Bloom VIP Detox Retreat New Year Save $1000

Do you want to feel powerful, gorgeous, sensual, alive, energetic and vibrant in 2014? Then it’s time you took yourself straight to Bloom, an amazing retreat I am excited to announce I am an ambassador of in Jan 30-Feb 3, and can't wait to detox from the inside out.

Brasilfit active wear

What a year! As you all may have read my 2013 highlights post here. I can't wait to embark another sensational New Year with you all!

Thank you again for all your love and support, I could never have done it without you. In return I want to give something back to YOU! 

I totally support this amazing event coming up in 24 days (but who's counting, right?) as it’s time for me to take life to a new level so I am re-energised to continue serving you in 2014. 

You do too right? As a little thank you we are offering you, my FFS readers an amazing discount to attend this once in a lifetime retreat and JOIN ME for 4 days and 4 nights to experience this first hand! How cool is that? 

NEW YEAR NEW YOU VIP PRICE $1790, originally $2790!

There are only a few places left so please come visit www.bloomwellness.com.au/vip and enter "bloomvip" code to claim your discount. Also say hi on their Facebook page from FFS x https://www.facebook.com/bloomwellness and keep updated with amazing motivational and inspirational posts. 

Bloom 4 day detox, health & empowerment retreat

About BLOOM

BLOOM Detox, Health + Empowerment Retreat is the very first of its kind IN THE WORLD created by Amber Hawken (an inspiring young leader in the wellness industry and a personal friend of mine). It's a four day women's health and empowerment retreat bringing together activities and workshops on health, nutrition, fitness and mindset. So you can make long lasting, positive change in 2014! Download information package http://bloomwellness.com.au/bloom-info-pack-download/

Come visit their site www.bloomwellness.com.au/vip to book your tickets or call the amazing girls at Bloom on 0401 319 472 for more information about the retreat. They even have affordable payment plans as I know we all struggle a bit over the festive season but don't let that stop you. Find a way to make it happen, there is nothing more important than your health and wellness.

I can't wait to see you there!

Much love and friendship,
xxDani 

The Positive Power of Corporate Health and Wellness

Studies have shown the positive benefits of implementing corporate wellness programs, and Pacific Power Renewables in Auburn California has jumped on the band wagon of health for their employees in a BIG way! When CEO, Dan Powell contacted me to run the kick-off fitness challenge for Pacific Power, I was more than happy to oblige and over-the-top excited to be a part of bringing health into their work place in a fun, interactive way.  This was not going to be about anything generic, but I wanted to reach out to each individual employee and provide realistic goals and ideas on how to adapt a healthy lifestyle.  The PPR Ten-Week Fitness Challenge was going to run right through the holiday season…now talk about being serious…I was all in and motivated to MOTIVATE them!  Check out what Dan Powell, CEO Pacific Power Renewables had to say:

 

“When we first considered this fitness challenge, it was meant to be a general health improvement program.  It wasn’t about insurance premiums or anything else, we just care about our little family here and wanted them to be healthier.  We hoped a residual benefit would be some team building and bonding. We originally expected about a 50% participation level and about a 50% attrition rate from there. We were surprised that we originally had over 95% participation and only two people have dropped out.  On the flip side of that, we’ve had people from related companies, family members, etc. who’ve wanted to take part after we started. 

 

Now not even halfway through it, we have noticed a significant improvement in energy levels.  People seem happier, healthier, and are working together as a team to plan meals, exercise, even just daily walks.  We’ve all been having a lot of fun with it.  It’s a competition but a friendly one.

 

Our program was designed to have individual prizes for the greatest weight loss as well as group prizes for aggregate weight loss.  As well, we wanted to keep people motivated, so we offered individual awards for each significant milestone; running shoes, water bottles, exercise balls etc. 

 

Only partway through our 10 week “fitness challenge”, we are declaring it an enormous success.  I attribute that to the following key factors:

1)  We hired a professional trainer in Darla Leal.  She assessed each person, set realistic goals and supported them throughout in uniquely individual ways.

2)  People here were on the verge of making these kind of life changes, they just lacked the motivation. 

3)  We went into this full bore, big prizes, professional trainer constant attention and motivation.

 

I have heard some touching stories come out of this.  People have made significant changes to their lives and we’re so glad we started this.  We’re having Darla give us a healthy cooking workshop in a couple weeks and people are really psyched about that.  Thank you for all your hard work Darla.  This has been fun!” Dan Powell (CEO Pacific Power Renewables Inc.)

