NFit Woman January/February 2013

NFitWoman { NEW YEAR, NEW YOU BREAK THE MOLD {

A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FITNESS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

BABY STEPS TO A BETTER YOU EXCUSE PROOF FITNESS

SIMPLE SUCCESS FOR THE NEW YEAR

HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PUT YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION

STUNNINGLY FIT,

KEEPING YOUR HEAD IN THE FITNESS GAME STAYING ‘ABREAST’ OF WOMEN’S HEALTH

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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Parking: Free, curb side parking located on both sides of Commerce St. in front of the office. Metered parking is also located on Hoefgen St. Take a left at the light before the railroad tracks – parking is located on the right

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january / february 12 spiritual fitness

- You Have To Do It

14 mom on the go

- Easy Steps to Implement Excuse Proof Fitness

16 a better you

- You Can Do It! - New Year, New You!

2013 ➻

contents

20 a new you

- Fast Track Your Fitness

26 feature

- Pilar Gonzalez

28 indoor fitness

- Belly Dance Performance

30 preventive measures

- Survive the Holidays Without Going Up a Pant Size!

32 mind, body & soul

- Redefining Resolutions - Mentally First - New Year, New Firsts

38 inspiration 4 life

- The Health Side of Life Hero

40 success story

- Finding Health and Happiness

42 fit for style

- Erin Leonard

46 foodies

- De Léon Cafe - The Skinny on Holiday Weight Gain

50 nonprofit

- Beat Addiction - Paint the Parkway Pink - New Year, New You - Street2Feet Program

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Fitness champion and wellness advocate

Lenore Kaiser

on “Practicing what you preach.”

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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 publisher’s note

NFitWoman january / february 2013

publisher

It’s that time of year again.

It seems like many of us set goals to be healthier and commit to a better lifestyle.

I have to admit that I have made self renovation a New Year’s resolution many times in the past. This year I am determined to not only set these goals however; to exceed them.

The moment I became the publisher of NFit Magazine life quickly became very exciting. I loved my

renewed roll with NSIDE Publications and began working around the clock all the while juggling the responsibilities of family, home, and work. I was so busy that I chose to skip the most important appointments of all—those with myself. I do know from past experience that exercise is the key to not just a healthy body, but to a healthy mind as well.

Raising a family, working and overcoming the issues of everyday life have definitely played a major factor in my fitness relapse. As I ring

in the 2013 year I will harness the determination and will to make a daily appointment with myself by making exercise and healthy eating a major priority. Now let’s ring in the new year not with these said goals and priorities but rather a change in lifestyle.

As the new calendar year unfolds, let’s collaborate to revitalize the culture of our changing city.

I also invite you to browse just in time to help you rejuvenate and make the most of the new year. In this issue you will discover Lenore and her passion to inspire women through her success and her belief to take care of one’s self in order to take care of those around you.

Flip over to our men’s side and get to know Lee and how he manages to stay fit through dance while pursuing entrepreneurship. His story will inspire you as you will learn how he inspires others through his leadership.

Meanwhile, take a moment to visualize all that you wish to bring to fruition in 2013. Record this visualization on paper in art form or with words. Place that paper to serve as a reminder where you can see it daily to help focus your daily actions and energy on your goals.

Again, a huge thanks to your loyalty as our readers and indefinitely to our NSIDE staff and our advertisers whom make it all possible. Here’s to the new year and a better you! Please enjoy.

Liz Whittaker Publisher liz@nfitsa.com

Liz Whittaker

editorial director Kelly Hamilton

creative director Elisa Giordano

graphic designers kayla davisson damaris fike

account executive c.j. george

executive assistant Ashley Gray

administrative assistant jose d. munoz

contributing writers karen barbee adkisson mikela bowers jennifer broome angela brown sean burton claudia conley lisa cruz bre’anna emmitt rita hernandez lee hollis jean edwards holt, md, MHA erica jones jody joseph marmel deborah martin bethany reynolds clarissa rodriguez sonya roemisch tania trevino julie wisdom-wild

photographers roberta barnes michael giordano julie hill robin jerstad

intern

Anabelle Rodriguez

www.getnside.com

For advertising information, please call 210.621.7301 or email liz@nfitsa.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please send emails to kelly@getnside.com. to reach us: 18402 U.S. Highway 281 N, Ste. 201 San Antonio, Texas 78259 Phone: 210.298.1761 Fax: 210.568.6630 Copyright © NSIDE Media Productions All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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NFIT WOMAN november / december 2012

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Staff kelly hamilton

Editorial Director 210.630.8086 / mobile kelly@getnside.com

Elisa Giordano

Creative Director 646.280.8785 / mobile elisa@getnside.com

damaris fike Graphic Designer

Live Fit Now

kayla davisson Graphic Designer

C.J. George

Account Executive 361.232.2097 / mobile 210.298.1761 / office cj@nfitsa.com

ashley gray

Executive Assistant 210.560.7608 / mobile 210.298.1761 / office ashley@getnside.com

