Viewer Mail (warning. long post ahead. please to grab a protein-rich snack/some water.)

by

Lately we’ve tended toward addressing one question really thoroughly for Viewer Mail.

(yeah Im dragging you into it, People, when we all know it’s me. you’ll have that.)

As my mailbox fills and people begin to mutiny I thought this week we’d plow through a few questions and, if you’d be so kind, when you comment you can address one or two or ALL.

(translation: my answers are merely launching pads for discussion. as we’ve previously established had I not 800 other day jobs I could ramble forever)

MizFit, Ive read your blog for a litle while now and watched your video on consistency with your workouts and here’s my question: how do you stay motivated?!

This email was a little like last week’s floundering question in that my initial reaction was far different from the answer Im about to give.

At first I wanted to launch into a diatribe about gathering accountablilty partners in your goals, setting yourself up for success & packing workout clothes the night before, making long term and short term goals/rewards—————then in HIIT (rimshot!) me.

The email asked how *I* stay motivated not how one could stay motivated.

My answer? not a popular one but mine none the less: I just do it.

A long time ago (hmmm, let’s say not immediately after college but before graduate school) I realized that part of being a grown up is doing shit I didnt like (yes. I said it. no strikeout.)

As an adult we do, in fact, have a number of MUSTS in our lives which are non-negotiable (work, taxes etc) & you know what? for me working out is simply that.

It’s not an choice (& yes Im painting with a broad bush here but you get the idea. of course I take time off.).

By virtue of the fact Im a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend there are people to whom Im obligated to keep myself healthy, fit and balanced.

That was my motivation to start and once I realized that it became part of my life.

During the week working out is simply part of my IM A GROWN ASS WOMAN & THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO list. Next to grocery shopping, laundry and work.

As I used to tell my clients (again, broad brush yada yada yada we can, indeed, find things we love): I dont recall asking if you liked this—-just asking you to do it.

see? I told you it wasnt popular but it is, indeed, my motivation-source. It’s like broccoli. Sure some days I ADORE my veggies and am totally in the mood for them, but other days Im not. Five days out of seven, whether Im in the mood or not, I eat my broccoli (read: do my cardio. weights? the OREOS of MizFits diet)

I was wondering if I could get some advice on hiring a personal trainer. I do not want to join a gym as I have a mini gym at home but I would like to hire a personal trainer to help me use all of the equipment that I have. I have heard that many personal trainer like to preach about what to eat, counting calories and all thatjazz. As someone who is really trying to eat intuitively, I am not interested in that. I am really just interested in developing a workout schedule and routine that works for me. What questions do I ask in the hiring process to ensure that I am not going to get someone that fits my needs.

GREAT QUESTION and, in my opinion, a simple answer. First, go here and read all about how to know if youve found a good trainer (and by all I definitely mean the comments as well). That will answer some of your questions.

Now, when I was a trainer I have to admit that Id have loved to receive your phone call. While I was happy to chat with people about food and calories—my passion was the roots & wings of teaching and emancipating. I adored going to people’s homes, showing them how to use the equipment they had, perhaps coming back for one more session as a form “check up” and then not returning for a few months (when they were ready for a new routine).

Id hope that all you’d need to say is PRECISELY what you said in your email (explain what you want) and the trainer’s response will tell you exactly what you need to know. Does s/he hear you or immediately launch into a “that’s great, but I can also…” type answer?

When I worked in people’s homes I still offered a complimentary consultation. I’d urge you to inquire about this as well. NOTHING will answer all your spoken & unspoken questions better than a face-to-face meeting.

I was hoping that you lovely folks could help me out. I’m having issues with eating healthier and working at a university where there are so many bad (yet yummy) food choices to be made. We have a pizza stand (where it’s really good), chic-fil-a (yummy waffle fries), oriental and a hot sub place with the best fries imagineable (see my french fry problem?). We have healthier choices too, but they’re not as good and let’s face it, they don’t pay grad students the millions we deserve 🙂 I’ve been eating frozen meals and soup, which I know are not all that great for you (sodium, preservatives, etc.). What do you do (if you go to work and pack a lunch) or what good ideas could you suggest? I still want to do lower carb, but it’s more trying to get rid of bad carbs. So, I’ll have enriched bread, no sugar added peaches (or apple sauce), etc.

This email is one I receive often in many forms (I actually loved this phrasing when I saw it on a blog so I asked if I mightcould use it as representative).

We discussed it here (what’s that you say? ad nauseum?) so definitely read those suggestions/reader comments there first. I also wanted to use the question because with so many new members of the Bumbling Band I know all you * new* peeps have a ton of great ideas to share, yes?

I gave most of mine there—but have found a new love whose tubes have helped me through many an ImFrigginFamishedAllTheSudden time.

(and yes. Im so smitten with Barney Butter that they’re coming soon for a testdrive creation & a freebie. keep yer collective eyes peeled.)

Miz, do you REALLY go to fast food places? or do you go and not eat. I dont believe it.

I do. Perhaps far too often but the Toddler Tornado loves the Yogurt Parfait at McDonalds and I figure there are worse things she could eat (please to yell at me below).

And I eat (not cheaply, but I eat). A couple of grilled chicken breasts (I finally have one place that will KEEP the bun so it isnt wasted) tossed on a salad typically. I know that it isnt the (fingerquotes) best (unFQ) chicken out there——but this is all about living as I can, well, FOR LIFE!

Whew.

I did get a tad longer than planned so Im gonna wrap this up here and let you jump in.

PLEASE to hit us all up in the comments with anything.

your thoughts on motivation. help in selecting a personal trainer. your tips for healthy eating on the go. your please for MizFit to be less verbose. whatever you got—throw it our way.

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Comments

  1. HA! I’m first!

    Crap, now I’d better come up with something to say, huh?

