So much candy...so many calories...

Halloween is in the air. If you haven't already celebrated five times over, this sugary season is sure to hit you sooner or later. I know I have already done my share of celebrating.

Our Gatsby Halloween Party this past weekend was amazing...there are more pics where that came from I promise. :) 

I have a lot of my clients tell me some of the following obstacles that can thwart healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle during the holidays...
- Halloween is centered around candy. Hence; candy is everywhere.
- There are a million parties/functions/get togethers (all of which serve a million desserts.)
- Handing out candy to little trick or treaters means leftover candy, which means bite size pieces of candy for snacking.
- Halloween candy usually comes individually wrapped. One grab here, and one grab there doesn't seem like a big deal. (Unfortunately, all those "grabs" add up.)
- Fall food and treats are delicious. Pumpkin anythings just smells and tastes fantastic.

Now...I get it. I promise. Just because I choose not to eat candy and desserts, doesn't mean I don't understand the temptation and draw to deliciously decadent pumpkin flavored desserts and bite sized Snickers. Yum. BUT...I also know the benefit that you can receive from NOT gorging yourself on Halloween candy. Click HERE for some excellent Halloween help tips from years past.

As for this years tips, I'm going to keep it simple. Focus on your goals. Don't go crazy like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory. When all is said and done and it is November 1st, chances are you won't remember what you did and didn't eat on Halloween. So...maybe you don't HAAAAVE to have that doughnut, cookie, candybar, handful of candy corn, and caramel apple...just saying.

Don't forget to enter this October's Mix Giveaway!

Let's Talk Eating Habits

One of the most difficult things about working out is food. People would love to think that they can separate the two, but unfortunately it just isn't possible. I've said it once, I'll say it again...(as will the million other people who have said it)...YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. True, there are some people who can get away with eating whatever they want and working out occasionally, and sometimes never. BUT, understand that these people are the minority. My motto of the day?

I have worked with people in the past that think that they can eat whatever they want all day long, and by coming into the gym they will look like a million bucks. If only, right? The problem is, it can take a LOT of sweat and effort to burn a good 500-1000 calories, and it can take about 5 to ten minutes (and scarily sometimes even less time) to consume that same amount. Sabotage anyone?

This is the first thing that I try to drill into the heads of those that I work with. The food you eat will make up about 80 percent of the results you'll get, and your workouts are about 20 percent. So, with my clients, before we even start working out...I make sure they know if you want to see results from the ten million squats, hundreds of sprints, and hours of planks that you're doing...be sure that what you are eating smart. Eat clean. Watch your portions. CUT OUT SUGAR. AND for heavens sake stop eating so much sugar! Be consistent with your actions. Doing things for a week isn't going to do much for you...keep up your efforts for several weeks! If you need some more tips read 10 weight loss tips that work and 10 that just won't.

Bottom line: Make your efforts in the kitchen more than just lifting a fork up and down...kapeesh?

Sugar Addicts

You know I talk about sugar all the time. I think that eliminating sugar from your diet is a huge part of weight loss, toning, and improving athletic performance.

 (image source)

Today while I was working out I was watching Rachael Ray and there was a super interesting segment on being addicted to sugar. I don't know much about the doctor that was on the show or, The Hamptons Diet, which is what he promotes, but it was super interesting.
Definitely worth checking out if you have a sweet tooth.
Click HERE if you are interested.

In the show he challenged people to go on a three day sugar detox.

My challenge to you?
Try going a week sugarless. 
I dare you. 
See how you do. Read HERE to see why it makes such a big difference to eliminate sugar from your diet.

Cutting sugar out of my diet is one thing that has helped me more than anything else to reach my goals. Most people eat it in addition to whatever else they would normally eat. Think about it...when you consume sugary foods it's usually something "extra." Think of the amount of calories you could be  cutting out by getting rid of it? So, take the challenge. Try it!


Have you ever eliminated sugar out of your diet? If so, how long did you go for and did you notice any difference? Are you going to take the challenge?