Jose d. munoz

Administrative Assistant 361.207.0241 / mobile 210.298.1761 / office jose@getnside.com

332 West Sunset, Ste 10, San Antonio, TX 78209 210.832.9412 / corepersonalfitness.net NFIT WOMAN september / october 2012

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 advisory board

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April Ancira

edna de saro

Jennifer Broome

sean burton

marta dahiya, M.D.

claire ortiz

April is a San Antonio, Texas native. While pursuing her career with Ancira Automotive Group she earned an MBA from UTSA in 2003. She enjoys involvement in various community activities such as Habitat for Humanity and also frequently competes in triathlons and marathons when not spending time with her husband Jason Thompson and pleasantly exhausting toddler Gunnar.

Edna De Saro is First Vice President and Marketing Director of Lone Star National Bank. As Marketing Director of one of the fastest growing banks in Texas, Edna is involved in the development and implementation of all strategic marketing objectives that include corporate branding, public relations and market positioning.

Jennifer Broome is host and producer of “Swept Away with Jennifer Broome” website and morning meteorologist for KDVR Fox 31 Denver. She is also a writer, spokesperson, blogger, and fitness fanatic.

Sean’s life is Health and Fitness. From an obese child to a fitness expert, Sean has seen his share of what it’s like on the other side of that fence and he knows he possesses the knowledge and experience to help get anyone get fit. Certified with the NSCA and NESTA he has extensive training experience. Sean knows what it takes to make your goal your new lifestyle. SeanBFit in San Antonio, Tx can make all the difference.

Dr. Dahiya is a board certified radiation oncologist at Oncology San Antonio who specializes in cancers of the cervical, uterine, and breast cancers. She is active in the pursuit of finding strategies for the prevention and risk reduction of cancer, and frequently exercises because she finds that it keeps her mind and body connected and balanced. She enjoys educating patients and the community in preventive medicine through healthy lifestyle habits.

Claire Ortiz is an apparel and brand-leadership professional with more than 25 years of experience in design, development, operations, sales and strategic management.

Ortiz has spent the last decade in senior Business and Creative Development roles, leading overall brand- building and global strategic planning initiatives. A veteran executive who has thrived as well in start-up environments as in large global organizations, Ortiz is known and respected as a dynamic leader in the ready-to-wear apparel industry.

bre’anna emmitt

Jana Bounds

Lenore Kaiser

julie minnick

charlie marino

Marie Ferdinand

Bre’anna is a Christian, a wife, a mother to three and a freelance writer.

She aspires to one day master the fitness classes she regularly subjects herself to. You can usually find her each weekend ministering alongside her husband Chris at Community Bible Church.

As a consultant for one of the nation’s largest dermatology practices, Dermatology Associates of San Antonio, Jana has exposure to new and exciting developments in the rapidly changing world of non-invasive cosmetic procedures and products as well as medical skin concerns such as advancements in the detection and treatment of skin cancers.

Jana believes your skin is an outside indicator of your internal health.

Lenore Kaiser, owner of Kaiser Medical Management, Blog Editor for SA Express News, and Fitness Competitor/ Model practices what she preaches and preaches what she practices. With 21-years in fitness and corporate wellness, she founded KMM, a corporate wellness provider. Lenore has won several awards over the years for her dedication in bringing health awareness to our community.

Julie is a healthcare executive with over twenty years of diversified experience in healthcare administration.

She currently works for Baptist Health System and is responsible for overall marketing, PR, and business development initiatives for Physician Services within BHS. Julie has a passion for the health and wellness of all individuals, and has a deep desire to motivate people to be happy and healthy.

Charlie Marino has been in the fitness industry since 1987. His specialization is in body sculpting, toning and over all wellness. Over the decades, he has seen many health trends come and go and through them all he has remained focused on what really works. Being healthy is not something you try for a few months, it is ultimately a daily choice. Charlie, offers clients his expertise in the privacy of their home or at an exclusive training studio. He is the owner of ProFit Fitness, Fitness that Fits your Lifestyle.

Newly retired from an 11 year WNBA Career, three-time WNBA All-Star Marie Ferdinand-Harris jump started the Marie Ferdinand Foundation, which was created as a testimony to her personal story of how she used sports as a vehicle to earn a scholarship to play for Louisiana State University.

Marie Ferdinand Foundation’s mission is to “Teach kids to win in Life, not just in Sports.” Marie now lives in San Antonio and is passionate about instilling life skills and basketball fundamentals.

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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 spiritual fitness

You Have To Do It.

Moving past the resolution and into the follow through.

by Bre’anna Emmitt

HOW MANY TIMES did I resolve to lose those last five pounds of baby weight?

In all honestly, it was getting ridiculous - so ridiculous that those stubborn pounds hung right on until I got pregnant with our next baby. After she was born, more months passed.

A lot of weight came off naturally, but not all of it.

Five pounds still lingered.

