AAAAAAHHHHHHHH….  Summer is here.  Time to kick back, relax and enjoy the long, hot, lazy days with a Mint Julip and over sized sun hat, right?  WRONG!!!  Where the heck do you live –  San Antonio circa 1836?  Where I live the summer is non-stop from start to finish.  We are traveling, spending time outdoors and going to get-togethers from the second the temp is above 5o degrees ’till the first snow flakes start falling.  We have to jam it all in to make good use of our weather! 

This time of year is not always easy to stay on track with our nutrition and training.  There is a temptation lurking around every checkered table cloth.  We don’t have to make it so hard on ourselves if we just change our attitude and remain PREPARED at all times.  You know what each party, picnic and day on the boat brings.  Bring plenty of food to off-set whatever “salad”  swimming in mayo and noodles may be there.   You will end up enjoying the days activities so much more because you will feel so “light” and full of energy all day! 

There is no longer a need to dread all of the parties because there is nothing healthy to eat.  Let ‘em think you’re crazy and bring your own food!  When it’s all said and done, the only person’s opinion of you that is important is your own! 

Summer means fresh food, fruit,veggies and GRILLING!  Put anything on the grill and it is “gourmet” in my personal opinion.  Let your imagination run wild.  While everyone else is getting loaded and eating hot dogs, you can be eating grilled Bison filet, mushrooms, onions, seafood, chicken, fish, apples, mango, sweet potato, corn on the cob  and whatever else you can think of.  While they are sleeping off a food induced hangover, you will be up early to see the best part of the day and ready for a killer, outdoor, endorphin releasing workout!  This leaves you with plenty of time to throw on your new two-piece and show off your healthy beach bod!  Sounds to me like we have a trip to the Farmer’s Market coming up and swimwear to purchase!  Way better than a couple hours of guilt ridden pleasure! 

Enjoy summer the way it was meant to be enjoyed! Keep it  healthy, happy and ACTIVE!

Thanks for listening,

Lori Harder

Minneapolis Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant

CSF Minnesota Fitness Competition and Stage prep Coach/Ambassador

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Hello Everyone!

I had a client ask me the other day if any of my clients who are successful in reaching their goals begin to receive criticism when they start to lose noticeable weight.  The answer I told her was “YES, all of them!” 

There are so many transformations going on with clients that are successful that even they don’t realize.  When you are over weight and unhappy there are reasons and actions that got you to that place.  In order to lose the weight, become stronger and keep it off,  a complete lifestyle makeover begins.  

When you start changing into the healthy person you want to be, this will affect some people in your life.  You may not be as available for them in the ways you were before…  Remember Jane who you meet for happy hour and appetizers every Monday after work?  You’d sit for hours and drink 2-for-1 wine while you complain about everyone you know, right?  How about Jill who loves to get together with you to watch the Bachelor and demolish a large deep dish, Chicago style pizza?  I am not even going to mention what happens when you travel to the in-laws house for the weekend…  Now I am not saying you have to get rid of  Jill and Jane and avoid your mother-in-law’s cooking like the plague, but I am saying you have to change what you do when these situations come up again. 

There are so many things we can do to replace our old unhealthy habits.  If you are going to be somewhere visiting for a meal, be sure you offer to help cook.   I like to always bring a dish and a veggie tray.  This is especially appreciated when you are a host.  Instead of going for cocktails ask your friends to sign up for a new class at your gym.   The list of things you can still do for fun are endless!  Try these ideas:  go to a movie and  grab a salad out,  plan a night of cooking some healthy food together, shop, get coffee and pedicures, or rent a movie and order some healthy take-out sushi.  I don’t know about you, but this all sounds pretty fun to me!

Now, I understand that not all people are going to be “on board”  with your new healthy lifestyle — this is where you have to weigh what makes you truly happy.  Was it the couple of hours, 1-2 nights a week that kept you from hitting your goals?  Or is it feeling great, having endless energy and getting everything you want out of life? 

We all deserve to be happy and that means that sometimes we will have to make sacrifices in order to do so.  You will have so much more support if you try to include people in a positive way during your journey.  Remind them why you need this and let them know how much it means to you to take control of your life and try to achieve real happiness!  If you are still including them in your life, they have no reason to be upset with you.  Most likely you will find they are after the same thing;)

Thanks for listening!

Lori Harder

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