The dance

Funny, isn't it, that sometimes, even though you absolutely know what you want, you dance circles around it.

Take a moment and think, this applies to almost everything in life, doesn't it? Imagine, you're eating clean, and really sticking to fresh veggies, good protein and carbs and feeling great! One evening though, you're possessed by the thought of chocolate (mmmm). The more you try to not think about it, the more you find yourself obsessed with it. Determined to be good, you eat celery. Then, still thinking about chocolate, you have an apple. Then, a little piece of cheese, a few crackers, popcorn... you get the idea. A couple of hours later, after countless trips to the kitchen, before you even know what happened, there is chocolate in your belly. Wouldn't it have made more sense to acknowledge your true desire, make a decision, and because it's only an occasional treat, to have had what you wanted in the first place?

The interesting thing is this same phenomenon happens in other places you'd least expect. Take for example a new entrepreneur. Sometimes it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the desired level of success, and to get caught up in the small stuff. Rather than think big, and keep the compass always pointed towards that vision, the focus turns to smaller goals that are more of a dance around what is ultimately wanted, than a step forward. Energy is spent on doing things do not lead to the big picture. Others may even encourage this kind of behavior, but that's another blog. So, rather than eat career chocolate, you munch on career celery.

It's said that most people go for what they think they can get, not what they want. In my journey, I've learned to go for the gold. Life is too short to settle for less than what you truly want. Stay focused on doing the things that serve a true purpose and are solid stepping stones towards the finish line. Go ahead, jump into the deep water. Keep your head up, your eyes on the shore, and never lose your desire or your confidence that you'll make it. Above all else, keep swimming and don't stop! Move straight ahead, persevere when the tide tries to pull you in a different direction, and you will realize your dream.

My Story - 80 lbs and a lifetime ago...

Thanks for checking out my blog! Since you clicked, let me tell you a little bit about myself...

From the time I was a kid I was active and fit, and had such a passion for fitness that I made it my career - I became a Personal Trainer. After experiencing a life crisis, I strayed from my active lifestyle and career. Within 2 years, I found myself staring into the mirror at someone I no longer recognized. I was very unhappy - with myself, my life and my body. I knew there had to be more to life - I wanted to feel alive again, and rekindle my career in fitness. I also knew I had a lot of work to do to get there. It was then I decided to make a change, and I became my own client!

I wrote my own nutrition and exercise program, and followed it! I learned that the greatest key to success is perseverance! Without it, you never cross the finish line of your goal - regardless of what that goal is.

I've come a long way since the day I found myself tipping the scales at almost 200 lbs!

I would never have believed that my life would be what it is today. Now, over 40, I live a fulfilled life doing what I love - helping others! I'm a speaker, motivator, lifestyle consultant, budding author, and fitness model. Who says you can't have it all?

Believing in yourself and that you can do whatever you choose to do is the first step! It's true - you can have the life you want - it's all up to you!

Live! in the body you love.

xo

Margie

Soon always comes tomorrow...

I was inspired during a conversation with my friend Matty. He said, "soon always comes tomorrow", and he's right. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily routine of things, isn't it? To put things, that we know are important, on hold - but why? Are there things in your life that you are going to do "soon"? Taking care of your health? Going to the gym? Telling someone you love them? Forgiving yourself? Pursuing your dreams? Living your life to the fullest?

Let me share a story with you. My older sister was an amazing woman. Growing up I wanted to be just like her, and I still aspire to be. She taught me incredible life lessons. She was married with two kids, and never let anything get her down. She always went out of her way to make others laugh, smile, and have a better day, no matter what. She hadn't been feeling well for awhile. Little things, low energy, aches and pains. She had a Doctor, but needed a new one. It made things complicated. She was a strong person, so she just kept, going no matter how she felt.

My sister got caught up in the daily routine of things. She always put other things and people ahead of herself, instead of placing her health as a priority. There were always things to get done, never the time to take care of finding a new Doctor - "I'll do it soon". Months went by, but eventually she saw a new Doctor. That was the day she was diagnosed with cancer. You see, sometimes, soon doesn't come soon enough.

Consider your own life, and the things you are putting on hold. You may find yourself realizing that today may be the day for your "soon" to finally come.

An ancient superfood rediscovered - and it's tasty!

After consuming what could possibly have been more than my own bodyweight in chicken, I was on a quest for tasty new sources of protein. To my delight, I discovered something quite unexpected! A complex carb that is similar to couscous in it's texture, easy to cook, tastes great served hot or cold, and it's high in protein! Who says you can't have it all!

What is this amazing food you might ask? It's quinoa! If you haven't heard of it, you'll probably want to know it's pronounced "keen-wah". Quinoa is a grain like crop, but is not a true cereal because it is not a grass. The seeds are the part of the plant that we eat. The Incas called it the "mother of all grains", and it's protein content is very high (12% - 18%), much higher and more nutritionally dense than other complex carbohydrate choices such as wheat or rice. It has no gluten, so it's easy to digest. Lots of trace minerals, fiber... and it tastes fabulous!

My favorite brand is Bob's Redmill. It's organic, and found at most local grocery stores. Great stuff! Most quinoa sold in North America has been processed to remove the saponins, which cover the outside. They are bitter and should not be consumed. Quinoa purchased that has not been processed will need to be properly soaked to remove the saponins before cooking. See the link to wikipedia below for further information. The quinoa I buy is already processed, and I cook a large batch at one time. This way, I can divide it into serving portions and then freeze, making it more convenient for mealtime. It does have a distinctive scent when cooking, but has a very light taste and texture.

For a delicious, refreshing light salad, add diced tomatoes and cucumber, to cooled quinoa. Add a little feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, and voila! Try some today, and enjoy the healthful benefits of this amazing superfood!

Here is a link to the wikipedia article about quinoa. All the info you need on nutritional content, cooking, photos and more can be found there. Enjoy!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa