You make time for anything important in life

So many times people ask me for fitness tips, and then when I talk about working out ( which on an average week take me no longer than 4 hours max) or packing lunches for work, and preparing a few other meals.....I get a shocked look and the dreaded:  I don't have time for that!  Ok, so we are all busy....but if you REALLY look at your day, I bet you can cut down on some of the ways you are wasting time, and spend it taking care of yourself.  do you have time to....? :

• watch tv
• text
• talk on the phone
• shop
• sit on your computer
• shop

That's what I thought!  Now stop doing one of those things for 30 minutes a day, and exercise!  You know you have time, just make it important......no excuses!  Oh my gosh, isn't that a brand or was it in the 90's???

I'm off to finish packing for my photo shoot in LA!  xoxo

* looks like in this picture I had "time" to sit on Maggie's couch eating junk food:)  I bet I could have had  "time" for a walk instead:)  xoxo

Healthy snacks

If your life is anything like mine, a true, relaxed 30 minute meal may only happen once a day.  At any given time, I'm either running around with my two dogs, working out or making my beautiful clients even more beautiful at the salon......life is never dull.  One of the most important habits I have, is to always be prepared with food.  I eat mini meals 5-6 times a day so that I'm never starving, and have tons of energy.  Instead of filling myself up with one big meal, I am always half full.....and it makes me feel light, energetic and focused.   The tricky thing with eating, is that most of the foods that are sold as snacks, have nothing to do with real food, and won't do much for your physique, or energy.

Here are a few ideas for snacks that I give people when they ask me for ideas:

(hint....try to have as few ingredients in your food as possible!  One ingredient foods are THE best!)

• Pre packaged Raw Almonds from Trader Joe's - measured out so you can't overeat!  Perfect snack..
• Greek yogurt with berries
• Cottage Cheese
• Small handful of raisins with mixed nuts
• String cheese 
• Cut up red, orange, yellow or green pepper with hummus
• Hard boiled egg
• celery with peanut butter, or laughing cow cheese
• grapefruit (did you know it naturally helps you burn fat?   Ummmm, I'll take two please! ), apples, mixed berries.....oranges...

Just a few ideas, but notice that I've left out protein bars, granola bars, and almost any kind of food that stays "fresh" in your cabinet "forever".  These all take a little preparation, but will keep you full for longer, and help you to resist things that you just might wish you hadn't eaten:)

BTW, I always keep a small package of almonds in my purse for when I get very busy, so that I have something healthy....that way I won't get a super unhealthy snack when I'm in a bind.

xo