    Seriously. For the first emailer, I’d say – motivation is an illusion, and a dangerous one. For me, it’s akin to saying I only have to work out if I feel like it (because isn’t motivation really just “feeling like it” in the end?) and that’s just not acceptable. Some days I feel like it, and some days I don’t. What works for me is looking at it exactly like brushing my teeth – yeah, I COULD go to bed without doing it, and there are some times I do (ugh, I know) – but generally speaking, it’s just something I have to do. It’s just a part of the day.

    Having said that, I think it’s important to find something you like and enjoy, so that part of your routine isn’t horrible for you. I hate exercise, I really do – but there are things I can tolerate and have even come to crave, like strength training, walking, and yoga (which I love). So find the things you like or at least don’t hate, and then make them no longer optional. And, though it’s sort of counter to what I just said, build in some days off. That gets me through some workouts I wouldn’t get through otherwise – knowing that the next day is a rest day.

    No feedback on the personal trainer…

    As for the third emailer, I sympathize. It’s hard being surrounded by yummy-licious stuff that you know is bad for you. I do pack my food every day…some great options are the Flat-Out wraps, with low-sodium deli meat and maybe some low-fat (or not!) cheese and veggies; tuna that comes in pouches, with some whole wheat crackers; lots of cut-up veggies; brown rice and grilled chicken or steak…there are lots of options and if you don’t have a fridge available, you can always pack a small cooler bag with ice packs, which is what I do when I’m traveling. And kudos on recognizing the difference between good carbs and bad! (That bread you’re talking about is whole-grain, right?) 🙂

    And now I must shut up. The half pot of coffee is starting to do the talking for me…

    V.

  3. OK, I’ll tackle the first question – staying motivated. As much as I’d like to think on a higher level that this is all about feeling good and wanting to live a long and healthy life (which are true) – it is also motivating for me when I look “good”. There, I said it – maybe I’m vain. Maybe it’s just a truth though – don’t we all have a desire to look good when we look in the mirror? So, it’s motivating when I can look in the mirror and see a change. Or, when someone says something to me. Sure, I definitely feel more energetic, but there’s something about looks that can be highly motivating. There, now you all know I’m a vain bastard…

    Q2: Eating healthy. I do this by packing a healthy lunch. And I always (always) keep a jar of natural PB at my desk at work. A spoonful here, and some in my vanilla yogurt there (maybe you think that’s weird, the rest of my family does – but I love the taste!). I also try to really avoid the vending machines (the the evil they are loaded with). I’m usually successful, but sometimes not. One thing that works for me is to not carry $1 bills with me. If it’s harder to make change, I’m less likely to buy some of that packaged evil. Sometimes that works… I also try to occassionally find something that I really like and take along – maybe a small candy bar, granola bar, etc. It may not be the healthiest, but it’s small – and it tastes like a treat. Dark chocolate – that’s a treat I really like…but I struggle with the moderation part…

  4. THANK YOU VALERIE for all your thoughts and for, in your comprehensive comment, making me feel less ‘bad’ about how long my post turned out.

    Im so excited. And I just caint hide it (Charlotte? that’s for you.).

    I appreciate that you said this:

    —
    Having said that, I think it’s important to find something you like and enjoy, so that part of your routine isn’t horrible for you.
    —

    as it is 110% true and I deliberately didnt state & reiterate as for me the MOTIVATION is *most* needed for my cardio which, no matter what Im doing, is NOT a part of working out I think I’ll ever truly ENJOY.

    and Lance? same to you. I APPRECIATE your longthoughtoutcomment ya vain bastard (wink). immensely.

    M.

  5. Ugh!

    Reading this post is reminding me of eating at Pizza Delight last night (mom’s choice – her birthday) and watching everyone eat garlic fingers, donairs, pasta dishes laden with ooey-gooey-greasy-cheese while I munched on a multigrain, thin-crust, veggie pizza light-on-the-parm…

    Now don’t get me wrong – it was delicious. It was vegetarian (ish – minus the fact I’m sure they handled it with the same ‘meat’ spatula, or whatever), and it was 10 times better than the pizza I would have made at home. But – it wasn’t grease. I miss grease.

    Needless to say, re: fast food, etc… I think avoidance might be the only option (or at least going oh-so-very-rarely) for me anyway. I ended up (admittedly) sharing a small garlic finger w/ hubby – figuring I was OFFICIALLY joining the gym this week, so no big deal… right? right????

    Advice to the lovely lady in college: 1st: Find the most interesting, lovely, beautiful healthy person you know. That person will motivate you with her lovely, beautiful healthy and be a healthy-eating duo. 2nd: Make that person your best bud. 3rd: Spend lots of quality time with that person or persons. It is absolutely no fun being the one person gnawing on a while grain sandwich while everyone else is jaw-deep in fries and pizza. At least if there are two of you, you’ll be less tempted. And, when you are tempted and dive in – you’ll have someone to chase your butt around campus chanting “Run, run, the pizza off yours buns….” 🙂

    (Take it from someone who did 4 years at university – first 2 with lazy roomates, and the last 2 with uber-fit, health lunatics… they were a Godsend!)

    Heather

  6. Exercise for me has become habit, and become something I enjoy so much that I miss not doing it, so who needs motivation. It is more important than work to me right now. Without my exercise I doubt I could survive work for too long. Without work I could still exercise, maybe not at such a fancy gym, but hey, the fresh air outside is free.

    Personal trainer – word of mouth is a great start – if all their other clients rave, they must be okay. Once, you’re there, if you work out harder and better, and want to go back each session, they are probably doing a good job.

  7. -To me, 80% of the time, exercise is like pulling out a rotten tooth. It hurts like a mother effer but you feel such relief after it’s done. The other 20% of the time, I’m happy to work out. It makes me feel strong and healthy.

    -I gots no 2 cents re: personal trainers.

    -HOWEVER< for the grad student: I’m totally with you! The best thing to do is pack food for yourself so you’re not tempted! Make yourself a vat of whole wheat pasta, brown rice, couscous (whatever creams your twinkie) at the beginning of the week. Then you can make meals, measuring out servings you like, adding veggies (froze or fresh) and meat (if you like that sort of thing) I eat a cup of yogurt and a bar (Fiber Ones are yummy!) every day. It helps to keep snacks with you so you dont feel the pull of the pizza line or vending machine.