 

 

 

 

Corporate wellness incentive plans are a great way to get employees started in a corporate health and wellness program.  Pacific Power has covered all bases with individual, group, and recognition awards throughout the program and the employees are definitely motivated.  I have seen excitement build over the weeks of working with each employee as weight has been lost, inches reduced, and overall health improved, but more than that, I have observed an improved mental outlook and happier person.

 

“I had been working out and eating somewhat healthy for months, but not losing the weight like I used to.  Darla offered lots of ways to make small changes that have really made a difference.  I’m finally on my journey in the right direction again!” Jennifer Goodwin

 

Most people spend more hours at work than anywhere else in addition to the time they spend commuting each day.  Taking that into consideration, it is easy to see why maintaining a healthy work and life balance has become increasingly important.  It is the caring employer that recognizes a corporate wellness program as an important tool to establish this balance.  The common goal of a workplace wellness program is to promote the well-being of the employees, employers and organization in general.  It is within such positive work environment that the morale is boosted overall, productivity is increased, and absenteeism is reduced as only a few benefits of a corporate wellness program.

 

“Darla is a very energetic, encouraging REAL trainer.  She listens to what your needs are and helps you find ways of success for your lifestyle.  Your encouragement and guidance got me started on the road to better health.  I am excited about losing weight and becoming healthier.  I am finding inner strength that I didn't realize I had and am now learning to control my weight instead of my weight controlling me.”Sarah Modgling

The bottom line is that Pacific Power Renewables has taken advantage of the benefits of corporate

wellness and has made it a goal to implement a program sooner than later, and not waiting until employees are stressed, sick or applying to other jobs.  I am touched each week by the care of the management and the response of the employees and have had the privilege to be a part of something very special within Pacific Power.  They have definitely set the bar high for other companies to follow suit in implementing a health and wellness program.  They realize that a healthy employee is a happy employee.

“I have really enjoyed this opportunity to work with Darla, and learn how to incorporate better, healthier choices into my life. Being accountable to another person has made it easier to stick to the program and keep up with my daily journal. Her enthusiasm is contagious and keeps me motivated to take my fitness to the next level.”

“Thank you so much for the nutrition work shop on Friday - it was a blast! The camaraderie that has developed from this program is really awesome!!”  Gina Herum

 

Stay Healthy Nutrition Workshop

 



 

Healthy Pizza Workshop

Another important and visible element of a corporate wellness program is setting up a fitness facility where employees can work-out.  Pacific Power Renewables has also answered that call and I have had the pleasure to conduct an interactive group exercise class as an intro to their new workout area.  This is definitely an added perk, free of cost, convenient and an investment that this company is willing to make for the health of their employees.  In addition to the fitness facility, Pacific Power has provided a Nutrition Workshop where I was able to teach not only the importance of eating healthy, but gave them a hands-on experience of cooking and tasting healthy foods.   When an organization invests in the health of their employees, the benefit is truly for the employer and employee as the quality of the workplace and the work through productivity and satisfaction are greatly improved in addition to overall health benefits for all.  Hats off to Pacific Power Renewables for making corporate health a priority!

 

It is time for all companies, large or small, to invest in the importance of health within their corporate environment.  I would be happy to consult with you to make this happen and I look forward to hearing from you.  Starting with a “Fun Fitness Challenge” to motivate and get people fired up for the program is a great start.  Give me a call today and StayHealthy!

 

 

Me with CEO Dan Powell and wife Karen

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

 

 

 

9 Rules For a Stress-Free Life

You’ll likely be able to resolve your stress much more productively.

See the Positives

Seeing the positive aspects of what is around you can help to relieve stress for many. This will help you to change your perspective and remember what you're thankful for, in spite of the negatives.

Avoid the Negatives

Once you have determined what is positive in your life, you might want to assess the negative forces at work as well. When able to, avoid these particular things. They could be people, certain places, or situations that you know won't lead to anything positive.

Reconnect with Friends

Healthy relationships can go a long way to help you manage or even eliminate stress. Not only can they be great sounding boards, they can help you find solutions for what's stressing you. They can also provide a much-needed positive aspect to a life marred by stress.

Get a Hobby

Hobbies are great stress-relievers, because they allow you to pour your stress into something productive that you enjoy doing. This can take your mind off of what ails you, increase your confidence and provide a lift to any day in which you participate in it.

Have Some Fun

It won't kill you to get out there and live a little. You just might find that by adding a little fun into the rotation, that old enemy stress has less time to bother you.

Someone Else's Stress

A good thing to remember is not to take on someone else's stress, because it doesn't help either one of you. If a friend or family member has issues of their own, help them to determine how to alleviate their woes without making them yours as well.

Out of Your Hands

Some stressors are just out of your control. Learn how to differentiate between things you can change and thing you can't. You cannot dwell on the things that are out of your hands, as hard as that is to understand.

