REFLECTION

Many of you may be in the process of reflection, but truly it is something that should be done on a daily basis, and not only when the New Year rolls around.  The word itself screams to take a look at me/you/us and speaking personally, I include all areas of my life and not just my physical well-being.  I imagine a big mirror in front of me and gazing into that, I ask myself…am I happy with the person that I am physically, emotionally and spiritually? If any of the answers come up as a big negative, it is time to implement a change to create a better, healthier ME.  It is hard to deny the things that need fixing when I am staring back at me waiting for the action to make that happen.  Of course, I can close my eyes, put the mirror away, brush things under the rug, and procrastinate and get to it later…or not, and well, just continue to live in denial. 

I am a mover and a shaker, and strive to change, progress, and become a better me today than I was yesterday and that takes a choice.  Sure, I could avoid those things that need to be done, because maybe I want to hold onto some sort of drama, negative feelings about the past, or circumstance and continue to play the “blame card” of this is the reason I am the way I am.  I have learned in this journey of life, that this type of thinking results in a life of unhappiness, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, and paralyzes the brain to make appropriate healthy life choices.  Honestly, this type of thinking creates a person that is not a joy to be around unless the company being kept is another negative person also playing the victim card of life.  It is so important in our life reflection to also look at the type of people we associate with, and I always ask myself…does this relationship nourish my soul and grow me in a positive way as a person?

Reflection is huge in the scheme of life and change for the healthy.  It should cause deep thought into living our passions, being real with who we are, and having the ability to share that with ourselves and others.  There is too much hiding behind the crap of excuses, circumstances, and laziness to change and I apologize if that sounds offensive, as my intention is to motivate and never discourage.  Sometimes, a draft of really cold air needs to slap us in the face and wake us up to the reality of what is going on in our own life, and hopefully that leads to taking a step further to change what needs to be changed.  Otherwise, we continue to go along living a “fake” life, hiding behind “out of our control” drama, negativity, and looking for validation for unhealthy habits.  What is even sadder, is enablement of this type of lifestyle…YES, there are those who feed into the ugliness of negative and validate the behavior which enables someone caught in this shit storm to continue living this way. 

Reflection also causes us to see our physical self in a way that makes us happy or not.  What it comes down to is me/you/us and the mirror, standing naked before the reflection and staring back at the image, we need to ask “do I LOVE what I see”.  It is important to always love yourself at every level of health and as long as steps are being taken to become a healthier us each day.  If the answer to the question is “no”, then what steps need to be implemented to change this?  Be honest here and strive for the happiness that you want, the health that you need and deserve.  If you tell me that you are happy in an unhealthy state and if I shared that with you…how would that make sense?  The point I am trying to make, is that we all have our best healthy-self hidden inside what may be an unhealthy body today, but that does not mean that tomorrow needs to remain the same.   Reflection requires that hard honest look and further to take the actions necessary to bring about changes that move us in a progressive healthy direction. 

Reflection is not a fad or temporary fix, but part of the process to make a LIFESTYLE change and create a healthy body that will be maintained for life. Reflection causes us to get into our “mental game” and start putting the puzzle pieces together of what is wrong and how does it get fixed.  It all starts with what is going on between the ears, and once the reflection is honestly accepted, and the feelings that go with that, then changes can begin to create a healthier person, and then that lifestyle change will create a reflection that we will be happy to know for a lifetime.

Enjoy a beautiful and healthy Happy New Year!!!!

Me and My Mom

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

Stay Healthy



Darla

Fitness Transformation Tuesday with The Raw Boy

It never ceases to amaze me all these phenomenal transformations I receive all across the globe. It totally blows me away and I absolutely love sharing each and every story with you on Transformation Tuesday. 

The raw boy is no different. His transformation came about from a car accident that changed his life about a year ago. He took the opportunity to change his life around and started doing something new with it. Today he is a raw vegan. (like my amazing friend from Fully Raw, check out the interview I did with Kristina here and our Stand Up And Be Rawesome challenge in April 2013). Super cool.

Without further adeui here is Neto's story. 

The Raw Boy shares his transformation with Fitness Food And Style

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?

