Tag / nutrition

by susanmcrae75

The Love (Hate) of Water

Ah, the benefits of water.  We all know we are mostly made up of water…make that about 60%.  As a former swimmer, I should love it, but it has always been a love hate relationship with me for sure.

Love:  got me into college with a scholarship, I loved racing and playing in it, love floating around relaxing in a pool or lake, love catching fish from it, and will probably retire somewhere where I can see it daily.

The hate runs a little deeper.  When I was very young, I would watch my older sisters dive into our pool.  So of course as soon as I could toddle around?  Yep, right into the pool-the deep end specifically, and my father had to perform rescue breathing on his one year old.  So not sure if it is due to this subconscious memory or not, but my whole life, I’ve been afraid of water and drowning (vehicle, ocean, lake, pool, whatever!).  Several teenage boys likely have permanent scars from my fingernails and knees when they thought it would be fun to hold teenage girls like me underwater-yep, they learned.  And, to this day, I really do not enjoy getting wet-pool or water gun-doesn’t matter!  Crazy for a swimmer I know.  I also never quite understood the importance of it with exercising and my sport.  Knew I needed it, knew I was thirsty, knew it possibly provided a nice 4 lap break during a workout, but no one really ever explained it.

So, fortunately now that I have learned a lot more about health and nutrition through my current fitness/health program, I have another mark on the love side.  I admit sometimes it is much easier with a little natural flavoring from fruit, etc.  However, I have been told once you get accustomed to drinking water, you crave it, and now I’m a believer.

Why drink it?  And why have the goal of half your body weight in ounces per day?

Reduces fatigue, decreases some headaches (one of my migraine triggers is dehydration…of course), aids in digestion/regularity, curbs appetite/assists with weight loss, decreases frequency of muscle cramps, improves hydration/appearance of skin, and more!!  Who out there could not benefit from improving one, more or all of these areas, simply by drinking more water?  It has definitely helped me lose 23 pounds recently, and helped me recover from the workouts I am doing!

I challenge you to start by adding one more 16 ounce serving to your day.  Gradually increase towards your goal of half your body weight and see how you feel.  Set goals and keep track.  It will help you on your fitness journey, doesn’t cost a thing (unless bottled of course!!) and improve your overall health in the process.

And as usual, if you are searching for an awesome program with and awesome group with awesome results, let me know!  There is always room for more people trying to get back out there, reach fitness goals, cross train to prevent injury, whatever!

Now go fill up!

-S

 

Our challenge group: https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/d/annual-all-access-bod-shakeology-challenge-pack-BODChallengePack?referringRepID=1977090

by susanmcrae75

26.2

I have always wanted that sticker.  26.2.  Actually, I was shooting for the 13.6, and had it all planned out.  Going to do the Disney Half, all smiling, waving to characters……Problem is, I am not a runner.  My husband, when I asked him to watch me run to figure out why my right knee and hip were hurting told me “you’re just not a land animal babe!”  This did not help, and made me want to run more just to prove him wrong!

Problem is/was, I don’t enjoy running.  I envy those gazelle like people who can run, and I wanted to be like them!  I heard of the runner’s high-I am not sure what that would feel like but I am sure my hands on knees feeling of nausea was not it.  I have tried to return to running over the years, and finally my hamstring said “nope!”  And there you have it.

The same occurred with yoga.  Again, I envy these people and friends who look so peaceful, so flexible,so toned!  Problem is, I am a mover.  When people ask me what I think about yoga, (and I get this at least several times a week from my patients),  I say “what do YOU think about yoga?”  They look at me confused and I clarify-you have to enjoy what you are doing or you 1) are not going to stick with it 2) resent the time you are spending doing it 3) not see results because of 1&2.  So I say-“try it and see!”

Wait, is exercise supposed to be enjoyable?!  YES!  I really look forward to getting up in the mornings (gasp) because the program I am doing makes me feel good, proud and sets up my day in a positive way.  This exercise, and the feeling I get from it, overflows into everything else I do that day.  When you find something that brings you that feeling, then you’ll stick with it and reach those goals!

You are always welcome to join me (I admit not EVERYONE does the program in the mornings 😉  if you are struggling with what you are doing now (or NOT doing!)  Have fun!

ssmcrae75@gmail.com

by susanmcrae75

Roots

We took a recent trip to California and into Sequoia National Forest-an amazing place!  I don’t think anyone is not in awe looking up at these massive trees.  We learned from the guides that redwood roots can extend 100 feet outward, forming a network of underground roots with other trees.  They can also sprout new trees from their roots!

Isn’t that what a team is?  I have tried exercising by myself over the years after graduating-many different programs and activities-and always got bored.  It is so easy to just stop for one reason or another.  But if someone is there to cheer for you, hold you accountable, expect you to do your part, it just helps to keep you going!  If each day there is something new and already scheduled for you-all you have to do is sign on, what a simple fix to that!

This is one reason I am excited about being a health and wellness coach with such a great, inspiring team.  I am so excited to be a part of a fantastic, strong team that welcomes newcomers of all types with open arms!  You have a chance to help yourself achieve your goals, feel better, and improve your life and even the lives of others by also being a coach!

You can look at the redwood (ie your body, health, exercising, etc) and think, there is no way I can do that.  But you can!  Each of those awesome trees started small.  Each of those trees are intertwined.  Want to be part of our challenge group?  Let me know!  ssmcrae75@gmail.com

 

by susanmcrae75

Welcome! Who I am….

I created this blog to help those like myself who are trying to find that inner fire to create their best selves.  It is in all of us, but sometimes it falls by the wayside.  Injuries, kids, job, schedules, you name it….we put ourselves at the bottom of the list.  I was a former college swimmer, who for 16 years did not have to worry about my health, what I was eating, setting goals….then I graduated.  After that, I was a bit lost.  I tried so many different exercises, diets, logs, you name it.  There was always something missing and my results never stuck with me.  I had some injuries, emotional struggles, a busy schedule and family.  I recently had some revelations:

First, I liked to be coached and have a team with a common goal.  Someone was there to keep me on track and encourage me, and my teammates expected me to show up and encourage them as well.  I struggled with keeping myself motivated.  I didn’t necessarily want to take back up an official sport, but I missed those aspects of it.

Second, I got bored.  The same thing over and over was fine for about 2 weeks.  Then I would miss a day, then another…

Third, I didn’t know how to eat!  I tried keeping track of food in a log, determining points, had no idea of portions, and just did not have the energy or time to keep up with it for the long run.

And lastly, the time aspect.  I work full time in healthcare (coaching and encouraging all day!) and then come home to job #2:  mom.  I needed something to fit into my busy lifestyle, that I didn’t have to totally work my day around.  Nutrition needed to be something I could easily keep up with-I would forget or not want to do it by the time I got home, or I was guessing….  

Then, I found a program that combines nutrition, fitness (30 minute workouts), and a supportive group/community that supports me.  I in turn also support my team!  Yes!  So I decided to become a coach of this program to help myself, help others and enable them to help others as well all improve the life we are living.  This includes mind and body!  

We are all real people, looking for something that works, and continues to work!  Let’s do this!

Susan McRae