Archived Posts I Archived Posts II Archived Posts III
April 29, 2009
Kids and sports
I came across this ad on another site recently and it really reminded me of how powerful this ad was over 10 years ago. However, since that time, now that I'm a mom of three, it really hits home even more.
People that have been athletes in their lives know the many wonderful qualities that sports can bring to your life. Parents of children that grew up as athletes will be able to tell you the same thing. What you learn in sports, you don't easily learn in school, if you learn it at all. You learn about true teamwork, dedication, character, adversity, challenges and of course, winning and losing.
The great thing about sports is that it is easy to see the connection between the all of these benefits and the activity itself. Great lessons are learned whether you're part of a team or competing in an individual sport. As we want to raise our children to take on the many challenges that life puts in front of us, I feel it's extremely beneficial to utilize sports as a tool and guide to developing our kids into strong, confident and wise adults.
This ad from Nike, like so many of their ads, is powerful. Many of us are the strong women we are because of sports. Many of us are becoming strong women because we're embracing a fitness lifestyle. Good diet and exercise helps you feel good and feel good about yourself as a person. This confidence is extremely valuable when we face the challenges of the world.
Whether you're a parent or not, I'm sure this ad will resonate with you.
And if you're concerned that allowing your daughter to play sports won't make her a lady or will 'butch her up' by taking part in some of those activities, leave it to Nike once again to give us an ad that takes that idea and tosses it aside. I mean, Maria is absolutely stunning.
Sports teach us some of life's most important lessons, no matter your gender. It's important for us to partake and encourage each other to enjoy what fitness and sport can bring to our lives.
April 26, 2009
Is sabotage a four letter word when it comes to your healthy lifestyle?
Do you ever feel friends or family are trying to sabotage your new efforts at a healthy lifestyle? Turn down a dessert and suddenly everyone’s all over you about not eating it? Stop at one glass of wine and you’re ridiculed? Pass on the appetizers and hear “what, are you on a diet or something?” How do you face these kinds of derailing tactics with grace? Without completely alienating your friends and family, you can talk your way out of these sticky situations and maybe create new healthier relationships with your mates.
Here are some simple suggestions:
* Instead of hitting cocktail hour after work on Friday, organize a walking group.
* Call a friend over to do a yoga DVD instead of visiting over coffee and donuts.
* Share your books on your new lifestyle with your loved ones. Pass along your dog-eared, lovingly stained Eat Clean Diet book.
* Offer to bring an appetizer or dish from your own clean eating kitchen to the next dinner party or office party.
* On your lunch hour, organize a fit camp competition to those who walk or run the most miles in a thirty day period.
* Instead of going into a long winded explanation for every bite you do or do not put into your mouth, just say “no thank you” and switch the subject. (If you offer more info, you are welcoming opinions and potential criticism.)
* Tell people you are stuffed, full, have plans, etc. whatever it is to get them off track of your real agenda….your new healthy lifestyle.
* Take a piece of cake, but don’t eat it. No one will even notice when you don’t eat it, but guarantee they will take note when you pass on the offer for cake.
* Go to restaurants and parties with a plan and pact with yourself. Plan your cocktail and meal. Go online and read the menu so you are prepared beforehand of any temptations. For example have a red wine spritzer with club soda (not tonic water). It’s a bigger drink and won’t leave you feeling buzzed or more apt to order another wine. Plus red wine has the antioxidants your body needs.
* Know how your food is prepared or how you want to request it to be prepared. Ask for no butter or oil in its preparation, request salad dressing on the side or better yet get it with a wedge of lemon. You don’t have to draw attention to yourself if you are gracious and courteous to your server.
It's not always easy to face adversity, but remember that you will feel better about yourself for making healthy choices. You will be a role model for your friends and your family and may ultimately help others in the process. Pat yourself on the back for your efforts; you deserve it!
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April 14, 2009
The new 'Bollywood' workout?
Hey, whatever it takes to get people off their butts and working out.
Here's an interesting little article on a new 'Bollywood' workout being offered in Philadelphia, which I'm sure only exists due to the overwhelming success of Slumdog Millionare. I hate to sound apprehensive but I don't see the shelf like of a program like this that's based on a recent Hollywood success story lasting very long.
I know there are people out there that move from activity to activity in an effort to keep their interest in a fit lifestyle. From my perspective, I can only imagine that it's hard to maintain a fitness level when you wait for the next trendy workout, be it the Bollywood workout, or striptease aerobics, or belly dancing or whatever the next craze might be.
In saying that, this works for some people and all the power to them. I know personally that I would find it difficult, but as long as people don't try it and give up after a short amount of time, then I'm glad there's something new on the workout horizon.
Here's the article.
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April 5, 2009
Welcome to the new MissFitChick blog, 'Fit to Print'
Hello to my female fitness friends.
Welcome to the MissFitChick.net Blog.
MissFitChick.net is a new website dedicated to all women who make a commitment to improve their lives through fitness, health, exercise, proper nutrition and an overall fit lifestyle.
At MissFitChick.net, you'll find articles on training, including a number of exercise programs. You'll also find information on how to eat properly to ensure that all your hard works sees the greatest benefits possible. There's articles on supplementation, demos of specific exercises, recipes, and anything else of interest to someone looking for help or just someone that loves spending time working out and feeling and looking great.
On the Fit to Print blog, I'll share my experiences in my journey to optimal health, interesting fit news, cool stories, websites, videos and anything else that's new in the world of fitness.
So I hope you come by often as I can promise you, you'll find something new on this blog on a regular basis that will contribute to your dedication to you.
Here's to the journey.