The Exercise doesn’t care how you feel about it.

The wise fitness motivator says “find exercise you enjoy.” That’s great. Awesome to have fitness hobbies like pickle ball, weight lifting, or hiking that you enjoy. However, fitness is like a job. Even when you find a job you enjoy it isn’t always going to be fun or the best thing we’d like to be doing right now. But it pays the bills, so we go until we find a better one. Fitness is like that. You won’t always feel like being at the gym. Your mind may want you to be lazy, play hooky, or be tired. Your body just won’t feel like going to the gym or leaving the house on a cold day. My advice is do it anyway! That workout and consistency and effort will work for you and “pay the bills” towards getting you the results you want if you just keep going! So go to the gym. Get it all in; go when you aren’t motivated and hate it. It will work as long as you don’t give up. Yes it will take time. Yes you’ll need to keep it up. Find that 30 minutes if you don’t have an hour. Consistency works and the gym won’t hate you back on days that you don’t want to be there. In fact you’ll get the results even if you were already tired when you started or not feeling it that day. Because the workout doesn’t hold a grudge about you hating on it. Go get it-it will only work if you keep going. You will be glad you did.

Artwork received as a Christmas present from my step daughter. ❤️

Fitter Thanksgiving!

On a fat loss journey? This Season does not have to set you back. Start next year without extra unwanted weight gain. A balanced meal of Turkey and fixings could represent any weight loss meal. Use these tips to enjoy your day.

1. No seconds. You can eat more if you wait or more hours, but DO NOT just keep eating until stuffed.

2. Start with 30-40% of your plate filled with lean meat, and a full cup of the leanest vegetables you may have to contribute this side. Most casseroles are high in calories. Avoid vegetables in casseroles and bring sautéed, steamed or roasted vegetables!

3. Smaller portions of carbs like cornbread, whole grain stuffing, or potatoes.

4. Skip the cranberry sauce or try a cranberry salsa recipe! It’s Much less sugar, better than half the sugar of jellied cranberry!

5. A Slice of Pie (or pumpkin cheesecake in this case) not pictured but diet approved for Thanksgiving only. No sweets leftovers for me! Can’t decide on just one? Be That Person. Carve a bite or share with someone else. Don’t put three or 4 whole slices on your plate.

6. Bring some healthier recipes to the table. Here are the two staples that I am doing differently in my Thanksgiving recipes:

Sweet potato is a Thanksgiving favorite. It is also a favored carb of the bodybuilding community. It is loaded in beneficial nutruients, fiber, and antioxidants. It is almost criminal what many do to do the poor things to put them on the table at the holidays! Take all of the butter, sugar, creams and milk out of the recipe and roast them instead of boiling them before mashing. Roasting brings out a little more natural sweetness. In the pecan topping, Mash and serve with roasted pecans on top.

In your mashed white potatoes, try boiling the potatoes in chicken broth and retaining a small bit of that liquid to mash them. You can also boil a garlic clove and mash it together with your potatoes. Adds loads of flavor so you can skip cream and butter! Hint: if you use sour cream, try plain unsweetened Greek yogurt. It make a great substitute.

Enjoy the season with just a little bit of savvy forethought and with less sodium, less sugar, no indigestion and no guilt.

What do you do to stay trim during the holidays?

My Personal Fitness Puzzle

Lots of pieces went into my personal fitness story.

Lifelong effort. Okay. Not seriously even an athlete. Didn’t play sports in school. However, I had a desire to maintain a healthy weight. That’s about it. I was fortunate to be raised in a family that had regular meals and I learned to cook early in my 20’s.

Exercise. I discovered that I enjoyed step aerobics and it helped me keep my weight normal through post-childbirth and smoking cessation.

Diet. I had always tried. Lower calorie and skipping meals served me into my 30’s. By late 40’s my old habits for maintaining my weight didn’t work.

Weights with plan. At 47 I began weight training solely to lose the extra 30-40lbs I was carrying.

