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Hydration! Hydration! Hydration!

By Nicki On July 23, 2010 No Comments

It’s unbelievably “thick” here in Chicago today. The humidity is so high that the heat index makes it feel like it’s 104 degrees outside, ugh! I found myself drinking a lot more water both pre and post workout. I was reminded how very important it is to keep yourself hydrated, not only during the obvious time of year, summer, but year ’round! Whether it’s winter, fall, summer or sping, our bodies need to be kept well-hydrated. Given that the human body is about 75% water, this nutrient is obviously an essential part of any healthy diet. Water serves several functions, including to help flush our systems, especially the kidneys and bladder, of waste products and toxins. In fact, majority of Americans go through life dehydrated. Then, as the aging process progresses, the internal trigger for thirst dissapates. As a result, the “cue” for thirst diminishes and people often eat thinking they’re hungry versus reaching for a glass of water because they are simply thirsty. Very often you will find that your sense of hunger passes once you’re well hydrated.

The best way to make sure you’re getting enough water in your daily diet is to keep it readily available. Keep a bottle or thermos accessible. Keep water at work, in your gym bag, purse, briefcase, etc. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, mid-morning, before lunch, after luch, mid-afternoon, before dinner and after dinner. Some evidence suggests that poor hydration can cause feelings of fatigue and lethargy. So next time you’re feeling a little “blah” try a glass of water!

More tips are available in my book, Nicki Anderson’s Single-Step Weight Loss Solution; 101 No-Nonsense Tips for Healthy Living, Weight Loss, and a Diet-Free Life!

Have a great week!

Nicki

Recent Posts

You Want to Eat Healthy? Think Au Natural!

By Nicki On July 9, 2010 2 Comments

The road to healthy eating never ends, in that, there’s always something new and interesting to learn about what really constitutes a healthy diet. So many philosophies, so many ideas, diets, etc. that make the nutritional know-how rather confusing and conflicting.

When I talk to my clients about nutrition, I encourage “Au natural” as the best gauge. All too often people count calories which focuses more on quantity(calories) vs. quality.  If we can learn to focus more on the quality of our foods the quantity somewhat remedies itself.  For example, it’s very easy to over-eat a bag of potato chips, right? But try to over-eat a cucumber salad, or sweet potato or sliced peppers, not likely to happen.

If you’re looking to change your “diet” start with focusing on the quality of the food your eating. If you still love your sweets, your boxed foods, start finding healthier options. For example, have you ever tried a date? Oh my gosh, dates are a wonderful substitute for a piece of candy or chocolate. Unfortunately, society and our pallets often dictate what we want, but the truth is, if you slowly start making healthy changes, your body and pallet will respond positively.

Slow and steady wins the race. Take it a day at a time, pay more attention to the quality of your foods and set small goals for yourself each week. Perhaps during week 1, it’s simply taking a look at what you’re eating on a daily basis. Observe where you need to change and what you’re willing to change. Once you do that, you can better assess where you need to start and off you go!

Healthy, all natural nutrition is the key  to a healthier weight, NOT dieting.

Here’s to your health!

Nicki


The Reality of Aging

By Nicki On July 3, 2010 No Comments
Yes, I really went to see Cher. It was a vacation!

Yes, I really went to see Cher. It was a vacation!

This past week I joined my hubby for his conference in Vegas. Vegas, not one of my favorite spots, mainly because you’re either sweltering in the “blow dryer” air or freezing with the blasting air conditioning in the smoke filled casinos. But hey, it’s time away and you can’t scoff at that no matter where you’re going.

Whenever my clients tell me they’re going on vacation, I always remind them about the opportunities that abound to be active and eat well, despite the whining telling me it’s not possible. :-)

So when it was time for my vacation, I decided that this trip was going to be a real vacation. What is a real vacation? It’s when you go somewhere and do nothing except what you enjoy vs. a trip which is where you do what everyone else enjoys, big difference!!

