Monday Mantra - Give It All You Got

I was traveling for work last week and a friend who lives in town invited me to a hot yoga class she has been going to. First off, I was ecstatic to get back to hot yoga since I had not gone since completing The Ultimate Reset. More importantly, the yoga teacher said something interesting that I will keep with me for a long time. More or less, she pointed out a workout only lasts "x" number of minutes. Give it all you got for that time period and leave knowing you couldn't possibly have done more. If your mind is elsewhere during your workout or you only give half an effort, you will leave feeling unsatisfied.

I think that is a great piece of advice! So often I find my inner voice complaining or whining and I give in. Before I know it, the workout is over and I *know* I could have given more. I tried to apply this 'give it all you got' mentality to my run the next day. I knew, total, I only had to run 25 minutes, and then I would be done with the workout. I ended up cutting about 10 secs off my normal pace! And by having this mentality on a consistent basis, I know I will only get stronger. This can apply to any workout or challenge you are taking on right now - push yourself! You can do it, I believe in you!

Monday Mantra : 6/11/12

Newsflash - we were all created differently! That is the beauty of the human race! I am tired of women - especially teens & young women - comparing themselves to an unrealistic standard that popular culture has set. Do not look inward to find your flaws. Look inward to find what makes you uniquely you!

 Repeat these words to yourself:

Photo: gettyimages.com

YOU are strong. YOU are beautiful. Remind yourself of that daily!

Monday Mantra: Small Changes

I know we have all heard it, but small changes really do add up! Here are 2 examples:

1. Swap Greek-style Fruit Yogurt for Fat-Free Fruit Yogurt. On average, Greek Style yogurt has 2% LESS sugar than non-Greek style. The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 100 calories per day from sugar, and that men get no more than 150 calories per day from sugar. Despite these recommendations, most Americans average more than 350 calories per day from sugar (Livestrong.com). Many studies have shown decreasing your sugar intake can reduce your belly fat (& lead to a healthier heart!) so try to keep your sugar intake within the recommended daily limits!

2. Park further away. Another suggestion that we all hear on a regular basis. Maybe because it works! A good goal is to get 10,000 steps a day in. You can pick up a cheap pedometer from your local sports store to help keep track of your progress throughout the day. I recently purchased a Nike+ Fuelband and it really does encourage me to get up and moving from my desk at random times during the day. I take the long way to the water fountain and park farther away from the door just to sneak in some extra steps! They add up!

What small changes have you made recently? Let me know in the comments!

Monday Mantra - Opportunity

Finishing up the Ultimate Reset has taught me you never know what you can accomplish until you try! What challenge will you take on this week?

Monday Mantra: Love Your Body

I saw this posted by Beachbody. Pretty good thing to focus on!

Monday Mantra: Jer 29:11

Today's reflection is a bible verse. My small group is studying on the Holy Spirit, and this one of the last verse's in this week's lesson:

Jeremiah 29:11 For  I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Today I would like to remember that even when I feel like I am wandering, I am on a path to God's greater plan. To remember that I can call out to God as Father and as Abba, and that He has given us the Holy Spirit as a comfort in our time of need.