I realize you may be thinking, “Who cares about five pounds?” I tend to agree with you.

The problem is, the button on my jeans could not have disagreed more. So I faced a decision: to lose it, or to spend a small fortune restocking my wardrobe. With the encouragement of my ever-frugal husband, I chose the first option. I tried working out more – for months on end. Nothing. So, after more than two years of not seeing the number on the scale dip, I finally concluded that I simply would not be able to lose those last few pounds.

Then one day as I stood in my kitchen, munching off of our kids’ plates, something happened. Something equally revolutionary and irritating popped into my mind: Maybe I can’t eat everything I want to anymore and expect to stay thin.

I know. It was extremely dense of me that I had not thought of this before, but this one realization opened my eyes to a new perspective.

Maybe I can change my circumstance.

I decided to download a phone app to help me keep track of what I ate. With all I had going on in my life, I could hardly remember exactly what it was I went into that room to get, let alone how much I was popping into my mouth.

To put it bluntly, the app shocked me. And after all of my weight-loss resolving, unresolving and re-resolving I had done in the last few years, I once again resolved that I would lose those last five pounds. This time, however, I would not just mentally resolve to do it, I would actually do it. And do you know what? I did it.

It took a lot of work, a lot of self-control and a lot of new habits, but the pounds came off.

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

And my jeans went on (much easier, that is).

It was during those weeks that one phrase kept returning to my mind when I wanted to quit the hard work: You have to do it. That phrase meant one thing: I had to follow through. For years, I had wanted it to happen, but my will power stopped at my head. It wasn’t until I actually went through with the steps that those last few pounds gradually fell off.

I have found in life that it is so easy to feel we are the victims of our circumstances: that we cannot change, even when we want to. The truth of the matter is that we can change that habit, we can heal that relationship, and we can get past that event. But we cannot just dream about it, think about it or even mentally resolve it.

We have to get out there and actually do it.

We have to seek the help and find the support we need. And, most of all, we have to follow through.

Maybe you’ve been considering getting involved in a church, talking to someone about that deeply-seeded issue or mending that broken relationship. Whatever your goal may be, it’s time to act on it. Just like our bodies cannot lose five pounds simply by thinking about it, our mind and souls cannot be transformed for the better by the thought alone. Change and growth in our personal lives takes discipline, drive and doing.

So what will you do about it? Did your New Year’s Resolutions include a Spiritual goal?

If not, think about the areas in your life that need improving and add a resolution or two.

Once you make those goals to improve more than your physique this New Year, make sure you carry them out. It is one thing to resolve; it’s another to follow through. This year, let’s follow through. ✽ Bre’anna is a Christian, wife, mother to three, and a freelance writer. She aspires to one day master the fitness classes she regularly subjects herself to. You can usually find her each weekend ministering alongside her husband, Chris, at Community Bible Church.

To read more articles like this, along with recipes, marriage topics and more go to www.sozowomen. com. You can also contact her via facebook or twitter @ breannaemmitt.

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 mom on the go

Mom On the Go Easy steps to implement excuse proof fitness

by Bethany Reynolds

u w u w

v

v Are you a people pleaser? Do you feel that if someone in your family is not happy that you are responsible? Our brains are wired to be worried about those we love.

Lets turn those negative thoughts around and give them a positive spin. That self-criticism is not going to make you a happier mom but it can motivate you to move more. Be a problem solver and use that spark to set workout goals: goals to build muscle, to increase your endur-

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

ance, and to be a shining star of good health for your kids. Show you kids first hand how Newton’s laws of motion apply to their bodies: “For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” Let’s see some action!

So let’s start with the obvious choice for action, your local gym. The gym is full of options-machines, classes, assortment of free weights, plenty of cardio equipment and trained professionals to help you on your

journey. There are so many things to do that you can constantly challenge yourself with new workouts. If your gym offers childcare then your workout can also be a well-deserved chance to focus on just you.

Another choice for action is to experience the Hill Country. Hiking, biking, jogging and long strolls are all great forms of exercise.

The fresh air and green earth are God given and beautiful. Make the most of your time

F

You burn twice as many calories hiking

F

C

up hills carrying 10 pounds or less than walking at a brisk pace. outdoors. Don’t just walk around the neighborhood; go hit the trails.

According to myfitnesspal.com you burn twice as many calories hiking up hills carrying 10 pounds or less than walking at a brisk pace. In less than 30 minutes you can increase your calorie burn by 100. It is a wining combination when you get to grow relationships and healthy bodies for your family simultaneously. There is a reason why we call it the great outdoors!

Now maybe in your busy day there is not time to drive to your local state park or even your local gym. Lets say your kids want to walk to the neighborhood playground. I can show you some fun and effective exercises that will build up your major muscles. You can do all of these at the park or you can add these strength-training exercises to your workout whether indoors or out.