At the hotel there was a Canyon Ranch Spa, HELLLOO! Eureka, I hit the mother load.  There’s nothing greater than being able to be somewhere that you don’t have to be in charge. I took classes I didn’t have to teach. I got to workout and didn’t have to clean up all the equipment when everyone was done. I could go right from my workout to the sauna or hot tub or igloo or experiential showers (that’s a whole other blog). I was able to eat some of wonderful, organic foods vs. the processed, crap boxed meal that some people actually called lunch.  Regardless, I felt very lucky to have the opportunity to get away and just be.

So on to my classes. After my first class I realized, “Wow, that was hard.” My second class, “Wow, that was really hard.” But I’m a fitness professional, right? I can’t whine, it’s unacceptable to whine. But by class three, I was whining. Why? Because my legs hurt so bad I was shuffling around like the Mr. Wiggins character portrayed by Tim Conway. My biceps felt like a blister ready to pop and my pride, almost beyond repair. I’m supposed to be fit, right?  But then I remembered what I tell my clients. “Don’t try to prove something. Just workout at a pace that’s smart and appropriate for you. Otherwise, you’re going to be sorry.” Yep, I was sorry for trying to prove that 49 can still do what an 18 year old can do. I was in a class with many that could be my children and I felt  it was my professional duty to keep up and prove what the “old lady” could do. Stupid move.

Here it is Saturday, and Wednesday was my last class before heading home. I’m still poppin’ ibuprofen for pain, still wondering what I was thinking and taking yet another day off of working out. Bottom line, the body changes and can’t always do what it used to. Now don’t misunderstand, I’ve never look for an excuse to take it easy, not in  my DNA, but what I did was just stupid. High intensity classes back to back in addition to doing cardio stuff following (Why? Because I could!) and well, I over did it. And now I’m paying for it. Isn’t it funny, that wisdom seems to come through gracefully except when there’s competition. Suddenly those competitive juices start flowing and all the wisdom goes out the door.

These aches and pains I’m experiencing humble me and remind me that no one is exempt to the aging process and the accommodations and considerations that need to be made as your body changes. Although I certainly held my own in the classes (had to throw that in), something tells me not a darn one of those kids was even phased by the workouts. Worse yet, they probably thought the class was a warm up class.

Lesson learned? Practice what I preach! Pay attention to your body, honor it’s limits but never shy away from gently pushing outside those limits. Just don’t push so far you lose sight of where you’re going and what you’re trying to accomplish.

Tomorrow, I’ll work out; after I take my ibuprofen.

Nicki


Oprah’s Next Talk Show Host?

By Nicki On June 23, 2010 No Comments
Back in 2000 with Oprah. Hmm, shorter hair for both of us!

Back in 2000 with Oprah. Hmm, shorter hair for both of us!

For years I have done my best to inspire others to believe that they can do anything they desire to do. Desire being the operative word here. For years I  have encouraged those who thought whatever goal they wished for, could be done if they’re willing to take the chance, take the risk and see it through. For me, part of my passion is not only encouraging others to believe and achieve their goals, but to continue reaching for more beyond the initial goal.  The joy of  life is realizing that despite what you may believe or what others may have told you, there are no limits. Life is full of opportunities and there are those who will risk taking the steps to achieve those opportunities while others will play it “safe.”

I don’t believe that success is discriminatory, on the contrary, success is an equal opportunity endeavor. No matter what you dream, no matter what you wish for, if you desire it and believe that the steps necessary to acquire it are worth taking, the sky is the limit.

With that in mind, know that opportunities abound, no matter where you are in your life or what you think you can achieve.

Last week, one of my trainers, Mary, said to me, “Hey Nicki, have you heard about Oprah’s new talk show? She’s looking for a new host. I think you’d be perfect for it.”  I smiled and thought to myself, “Yeah, well, that’s nice but I don’t do stuff like that. If I’m meant to do something like that, it will manifest itself in another way, not through some online pitch.” A few days later Mary asked if I had pursued the audition, I said, “No.”  She said again, “Nicki, you’re a natural for it, you’d be great.”  Again, I felt that it just wasn’t something I could do and I felt that there would be so many others auditioning, what would be the point?

