When I get home I start prepping the food and cutting up all my fruits and veggies.

The cauliflower that I cut up I ended up making mashed cauliflower. I will be sure to share the recipe with you once I write it all out!

When I put veggies in baggies it’s so easy in the morning to throw them into my lunch! It takes less time to make healthy choices.

For lunch Marc and I made BBQ grilled chicken thighs and plain grilled chicken. There are enough leftovers which we will use for lunch during the week. It makes it easier to put together sandwiches & salads. I like mixing it up and having chicken thighs (skinless) they are super juicy and have tons more flavor. SOOO if you get sick of having plain chicken breasts all the time I suggest trying some thighs for a change.

Before I cooked dinner I threw together some Pumpkin Bran Muffins. I used Hodgson mill bran muffin mix and then added 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup skim milk, 1 egg, 1 tbsp canola oil, cinnamon & pumpkin pie spice! I can’t wait to have one tomorrow as a snack.

They are easy to whip up and only take about 15 minutes in the oven.

With help… my food preparation probably took about 1 1/2 hrs. If you think about how much time it will save me during the next few days with putting together lunches and dinner it’s worth it. I have less to think about and healthier foods to eat!

TOP EXCUSES I HEAR AS A TRAINER!!!!

1. I don’t have time to prepare foods and I don’t have time for 5 workouts per week.

Notice the first 4 words… I don’t have time! Of course it isn’t easy but if you want it to happen YOU CAN AND WILL make it happen.

2. I had to work late or I can’t get up early in the morning.

Squeeze in a workout at lunch time. Take the stairs on purpose. Do a 3-minute workout during each of the commercials of your hour long  TV show. After 5 commercials you’ve done 15 minutes of exercise!

3. I do my cardio 2-3x per week and I strength train twice a week but there’s no change on the scale and my pants still fit the same!

Are you upping the intensity or have you been doing the same routine for 4 months? Switch it up. Try an interval based cardio workout to spike the heart rate. Instead of using the machines at the gym do all your exercises standing or balancing on a BOSU Ball. Alternate a cardio base exercise like jumping jacks with your bicep curls and squats to burn more calories.

4. Last excuse….. I have this party on this weekend, I have a wedding the end of the month, we have a work dinner party on Thursday I will start in 2 weeks…

blah blah blah. There are healthy food choices wherever you go. It is ultimately up to you what goes in your mouth. Delaying your goal is just pushing you further away from success, start now!!

As a trainer I am not around my clients 24/7 and I can’t see what they are eating and drinking all day long. I hold them accountable for their nutrition, but I make sure they are always getting in good workouts. To achieve success you have to WANT THE CHANGE. What are your goals?  Do you want to fit in that sexy black dress for the holidays or for your high school reunion? Do you want to run around with your kids and not get winded? Do you want your clothes to fit differently? What is your motivation?

WEEKEND TASK:

Write down your motivation and post it on your fridge or your calendar where you can see it!!

Remind yourself daily what you are working for. Is this ice cream really worth it, maybe I should have frozen yogurt instead. When you are out to dinner and your friends want to order the nachos.. order a salad to start tell them you are working towards your goal and eating the nachos will only set me back. Ask them for their support as well as your family. Make small changes.

Tell me your goals so I can help hold you accountable!!