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Visit Sanantonio.gov/parksandrec and SABalance.org for the full schedule or call (210)207-3000 for more information about free local fitness opportunities

Set v

Younique Physique – Private Personal Training Studio & Wellness Center

Chin ups. These are challenging to say the least. Try them on the monkey bars and use this tip to do more repetitions: place one foot on the ladder to give you some stability. This way you really use your back but don’t have to lift your total body weight.

Alternate your chin ups with back pull ups.

Don’t worry about how many repetitions you need to do. Keep an eye on your kids and when you feel you can’t do anymore, shoot for two more then move on.

Push Ups. Find a low climbing bar. Try to get a full range of motion with each one.

Alternate with pulls ups. Flip over and hold onto the bar and pull your body towards it.

Set w

Lunges. I prefer a walking lunge but if it is a small park or if there are lots of people around try a static lunge.

Alternate with Step ups. Find a good sturdy park bench and start stepping.

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 a better you

You Can Do It! Simple steps to set yourself up for success in the New Year

by Claudia Conley

WHEN I HEAR or say those words, “You can do it,” I’m reminded of the character from the movie The Waterboy, played by Rob Schneider. He was the townie who periodically appeared from nowhere throughout the movie to motivate Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler’s character) with those words. My kids and I quote Rob Schneider’s character often and always in his particular voice, “YOU can DO et!”

It makes us laugh every time, and is especially useful during circumstances where things have gotten a little too serious or when one of us experiences self-doubt in a situation or task.

The truth is, we all need to hear those words every once in a while. Wouldn’t you agree?

Sometimes we can all be guilty of self-doubt or place such high expectations on ourselves that we end up not accomplishing the goal we set. The new year always marks the beginning of new goals for many people, whether it’s health or fitness-related, business success, enhanced relationships, etc. Statistics show that 45% of Americans make New Years resolutions, and that after 6 months, fewer than half of those people have stuck with them. After a year, that number declines to 10%. If you’ve ever been disappointed with a new habit you were trying to implement, the statistic is probably not that shocking. However, for a fitness professional, it is quite disappointing!

As a lifestyle fitness coach, I personally believe that the high number of discouraged New Years resolution-makers has to do with what is referred to as “self-efficacy.” It is

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

defined as “the measure of one’s own ability to complete tasks and reach goals.” It is different than self-esteem and has more to do with selfconfidence in a specific task. In other words, it is your own belief in yourself that “you can do it!” A research study at the University of Illinois at Urbana found that former couch potatoes that worked out 3x per week, who scored high on a scale of confidence at day 21, stuck to their new exercise program for the rest of the year. In addition, the study shows that even though it takes a little longer to produce a new habit, our self-confidence in creating that new habit takes place at 21 days, and thus, we are more likely to continue towards our goal.

The question is then, how do we build selfefficacy towards our goals for 2013? I believe there are some important steps we can take in order to ensure that we are among the successful in the 45% of Americans with New Years resolutions 1. Make the Goal Simple and Specific. In a study focused on habitsetting, conducted on 96 college students, the ones who succeeded in the study were those who created one new habit versus trying to change multiple habits. For example, creating a goal of running 2x per week for 30 minutes will lead to a higher success rate than taking up running and drinking more water each day.

2. Write the Goal Down and Keep It In Sight. When we write down a goal, it is as if writing a contract with ourselves, and we are more likely to not want

to “break” that contract. It also is a daily reminder to stay on track that keeps us focused and forces us to get specific with the goal.

3. Surround Yourself With “You Can Do It” People. It is very important to have the right people around you to support your goal. Find specific people you can count on to cheer you on towards the 21 days or even hire a coach to help you through the days of uncertainty.

4. Persevere! Realize that even the most successful people have set-backs but that responding positively to those set-backs will build self-efficacy. Just say to yourself on days of self-doubt, “I know that I can accomplish this task because I had a set-back and yet I am still going strong. I can do it!”

I love this quote by Richard M. Devos that states, “Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile, a world of optimism and hope. A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.” ✽

“Life: New Years Resolutions: Why They Don’t Stick,” January4, 2010. Jim Taylor, Ph.D. www.psychologytoday.com “Believe It to Achieve It,” author unknown, January 2012, www.fitnessmagazine.com For more information visit www.facebook. com/conleywellfit

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 a better you meantime, below are some tips I have found helpful – and you too can make this the year that your “New Year’s Resolution” becomes part of your lifestyle instead of just a fleeting promise.

Make a plan

Before you take a road trip, you make a map. So, make a map for your wellness journey.

First set a goal, then visualize yourself achieving it.

Next, identify steps toward that goal: uWhat do I need to do more of? v What should I do less of? w What do I need to do differently?

Write down your answers and use them as your map.

Remember slow and steady wins the race.