  8. I’ve always had totally mixed success with eating well and exercising but I have had some periods of time where I’ve been very consistent for a long time and when it comes to both food and exercise I agree that motivation had very little to do with it. It was very much an acceptance that I was going to just do it whether I felt it or not that got me the most success over the years. I find that focusing on motivation actually makes it harder because it is harder to suck it up and get it done when I’m not feeling it.

    My life keeps changing (I’m a grad student too) and I always have a hard time finding a good routine and that gets me into a lot of trouble. Routine, both in terms of getting the exercise in and getting the food packed and cooked and sticking with eating it, is truly a magic bullet for me. It can be painful getting into the groove but each time you pass that pizza stand at lunch and eat what you brought with you, you will get stronger and it will get a little easier.

  9. Some days motivation comes from “It has to be done therefore it will be done.” Still other days are a reminder to put one foot in front of the other (generally speaking, I’d rather nap), but I also have many, many days where I don’t have to think about motivation to exercise or eat right or get my writing/cooking/cleaning/whatever done cause it’s fun.

  10. holy chickenbus.

    (Once upon a time MizFit, she of the MouthLikeSailor, had to select a word to *replace* swearing in her life and she settled upon the ever applicable CHICKENBUS.)

    You are all awesome.

    In that time is *such* a precious comodity & I appreciate you spending some of it commenting here.

    ToddlerTornado calls.

    M

  11. What great answers to your reader questions, and I love the comments so far!

    I do get tired of reading over and over about how exercise should be fun and if it isn’t you need to do something different. Well, I’ve tried all different kinds of exercise, and they’re all fun SOMETIMES but most of the time you just have to make yourself do it.

    I loved Fattygetsfit’s quote: “To me, 80% of the time, exercise is like pulling out a rotten tooth. It hurts like a mother effer but you feel such relief after it’s done. The other 20% of the time, I’m happy to work out. It makes me feel strong and healthy.”

    That about sums it up for me too.

  12. I agree with MizFit about “just do it.” While goals and seeing results will keep you motivated, you do have to make a committment to at least do something most days of the week. And when you really don’t feel like it but know your body needs it, you just have to do it. You’ll usually find that it makes you feel better and that gets easier to remember as exercise becomes more of a habit than a chore.

    Not to get too yapping from my soap box, but unless a personal trainer is a registered dietitian, they really shouldn’t be giving you really specific or detailed nutrition advice or meal plans (some of the major health club chains get around this by using a computer program though). It’s a scope of practice issue and sometimes even a legal one.

    Whew.

  13. AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHH!

    That’s the scream that I scream (inside my head) whenever I hear the motivation question.

    Quit waiting for motivation, people, ’cause it’s a fickle friend. Even if you find it, it’s likely to disappear again without telling you where it’s going and when it’s coming back. Think of motivation as the flaky person who answers your classified ad and swears she’ll be at your house at 2:00 to look at your car, but then never shows up.

    Schedule your workout into the day, and JUST DO IT!!!

  14. quick thought regarding FBG’s comment:

    Yepyepyep.

    I didn’t forget to add the piece about being a registered dietitian but more was curious if anyone would bring up AND if anyone cared.

    In that I’m the FIRST to remind you I’m not a dietitian (please to see DIZCLAIMER above) yet people (real life & non) seem to be able to take my .02 as precisely that.

    JUST MY EXPERIENCE.

    Thoughts? Would you prefer a degreed professional?

    I think I might!

    Miz.

  15. How neat ! I’m responding to this while I’m having a McD’s yogurt parfait! 🙂 Not the healthiest breakfast #1 in the world, but I was out of almonds.

    Re: personal training – The first manager of the company I signed on with for personal training tried to get me to keep a food diary–was militant about it even–but I was keeping up with my nutrition via sparkpeople, and that was enough for me. I told him when he got a license in nutrition, give me a ring. The trainers themselves asked a few questions, made a few suggestions (usually good ones), and we all got along happily. Except manager guy, but he got fired soon thereafter and wasn’t a factor. Current trainer has a ‘don’t get asked, don’t tell’ policy. I love him. I’m sure your reader can find a trainer who is willing to offer *suggestions* and *assistance* rather than a bunch of rigid rules.

    I like exercise, but I don’t *love* it. Mostly I love wearing regular-sized clothes after an entire adulthood over in plus sizes.

    Tuna packets, almonds, cheese sticks, and yogurt are my packed lunches of choice. Beyond that I just wing it. I can always find something reasonably healthy for lunch, even if it’s a packaged granola bar from my co-worker’s stash.

    Sheesh, my response is longer than your post. Sorry about that. 🙂

  16. dragonmama you must have been commenting as I was.

    what would I say (do I say? WHO CAN SAY :)) to a *friend*?
    precisely that.
    JUST GIT OUT THERE AND DO IT.

    followed by “how can I help you git there? what can *I* do to be an accountability partner?”

    but the first snippet would be tough love.

    now with *clients*? not so much (although a few, a RARE few, did completely respond to T.L. like that.)

    and Cammy, of the long comment I adore, I REALLY like your point here:

    —
    Mostly I love wearing regular-sized clothes after an entire adulthood over in plus sizes.
    —

    & shall end with that.

    Miz.

  18. Prefaced with always-common-knowledge that I’m just a lil *weird* (aren’t we all? tee hee):

    Motivation: Just do it. Exercise, especially, is just something that I make the choice to do because of committment to my goal(s). Some days, it sucks, probably because it can detract from time with friends/family. Most days, especially running days, I enjoy most/all of it, but I was lucky to find an activity I truly love. MizFit’s my hero for sticking to cardio even though she doesn’t like it. 😉

    Trainer? No advice.

    Eating on campus? Sorry to pull a broken record here, but it’s so much easier for me — as a student myself — to distinguish between “good” and “bad” if I attach some other significance, some actual moral set I guess, to what I eat. My personal choice was to aim for as clean a diet as I could in my quasi-spiritual quest for the simplicity we humans USED to have. We hunted and gathered for animal and plant and never worried about our figures (we ate whole foods and foraged = lightly exercised a TON). If it didn’t come from the ground or an animal (straight or a simple process — read: cheese or yogurt), I probably don’t eat it very often (except diet pop…oy). For me, that in particular makes tossing out the “bad” a whole lot easier.

  19. I get asked that question a lot – “How do you stay motivated?”. Well, like you, I just do it. I don’t say I am motivated anymore, I am dedicated.

    Motivation is fleeting, you have to use that as a springboard to set up the good habits you need to succeed. Once they are a habit, then you just dedicate and do. 🙂

  20. Just a quick one before I take my son to school…
    I loathe working out. But not as much as having a cushiony layer of cottage cheese on my body. All I really need for motivation is one naked down dog, and I’m grabbing my ipod and heading to the gym (dressed first, of course). My consolation is music – the stuff my family doesn’t want to hear, or shoudn’t hear (Mommy – what does Head Like a Hole mean?)

    …and I’m off. More later about the McD Parfait! lol

  21. Motivation? If you’re a music lover like I am then make the World’s Greatest Motivational iPod playlist to work out to. If it wasn’t for those adrenalin-pumping songs, I would not work out at all. And I work out Quite A Lot. It keeps you going when you want to give up and go home. It makes you forget when its hurting. Music is the answer.

    Healthy eating to me sounds like a question less of what to eat that’s healthy, and more like what to eat that won’t make you feel deprived. I get food envy BAD for other people’s pizza so I feel your pain. Loved Heather’s point about surrounding yourself with Good Influence People. I would also find healthy foods that you LOVE and that look gorgeous and make yourself the envy of everyone else instead. Seriously – I do it at work all the time. They all hate me, but it’s just ’cause they wanna be me, right? 😉

    TA x

  22. …and I’m off. More later about the McD Parfait! lol

    I caint lie to you, People.
    Im afraid to hear what the wisewonderful Marianne has to say.

    and TA? I JUST BOUGHT MY FIRST mp3 player over the weekend (I KNOW! and that’s after writing a billion articles, ok 2, on the power of music as motivation.)!

    and this?

    —
    Good Influence People
    —

    Im still waiting on the post about MizFit Motivational Partners.

    Pairing any of you up who would wish to be matched as Bumbling Band Duos to encourage each other on the bumpy path to fitness/health/BALANCE.

    I cant decide if this is ALREADY DONE (in a general sense) via BLOGS/comments.

    thoughts?

    Miz.

  25. Motivation. I’d agree…you just have to do it! Make up your mind to go and just go. That being said, if I wait to do it in the afternoon I have a harder time going. But, that’s me. I work out to the tv at the apt complex’s gym. It’s a life saver for me (I know it’s bad, but hey…whatever gets you moving, right?) AND if that’s not available then I totoally agree with Cammie. Ipod all the way with some good moving music helps!

    Thanks for all the food suggestions (it was my question). I have a hard time with the temptation, but also not feeling like I’m deprived (you’re right on that one TA).

    Miz…where do you get the awesome packets of nut butter?? I hate that more companies don’t do this (or it’s not easily accessible).

  26. Women’s health has an “eat this, not that” section on their web site as well.

    For the college student: you could get enriched pasta (a bit more expensive, but not too bad) and frozen veggies. Make a big batch, eat some for dinner, and you can bring some for lunch too. You can also add chicken and/or shrimp. Mixed nuts are a good snack, as are fruitabu. They’re organic “smooshed fruit” (you can get them near the fruit snacks), 80 calories a packet (which is also one serving of fruit). They are also really similar to fruit roll-ups on texture and taste.

    For the personal trainer thing, let them know that you don’t want to be given nutrition advice, and if you want to know something in that area, you’ll ask (you can put a nicer spin on that, but if it’s a persistent thing, you don’t have to).

    For the motivation issue: brainwash yourself to like it. If you tell yourself enough that you like it, eventually you’ll start believing yourself. Also, the MP3 works wonders. If you still need motivation, you can get yourself an inexpensive pedometer and see how many steps you take in a day. Then try for more steps (however few or many you like) the next day, and the next, etc. You’ll be moving more, which is the goal.

  27. *scribbles note to self to write that Barney Butter post STAT*

    Diana, it’s barneybutter.com
    Not sure it’ll help but feel free to tell em I sent you.
    I do have a freebie coming (on 9.16 I think?)

    And Tricia2? Love the brainwashing notion.

    Not.Too.Far.Off.

    And it sounds far more exciting/intriguing than Just Do It!

    Miz

  28. I pack my lunch each day (for myself + hubby) and that keeps me from eating out – when I do eat out, it is hard to order the healthiest pick over the yummiest pick. I make sure to have nuts and PB and 100 calorie soup in my office for emergencies – if I don’t have a healthy option, I get tempted to hit the vending machines. Luckily the “cafeteria” food at my office is not tempting at all. I really dislike fast food so that is not hard to avoid. What is tough is making good decisions at really good restaurants.

    Never used a personal trainer but would love to if I could ever afford it.

    Thanks Miz for another great post.

  29. Oh, and one other thing: I’m studying nutrition (hoping to go back for my master’s), and any time I offer my opinion about nutrition, I make sure that I let the person know that I’m not a nutritionist, just studying to be one.

    If the trainer doesn’t offer any qualification to be messing with your food, you should think twice about working with them if they are (or at least ask to see their certification for the diets AND personal training. I know of one personal trainer in the area that let his certification lapse, and is still claiming to be certified). So always always ask to see the certification.

  30. I’m with all of the above on the fleetingness of that wonder drug calls “motivation.” It’s nice when you’ve got it. But as for me, I just had to decide that getting my butt out there and going to the gym was just:

    NOT. OPTIONAL.

    Some days I’m motivated. Most days I don’t even stop to think about whether I am or not.

    More than a specific weight goal when I started back to working out, I made CONSISTENCY my goal…and then challenged myself to workout 5 days per week (M-F…but that’s just the schedule for me) for as many weeks as I could without missing. And I set up my daily schedule to make it harder for me to not go. I made it nearly 5 months before I missed at all.

    And now? I only miss if there is a real reason…like a fever, will pass out on the treadmill if I go workout kind of reason. Because it’s become habit…and I feel kind of weird if I don’t!!!

    I’m with you on the cardio part, Mizfit…so I try to do that FIRST. That way I’m not having to psyche/motivate myself into doing it the whole time I’m doing other things…it’s over, quickly…and then I can enjoy the rest without the having to force myself to do it.

  31. I love this:

    “IM A GROWN ASS WOMAN & THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO list.”

    Love it.

    I have nothing to add today. I eat lunch at home. Hubby packs his lunch. If we’re out, we pack our lunches and snacks. Sometimes, though, things don’t work and we have to stop at a fast food place. We deal. That’s what eating well most of the time allows you to be able to do. Deviate without feeling (too) terrible.

  33. Agreeing with Felice.

    Motivated, most of the time, sometimes, I just do it. One more 20 miler and I am seriously dragging my feet about it. And it’s still 4 days away.

    As far as eating out, chick-filla offers pretty tasty chicken and salads that I actually like. so we go there.

  34. Let’s see: motivation – I’m not much help to your reader as I have the opposite problem (will you be covering exercise addiction soon? Please??)

    Personal trainers – your philosophy is the best I’ve ever heard and I’ve heard A LOT of them.

    Eating well in a bad eating environment – we all covered it well I think before but I’m dying to hear more about the barney butter!!!

    Fast food eating – you are my hero. I really want to be you when I grow up. I am such an all or nothing thinker that I’ll take my kids to McD’s (and let them eat a burger even!) and yet I’ve not nibbled so much as a fry there in years. I’m afraid of opening that door…

  35. i noticed the switch to all-bold too! I wonder how my post will come out…anticipation!
    For a couple of years, I was obsessed with the McDonalds Fruit/Yogurt Parfaits (especially when they made ’em in BIG cups, not the dinky $1 ones) and had a ritual of always getting one (or two of the small ones) when I was at an airport. Like, I’ve actually CALLED LAX to ask if they have a McD there so I could get my fruit parfaits. I’d bring ’em on the plane, where I knew I’d be getting no food, and bust ’em out mid-flight, making everyone around me jealous. They are so yummy. Lately, tho, I’ve been bringing a cup of oatmeal in a ziplock with some brown sugar and dried cherries and just ask the airline attendant for hot water and skim milk. Yum…


  36. Oooh. I fixed. For my next trick I shall make BRIAN PEELER, JACKIE WARNER & MEHMET OZ appear up in herre.

    I also do weddings and bar mitzvahs.

    M.

  37. RE Motivation: I had to giggle at “working out is simply part of my IM A GROWN ASS WOMAN & THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO list. Next to grocery shopping, laundry and work” because, sometimes I might slack at the whole grocery shopping thing. We call it McGyvering a meal in the Slacker house. Maybe that’s why I sometimes slack in the working out department. But, I *am* getting better on both fronts.

    RE PT: I got nothing. Though I need to look into that idea. I’m an at-home workout girl with tons of (unused) equipment at home. If I put them all in the same room, it’d be a mini-gym.

    RE Eating healthy: I actually had an epiphany about this earlier this year. I was all “it’s not fair that I can’t eat fries at every meal.” And then I realized that I could, but I wouldn’t be happy with my health, my body, etc. So I limit it to once a week. And since I know that I *will* indulge, I don’t do it at other times. It sucks sometimes, but at most times I feel pretty darn good about it.

  38. For the motivation question, I lean towards your answer Miz. You just do it. You start doing it and keep doing it. Once you are in a routine or pattern it becomes easier. Compare it to brushing your teeth! Would you neglect brushing your teeth? Think of exercise that way. It’s part of your daily routine. Once you start seeing changes on the scale or in your body, then it really gets easy. You will WANT to do it because you see the effects.

    Gravitate towards healthy choices whenever possible. Maybe split a meal with a friend and share the cost. Keep fresh fruit and healthy cereals, nuts, etc in your room. Baggie them up for a snack before you head out to eat. When hunger is in check, it easier to make the better choice.

    You can make fast food work for you. Hardees (at least here in KS) will make any sandwich low carb for you…..they use big nice lettuce leaves instead of the bun. Get creative. A lot of places have healthy choices. At first they don’t seem as good,but once you have gotten use to what “good” really should be, it becomes a simple decision.

  40. LOVE the idea of weights as the oreos of your diet. I do think that’s an important point that deserves to come out of parentheses. I really believe that there’s gotta be SOME part of fitness that can become anybody’s Oreos. I hope? At least moments? And yeah, you do the rest, but at least there’s something you savor…maybe I’m being optimistic, but I think everybody should find their Oreos!

    (this just goes to show that metaphors work only in moderation. extended metaphors are a wee bit painful. sorry ’bout that.)

    re: mcdonalds, I never go, but I think all parents have a responsibility to take their kids to fast food places. seriously. speaking of metaphors, how else are they going to learn how to make Good Choices in a world teeming with Unhealthy Options?

  41. I work at a college too. We have no yummy french fry vendors (very small college), but most of the food choices are as questionable as yours. I HIGHLY recommend tuna pouches. They have so much more flavor than the cans. You can throw them on a salad, bring some whole wheat bread and dijon to make a sandwich, whatever. And as a gal can’t live on tuna alone, I also believe whole-heartedly in all-natural peanut butter sandwiches, silk soy yogurt (I’m lactose-intolerant), egg white omelets on omelet day in the cafeteria . . .
    The trick for me was changing one thing at a time. Get the french fries, but have them with a salad. Oh, and add in some nice complex carbs–EarthGrains 100% natural whole wheat bread is delicious. Not “eat every meal healthy,” but certainly a lot better than enriched white bread.
    I admit it all takes some adjustments. I kind of had to start by powering my way through some of the choices (one at a time) with the “I’m a grown-up now and people depend on me, so I need to be healthy” attitude. But now I prefer my healthy foods. I still have french fries sometimes, but more and more seldom because they tend to upset my stomach.

  42. WG? you totally made me laugh with your parfait love.
    Id never even seen em before the Toddler Tornado and had NO CLUE there once was a bigger size. (and she has no clue there’s an option to buy more than one…I think Ill leave it that way)

    SlackerMama thanks for sharing the epiphany. you’re right. you CAN totally have fries with every meal but wouldnt love how youd FEEL look etc.

    (Charlotte? really? I should be no ones hero. Im more with Slackermama in that I eat some fries etc and know if I ate me SOME FRIES!! Id feel like crap & lethargic and would not be able to finish my active mamaday. in a sense the door totally closes itself!)

    Annette? yep ALL ABOUT THE CREATIVE. and it makes it fun. and, I think, humiliating to my daughter at some point but Ill cross that golden arch when I come to it.

    TFH? thanks for pointing out that you liked the oreo sentiment. I mean it wholly. It’s considered ‘bad’ to say but I truly havent found ANY CARDIO I look forward to.
    ANY.
    some are better than others but it is still something I just do—-like it or not.
    the weights? ADORE. and we can all find *one* thing we like—youre right.

    and Im SO with you on fast food for the same reason I ADVOCATE sugarsnacks in the the schools. we need to arm our children with TOOLS TO MAKE DECISIONS not never offer them a choice.

    (hello broad brush—-lemmie paint with you!)

    life calls.

    Miz.

  43. It’s true, some people are more motivated than others! I don’t know if it is genetic or learned young. I was born motivated! If that does not apply to you, than take baby steps, and fake it till you make it. Or better luck next life, if that is the choice you decide to make!

    I suspect those who visit here do not want to make that choice, and Miz will do all she can to help with that 🙂

  45. Count me among the commenters that makes exercise a habit instead of requiring motivation. Lots of mornings I don’t feel motivated to get up and go to the gym, but once I get there and get started I am glad that I am there and mostly I like the results. Sure, there are days that I take off because I just don’t feel up to it but it is part of my daily routine.

    My favorite quick and healthy lunch is to bring a pack of Frozen Vegetables and heat them up and they are hot and tasty. I pair it with half of a wheat pita and some fruit. That usually fills me up and provides lots of combinations to keep it interesting!

  46. I love the answers to the first question. I think people so often make the mistake of viewing exercise as optional. When it’s “optional,” it’s so easy to push it away to make room for something more fun.

    For me, routine is pretty essential. I get up, I put on my running shoes, I head out extremely early in the morning before anything else gets in the way. I no longer have to “make myself” go for a run. I crave it and would be upset if I had to start my day another way.

    Strength training is something I “make myself” do though. Twice a week. Because I’m a grown-up and have to check it off the list.

  47. Motivation: yep, just do it. In addition, I have come to the conclusion that we don’t do things we don’t want to do…even when we “just do it.” The truth is, there is a reason, a belief, something that causes us to do it. For example, I might have some disease in my family that scares me into taking better care of myself…it isn’t that I love the work, but I do love disease-free life, so I’m doing what I want even if on the surface it feels like I’m “just doing it.” Happens all the time with everything. We run an intense home program for my son with autism, I work with him one-on-one endless hours. It’s for me, not for him. He isn’t begging me to do any of this. I WANT the outcome. I give myself the option too–…do I want to do this today even with a headache and 2 other children?..well, let’s see, I want him to learn to converse with me and I want him to feel more comfortable in a world that is difficult for him so that he can live a fuller, more independent life…so Yes. Then, I “just do it” for myself. You can know that you have people in your life who rely on you to stay healthy, but ultimately, it isn’t really for them…it’s for you…YOU want them to be able to rely on you. So, when you can boil it down to the knowledge that “this is what I choose,” just doing it happens. When I run, I say, “I can walk any time I choose to.” Then, I choose to run. So, knowing that it’s MY own choice and then giving myself a true option out makes me able to “just do it.”

  49. oh, BagLady.
    I think you summed it up better than I.

    sometimes it DOES suck to be a grown up and, when *all* the sucketh is compared, working out aint half bad.

    runjess? are we, if combined, the perfect (perfectly overtrained?) exerciser?

    Miz.

  50. Motivation may be too strong a word. Start with just showing up–sort of like “Just Do It'” for wimps. Meeting a friend at the gym gets you there, set the weights in front of the TV, sit on your home exercise bike and do a little light spinning, tell yourself that you can leave step class after 10 mins if you want to. Honestly, some days you’ll want to push it a little and some days you won’t but if you just show up, wanting to push harder will come naturally.

  52. Not much to say except that I love the Wendy’s salads. Eating at fast food joints isn’t the problem as much as the choices we make there. Sometimes fast food is the solution to a busy day. You just have to make the right choice.

    Jenn

  53. Great post, and I’ve loved reading the responses.

    Regarding fitness and motivation: Well, on the scale of must-do-because-we’re-grownups activities, exercise sure beats flossing my teeth. (Up to about four months ago, I never would have typed that sentence.) Fear (of the yes-I’d-rather-do-5 days/30 minute cardio exercise-than-go-blind-or-lose-limbs variety) was a pretty big starting motivator. But now I’m sort of like runjess, in that I get cranky if I don’t do it.

    I do my cardio fitness at the start of the day, because finding that hour later is well nigh impossible. I set out all of my clothes, shoes, timer, etc. so that I can roll out of bed, do a warm-up walk with the dog (who, bless her, is a slow poke who has to sniff every nasty thing we pass for at least 5 seconds…gives me a chance to jog in place or stretch), then after that I’m awake and ready to jog. (Do people “jog” anymore, or are we all “runners” now? My pace is currently more of a “jog” than a “run,” but saying I’m a “jogger” rather than a “runner” sounds so less serious…whoops, digression…) Once a week I mix it up a bit and do a bike ride instead.

    I also, at the beginning, decided to do our local 5K fun run in October, so that my workout felt more like “training” than simply “exercise.” (Simple mind games for simple minds, I know… 🙂 End of the day, when I’m indoors anyway, is my time for my weight routine (*snicker*…that makes it sound so…serious! All I really do are a few simple exercise with little 5 lb hand weights. My 7-year-old likes to play with them, too, and he makes the most serious grunting sounds when he lifts them, emulating Larry Lobster on SpongeBob SquarePants.)

    What’s crazy is that it’s now back-to-school time. Today we had some extra stuff to do in the morning, and I felt kind of cheated, because I only got to jog for 20 minutes. So I’ll take a walk at lunch, too, if I feel “shorted” on my morning exercise.

    Food-wise, I don’t think I have much to add. All this yogurt parfait talk reminded me of my favorite snack lately: greek-style yogurt with a serving of fruit (blueberries, apples, or some such), 2 Tbsp each of toasted wheat germ and milled flax, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Yum! I bring leftovers for lunch a lot, and I keep nuts in my drawer at work–almonds, pistachios, and the like–my coworkers have their own space already. (Groan, sorry, couldn’t help myself, this blog makes me act silly! 😉

  54. Oooo, oooo, what Jen said about fast-food! Definitely about the choices. Also, unless you’re on a really restrictive food plan, think of it in terms of the 80-20 rule. Really healthy people probably hit it more at the 90-10 or 95-5 level….But anyhow, if one makes the *best* choice 80-90-95% of the time, and allows for less-optimal choices 20-10-5% of the time, then one might avoid the “I can NEVER have THAT food AGAIN” deprivation-mode.

  55. “My answer? not a popular one but mine none the less: I just do it.”

    EXACTLY!

    I think it also helps once you start seeing results. So, it’s hard the first few weeks, but then, for me, seeing the tone and knowing that it will go away and flab will resume if I stop working out – that’s a great motivator.

  56. Questions for the Bumbling Band on the University eats…

    Judging from the comments, the food offerings at universities are pretty unhealthy. Are there healthy food options in the Cafeteria and students just mostly ignore them for things they like better?

    My step-daughter will be entering college in two weeks and living in the on-campus dorm. Any words you can suggest to encourage her to eat a little healthier now that she’ll have so many more “choices” on the meal plan? Should my parting words be: “Please try to eat at least ONE fruit or vegetable a day.” That would be more than she eats now, I’m pretty sure.

  57. conny? 2 swift thumbtyped thoughts.

    First we did touch on this *briefly* before and if you can’t find it by searching I’ll link when I’m at the computer.
    It was in a viewer mail as well.

    Next? Have you been peeking at my To Do list?

    Number one is (and I jest not) WRITE GUEST POST FOR *** SITE ON HOW TO AVOID GAINING THE FRESHMAN 15.

    it’s coming & I’ll link to it when its done.

    Miz.

  58. I have lots to say, but too many toddlers & babies clamoring for my attn right now. I love the part about just do it. I tell people, do you take shower everyday? brush your teeth? (hoping the answer will be yes!) Then you need to make time to exercise. Period. It doesn’t have to be intense, but just MOVE YOUR BODY every single day.

    and second the consultation with the trainer. sometimes the personalities just won’t mesh.

    ok, off to the screamers. (sigh)

  59. “I dont recall asking if you liked this—-just asking you to do it.” CRACKS ME UP. I think I will have to use that the next time one of my workout partners complains about the distance or amount of sets we’re doing for that days plans.

    As for the Fruit n Yogurt Parfait. I worked at McDonald’s as a manager and they can’t really bugger that up too badly or add anything horrible for you to it. Beware the amount of sugar per serving tho. Also, the fajitas – ALWAYS – have twice as much cheese as the Nutritional Info. notes.

  60. Agree 100% about motivation being a myth. Many times I don’t wanna, but do it anyway. Other times I don’t wanna, and don’t, and accept the consequences. For me, it’s all about having a life that allows me time for ME. And like my husband says, “If mamma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” So I make sure I get my ME time, which means a good run or workout at the gym.

    On the food front–when I bring my own food, I eat healthier. Same goes for the kids–I feed them, it’s healthier. Fast food happens to all of us though, and once in a while at McD’s isn’t going to hurt anyone. It’s the routine of junk food that’s a killer.

    Great post!

  61. Your answer to the motivation question is, no doubt, the best thing I’ve ever read on the topic. Sometimes, you just gotta skip the rah-rah and do what has to be done!

  63. I love these comments.

    Re: motivation, I really like Lori’s statment: I don’t say I’m motivated, I say I’m dedicated. What a world of difference that is, but I’d never thought about it like that. So thanks!

    The other thing with motivation is that although you should recognize that you will not always be motivated, you should also not shoot yourself in the foot. In other words, if you normally don’t go to bed until 1:00am, don’t think that a 5:00am workout will work for you. IT WON’T. You will just hit snooze until you throw the alarm clock out the window. (No? Just me? Liars.) You have to set yourself up for success, not failure. Then after that, you won’t have the excuses to use, which makes it harder to skip a workout.

    Got nothin’ on the trainers. I avoid them at all costs (present company excepted, of course). 😀

    As far as the healthy eating goes, pack a lunch and take it with you. And I think the bit about being “A GROWN ASS WOMAN” applies here, as well. We’re all grown-ups, and we get to make our own choices. But we have to make INFORMED choices. I know that a cheeseburger isn’t going to help me maintain a body that I want. So most of the time I eat salad, because I want the body more than I want the burger. (Some days I want the burger more, and I eat it.)