I am 22 years old and I am raw vegan. I have lost 55kg (in 3 months), clear my cystic acne more than 90% and have cured my constipation. I am also now able to run 6-9 mi everyday. It will be a year this january as vegan/raw vegan.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?

Growing up I always ate tons of fruits and vegetables but as a young adult I was a heavy eater of junk food. Eating about more than 3 fast food meals everyday. I now eat only veggies and fruits in their raw state, no processed foods, salts, oils or anything that comes from an animal.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I don't play any sports but I do run every day on my own and I enjoy watching soccer.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

I love to read and travel and I am very passionate about learning from another cultures. Seeing a smile on the face of a stranger or someone I just got the privilege to help puts the best smile on my face. There's no better satisfaction than helping someone else.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

I had a car accident a year ago that changed my life for good. After the accident I decided to change my life around and decided that by loosing weight I could help my self feel a little more better about myself, but I never intended on going raw vegan or even caring about my health I just wanted to lose weight. Now my health is on my top priorities.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I wish to cure my Rosacea for good, Rosacea is a chronic skin diseases that affects your skin with redness. Start growing my own produce (fruits and veggies) and start working on my master degree program.

Rosacea before and after becoming a raw vegan

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

There's always one question I always ask myself: 

1). Are you really happy with what you are doing, is it really worth it? If not make a change, because finding oneself is the task of a life time. 3 tips/elements I considered essential to a healthier lifestyle are: Hydration, Exercise, and sleeping are key to living a healthier life.

Thank you so much Neto for sharing your amazing story with us, you look amazing and I am so happy to see you have healed most of your ailments. You can follow Neto's heathy journey on his Instagram @therawboy, Twitter and Facebook page.  

For those wishing to share their story please fill out our questions here and I can't wait to feature you!!

Much love and friendship,

XxDani 

MY INTENTION

 

 

"This really appealed to me in such a POSITIVE way. Life is about our journey, and the CHOICES that we make to become better people in ways that make sense to us. I think about the word "health" and what that really encompasses and it is not just a number on a scale but a combination of emotional, spiritual, physical and nutritional. I live my life the way I want to and some may like it and some may not, but it is MY LIFE, just as YOUR life belongs to YOU. We all have differing issues, possible medical problems and limitations, overwhelming life stresses, and those behind closed doors secrets that may greatly impact our life, and that we simply choose not to share with others. Those things belong to us, and sifting through and creating answers to our individual stories is what matters and doing so to become a healthier happier person in all areas of "health" is what counts. There is never a "one size fits all" answer to our fitness and nutrition programs, how we serve God, and how we choose to live our life. We are NOT generic people made to fit in some sort of "health" box coming out the other side all fixed. That is just not reality. What I enjoy may not be what you enjoy, what I eat may not be what you like to eat; the service I give to God may not be how you honor God...you get my point. I never fall for gimmicks that claim that this is the "only way" to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Really??? Based on what? When each of us walk a mile in each other's shoes, then we "might" have the ability to make such claim, but I will always be the type of MOTIVATOR that realizes that life and the journey to health is different for everyone, and I will do my best to provide the correct encouragement for YOU."

 

I shared the above post on my Facebook page last week as I was inspired after seeing a motivational poster and  reading several articles on the whole controversial “what’s your excuse” image that has been receiving both positive and negative feedback.  I am a believer of intention and positive messages shared through my life and stories.  I share because I am inspired to write and through that I am hopeful to help someone adapt a healthier lifestyle, whatever that may mean in a life and in that moment.  My intention is never to discourage, but to be a motivator through my passion of helping people.  Sometimes, images and statements can be miscommunicated which is why I am not a huge fan of texting as so many things can get lost in translation.  I believe that much misinterpretation occurred with the controversial image and that is one thing that a picture is unable to do…explain intention.  The originator intended one thing, the audience perceived something completely different.  The laughable part of the whole scenario is that all publicity is good publicity in the world of marketing, and one controversial image regardless of intention is now the beginning of either a great opportunity to further help people through the exposure, or a lost chance that will eventually fade due to inability to keep the audience captured.

