and then they could workout. I would really like to be more sympathetic, but the truth is I really can't be. I know that may sound a little harsh, but when someone says this to me the first thought that goes through my mind is "you are telling me you don't have TIME for YOU!" WOW! You have decided that everything else in the world is far more important than YOU. Ok, maybe that is really not what you are intending to say - but it is how it just came across.

Truth of the matter is we all have the same 24 hours a day as everyone else on the planet. There is no possible way I could give you more hours in your day, or for that matter take any away from you. The thing I will do for you is show you how to plan. You need to know how to put "YOU" on the list.

1.  Start each day off by making a "to-do" list. List out the 10 most important tasks you would like to accomplish that day. Then number each item by relevance of importance.
2. Invest in one of those cute little inexpensive daily planners. I like the ones that have my days broken down in 15 minute increments.
3. The first thing I want you to put in your daily planner is your workout time. Block off at least 1-hour of uninterrupted time you can devote to working out (whether it's going for a jog, walk or hammering out one of those P90X routines...GET IT IN THE PLANNER). If you are going to a gym to workout, be sure you allow travel time to and from the gym. BONUS: If you are doing P90X or another home fitness program...you are already making more effective use of that precious time =). Statistics prove we are more likely to keep our appointments when we schedule them. So think of it like that important meeting or doctor's appointment you wouldn't want to miss. Then just as you would keep those appointments - commit to the one you just made for your fitness.
4. Next, take each of those important task you want to accomplish and schedule them in your planner. You will be surprised how much easier it is to fit something into your daily routine when you have it on paper. 

Your fitness really is an important part of making sure you are living the quality of life you deserve. So when you are making that appointment, try to schedule a time that will be both realistic and productive. If you are a morning person, plan to workout first thing after you get up. If you are more of a night owl, plan your workouts for the evening hours. All of us are different. Just be sure to find a time where you will be energized to give it your best effort.  Working out first thing in the mornings works best for me because then I know it will get done and don't have to worry about any other distractions taking away from my "me-time."

You may find that you run into the unexpected and sometimes all the things you wanted to get done don't happen on your "to-do" list. That's ok. Life is like that. We all have projects that take a little more time than we expected or something else comes up and you don't get to it. You haven't failed. As a matter of fact, you probably accomplished much more with your day had you not planned at all. Just carry it over to the next day's "to-do" list. The point is to try to schedule your day instead of leaving it all to chance. Successful people make good use of their time. They have a plan!

I'm really excited that my planning is starting to pay off. The other night after going for my jog when I came home to take a shower I noticed my back muscles are FINALLY starting to show! YAY me! So I had to grab the camera and take a quick photo. I have my 30-Day photos coming up on Monday. I can't wait to see the comparison. It truly is the best reward when you can actually see your efforts!

Keep bringing it!!!