The Smart Bod Regimen – Part 2

Last week, I covered dietary habits in The Smart Bod Regimen – Part 1. Be sure to scope it out if you haven’t already.

Now, let’s get physical.

In our jam-packed lives, it is best to establish a regular exercise routine, one where we get moving every single day.

We pay our bills on time to avoid penalties, but we don’t prioritize taking care of ourselves. The soaring fees for a sedentary lifestyle are hefty and damaging.

Remember that crazed personal trainer I told you about last week? Besides the satanic crash diet, there was also a boot camp workout to complete my hellish impulse purchase.

During the hill sprints, chin-ups, squats, and every other moment of torture, she watched me with her arms crossed. I loathed every expensive minute I spent with her. I debated whether I should run away and cry in a corner, or keep at it and just barf on her sneakers.

I did neither, of course. But, oh how I wanted to.

Being the food lover that I am, I balance my indulgence tendencies with regular exercise. So, I’m going to share a systematic approach to your body with 5 sensible exercise habits.

  1. Ditch the car keys  Don’t wait around for that perfect sunny day to walk or bike. If it rains, so what? It’s not acid rain, people. Walking and biking are forms of transportation, believe it or not. Use them the next time you go somewhere.
  2. Do something you love  Unless those sweaty gym machines actually tickle your fancy, don’t commit to a gym membership. Revisit something you loved when you were a kid or try something new. You won’t exercise if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, so why bother?
  3. Get cliquey with it  Socializing is something we humans crave. Being surrounded by people with the same interests makes us feel connected. Take a class for a customized environment and a consistent schedule. Or find a buddy, preferably a fitness fanatic who won’t be sidetracked when you try to convince him or her to go to the bar or grab a donut instead.
  4. Become a teacher  Teaching is a great way to commit to an exercise routine. Inspiring others keeps you motivated to give it your all. Love volleyball? Start coaching a children’s league. Love Yoga or Zumba? Get certified and get out there.
  5. Be a spaz  This is going to be different for everybody. For me it means telling stories in a dramatic fashion with lots of gestures, making up silly songs and dances for my hubby, or blasting some music and dancing around when I clean the apartment.

Trust me, boot camp mentality is completely unnecessary. Be smart and be kind to your bod…it’s the only one you’ve got!

Beneath the Satin Gloves…News and Reviews!

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on my recent e-book release.

Haven’t heard of my quirky spy novel yet? You can get up to speed right here.

In addition to Amazon and Smashwords, Beneath the Satin Gloves is NOW gracing the virtual bookshelves of Apple and Barnes & Noble.

A sincere thanks to my fellow bloggers, readers, family, and friends for your magnificent support as I navigate this whirlwind endeavor of becoming a novelist.

You keep me happy, sane, and inspired.

Check out the rave reviews thus far…

Spies, Sex, Glamour and…time travel?  I must begin by saying that I am not generally into reading about the WWII era, and have never before read anything about Germany during the war. I decided to take a break from my “preferred eras” to read this fun book and am I glad I did! Well-researched, with an intriguing plot line, Beneath the Satin Gloves had much to keep me glued to it on my Kindle. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and loved how some of the “bad guys” got theirs in the end. Not all, but THAT would be a spoiler. What I have to know now is WHAT HAPPENS NEXT????? Read this book and you will find yourself asking the same question at the end. I guarantee it! Enjoy!

Couldn’t put the book down…  Charming characters and vivid descriptions are what make this suspense novel a real page turner. I was able to imagine myself in war torn Germany during WWII. Britt Skrabanek is a talented writer.

The Smart Bod Regimen – Part 1

Let’s face it. We all have routines in our lives: brushing our teeth, making our beds, feeding our pets, working 9-5.

Often we associate routine as being stuck in a rut. However, we can greatly benefit from the power of regulation when it comes to our health, where we often fly by the seat of our pants, and make poor decisions.

For those who don’t know, I am a self-proclaimed Dessertaholic. Check out Sweets Without Grief if you missed it.

Diets make me cringe.

Two months before I got married I had the absurd idea to get a personal trainer who encouraged me hand over fist to go on a crash diet.

Let’s just say I ditched that militaristic plan when I realized I was becoming hostile in the break room. I feared one of the neighboring employees would steal my food. Needless to say, I got a little loopy.

I am one of food’s biggest fans, but I try to find a healthy balance. So, I’m going to share a systematic approach to your body with 5 sensible eating habits.

  1. Eat in, not out  Guess what? When you’re not making the food yourself, you have no idea what’s in it. Take control by knowing exactly what you’re eating. Eat a good breakfast before you leave, bring your lunch, and eat dinner at home. Bonus…you’ll save money.
  2. Carrots are the new chips  I just made that up, but I think I’m on to something here. We love crunchy snacks, don’t we? I always keep a bag of miniature carrots around. When I’m in between meals, I chomp away. You can eat as many of these bad boys as you want–they’re awesome for you.
  3. Go nuts  I never leave the house without nuts. The moment you get hungry, have a few. This will keep you from making bad choices while you’re out and about. Almonds and walnuts are my favorite. Add a little dried fruit to change it up.
  4. Cherish each meal  Eating while working or watching television will leave you dissatisfied. Food is beautiful and important; we should respect it and savor every bite. Take your time and give it all of your attention. After all, food gives you energy and keeps you alive.
  5. Water is your best friend  See that water bottle I’m hugging down there? I refill it several times a day. A lot of times we mistake dehydration for hunger. Next time your tummy talks, try drinking some water before you eat. To jazz it up, add lime, lemon or cucumber if you’re not a fan of plain. Most importantly, the first thing you should do when you get up is drink a full glass of water. Then, proceed with your day.

Trust me, crash diet mentality is completely unnecessary. Be smart and be kind to your bod…it’s the only one you’ve got!

Join me next week for The Smart Bod Regimen – Part 2 to chat about exercise habits.

One Lovely Blog Award!

To be considered lovely by anybody is just lovely, isn’t it?

So, I am overjoyed to accept the One Lovely Blog Award for a physical perspective from my charming friend Kristi over at Biscuits & NAVY. Kristi is an adorable fashionista with a knack for fun and elegant wardrobe combinations. Check her out!

I would like to thank all of my beautiful followers out there for your continued support and enthusiasm. You are beyond lovely.

Recently, my little blog surpassed 100 followers! Here’s the celebratory happy dance in case you missed it.

To accept, I must say 7 things about myself:

  1. My goal is to write 10 books in the next 10 years. There, I said it. Now I have to do it!
  2. One of those books is probably going to be about pirates. I thought they were cool long before the Pirates of the Caribbean movies came out.
  3. I can’t resist dark chocolate with sea salt. It rocks my world.
  4. I shudder when people crack their knuckles. By Golly, I even shudder just thinking about it.
  5. Lost In Translation is one of my favorite movies. A lot of people said they didn’t get it. I got it, and thought it was spectacular.
  6. I look like a clown when I wear lipstick, so I usually avoid it altogether.
  7. No matter what is happening in the world, I continue to believe in humanity. The power of positive thinking is always enough.

I would like to nominate the following bloggers for the One Lovely Blog Award (please note…the categories below are only a guideline; several of these blogs cover multiple topics.):

Writing

Travel & Food

Photography & Design

“Whatever makes an impression on the heart seems lovely in the eye.” – Sa’di

Another Happy Dance for My Followers

In celebration of 100 followers for a physical perspective, I decided it was due time for another happy dance. I recently saw The Artist (phenomenal, by the way!), and decided a silent film with overacting, absurdity, and the debut appearance of Hazel the cat was the best way to express my gratitude to you all.

Sit back, relax, and have some laughs…and, THANK YOU!!!