It’s 2016, which means everyone is ready to get back in shape and start getting to the gym. Stephanie Podgor is a health and fitness coach for Beachbody, LLC. This fit chick, who has close to 40 clients, is ready to share her secrets to loving your body in 2016.
What’s your top three suggestions to getting in shape?
First- people have to stop hating themselves! They have to stop negative self talk. My whole life I struggled with negative self image and believing I was fat. I was too scale obsessed. Since becoming a coach a year and a half ago I realized I can’t change my weight until I learn to love who I am. I’ve learned you cannot hate your body and expect it to change. And it doesn’t matter how much you weigh! Also, if at all possible- STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE! Some things that have helped me to start changing my thinking was reading personal development books, meditating, and saying positive affirmations.
Second- you need to find some kind of meal plan or diet that works for you. You need to ask yourself, “Is this a plan I could stick with for the rest of my life?” If you decide to cut out carbs, then ask yourself if you’re willing to not have carbs at restaurants or birthday parties… for the rest of your life! If that’s not a commitment you are willing to make, then don’t do that plan! You can decide to minimize fast food and eat more lean protein; go vegan or paleo, whatever you like! Just find something you can live with every day.
Third- Have a group of cheerleaders that will always help you. I lovingly call them my “Fit Family”. That daily support really changed my life.
What are some workouts that you would recommend?
Anything that you are willing to get up and do!
To get a little more specific though, a lot of women want to target certain areas, like arms or abs. I can understand wanting to “target”, but your focus should be on total body workouts. You can add exercises for extra arm strength, such as basic push- ups and tricep dips. For your core, there are so many good ab workouts that don’t involve sit- ups! I try to think outside the box. You can get a great ab workout dancing, twisting, doing pilates or yoga; there are so many options!
What are some of your favorite healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options?
Breakfast: With Beachbody LLC, we have nutrition- dense Shakeology. It’s so easy, fast, and delicious! Plus I love that I can take it on the go!
Lunch: I LOVE breakfast for any meal, so a lot of times I have it for lunch. I like whole grain pancakes, with a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, berries, sliced almonds, and a generous drizzle of honey. It’s so delicious that it doesn’t even feel like I’m depriving myself!
Dinner: One of mine and my husband’s favorite dinners is stir fry. We make it with lean chicken, zucchini, onion, sweet potato, and mushrooms. To make it even healthier, we make our own sauces. It’s easy to throw together and so delicious!
In summary, to make 2016 your healthiest year yet, love yourself more, find a meal plan that makes you happy, and surround yourself with uplifting people that will encourage you on this journey!
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