Day 19 - Taking Charge of Something

I was looking at some articles last night and came across an article titled Top 10 Ways to Change Your Body.  I was intrigued, so I read on. 

The article shared some really great ideas, such as doing just 5 minutes of abs a day before I jump in the shower.  That sounds so easy.  I just have to remember to A) shower (I work from home) and B) when I do shower, remember to do the abs real quick.  Just add something else to my new improved routine.  I love it.  I am becoming well rounded.

The article also talked about wall slides and lunges that will firm up the buns.  2 sets of 15.  Easy enough.  I am going to make a real effort to add this to my routine.  Get the blood flowing...maybe even make my kids do it with me.  Tighten up all of our buns together.  Why not?  The only other thing we are doing in the morning is fighting over who is chewing louder or who is the grossest eater.  This will help cause a distraction.

They also mentioned Yoga.  I LOVE Yoga.  This has been a little tough to get back into because of all of my kid's sick days.  There really is nothing quite as embarrassing as having an audience while you are trying to find your third eye.  This is a sport that I like to do at the gym in a class when everyone else has the same goal or completely alone.  But, all the same, I do need to get this back into my routine.  Plus, you have to set time aside for Yoga...it didn't mention a quick yoga routine.

So, the article really gave some solid ideas on easy ways to get in shape.  They were fast and quick...but for these things to be effective you need to do them everyday.  So, I will give it a try and work those simple things into my life and see what sticks.  I am up for the challenge.

The one secret or tip I did see that made me laugh was the following...
"Splurge on a new haircut - What better way to focus attention away from your figure and toward your bright smile than with a hip new hairstyle? Talk to a stylist about cuts that complement your face."  The last time I cut my hair off for a fun change was when I was extremely pregnant.  Lesson learned.  THE last thing I want when I am feeling yucky about myself is a bad haircut.  Not only did I feel HUGELY pregnant (I don't get cute pregnant...I get PREGNANT...is she having triplets pregnant), but then I chopped my hair off because it was the only thing I could control.  So then, I was left feeling HUGE and stuck with the Rachel again...5 years after it was a cool haircut.

So, yes it is good to feel in control and take control...but, no chopping hair off, unless you have your heart set on a pixie cut or something.  I have made nutrition changes and it feels good.  I am working excercise back in after a 6 week recovery.  That feels good too.  I started working with my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom to start on a nutrition plan  (the 24 Day Challenge).  I know I have mentioned her throughout my postings and thought you might want to get to know her better and why she chose to work with Advocare products.  She is a wonderful lady and offers great information on nutrition and health in general.  Below is a letter she wrote to me the other day.  I think it really explains who she is and why she does what she does...

Dear Cathy,

Dear Cathy,

I was asked to take a look at the products and the business opportunity that came with them by a childhood friend.  Timing had a great deal to do with it.  I was told the products were a "given".  Trained as a dietitian, nutrition and exercise took precedence over supplements.  This being said, I was not totally naïve to supplements, as I had used them for general wellness; an insurance policy so to speak.  I also like to consider myself athletic, so I had tried and used quite a few different protein powders, bars, and rehydration type drinks. 

At the time my friend called, I was getting low on my multivitamins, minerals and fish oils.  I was also working out, eating a healthy diet but had plateaued in my results and was not really looking to put more time into the exercise.  I tried product more so out of curiosity.  I was told to try the 24 Day Challenge.  Needless to say, the products won me over with the energy they provided and a change in my body composition.  I immediately started looking at people thinking, "if this was what happened for me, what could it do for them?"

I continued on with products after the 24 day challenge and watched my habits evolve toward better habits.  The products continued to match my efforts.  I researched the safety, quality, science and efficacy behind the supplements.  I found that the 24 day challenge was just the "teaser" to all that is offered.  There are "lines" of products to choose from based on what an individual is looking for.  Basically, the founder had a vision for its products to improve lives through superior nutrition and fitness.  I liked that is was not  "diet" focused.  I've seen enough failed diets for a lifetime in my line of work.  I was looking for ways to help people to improve wellness though lifestyle.

I have enjoyed reading your Blog so much as I see the increased awareness though your eyes, and the lifestyle adjustment prompted by the products.  Regardless of what you do after the challenge is completely up to you.  It does, however make me feel good that I was able to share something that has helped you dig a little bit deeper.  AdvoCare is often referred to as a vehicle (sometimes an investment).  I think both words apply.  The vehicle helps one get from point A to point B.  An investment is putting money into something with the expectation of profit.  Regardless of money or health benefits, they both allow for a better lifestyle.  I'm pretty sure this is something most of us are looking for.

So, does everyone need to do a 24 Day Challenge or buy into the business to benefit from what I have to offer?  Did I mention that it was my lifelong dream to sell supplements to people?  If you need a little help, both answers are NO.  I wanted to make sure you were paying attention.  I have received more gratification from small comments, increased awareness, and the Spark I have been able to introduce into someone's day, with or without product.  I appreciate skepticism, and educated comparison and evaluation.  All of this said, AdvoCare has products that offer quality solutions for weight management, increased energy, athletic performance and core nutrition/personal wellness needs.

Liz

For more information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at ttps://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness