12 Things I Learned at Fitness Ridge

I know today is Halloween but I just had to share my get healthy tips I learned while at Fitness Ridge.  With the holidays around the corner What better time to gain awareness to what we are eating.  Were are all going to want to watch what we eat and stay healthy.  So here are a few things I learned that were total game changers for me!

I had an amazing time at Fitness Ridge Resort.  So much fun I just couldn't fit it into one post.  So I decided I would split things up a bit. My last post was about the Resort and the people I met there.  This one is about what I Learned about Health, Fitness and Myself.

Through Classes, eating and talking with others I learned so much about what I can do to become Healthy.  Here are a few things I learned on my 1 week journey.

1.  Not all calories are created equal.

Just because snacks are only 100 calories doesn't make them healthy calories.  For me after eating a 100 calorie snack I am NOT satisfied.  But after eating 100 calories of steamed or raw veggies I am full after about 1/4 of those veggies. It takes approximately 4 pounds of veggies to equal 100 calories.  Now I am not sure, but anyone who can eat 4 pounds of veggies must be part rabbit. 

When choosing snacks ask yourself if this food is going to nourish your body or not? 

Feeding your body "Healthy"calories allows your body to do what it is made to do.  Absorb nutrients  to ensure your body can function properly. Your Metabolism, Immune system, and hormones need healthy nutrients to function properly. When we eat large amounts of sugar and simple carbohydrates our body uses stored healthy nutrients to digest.  So not only are we depriving our body but we are also stealing nutrients in order to digest the sugar and simple carbs.

This one is a game changer for me! Once my body started receiving nutrient rich calories I stopped craving the sugar and started craving the Broccoli.  

2. Eat your veggies first.

 The one change I made when I got home from Fitness Ridge  I started serving my own salad bar first.  I chose veggies that my kids will eat. I  added some bacon bits, hard boiled egg, Asiago cheese, and sunflower seeds and a small selection of salad dressings.   

This had made a huge impact on my family.  My husband and one of my sons have seen a huge difference in there overall health.  My son suffers from terrible stomach aches. Since eating a salad every day the stomach aches have gone down to about 2 a week instead of daily. And those only happen when he eats certain food.

3. Water is your best friend.

4. It's okay to have a treat once in a while.

I have a total sweet tooth.  I have terrible fresh fruit and veggie allergies. So when I crave sweet things it is usually fruity candy.  And I have decided that is okay.  So long as I am not consuming candy for all of my calories. It is okay for me to have a treat once in a while. And when I am eating healthy if find I crave sugar less and healthy foods more! But some days I just want a sweet treat!

5. Self talk is good for your health.

photo credit @Rhonnafarrer

A fellow FR attendee was sitting at dinner and was talking to herself.  She was eating a salad before the main meal.  She sat there and before every bite she told herself, "This is good for you, enjoy it."  Another woman started to giggle and asked her what she was doing.  She simply said, I telling my body it is okay to enjoy these nutrients and use them well.  

Talk to your body.  Tell your body it is okay to enjoy healthier foods.  Savor the flavors and be satisfied. Tell yourself you are beautiful no matter your size. 

I tease the youth in my neighborhood a bit.  They think it is funny when I fell them I am "All kinds of Awesome". I do it more as a joke but really I am confident with who I am. I am not worried about what others think of me.   I am happy with my creativity, I try to share it daily with my family and those around me.   I love giving service and helping those in need.  

Your thoughts are powerful.  Be sure they are positive ones!

6. Work it off or Wear it!

water bottle from Lulu Lemon

Did you know, it takes walking on the treadmill for 1 mile to burn off 100 calories? So decide before you eat a first or second cookie, think about how many miles you are going to have to walk to burn it off.  Here is an example: So if I eat a 300 calorie dessert (ie. your favorite cookie), I will need to walk 3 miles that day. Now you may want to walk on a treadmill for 3 miles because that cookie is that good.  So go for it!   Just remember if you want to loose weight you need to work it off or wear it !  Take your pick.

7. Weight loss is not an event it's a Lifestyle.

Losing weight is tough.  It is not an event in your life, but a lifestyle to embrace and maintain. To get rid of the weight you need to change. To keep it off you need to maintain the habits you started when losing weight.  Going back to old habits is going back to an unhealthy weight.  Changing your lifestyle changes weight for the good or the bad! 

8. Practice who You want to Be!

I live this quote!  It is simple "Practice who you want to be"  If you want a healthier lifestyle then start with one simple change, it may be adding more veggies or eating less sugar. Make it small and simple.  But Practice it everyday.  One day it will be a habit and part of you. A healthier you!

9.  We all have Mountains to climb.  So be Kind and NEVER Give Up!

We all have issues in our lives that affect the choices we make in life. Sometimes life is hard and sometimes its just right. Whatever life hands us always remember to give it our all and never give up.  If you make a few bad food choices recommit and start anew.  And always remember we all have mountains to climb so be kind to others.  You never know if there are climbing a mountain today!

10. Be good to yourself and your body. Give it Love!

Your body isn't making you fat or unhealthy, you are. The foods you choose to eat and the exercise you choose make a difference in how your body reacts to everything. So give your body a little love today. 

11. I love to spin! 

After being at the resort I discovered I love spinning.  All that running and cardio taught me I really don't love the treadmill but I love to spin.  It is a wonderful workout. Transforms your booty and burns tons of calories in a short amount of time.   I would much rather be on a bike than a treadmill. And that is Alright!  So find a machine you love and go for it!  It may be an Elliptical, a Bike or Treadmill.  Try them all and find what you enjoy!  

12. If you think you Can't then you can't.

I really dislike running.  I never in a million years thought I would be running in a 5K let alone a 10K.  After being at Fitness Ridge I realized I have been cutting myself short.  All the negative thoughts and doubts got the better of me and I never thought I would survive a run that long.  But I did it.  I ran my First 10K at the Resort and I realized I can do it.  I can do whatever I put my mind to.  

I am so grateful for my Fitness Ridge Experience.  It was definitely a life changer for me.  I learned so much to help me and my family become healthier for life. 

If you or a family member are trying to loose weight and get healthy.  Check out what Fitness Ridge has to offer.  Going there is a great jumpstart to a healthier life!

Linking up! {Here}