Dramatic Changes

Sometimes you might find yourself at crossroads, where you need to make a dramatic change for yourself. If your job is too much to deal with, or whatever the case might be, it might be time to take a new path that keeps you from being bogged down with stress. If you can manage, it might be worth taking the time to figure things out before jumping into anything.

Redirection

Channel your stress into something that makes you work harder for what you are aiming for. For example, you could redirect the stress to focus on your job and earn an upcoming promotion you've been eying.

Author Bio

Jessica Ramirez writes about stress management and happiness. Her recent work is about the best online counseling degrees in the US.

No added sugar challenge 1st - 14th February

Here it is. Another challenge coming up next month.

Sugar free challenge 2013

Are you in??? If so please ensure you subscribe to my blog (add your email address in the top right side bar box) to register for this challenge and never miss a blog post!


It's back!!!! The sugar free challenge we all did last year was such a success, simply follow the guidelines we did last year. Any questions you may have please list them under the CHALLENGES tab or on my posts here over the 14 days.


Rules

The rules of this challenge are simple. It's based on a honesty system, so if you cheat you are only doing it to yourself. Also be kind to yourself if you have never done this before. If you slip up, simply get back on track and eliminate the sugar for the remaining challenge. We are all here supporting one another either via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. So we are only a key stroke away!!! 

We will have 2 teams:

Fruits of life 

We are not to have any foods that have added sugar of any kind. This also includes the added natural sugars eg: honey, maple syrup etc.... If it has added sugar of any kind, we won't be eating it. This also applies to any and ALL artificial sweeteners. Excludes protein powders as majority of them have artificial sweeteners or stevia etc...

Sugar-less babes 

You are allowed to have the natural sugars eg: honey, maple syrup, stevia (and those of you that REALLY need 1 tsp sugar in your coffee or whatever) this is only allowed once a day. Can you imagine if you had a coffee, then a smoothie, plus fruit and other foods that have natural sugars etc.... you really wouldn't be doing a sugar free challenge then would you?

Both teams are allowed:

• 3 servings of fruit per day*
• Ensure you have a smoothie per day to combat our cravings and also to keep our energy levels up!

*Fruit serve examples: 1 banana, 1 apple, 1/2 cup of berries etc...

NB: For those that wish to eliminate fruit as it does contain plenty of natural sugars, we need to acknowledge it is also a part of our healthy eating plan. This is your choice. Fruits of life team only avoid dried fruits.

I think it is also important for us to have a smoothie per day to curb any sugar withdrawal symptoms so please share your most favourite ones. When you have your smoothie per day, don't forget to count this as part of your 3 serves of fruit per day!

Here's a fave green smoothie of mine:

Yogurt or milk with 180 Nutrition coconut protein powder

1tsp chia seeds 

1 cup of spinach 

1 banana

1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries

This smoothie would count as 2 serves of fruit for the day, therefore I am allowed 1 more piece of fruit. Get what I mean?

Our main goal is to GIVE UP the added sugars in the ingredient list. So don't worry about the % of sugar found per grams in the label, rather check in the ingredients that there has been NO ADDED SUGAR! This includes your tomato sauce AKA ketchup! It also includes the like of your dried cranberries as they are loaded with sugar!!!! 

Handy tips

1). Remove any food items you may have around your house that contain sugar. I typically put sugary foods in a box hidden so I avoid any temptation ;-) 

2). Be prepared with food. Always prepare or carry relatively healthy snacks and ensure you eat before you go out anywhere. 

3). Try to eat as clean as you can

4). Eat at least 5 meals per day eg: bfast, snack, lunch, snack & dinner

5). For support post your comments here on the blog, FB, Instagram or Twitter so we can help one another

6). Get out and exercise. If you're feeling stressed or craving sugar do some star jumps, resistance training, cardio, go for a run! WHATEVER you like/enjoy doing as long as you don't put that chocolate bar in your mouth :-)

7). Let's share some of our handy tips to prepare for our 2 week sugar free challenge. Please list them below

8). It would also be worth while to measure yourself eg: hips, waist and those of you that have a muffin top ;) this is around your belly button. This will be more powerful than the number you weigh on your scales but feel free to stat those down as well. It's amazing how many cm's & inches are lost in 2 weeks. You will be amazed!!! 

9). This can be a 14 day challenge or an entire February challenge, the choice is yours!

Meal Planner Calendar 

Many have asked about meal planners and what types of foods you should be eating. I will endeavour to do a planner before our challenge commences. This will just give you some ideas on what foods I eat and you feel free to tailor your own for the 2 week challenge. I will be posting the food I eat over the 14 days so stop by for some inspiration. 