Then I started thinking about all the people I’ve worked with or currently worth with. Every day I inspire them to take risks, do things that they thought they couldn’t do. And for all that I do to inspire others, perhaps it was time to inspire myself. So, I decided to do it. Like I tell my clients, “What’s the risk if you’ve got nothing to lose?”  So in order to walk my walk, and talk my talk, I decided to toss my hat in to the ring and audition for talk show host. After all, what do I have to lose? Absolutely nothing. What do I have to gain, absolutely everything. I figure even if I don’t get picked, the experience and the support from those that vote is affirmation that what I’m doing currently, is what sustains me and keeps me fulfilled. Anything above and beyond is icing on the cake.

So, I’m turning tables and asking for your help. I’m asking for your vote on Oprah’s “Own”. Check it out, who knows? Maybe you’ll want to send something in. But for now, I thank you in advance for your vote and know that it’s so appreciated.

Every day is an adventure! Thanks for sharing in mine!

In health,

Nicki


A Mind Change Results in a Body Change!

By Nicki On June 16, 2010 No Comments

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I’ve really missed blogging, but happy to say work has been so busy that my spare time has been non-existent. But I swore that before this week ended, I would post! So here we go, yay!

Last week I had the pleasure of participating in my first triathlon. Now hold on, before you are impressed, I only did the running portion. Not that running a 5K is no big deal, but after completing the event, and seeing what the participants who completed all 3 legs were doing, I felt a bit like a cheater. I participated in a relay for the event, my partner Cathy did the swim and the biking. Since I detest swimming (o.k. I actually fear it) and wasn’t sure about the biking part, I gladly let her do it. While she was out nailing her events, I had time to kill so I watched in awe, as women of all sizes and shapes competing in events that one would assume was only for elite athletes. Granted, the elite athletes finished before many of us even started, but that didn’t matter, it was about finishing.

While I watched my partner nail the swimming part of the race, I saw a friend of mine that is a photographer. We starting chatting and she said, “You know, I used to be a great swimmer in high school and college, but those days are gone!”  The light bulb went off in my head and I said, “Hey, next year, why don’t you do the swimming part and I’ll do the bike and run portion?”  She wasn’t too sure about it because she said she wasn’t in shape. Ahh, and this is where “we” women cut ourselves short all the time. Being active is a process and the more active you are, the more fit you become. You see, you don’t have to get fit before you can be active. Being active is the road that takes you to the land of the fit. Too many women discount their abilities because they believe they’re not fit enough or thin enough or whatever distorted thought they have about their body.

Being fit comes simply through moving more. The more you move the more you’ll find yourself doing. Unfortunately, the weight loss and dieting world has us believing if we’re not thin or buff or lean, we are incapable of being athletic or active, so not true.

So, my friend sent me an email and I’m happy to say she has agreed to do the swimming portion. I have a sneaking suspicion she is going to be so pleased and maybe even surprised with what she’s able to do.  I’m so glad she’s giving herself an opportunity to realize that it’s never too late to connect with your physical abilities, no matter age, size or shape. Fitness is an equal opportunity endeavor. I  can’t wait til next year! But I need to get to work on the biking thing!

In health,

Nicki


Dr. Oz Challenge Continues!

By Nicki On May 30, 2010 No Comments

If you look at the most common reason people fall away from weight loss efforts, it’s motivation. The excitement and enthusiasm felt when starting a weight loss plan is like the first day of school, the possibilities are endless and everything is new and fresh. But into the third or fourth week, the newness wears off and the reality of hard work sets in, no so fun anymore. But unlike weight loss programs, school is a must (well, I’d like to think it is) and the motivation to stick with it is far greater. But with weight loss, if you quit, you quit. You walk away quietly and no one knows, except of course you, and very often that doesn’t feel very good.

Last week, the Fox Chicago News Dr. Oz group came to my studio in hopes of finding that lost motivation. I wrote a column about it last week. Losing motivation is not uncommon, and getting it back is always a challenge. Just remember, realistic expectations combined with a realistic exercise and nutrition program is the best way to stay on track and realize a healthier you!