 

I will share that I am a “NO EXCUSES” trainer when it comes to people giving me reasons why health is not a priority.  I do not hear that “my health is not a priority” stated in those words from people, but I hear it through the underlying messages of “I am too busy”, “I am unable to cook”, “I am unable to afford a trainer or membership”, “My kids need me, my husband or wife wants this kind of food”, “My work does not allow”, “I am on the road constantly”, “I have no time to shop”, and the list goes on and on.  The point is that I do not accept or believe that anyone is too busy to take care of their health. When I post an image of myself, it is not for the intention of saying “hey, check this out and you should look like this”, it is for motivation to share that I am almost 50, have gone through major physical and emotional adversity, and have come out the other side healthy and happy.  My career is my passion and I do walk the talk of consistent exercise and healthy eating, and I share that with my clients, family, friends, and anyone who will listen to me.  I will not tell anyone to implement a “my way is the only way” approach to health, fitness and overall wellness as that is not true.  I am confident in my teaching and my example, and know that it works, but intelligent enough to respect and research other avenues.  Shoot, I enjoy learning from my clients when they have researched a topic. In my book, we are in this world together, working together to be the best we can be.  I do not have the expectation that my clients or you will exercise like me, or maintain nutritional intake as I do.  I may make things look easy but I bet if I came to your job and I was able to watch what you do, I would think the same thing of you. The only expectation that I have is that healthier habits are formed and an eventual healthy LIFESTYLE is adapted and whatever that looks like to each person that I have had the opportunity to work with is an A+ in my book.  I always grade on a curve too as we are not perfect people, but always works in progress.   What it comes down to is that we all KNOW WHAT TO DO…right?  The problem lies in not accepting what we already know needs to be done to be healthier people.  It is my life, your life, our lives and how we CHOOSE to live each day is up to each and every one of us.  I do not want you to look like me, exercise like me, or eat like me because I am doing a great job living my life.  I am hopeful that you are sparked to make healthy choices for you, to implement exercise routines that you enjoy, to start cooking healthy foods that you like, and to look in your mirror and say I want to look like a healthy ME.

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

 

Stay Healthy~

Darla

Weight loss story on Transformation Tuesday with Levent Oeztuerk

Who tried our Freeletics workout yesterday? Did you love it? Well this Freeletics bizo is getting me super excited. Especially when I see transformations like this. Let me introduce you to Levent, he has struggled with obesity his entire life and got himself to a point where he was fit but still struggling to maintain his weight. Now he has found Freeletics and has a strong and fit physique and never turning back.

Levent's 15 week Freeletics transformation

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 
25. I've been overweight all my life. Started Freeletics and lost a lot of weight and gained a good amount of muscle. I'm feeling better than ever! 

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
 Fast Food. A lot of greasy food with lots of carbs. 

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? I love football. Used to play when I was a little kid. Now I'm doing Freeletics.
 What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? Spending time with my new found freinds through Freeletics. Love their company. 

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? I was sick of feeling unhealthy and seeing how I looked in the mirror. 

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? I want to get even better workout times. Build more muscle. 

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? Nothing good in life comes easy. Stick to a healthy diet and work out as often as possible. Just keep to it. Everybody who keeps pushing will have great results. No exeptions. Also, try Freeletics! See my 15 week transformation below.

Thank you so much Levent for sharing your new fit and healthy lifestyle with us and your YouTube video is totally inspiring. I can't wait to join the Freeletics team and show my before and after 15 week transformation video like you!!! Bring it on!!!

Stay fit and healthy!

xxDani 

Weight loss story on Transformation Tuesday with Tiffany Moore

Have you ever been  told you were fat? Well Tiffany did and this was the pinnacle of her lifestyle change along with wanting to get her health back on track.

What I love most about Tiffany is her smile. Every picture of her shines through the screen and she's one inspirational lady. This is her story....

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 
I'm 43. My journey started 3 years ago. I joined an expensive gym and forced myself to go. I had list weight before through diet pills, programs like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. Overeater a Anonymous, medical shots. You name it. This time I decided to work out and limit portion control. At the time, I thought what I ate was OK. I started seeing results and 2.5 years later I had lost 128lbs going from 284 to 156. 

