Day One: Getting Over The Guilt

My biggest obstacle when I began working out & eating right was guilt. Most of it was self-imposed. I left my home daily at 6:10 & didn't get back until almost 6:00 at night. My two children were very small at the time, & they needed me to be available to them when I got home. I also needed to spend time with them to get my needs as a mother met. So, with this type of schedule, how was I going to make fitness a priority without feeling guilty? Creativity.

How to we get fit when there are so many demands on our time? How do we keep from feeling guilty when we're spending time away from those we love? We try to minimize the time away through time-management skills. We also remember all of the amazing benefits to us and our family that a healthy lifestyle brings. We will live a longer, fuller life with our spouse. We will have more energy at the playground with our children. We will be less iritable at home, feel sexier for our lover, and cook healthier meals for everyone's benefit. We also realize that everyone, no matter who they are, needs at least 30 minutes to an hour a day for themselves & that is not asking too much from anyone.

For some, the best method is to get a gym membership that includes childcare. Others might workout after the kids have gone to bed or before they wake up in the morning. Some get a treadmill or P90X for home fitness. Some may choose to take athletic shoes to work and walk during lunchbreaks. Ultimately, its up to you when & how you can appropriately fit it into your schedule. If it's a priority for you, you'll be creative with it.

Try: Spinach Omelette ~ sautee garlic, spinach, and mushrooms in olive oil in omelette pan. Add egg/milk mixture. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Serve with slices of tomato and one slice of whole wheat bread with butter.

Do: Run/Walk for 30m-45m daily at pace where you cannot carry on a conversation to ease into your new fitness routine. Listen to your energetic music on your iPod. If you've been away from working out for a long period of time or have health issues, make sure you see your doctor before exercising.