Here’s to your health!

Nicki


To Burn Or Not To Burn….Fat or Fiction?

By Nicki On May 25, 2010 1 Comment
Go the distance for fat loss.

Go the distance for fat loss.

At least once a week I’m asked, “Is it better to exercise at a lower intensity to burn fat?” A-hem, uh not exactly. First I’m going to give you the science perspective, then my perspective. Shake ‘em together at the end, and see what you come up with.

First, the science. The idea of low-intensity exercises being the secret to burning more fat is in fact not so. However, it is true that when you’re exercising at a lower intensity, fat is the primary source of fuel (which started the “fat-burning zone confusion). But if we’re talking overall fat loss (which I’m assuming most are), it’s all about calories in vs. calories out.  When you’re exercising at a higher intensity level, the total number of calories expended are much greater than they when exercising at a lower intensity, hence the total amount of calories and fat used is increased. At the end of the day it’s really about the number of calories you expend.  Hence, higher intensity, more calories burned, more fat loss.

O.K. now the reality. I tell my clients all the time, “There is a direct correlation between how hard you’re willing to work and the goals that you set for yourself.”  In other words, many of us may want to look like the latest model on the front of Sports Illustrated, but the work that goes in to that body, (and genetics) along with some airbrushing makes it a little bit unrealistic.

I have had so many discussions with people that tell me they walk every day and they have seen no change in their weight. So I ask the obvious questions, “How long have you been walking that same distance? Do you ever offer variety in to your exercise program? How hard do you think you’re working on a scale of 1-10? How is your nutrition?” And finally I ask, “What are you really willing to do long term?” Ultimately that will help them to clearly understand what they can expect with their current level of exercise. Look, if you’re not willing to really kick up your walking program and add some variety to it and your nutrition is so-so, please don’t expect miracles. Just because you exercise doesn’t mean you’re going to transform your body, especially if you don’t have the right collection of change, i.e. higher intensity, intervals (Burns more calories in a shorter period of time) and increase the time you spend exercising. Are you willing to do that? If so, you will notice change. If you’re not willing to step things up, then be content with that and stop comparing to those with completely different lifestyles.

The other piece to remember is that many would quit exercise after awhile if they’re not really committed to high intensity, interval training. So for many, keeping it low intensity, but increasing mileage may be more appropriate,  as well as sustainable. Again, we’ve been so bombarded with how to achieve “the perfect body” we’ve forgotten that for many people the real goal is simply preserving good health.

We all want the answers to how we can achieve the “perfect” body. In truth, most of us (self-included) have no desire to workout 6 hours a day to achieve perfection. I do what keeps me happy, healthy and consistent. I’m hoping that whatever your goal is, you approach it with realistic expectations so that it’s achievable and sustainable!

Here’s to your health!

Nicki

If you’re here in Chicago, be sure to watch Fox Chicago News on Thursday, May 27th at 9:00 p.m. Catch our Dr. Oz segment as we discuss plateaus and I share some simple cardio kicks and convenient strength training!


Learning about Healthy Eating Never Ends!

By Nicki On May 23, 2010 No Comments
Teri Gentes, A Certified Nutritional Consultant and Recipe Author of Gourmet Natural Foods Nutrition

Teri Gentes, A Certified Nutritional Consultant and Recipe Author of Gourmet Natural Foods Nutrition

As long as I’ve been focused on eating better and moving more, I always believe there’s room for improvement. As I head in to the last year of my 40’s, now more than ever I want to be the best I can and the way to make that happen, is to learn what  things I can improve upon.

When I look back 20 years ago, I too was sucked in to the whole “low-fat, high carb” diet. I read everything that came along on the subject and believed that I knew it all and that my nutrition was set. Little did I know that not only was eating that way not conducive for me feeling great, I was eating a lot of processed foods. You see, many choices that we make that seem healthy, are not always the best choice. But through brilliant marketing and deceptive labeling, it makes it awfully tough to know just what your eating and how it actually affects the way we feel and our overall health.

In the early 90’s it was all about Oat Bran, touted as the new miracle food!  In the late 90’s, The Atkins Diet resurfaced and we had a whole new generation following the Atkins philosophy. Unfortunately, it was rarely about the health, more about the weight loss. Here’s what I mean, whether it’s low-fat, high oat, or low-carb, if you’re eating junk which stays in the parameters of the diet, you may be losing weight, but what are you putting in to your body? And that’s where the lack of education comes in. A good example is 100-calorie packs. It’s basically processed bags of food that people are led to believe are more healthy. The truth is that folks may be getting less calories, but like a diet drink, what they save on the front end they end up making up in the back end, so it’s commonly a wash. I’m not making this up, I see this with my clients all the time.

So, like you, I get frustrated with the information that comes out about nutrition and the confusion that comes a long with it. High Carb? Low Carb? High Protein? Low Protein? Low- Fat? Low Calorie? Fat-Free? Preservative free? And on and on the questions go.

In my search to learn more, I have just started working with a lovely lady, Teri Gentes,  someone you should know. Teri has taken me to a new  level in my quest to understand more about food and what constitutes a good choice vs. a misinformed choice. I love learning as I believe the more I know, the more I can positively grow. There are plenty of things she’s shared with me that many of us know, eat more veggies and fresh fruit, avoid processed, chemical filled foods, etc. But I’m also learning so much that I didn’t know. Although healthy eating can be very, very detailed, ultimately it’s about making choices that can make you stronger, healthier and happier. I’ve always believed there is a direct correlation between food and mood and as I make my way through this educational process, I believe it now more than ever.

I try and do my best with giving straight forward advice in my columns and blogs about healthy eating, and with that are some amazing resources out there that can help explain things in a way that’s easy to understand and implement bit by bit. Like anything, you can’t go and clean out your cabinets and expect that in a day you are going to completely alter your eating and it’s going to stick, it won’t.

Making small changes is the best way to alter and positively change your diet. It can be as basic as adding in a new vegetable each week. Working to move away from boxed foods and focus more on whole, natural state foods. Trust me, when I got in to this business I thought I had healthy eating all figured out. Not even close!  So as I learn, I will share with you. Following are just a few resources for you.  I’d love to know your thoughts about food deception and the confusion when seeking a healthy eating plan that you can stick with for life. After all, that’s what healthy eating is all about saving and enhancing your life!

Here’s to your health!

Nicki

Nicki Anderson’s Single Step Weight Loss Solution

An End to Overeating by Dr. David A. Kessler

DVD – Food, Inc.

Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes

Jamie Oliver – Food Revolution

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman

Feeling Light- The Holistic Solution to Permanent Weight Loss and Wellness by Shoshanna Katzman and Wendy Shankin-Cohen w/ Melinda



A Disconnect With Food May Be Cause of Obesity

By Nicki On May 16, 2010 2 Comments
Garden Season is Finally Here!

Garden Season is Finally Here!

Spring is most definitely my favorite time of year. One of the reasons I celebrate spring is because it is officially garden season. Woot-Woot!  There is nothing more exciting than to watch the garden grow and ultimately bring  produce in to my home that is no longer from the store, but my own backyard. (O.K. I have to give credit, where credit is due, my husband Bill does all the planting, I get to harvest and cook. :-) )

Last week, as I gathered some fresh radishes, green onions and lettuce to make the first garden salad of spring, I started to think about the disconnect that many people have with their food.  In other words, it’s not about fueling (feeding) yourself,  it’s simply about filling the tummy. My guess is years and years of fast-food and processed food has contributed to  the disconnect. Additionally, people no longer pay attention to the importance (mentally and physically) that fresh, whole food provides for the body and soul.

I can’t tell you the number of people that have said, “Healthy eating means bland food and no taste.”  Not so. The fact is that so many processed foods and fast-foods are loaded with salt and saturated fats, that people have forgotten what “real” food tastes like. Herbs can take any meal from weak to wow, it just takes time and experimentation.