“You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go.” – Fitness to Inspire blog at fitness2inspire.tumblr.com/

Tell others

Talking about your goals and plans will boost your determination. Plus you gain support by sharing stories with family and friends, or joining with others also working toward healthier lifestyles, like at the Y (there are 11 locations throughout Greater San Antonio including Thousand Oaks at Henderson Pass, 281 at N. St. Mary’s, on Blanco north of 1604 and on Bandera in O.P. Schnabel Park. Also in Boerne, New Braunfels & Schertz. The Y has programs for everyone, from babies to great-grandparents. Visit ymcasanantonio.org to see how we can help you connect with your family and the community to reach your wellness goals.)

Commit to positive change

Do not allow excuses.

That means when the going gets tough, be tougher and keep going think about how great that sense of accomplishment will feel.

Reward Yourself

New Year, New You! Commit to staying on your fitness track through the New Year

by Deborah Martin

My Google search found these top New Year’s Resolutions: u Spend more time with family and friends v Exercise more w Lose weight x Manage stress better y Quit smoking In summary, according to Google, we want to be healthier.

The best place to start is by asking your doctor for suggestions. In the

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

As you reach benchmarks along the way, treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, road trip or just a day off help strengthen your resolve.

Remember, if you stray from plan, don’t beat yourself up - think about why you want to achieve your goals, and get back to it.

“Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding.”

- Fitness to Inspire blog at fitness2inspire.tumblr.com/

Ideas for More...

Drink more water to keep your skin and brain healthy. (Water also helps to reduce overeating.) ➻ Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. ➻ Take more deep breaths: inhale for a count of two, hold for two, exhale for two; repeat. ➻ Invite your child to make a sack lunch together – put in a nutritious sandwich or thermos of soup, a few baked chips or crackers and a piece of fruit. (And try this for yourself too.) ➻ Involve the family to cook at home to control ingredients and serving sizes, and eat at the table to talk, instead of eating mindlessly at the television. ➻ Take your kids for a walk after dinner instead of TV or video games. ➻ Call your parents, your sisters, your brothers or friends you’ve not talked with in awhile.

Ideas for Less…

• Drink less soda. Sugar turns to fat, and rots your teeth. Non-sugar

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sodas have artificial sweeteners and other additives that have unknown effects.

• Less time at the computer: walk down the hall to talk with colleagues instead of sending email; and stand up when you talk on the phone to burn a few extra calories.

• Less time in traffic or on the couch: walk the neighborhood or blow off steam in a group exercise class or on a treadmill at the Y. • Less time around people involved in the behavior you are trying to change: instead of a smoke breaks, call your mom or go for a quick walk. Offer to plan the next office party with fruit trays, creative salads or a movie theme with popcorn.

• Stop buying cartons of cigarettes.

Ideas for differently…

Eat breakfast – skipping meals slows your metabolism, and missing breakfast is worse.

Your body needs good food for fuel to burn calories, beginning with a nutritious breakfast like two boiled eggs and whole-wheat toast (light butter) or low-fat yogurt and fruit.

Include activity in your daily routine: • Stretch for five minutes when you wake up, and five minutes at bedtime.

• Park a little further from the office and store entrances (but park in well-lit areas at night).

• Pass up the elevator to take the stairs instead.

• Join the Y where both you and your kids can get moving more.

Learn something new to occupy your free time – find continuing education programs at community colleges, school district offices and YMCAs for classes in yoga or dance, healthy cooking, meditation, art, music, foreign languages, computers or home budgeting.

Read nutrition labels on prepared foods and beverages to better understand and control what you consume. Teach your children to be conscious eaters too.

Think about how much happier you and your

family will be to breathe clean air instead of cigarette smoke that damages everyone’s lungs and makes hair and clothes stink.

Keep fruit or protein bars handy for mid-afternoon snack. For ideas to add healthy options to the office vending machine check sanantoniohealthyvending.com and sahealthyvending. com.

And consider healthy snacks that kids like too: • air-popped popcorn • sliced apples • bananas • frozen grapes • green salad (light dressing) • cherry tomatoes • low-fat cottage cheese • low-fat Greek yogurt • low-fat mozzarella string cheese • sugar-free Jell-O • sliced grilled chicken (skinless) • tuna (hold the mayo) • pickles • olives • orange slices • strawberries

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More local get-healthy resources: • ymcasanantonio.org • fitcitysa.com • tobaccofreesa.org Trying new things is about discovering new possibilities, and enjoying the journey.

So be a role model to yourself, your family and your community and make this the year you achieve greatness! ✽

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19

 a new you

Fast Track Your Fitness at the Spa

Work smarter not harder and watch the pounds fall off

by Lee Hollis

What if there was a healthy way for you to lose up to 20 pounds or more and multiple dress sizes in one month... at your spa?! The process that sounds too good to be true has become a reality for many, and simply makes sense when you take a closer look.

It happens to the most committed of the fitness-conscious – we work out regularly, eat right and yet don’t achieve the results we desire. Why not? Our goals are not as lofty as becoming a swimsuit model. We just want to look good in our jeans and feel healthy, attractive, confident and better all around. Moms know that baby belly fat can linger long after the babies are crawling and men know that beer bellies are not all water! Plus, shorter and colder winter days often dissuade us from going outdoors to get regular exercise. The frustration and disappointment can lead some to the edge of the fast food counter saying super-size me!

Just as there are countless body shapes, there are countless diet plans and workouts claiming to tone us up. Insane workout regimens and low carb diets alone often cannot target our stubborn flabby areas the way we want.

Most diets encourage (or maybe demand) a reduction in complex carbohydrates, but few will do it scientifically. Reducing carbs and boosting protein can cause the dieter to consume far more calories than needed. Ideal Protein uses a high-biological protein to maximize essential dietary nutrients while minimizing calories.

The body needs to receive hydration and nutrition from the foods we consume. Energy is another story; your energy levels don’t rely so heavily on consumption. The body has an

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

incredible system for storing energy. Each fat cell can grow to 1,000 times its original size to store energy – yes, one thousand times! Furthermore, dietary choices can train those fat cells to retain that energy, i.e.

FAT! However, that training CAN be reversed. Ketosis is the metabolic state in which the body burns stored fat for energy rather than glucose found in consumed foods. A dieter triggers the body to burn fat by consuming nutritional, but low energy foods. Ketosis efficiently metabolizes fat for steady and consistent weight loss.

In conjunction with the Ideal Protein diet, laser therapy can help target areas of stubborn fat that are difficult to tone by exercise alone.

Zerona is an FDA approved body slimming laser treatment that does just that – target fat. The Zerona Laser stimulates fat cells underneath the skin without surgery or pain. Muffin tops, saddlebags and flabby arms beware! This laser-induced stimulation causes fat cells to release lipids for the body to metabolize as energy or flush out naturally. The laser is non-invasive and painless and works best when focused on our “softer” parts, namely the abdomen, hips and thighs. A nice side effect of the Zerona laser treatments is the systemic effect it has within our bodies. Much the same way rumors spread by word of mouth or the Internet, fat cells communicate among

Each fat cell can grow to

1,000 times its original size to store energy

themselves about this newly induced lipid release. This causes fat cells throughout the body to release their stored lipids which results in inch loss in the neck, arms and thighs - areas not directly treated with the Zerona laser.

Zerona, Ideal Protein and light exercise are provided as one comprehensive plan called ZIPFit and is consistently successful in producing dramatic results in just a few weeks.

Slimming down at this rapid rate requires the dieter to take it easy, no intense workouts, sore muscles or labored breathing. The diet supplies adequate protein to protect lean muscle. However, exertion will overcome that protection. Weekly body composition monitoring can ensure that the only losses come from fat, and the dieter’s endurance and stamina in exercise increases as her weight decreases.

Jeanie Arrants, grandmother, dropped from a size 14 to a size 4 over her diet

period. “My first exercise after finishing my diet was to do a 3-mile run, and it felt great!”, Jeanie said. “Two months later I ran the Rock-n-Roll half-Marathon. I never thought I could do that!”

Deb Honeycutt, 47, dropped 20 pounds and slimmed from a size 12 to a size 4 in one month. “I haven’t been able to lose weight in 15 years and had gotten to a point of acceptance. I simply could not imagine looking and feeling this good about myself again.”

These stories are typical, and consistent for women and men alike, including Daniel, a 6’4” 35-year-old who dropped 25 pounds in 24 days and shrunk his waist by 4½ inches.

ZIPFit provides safe, healthy, rapid weight loss and body contouring in one comprehensive process. The Zerona laser targets your ‘pudgy fat’ for body contouring. The Ideal Protein diet efficiently metabolizes that released fat for rapid weight loss, and supplies a continuous stream of proper nutrients to keep health and wellness as a focal point of the program. When combined, the two components produce better results than either can do on its own. It’s not an easy program; like all diets there are rules and all laser treatment appointments must be completed according to schedule. Yet, when followed, these steps can give you better results in one month than you can get in the gym over a year… naturally. ✽

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21

 cover story

e c i t c a r P ach e r p u o y what

has CEO d e iz -s t in this p e talk. , h l t l s a t k l t a e e w f e t only 5 that sh Standing aall in San Antonio proven to Rodriguez giordano

by Clarissa y by michael ph ra g to o ph

B

eauty, brains, and laid-back personality, Lenore Kaiser, owner of Kaiser Medical Management in San Antonio, serves as an inspiration to all women in the business community demonstrating her successes while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

“My life is focused on being good to myself by working out and eating right,” said Lenore Kaiser, owner of Kaiser Medical Management. “Because if you’re not good to yourself, then you’re not good to anyone.”

Lenore has been a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur since her early 20’s. As the owner of her own corporate wellness program provider company for the past 16-years and a partner in Whispering Eye Tequila, she credits her mother’s struggles and the obstacles she personally overcame as a teenager as motivation to become the woman she is today.

She believes in sustaining a well-rounded, healthy way of life. As a member of several fitness facilities throughout San Antonio, she partakes in all forms of fitness including cardio, weight training, cycling and fitness classes.