Morning cardio? That too. Stacked onto after work strength training.

Nutrition Lecture. My mentor in the gym, co-worker James Dawson, gave me a righteous nutrition lecture and it stuck.

More learning. After losing all the excess weight and adding on a modest amount of muscle, I began to fall in love with the look of figure competitors and signed on to coaching for my first show. I loved it and proceeded to do 10 shows in under 4 years. Finishing 5th at Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh in 2017.

Next steps. Meanwhile I achieved NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition level 1 Certification.

To keep it, keep it up. Physical health is not something to be achieved and then discarded. Physical health has to me maintained. I spent 2018 on keeping it real. My goal was to maintain a healthy lifestyle under more normal circumstances of moving, social events and travel.

Competition gives me personal goals and discipline. Plus, I enjoy it. This last year was not really about packing on more competitive muscle, but to live as a fit lifestyle role model. Not perfection, persistence. Competition this year is about showing that I can reach for it whenever I want it and still enjoy the experience. What I want of these two upcoming shows is to be the best that I can be.

Registration is done for hotels, competition, and tanning for both.

Wish me luck! #fitatfiftytwo #npcpalmettoclassic #npcnaturalcapitalclassic

🧩

Low Carb Protein Crepes Recipe

These crepes are easy and a great way to get more protein in your day, whether breakfast, treat with afternoon tea or even an evening dessert!

One of my fitness goals is to get about 25 grams of protein per meal or snack. I use MyFitnessPal when planning portions, daily strategy or recipes by adding the ingredients or meals I plan to eat BEFORE I make it or eat.

The crepes’ ingredients and making of them is simple and I’ve made them many times.

This makes a high protein breakfast for 3-4 people. 100 calories per crepe with high protein, low carb, low sugar and low fat.

A great sweet treat that will help you on your fitness goals!

Ingredients:

Crepe:

1 box of sugar free pudding mix. I used white chocolate flavor.

16 ounces of egg whites

Coconut oil spray. Use lightly as possible

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional)

Topping:

2 containers of high quality low fat cottage cheese. I use Good Culture brand.

2 packets of flex flavors stevia flavoring. Optional use vanilla flavored stevia drops.

1/2 cup each of blueberries and raspberries.

.

To make the crepe, place pudding mix powder into small mixing bowl or two cup measuring cup.

Slowly pour a couple tablespoons of your egg whites into it and whisk with a small whisk. Continue to whisk lightly as you add the remaining egg whites. Starting to mix it slowly like this keeps it from being lumpy.

In a food chopper mix most of the raspberries, your stevia sweetener and one container of cottage cheese. Scrape into small bowl and set aside. Do same with blueberries leaving a few for garnish

I used a nonstick small pan and a minimal quick spurt of spray coconut oil on medium heat.

Pour about two ounces of your egg crepe batter into warmed pan. When almost cooked, slip your spatula under it and flip it.

Remove from pan to a platter and continue to make next crepes.

Top each crepe with two heaping tablespoons of filling and a couple of berries, and roll like a burrito. 🙂

Serve with a no sugar low calorie syrup like Walden Farms.

Enjoy!

Fitness—Never Too Late

“I could never get you to go to the gym in your 20’s,” said a friend.

Me, “I didn’t need it then!”

That was my response. I was content. I wasn’t athletic, but I really didn’t have a body issue.

I actually always did “keep up with” my weight. I was content for years and worked about as much or little as needed to maintain my weight.

I stayed feeling healthy until midlife. My weight crept up a little at a time to overweight and borderline obese. An extra 40 pounds and into over a size 12 was all it took, and I was not liking what I saw in my future.

That was my motivation. Whatever yours is: avoiding cancer, diabetes, frailty, joint and thyroid issues or just sick of being fat; you can change.

Now, you don’t have to wait until midlife like I did to get a better way of life.

I learned that low calorie or cardio heavy sweating workouts are not all a perfect answer.