Case-in-point, I was talking to a client of mine that is an avid “out-to-eater” and is working to try and make better choices. I encouraged him to start bringing his own lunch or find ways to include more home cooked meals. “Ahh, I just don’t like that food. I like the foods I get at restaurants.” And the reason he likes that food is that his palate has developed a fondness for high sodium and fat so when he attempts to eat a meal at home, it doesn’t taste as good. But the truth is that once you get back on track with “real” food, you’ll begin to realize just how unhealthy restaurant/fast food makes you feel. He is slowly  making that connection and now realizes much of his lethargy has been due to his food choices.

It is my belief that  processed foods are not only contributing to the demise of health in our country, but our appreciation for the value of good food and how it can positively contribute to good health,  if we just give it a try. Think about how you feel when you’ve eaten well vs. how you feel when you’ve had a junk filled food day.

Hey look, been there, I get it. My diet used to consist of a 1/2 dozen chocolate filled donuts in the morning, Snickers for a mid-morning snack, a couple of tacos and chalupa for lunch, chips for a mid-afternoon snack and then whatever was being served for dinner. And then of course I went out with my friend later, a little alcohol and then a midnight snack which was typically huevos rancheros. Surprised? Sometimes I can’t believe the amount of unhealthy calories I used to consume. But once I made the connection between “mood and food,” my life changed and so can yours.

Start paying attention to how you feel when you consume healthier choices. Look, I’m not telling you to go out and start a garden, but why not start a little herb garden inside? When you go to the store, stick to the perimeter of the store as much as possible as that is where your healthier options are. Set a goal to start eating 2 vegetarian meals per week, or add a salad to 3 meals per week, etc.  There are TONS of resources and recipes for creating healthier meals. My book is a great tool for gradually implementing healthy choices both for food and exercise. Opt for fruit and nuts for snacks vs. boxed bars that are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Given what I used to eat and where I am today, it is doable, if you’re willing and ready to change. And that is the key my friends, the willingness to change.

I know that when I harvest from my garden and consume the food from it, I am grateful for it. I am grateful for the opportunity to consume food that positively contributes to the body I was given. I just don’t think people give a second thought to the food they’re eating much less how it positively or negatively contributes to their health and everyday performance. Bottom line, we take food pathetically for granted.

So the next time you think about dieting, switch gears to connecting. Connecting with the foods that contribute to a better, healthier you. You don’t have to have a garden to do it. Simply start by purchasing more fruits, vegetables (especially when they’re in season, they’re cheaper) and when they’re not, frozen can work. After you’ve finished a healthy meal, connect to how you FEEL. The same holds true when you choose unhealthy options, pay attention to how you feel. My guess is that it will be vastly different than how you feel when eating whole, good-for-you foods.

In addition to plenty of resources via web, I’ve got a ton of recipes on my website as well as my cookbook, Here’s to Health.

I encourage you to start listening to your body and how it responds when you make the choice to fill yourself with a better grade of “fuel”. I know for me,  the day I decided to choose health, that was the day I stopped dieting and finally achieved a healthier, stronger, leaner me. For that I am eternally grateful.

I want to hear your story. Have you struggled with healthy eating? Perhaps it’s because you’ve always used food for weight gain or loss. Maybe now is the time to use food for for it’s original intent, to fuel your body allowing it to perform optimally. That sounds a heck of a lot better than dieting, don’t you think?

Here’s to your health!

Nicki

P.S. As a side note, I know there is always the argument of how expensive healthy eating can be. THat comes from lack of education and it is my mission to see how we can change that. Be sure and check out Jamie Olivers effort in his show Food Revolution. A must watch!


9 Ingredients, 6 Meals!

By Nicki On May 4, 2010 7 Comments
 Amazing breakfast, amazing health benefits!

Amazing breakfast, amazing health benefits!