    There is a certain freedom in making grown-up choices, though, whether it’s about exercise or food. I get to make a CONSCIOUS choice whether to eat salad or fries, whether to hit snooze or get up and work out. That takes the guilt out of it (for me) because I MADE THE CHOICE. The flip side of that though, is that sometimes you make a not-fun choice (salad) because you want the fun results (to be/get/stay fit and healthy). (That’s what I remind myself of when I want the fries: “Don’t you want [x] more? Yes? Then don’t eat the damn fries. Be a grown-up.”)

    Hm. I think I just gave MYSELF a talking-to! LOL

  64. I love, love, LOVE the yogurt parfaits from McD’s! Apple dippers are purty good, too (and, yes, I’ve been known to lick the cup o’ carmel). I may be incredibly naive, but I don’t think fast food is what it used to be – most places offer a grilled chicken sandwich and some offer healthy salads, in addition to healthy sides (mandarin oranges, apple dippers…). I know, I’m trying to justify my $2 dinner at McD’s.

    As far as motivation….for me, what motivates me is my energy level and the way I feel when I’m working out. I know when I am NOT working out I feel all crappy and not so good about myself. Even though it’s hard to drag yourself out of bed early in the a.m. to hit the gym (or to stop after a long day of work), my motivation is how I will feel AFTER my workout. Sounds cheesy, but works for me. 🙂

  65. bears repeating how much I adore your insights and that so many of you are willing to make the time to comment.

    I read them all, sure, but I also think many of you stop and read other people’s comments/insights/snarks as well.

    so when you comment you are SO helping others.

    (cue sentimental music. I know)

    this?

    What’s a reasonable amount to pay a personal trainer?

    I think it SO varies, Chris. From 40 an hour some places to 100 an hour to more than a few trainers at Sky Sport Spa charging hundredS.

    IMO it is all personal whether it’s worth the money or not.
    In 1998ish I had a client balk at paying my fee and ask how he could get the cost down to 20.00 an hour.

    I offered to drive him to a chain gym where a not-certified high school student might stand next to him and count to ten for that amount.

    If I found a trainer I ADORED *to me* money might be no object.
    I think Id rather do fewer sessions and learn more/enjoy it more.

    ramblerambleramble (sorry) it varies.

    Where you at?

    Miz.

  66. That is such a great perspective on the motivation. I need to change my attitude about it. Great insight as always, MizFit!

  67. I think a big part of “just doing it” (paraphrasing) is an aspect of growing up (finally). A lot of times I want to reward myself, feel I deserve something special, and for some odd reason I think the reward should be food-based or NON-exercised-based rather than rewarding myself by not shoving my head in a bowl of ice cream or taking a good long walk or lifting weights. And I think I may be finally growing up.
    So my advice would be to grow the f’ up!

  70. Love your motivation – just do it.

    I’ve been a little winey about having to work out after a long day in the classroom (as opposed to first thing in the morning), and reading this made me realize. Stop complaining and just do it!

    Heather

  71. I have to say, realizing that I couldn’t wait to be motivated (magical!) made a huge difference in a number of areas. There are just things we gotta do and exercise is one!

  72. I’m with you on the motivation. It’s on my list of “I have to’s” and not necessarily ” I want to’s.” My motivation is living long enough to spoil my daughter’s children and make life more fun for her 😉

    I admire your resistance in the fry dept. at McDonalds. I cave. Every time.

  73. you know, Sandy, it isnt will power or resistance.

    it’s more what people have said above/we’ve talked about before.

    Im ‘allowed’ to eat them.

    as many as Id like and as supersized as I crave.

    and with that permission I find I may snack on a few but that’s as many as I really want and the number I truly crave.

    m.

  74. Okay, so I was thinking I’d be a day late and a dollar short, but people were still commenting last night, so I guess I’m not sooo late to the party.

    Anywho- About motivation, it’s all about balancing the short term with the long term. In the short term, I want to look good, or get that *runner’s high* feeling, or just feel the sense of accomplishment when it’s over. For a time I might be lured by the thought of skipping a workout or eating something not so healthy, but these derail my long term progress. So I have to continually remind/ask myself, “is the instant gratification worth skipping out and maybe lessening some of the long term rewards?” There’s a quote that explains it much more eloquently than that, but for the life of me I can’t think of how it goes.

    I don’t have any advice on hiring a trainer, because I once had 2 free sessions (through my gym membership long, long ago) and 1 of them really sucked because the guy made me lift much heavier weights than I was able to, and by the time I got home, I couldn’t even lift my arms to get undressed (seriously, my roommate had to help me). So, sorry…

    With the fast food, I usually try to pick the least horrible option, or at least just really pay attention to when I’m full. I like Wendy’s because they have more *healthy* options than others, such as a side salad, chili, baked potatoes, etc. Plus, I like that I can order a combo meal and substitute one of those sides instead of fries (I really try to avoid them, because once I start I can’t stop, and I’ll eat every single one). I also like Subway, and usually get the apple slices and a milk. But really I don’t eat out very much, so what do I know?

    It is tough to avoid all the “yummy” food choices out there, but I would refer back to the motivation concept. Is the short term “party-in-your-mouth” happiness going to ultimately make you feel better than making a healthier choice for your body and eating something with substance? I pack a lunch every day, and do leftovers from dinner, sandwiches with high-fiber bread or whole wheat wraps or bagels, or low-sodium soup, or even frozen dinners sometimes (look for lower-calorie, and lower-sodium). I also throw in baby carrots, yogurt, some kind of fruit or applesauce, sometimes a Wasa cracker with a laughing cow cheese wedge, almost always a light string cheese. There are so many tasty healthy options out there. Good luck!

  76. I’ve always liked your personal motivation for working out: IT’S NOT AN OPTION. That’s how I see it, too. I’m not so strict about the 30 min, 5-days-a-week with the cardio, but I bet I end up doing that much most weeks (since I head outside after work and on the weekends so often).

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