Being stronger and eating leaner will keep you fit longer.

Eat consistent meals including lean protein sources and strength train. If you have never lifted weights, I recommend a trainer for enough sessions to get a program and the form. Keep learning new things and get consistent with your food and effort.

I am 52 years old, I did not start this until 47. I have met others who began in the late 50’s or 60’s and later. It’s truly never to late to improve your health and fitness.

Check Aging Evolution on Facebook for others who have done the same!

Avoid Hidden Calories

Calories matter. The frustrating thing is tracking them down. My best advice is to begin your fitness journey simply by eating mindfully and healthier.

At best you can use a calorie tracker. Many people who want to control intake track food in an effort to increase fitness. My favorite is “MyFitnessPal” but “lose it” is also good.

However, really you can make progress by eating better. Lean and nutritious foods have nutrients that your body can use.

Better calories matter. You may already realize that ditching sodas, fast food french fries, white breads, and sweets is a healthy way to go. But after that, then what?

In addition to classic empty calories in sweets and junk food beware hidden calories. None of the following foods are nutritious and only add calories with:

Spray oils and flavorings. 0 calories? Nope. Empty calories. 4 calories per instant second spray minimum. A full can will have up to 1000 calories. Read ingredients. Oils have calories. Period.

Mayonnaise. Unhealthy fat source.

Ketchup. Mostly sugar and sodium.

Classic Salad dressing: ranch. Thousand island, raspberry vinaigrette etc.

Creamy sauces Shrimp Sauce, Alfredo lots of added salt and fat.

Sweetened roasted nuts or granola (avoid ones with added sugar)

Peanutbutter look for ones with no added sugars. Watch portions.

Coffee drinks. Added flavors add calories without nutritional value.

Sugar free desserts. Not calorie free and still empty calories. Of course the regular ones may be worse.

High protein “labeled” foods. Read nutrition value and often these have more sugar than protein. Just cause they add a little protein to the cereal or cookie doesn’t make it a lean and healthy protein source.

Frozen yogurt and sour cream. Sugar and fat.

Healthy body is based on what you do eat. Eat the healthy. Eat lean protein, lots of veggies and healthier fresh carbs like whole grains and plain potatoes; and healthier fats like whole nuts, avocado, and use butter, coconut oil and olive oil sparingly. Avoid a whole day’s calories of junk and you’ll feel better. Don’t drink your calories or snack on empty calories. Almost all turns to fat when not a part of nutrition that your body can use.

Empty calories to avoid.

Recipes for a Fit Fall!

Join me in avoiding holiday weight gain!

These two recipes are my new favorites. My approach to fitness is a lifestyle change. There is no diet that is going to be a short term effort with lasting results. The best path to healthy living is just that–healthy living. Protein is important, but a balanced plate with appropriate portions will get results you can keep long term without giving up a whole food group.

First, is a one pan easy dish that will make food prep easy!

Turkey Sweet Potato Hash.

I actually love this one. It’s too easy to get it right! It’s a very tasty savory fall flavor with great reheat flavor for several meals throughout the week. The idea here when selecting your sweet potatoes is to target the same weight, peeled, as your turkey. This ensures a fit ratio of enough protein without too much carb.

Ingredients:

99% fat free ground turkey. One pound.

3 medium sweet potatoes. About 1 pound peeled and chopped into 1/4 inch cubes.

Chopped White onion. 1 optional

1 eggwhite

Chicken broth. 1 can fat free, low or 0 sodium.

Chopped Frozen kale 2 cups.

Cooking spray.

Cumin 1/2 tsp

Coriander 1/2 tsp

Black pepper to taste.

Spray large skillet with a thin coat of cooking spray. I like coconut oil spray.

Add cubed sweet potatoes and onion at medium heat. Sauté until onion is translucent and potatoes slightly browned.

Prepare turkey by adding your eggwhite and 1/4 cup of the chicken broth and mix well.