In closing, just a reminder you need to subscribe to my blog (place your email address in the top right side box) to register for this challenge and never miss a blog post!

I QUIT SUGAR

For those needing inspiration with recipes go check out I QUIT SUGAR by Sarah Wilson. It's a fabulous reference as she has completely cut out sugar in her diet, COMPLETELY!!!! 

Sugar free challenge

Let the games begin.....on Friday the 1st of February 2013. 

Xx Dani

I Keep It Simple and Slow

Do You Like My Blog…Offer Me a Protein Shake

Life is really too short not to…I do not entertain drama, negativity, or anything that screams…NOT HEALTHY.  I enjoy the little things in life because they are truly the BIG things.  I have learned that rushing through a day at the speed of light is not a good thing and literally landed me flat on my backside in 2008…and besides…you miss out on a lot of life. For quite some time now, I have made sure to slow things down, enjoy the moment and build fabulous memories. I have this saying…nothing good happens fast…LOL.  I use this all the time when I am training clients…and I also put myself through slow methodical workouts where I concentrate on the muscle being worked, feel the muscle move through its motion, and really get the most out of the work.  Nothing good happens fast when an exercise is done so fast that the movement is out of form, without thinking, compromising the body, and before you know it…injury…and YUCK…what the heck is that all about.  Not for this girl and maintaining my 47 year young self…OK…yes I am talking about life and I am talking about my workouts…well, it goes hand in hand now doesn’t it?  Getting back to simplicity…I have learned to be content in all circumstances…in my book, life is not about having a million dollars, or the nicest car or house, but happiness with myself and getting up every morning looking forward to what I will do with my day. 

During Our Honeymoon Last Year

I enjoy the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee in the morning with hubby, good conversation, time with family and friends…and I am talking quality time…giving my full attention to someone when they are sharing a story.  I can remember when my kids were small and the rush rush get things done was on overdrive for this actively involved parent…they are sharing something exciting that happened on the playground for example, and I would be washing the dishes with one ear on them, the other in the sink…I would definitely change that…put down the dish and sit down to look intently in their eyes and allow myself to feel their excitement.  You see, these are the important things that are learned in life…the lessons learned that I now apply and live by.  You better believe my children get my full attention when they are visiting…no cleaning, no dishes, but quality time. I use this same philosophy with my clients, and especially during an initial consultation.  I give all of me during a consultation, coaching, or training session…I am a deep person and need to feel what is being shared in that moment.  It is in that moment, I can see clearly to help.  OK…I am all over the board here…but I hope you understand what I am sharing…simplicity comes with slowing down, being a good listener, a good friend, wife, mother, daughter and taking in the moment. Slowing down also means taking care of my body using slow, methodical movements where my muscles get the most benefit for the time I give. 

Exploring a Ghost Town

I am a simple girl…I love the smell of the first rain on the pavement, hummingbirds flying around my orange tree in the morning, the sound of laughter around the dinner table, my cooking being enjoyed, and my list can go on and on.  I sit here as a 47 year young woman who has lived a lot of life, experienced quite the journey and realizing that simple and slow may not be a million dollars…but is sure feels like a million dollars.  So, next time you think about wanting things now, fast, rushed….think about so many things that would be missed along the way…because truly…nothing good ever happens fast. I will end with another favorite saying….Exercise is a journey NOT a destination….this applies to everything in my life. Stay Healthy!

I Slow Life Down and Enjoy the Moment

                                                                                                                                                                                       

Motivation of the Day: Nothing Good Ever Happens Fast

Me in my Studio

Workout of the Day

45 minute exercise of my choice workout

I started out on my ARC trainer and felt burnt after 10 minutes, so with my minute interval timer clipped on my sports bra, I began doing whatever exercise that popped into my mind for that minute…it became a game…and before I knew it, 45 minutes…DONE.  So, included in my fitness game were lunges, low rows, lunge backs, step ups, bicep curls, triceps kickbacks, squats, and pull downs just to name a few.  I also used my tubing.  YES…today was a tough motivation day and happy that I completed the game.

Meal 5

Nutrition of the day:

Coffee…so good this morning;)

1-Thin Bagel with 1 Tbsp peanut butter

2-Post work out shake

3-Spinach salad with grilled chicken

4-¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds and ½ cup Greek Yogurt

5-Egg white scramble with spinach & avocado

Personal Share:  Happy 87th Birthday to My Fabulous Father!!!

Love You Dad ~ Your Baby Girl

IF YOU ENJOYED MY BLOG, LIKE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT, AND IF INSPIRED, OFFER ME A PROTEIN SHAKE!

STAY HEALTHY!