“It’s my sanity,” she explained. “I make time for it no matter how hectic my schedule is. If I don’t have time during the day, then I’ll be at the gym at 4:30 in the morning to get a workout in. My workouts can be in duration of one to three hours.”

Because of her passion, Lenore was a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 21-years at a local gym. She took her passion for fitness one step further in recent years and began participating in figures and fitness competitions; one as recent as October 2012 with San Antonio’s first Fit Company Challenge, walking away with 1st place as San Antonio’s Fittest Executive. In November 2012, Lenore also received the honors of 1st place in Physique at the San Antonio Lackland Classics Fitness Competition. She has several trophies from numerous figure competitions as well.

“I have always been a nut about fitness,” she said. “When I’m preparing for a competition, I train with Roland Gonzalez, owner of The Muscle Factory. I can always count on him to motivate and push me to get the results that I want.” »

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

23

O

ne would think Kaiser is on a restricted diet regime to keep her body in tiptop shape 365 days a year, however she reveals the exact opposite.

“I don’t believe in dieting, she said.

“I think diets are for people who want to remain fat because you’re restricting someone of their normal lifestyle instead of just making moderate and realistic changes that will not only stay with them a life time, but make positive changes in their health overall.”

“I eat whatever I want,” she added. “If I’m craving vanilla ice cream, then I will go into my freezer and eat one or two tablespoons to satisfy my craving. I don’t need to eat the whole thing. Singer, Dolly Parton has that same philosophy and look how tiny she is.”

“Or you can do what Pamela Anderson does and walk around naked in your house filled with wall to wall mirrors to motivate yourself to stay thin,” she added jokingly.

Kaiser said she is able to maintain her healthy lifestyle and operate a successful business due to her wonderful, accommodating staff at Kaiser Medical Management.

“I love my staff and I love what I do,” she said. “I never thought I would be here doing what I do for a company that I call my own. I started my business out of love and I continued it out of passion, because that is just who I am.”

“Competition and entrepreneurship are in my blood,” she added. “I’ve been in business for myself most of my life. In my early 20’s, I helped run Aero Hydro Systems in San Antonio. Later, while I was married to my ex-husband, Dr. David Kaiser, an opportunity came available. He was in the process of launching his private practice and needed help in the marketing department, which is where I came in and KMM was born.”

Kaiser took control of marketing for her then husband’s business and began cold-calling local companies one by one, asking if they would like to have a wellness lecture conducted by a doctor at their place of business.

“And that’s basically how everything started,” she said. “By picking up the phone, knocking on doors,

❝

ld be here u o w I t h g u I never tho I do for awn. t a h w g in do call my o I t a h t y n a comp

y m d e t r a t I s ove l f o t u o business ssion.” out it d e u in t n d I co

an 24

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

of pa

Kutscher Photo by: Jeff

driving around and doing whatever it took to get them to say yes.”

“Kaiser is a prominent name in the health industry, which made it easy for me to expand my business from local to 1000 corporations in several cities in South Texas.” added Kaiser. “I took our name and created a business out of it.

For the first seven-years I was literally a volunteer to my own company. Any money I made went to various charities and right back into the company.”

Kaiser Medical Management, established in San Antonio in 1997, is dedicated to offering quality wellness programs in order to promote corporate wellness in the workplace and keep employees healthy year round.

“It took me three years to build a base of companies that were consistently interested in our services,” she said. “Some of the services we provide are health and wellness fairs, corporate wellness lectures, flu shots, biometric screenings, blood work and vitamin shot clinics. We even offer corporate chair massage day!”

“We provide wellness programs for several major corporation in South Texas either direct, through their insurance brokers, or insurance provider.” she said.

“And one of the main things I’ve noticed with companies that provide our services to their employees is the moral; more employees enjoy being at work.”

Kaiser expresses several reasons for working in the health industry.

“In my eyes, the work we do can actually helps save peoples lives,” she explained. “There was a woman several years ago who attended one of our health fairs and was offered a free mammogram screening and because of that screening she went to the doctor and was diagnosed with early stages of breast cancer. Because of that health fair, she was able to catch her cancer in its early stages.”

“Another reason why I am so passionate about promoting health and wellness is because of my teenage years,” she added. “ Kaiser confessed to struggling with severe stages of anorexia and bulimia from age 14 to18.

“Going through that struggle shaped how I see life now,” she added. At age 42 I weigh the exact same that I did at 14. During that time in my life, my body dwindled from 105 to 52 pounds, and I almost died because of it.

It got to the point where my hair was falling out and I had an irregular heartbeat.”

At age 17, Kaiser became pregnant but was unaware because her health was in such poor condition.

“I ended up hemorrhaging at work and had a miscarriage,” she said. “It was a major wake up call for me. I was taken home and awoke the next morning. I struggled slowly to make my way to the rest room, past the vanity mirror and was startled by the image that looked back at me. It was the first time in four years that I finally saw myself the same way other people saw me.