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 
I ate whatever I wanted and never gained weight up until the age of 21. Fast food, fried food, soda, excessive amounts of read mealy. Tons of salty food! 

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 
Never played sports. Took aerobics in high school because it was popular then. I was to shy to join any teams growing up. 

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 
I love working out, helping and inspiring others who started where I did to do the same. I like taking pictures, listening to music and shopping! 

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 
It has been a struggle for as long as I remember and although I had already started the journey, this may have helped me stick to it. I was having heart palpitations during working out. I was sent to a heart specialist who said I had blockage if an artery, my heart was enlarged from working so hard, and I needed to go on blood pressure meds ASAP. I begged him not to as I had already lost 30lbs. He said; 

"You are fat. You've been fat for a very long time. You probably will always be fat. You need to take the meds and you probably won't get off them." 

I cried right there on the table. I pushed myself even harder. A year later, I got off those meds and I went back to that doctor who didn't recognize me. I reminded him of that day. 

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
I want to become a trainer. I want my own gym and a fitness line. I hope to inspire people to change their fitness lives regardless of financial status, cultural background, and age. 

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 
Don't give up. It's a journey with hills that only make you stronger when you go up them. Use other people as inspiration and to gain information, but do your own research as well. You only get one body. Take care of it. 

You can follow Tiffany Moore on:
Instagram @meltmindandbodyfitness
And Facebook 
www.facebook.com/meltmindandbodyfitness

PLAN AND PREP

I confess that being spontaneous is a difficult one for me.  I am definitely a plan and prep girl when it comes to almost everything about Darla.  I have always done better with structure and a guide to get me from start to finish.  Where this has served me best is in my meal planning and exercise.  I am not one of those who open the door to the refrigerator puzzled by what to eat, looking for something and finding nothing.  I think that would drive me crazy, and talk about wasting energy by leaving the frig open…YIKES. I have dedicated one day out of my weekend and sometimes during the week, to plan and prep my meals.  This not only ensures that I eat healthy, but saves me lots of money, time and stress, especially when time is limited during the busy work week. 

I have two crock pots that are in constant use and filled with boneless/skinless

chicken breast, brown rice, quinoa, and steel cut oats at any given time.  Having crock pot chicken ready to eat is fabulous and I use it for so many things: chicken rice bowls, wraps, tacos, and even by itself with a side of chopped veggies or fruit.  I am not kidding when I say that it takes about 10 minutes to throw the chicken in the crock with my spices and on with my day. 

I also plan my workouts and just as I create a program for my clients, I plan for me.  Not doing so would be like getting ready for a test without studying.  Having a plan, writing it down, and following through makes for a successful, challenging workout catered to what I can do and accomplishing that goal in the time allotted and at least 5 days per week.  I am able to look back on my workouts and know from one day to the next what muscle group I will work, avoiding any sore areas of course.  Having a plan and prepping for it during my fitness routine creates an even flow, eliminates any guessing, and allows me to be very efficient and effective of my time and body. 

The planning and prepping is really not difficult, and actually very simple as a

healthy LIFESTYLE.  I would feel weird if I did not have my healthy food in the refrigerator ready to go, or my exercise program in front of me as my accountability guide to an effective workout.   This is the secret that is really not a secret to living a healthy life and maintaining a healthy body.  What it comes down to is caring enough about ME to make my health a priority and I have done so through the planning and prepping process.  My hubby and I eat most of our meals at home and rarely eat out and we do not consider this a wrench in our life, but we welcome creating and eating healthy foods, and more than that, enjoy how it makes us feel.   The beautiful part about eating healthy is even if the exercise lacks during the week, I am still maintaining a healthy body through my planned meals.  Many studies show that vigorous exercise 3 times per week accompanied by healthy nutrition will maintain a healthy body, which is why the nutrition is so vital to keep up.  Imagine, not working as hard in the gym by maintaining healthy food intake…sounds GREAT to me. 

IN YOUR FACE MOTIVATION

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding! 

Stay Healthy~ Darla 

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Thanks for stopping by my Blog and I hope you enjoyed the content.  Let me know by leaving a comment, a LIKE, or whatever you are inspired to do. I look forward to responding, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friends list.   

Stay Healthy~ 

Darla