Very often when I am out of town lecturing, time is tight and I find myself  trying to eat as healthy as possible on the road. Sometimes it can be tough. I’m especially mindful of avoiding sugar and salt simply because with travel, those just add to any low energy you might experience. If I stick closely to mixed nuts, plenty of water,  fresh fruit and salads, I feel great and my energy level stays consistent.

This past week I was lecturing for AFPA in Ocean City, Maryland. For those of you on my Reality Fitness Fan Page, you saw how gorgeous it was! The beauty of this conference is I’m able to stay in a hotel that has a full kitchen. So prior to the hotel, my cab driver was nice enough to stop off at the grocery store and let me grab some healthy staples for my weekend. I wanted to share with you how easy and yes, inexpensive healthy eating CAN be.

I bought mixed nuts, raw, 3.99. Fresh blueberries (couldn’t find organic) 3.99, Bunch of organic Spinach, 3.49, red pepper (1) 1.20, 1/4 carton organic eggs (split with a friend), 2.00, gallon of fresh water .99, oroweat sandwich thins, 3.19, fresh pico de gallo, 2.99, 2 cocounut milk yogurt, 3.00, smoked salmon, 8.00. So for around 35.00, I ate 3 lunches, 3 breakfasts and a couple of snacks in between. Had I gone out to eat, averaging 10.00 per meal, which is conservative, it would have cost me at least 60.00, plus the additional snacks. I had plenty to eat, felt amazingly sated and realized that we get so caught up in getting enough food, we don’t often pay attention to the quality OR the quantity.

I encourage you to seek out your healthy options. I was able to make that many meals out of those basic ingredients and was reminded that great tasting, healthy eating doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Given that it’s about about HOW MUCH food you get for your money, try thinking about how much are the health benefits you get for your money. If you weigh it out, your health is worth significantly more!

Here’s to your health!

Nicki

Be sure and check out my recipe book for some great ideas on healthy cooking.


As Luck Would Have It, I Knew This Great Man!

By Nicki On April 26, 2010 2 Comments

Phil Lawler

I can honestly say, one of  my biggest fears is death.  I know, there is the religious and philosophical side of it, but somehow, the idea of death doesn’t prompt any feelings of comfort. My fear? Losing someone close to me and realizing that I will never hear that person’s voice, be able to pick up the phone and call them with a question or  have a cup of coffee over a great debate.  This past week one of my fears came to pass. A friend, mentor and amazing individual passed away. His name was Phil Lawler and if you didn’t know him, how unfortunate for you. I was fortunate enough to not only know this man, but to call him my friend.

About 10 years ago, as I was trying to spread my “Fitness Rules” message throughout my community, I received a phone call from Phil.  Phil  had the greatest passion ever. His call was unsolicited, he just felt that maybe he could be of some help, so typical of Phil to help out. He said, “Say Nicki, you don’t know me but I’d sure like you to come over to Madison Junior High where I teach phyical education as I’d like to throw some ideas at you.”  If you know Phil, he was never short on ideas. From that moment on, he became my mentor and friend. He was one of the few people that believed in my mission to change the world to better health and he was willing to help me at any and every turn.  I will miss his boundless energy, his interest in anything new and relevant and his undying love for his family and students.  So much he gave yet he required so little in return.

Phil actually turned the Physical Education model around. He saw that it was broken and was determined to fix it to make sure that our children learned to love fitness in a non-traditional way. He brought “fun” to physical education and created a model for physical education that drew experts and teachers from all around the globe. His dedication to getting kids to move was powerful and triggered my passion into “family” fitness.  Phil’s Physical Education model even inspired Dr. John Ratey who wrote the book, “Spark.”  A must read if you haven’t read it.

My  heart goes out to Phil’s family, who are amazing as well. But my heart also goes out to those that never had the opportunity to meet this man. My heart is sad for those children that will never have the opportunity to “catch” Phil’s physical fitness enthusiasm. But one thing I do know is that those of us who loved and admired him will certainly do our best to continue pushing his passion forward and working tirelessly to get kids moving and families healthy. What an amazing legend he left behind.

Nicki