Add turkey and seasoning to pan, stir in to crumble meat and cook meat until no longer pink.

Add remaining broth and chopped kale to pan and cover to simmer sweet potatoes until soft.

Divide into 4 portions for approximately 4 ounces of protein with 4 ounces of carbs for a nutritious filling fall fit meal!

Now that you have a warm lunch prepped, you may want to enjoy a fall treat without having to buy a bigger pant size for the new year! Here’s how:

Samantha’s Protein Pumpkin Bread!

I use a personal size loaf pan. I’ve found that it bakes better. What makes this wonderful is the fall flavors, in a sweet treat that is nutritious enough to make a healthy meal like breakfast or mid afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

1/2 can of pumpkin purée (refrigerate or freeze remaining pumpkin

1 egg

1 scoop vanilla UMP protein (Beverly International)

2 Tablespoons oat flour

1 tablespoon Quaker old fashion rolled oats

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tsp coconut oil (slightly melted)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp baking powder

Options:

Add mini box of raisins

1/2 ounce walnuts or pecans

i

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Mix all ingredients well.

Baked in coconut oil greased small non-stick loaf pan for approximately 30 minutes.

Check for using a toothpick. Center should be firm yet moist, but no not soupy edges will look dry but not brown. Cook added 5 minutes if needed but do not over bake.

Enjoy to your health.

Freeze your way to healthy

Ah! The freezer section.. you may have heard that shopping on the outer aisle of the grocery store is best!! However, some of those choices can be purchased frozen!

My go-to in the freezer aisles are veggies. Maybe you’ve tried the typical frozen veggies as said bla Blehch! The cut green beans, the mixed veggies, or succotash not for you?  Me either.

However don’t let a couple bad experiences keep you out of best choices for your health. Chose veggies without sauces. My recommendations are frozen whole green beans, frozen spinach and prechopped onion or peppers for recipes!

I go for frozen fresh fish filets (not breaded, marinated or processed) and easiest of all is the frozen bags of thin sliced chicken breast! They cook juicy straight to the oven from your freezer. Just season with dried herbs, mrs. dash flavors or flavor gods! Try an Italian blend on chicken or simply lemon juice and pepper on fish! I flip back and forth between these from the freezer and organic fresh chicken. I purchase fresh to cook right away and frozen to cook later in the week.

Also found in the freezer section, sprouted grain bread is the bomb!!! Since picking up a fit lifestyle, sandwiches and bread are fairly well a thing of the past! My fit version is Ezekiel bread! Try it!! It’s only available in the freezer section.

It’s very hard to find bread in the bread aisle with no sugar or preservatives and low sodium. Ezekiel does that nicely. This is my #1 go to bread. I know I know I know…it’s seedy and grainy and not at all like your precious white bread life. This is a fit lifestyle. Let it go. Be a whitebread girl no longer. This is the new you!!!!

Another amazing find in the freezer  bread section is Udi’s gluten free.  Whole grain gluten free Udi’s brand is amazingly like white bread and super healthy in comparison. This may be your revolutionary stepping stone to healthier bread! No you don’t have to be gluten free. Whether you think it’s a gimmick or not, just switch out this with your regular for 12 weeks as a real test if you have not gotten a taste for the grainier whole grains!

Finally, fresh or frozen, chose to eat the healthy. That is the fit lifestyle. You can lose weight, keep it off, be satisfied and healthy by choosing better, eating mindfully and not eat to be stuffed nor starving!

The Power of Strength Training

This is an introduction to the first chapter of a book by professors at Tufts University.

I share its important message with you!

“For many older adults, growing older seems to involve an inevitable loss of strength, energy, and vigor. But it need not be so. The frailty and decreased energy we

Weight, Fat, and Bomb Calorimetry

Calories are measured by burn.  The testing device is called a bomb calorimeter. So in a literal sense energy is energy.

However, we also know that not all foods are created equal. A high sugar diet will