It was a moment I’ll never forget and I have the scar on my left hand that will forever remind me how precious life is.”

Through her struggles as a teenager, Lenore still managed to be a model student in high school. She graduated from King High School in Corpus Christi, Texas at age 16, and went on to college at Del Mar and later finished her studies at Concorde University.

A lot of people know of me but they don’t actually know me,” said Kaiser. “Many people don’t realize I have a Hispanic upbringing and grew up in a single parent home. I watched my mother struggle to provide for my brother and I. Watching her struggle and carry the hardship of caring for us on a one parent income has always been a driving force in my life.”

Kaiser said she plans to expand her business, travel and look into other investment or partnership possibilities. “I even want to write a book in the near future” she added.

“I am exactly where I’m suppose to be,” she said. “I am at a good place in my life and with my faith. I’m anxious to see what the future has in store for me.” ✽

Lenore is a contributing writer for NFit magazine and for more information about Kaiser Medical Management contact 1-800-764-0418 or visit www.kaisermedicalmanagement.com.

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

25

ď Ż feature

Pilar Gonzalez

Sharing

Sensational Secrets

of living a healthy lifestyle

by Jody Joseph Marmel photography by michael giordano

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

of their health, The Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge gives people the chance to do that.

Detailing the fact that San Antonians have “made us one of the fattest cities in the nation on more than one list, I would love for us to go from fat to fit.” And Gonzalez is doing more than her fair share in educating fellow citizens by living healthy and making the right choices.

Attending a Challenge party may just be the beginning of your healthy lifestyle changes.

When people arrive to one of the parties, they are invited into someone’s home or event location and offered several varieties of shakes to try. Afterwards, the 90 day challenge is explained and the various kits the company offers to get you on your way to a healthy lifestyle are available. Questions are answered and then people are separated into two groups; those that want to be customers and then those who want to learn more about the business aspect.

Whichever group you are placed in, it is evident that you are in the beginning stages of transforming your lifestyle into a healthier one.

Children can also partake in this wonder.

With childhood obesity at an all time high, this may be the perfect solution. Children ages 4 to 12 can have 1 scoop and those over the age of 12 can use 2 scoops like adults. To see weight loss results, “we recommend two shakes a day for those 12 and over.”

Since the shake mix tastes like cake mix, they are an inviting shake to drink. Unlike

{

It’s all about the journey, Not the destination

other shakes, these are touted as being delicious. The shakes are gluten and lactose free and diabetic friendly. The Vi-Shape nutritional shake mix comes in one flavor which is a sweet cream base. “We love this because we can make any flavor shake we want and we can get really creative. We have a list with over 100 recipes. I share these recipes with all my clients.”

Gonzalez has a shake for breakfast, eats lunch and several snacks throughout the day which helps the metabolism factor and has a sensible dinner. “As far as my fitness routine goes, I prefer going in the morning. I start with cardio and then I lift weights. I have a set of exercises that I do and rotate them on different days. When I don’t feel like going to the gym, I enjoy going on jogs.”

As a realtor, “I’m always on the go and the shakes are a perfect go to meal when I’m

{

B

orn and raised in San Antonio, Pilar Gonzalez has always led a fairly active life. “ I started taking dance lessons at the early age of 18 months old, focusing on ballet and tap. Once I was in Middle School, I also became involved in jazz and modern dancing.”

While she no longer takes formal dance lessons, she enjoys the occasional belly dancing class, zumba or African dance classes. “I enjoy yoga, pilates, lifting weights and taking jogs in our local parks.”

Having several family members that are into fitness from being trainers to running marathons, Gonzalez grew up in an environment that promoted healthy living. She also was blessed with a very loving and supportive family. “They always taught me that helping others, no matter who they were or how much they had was very important. That’s how I try to live my life.”

Gonzalez was fortunate to have many role models to follow. Her paternal grandfather, Henry B. Gonzalez, was a United States congressman from 1961 to 1999. They called him the “Congressman of the people” for a reason.

“His beliefs were instilled in all of us and I intend to share them. I like to consider myself a fighter. He fought for people’s rights. I fight for people also by helping them live longer, healthier lives so they can be fighters in their own.”

Becoming a Body by Vi independent promoter has enabled Gonzalez to help others live a healthy lifestyle whether their goal is to lose weight, build muscle, maintain weight or to simply stay in shape. Body by Vi is a 90-day health challenge that the ViSalus Sciences company started. It has become the fastest growing health movement in North America, with over 150,000 new challengers joining every month.

Wanting to add more to her foundation, Gonzalez writes blogs, shares motivational postings and videos about healthy living.

“I came up with ‘The Shake Chick’ and the purpose of my website is to offer support and share my ways of being healthy and fit with The Body By Vi 90 day challenge.”

Sharing healthy recipes, workout tips, motivational quotes and products has become her guide for others to being fit and fabulous; the essence of The Shake Chick journey.

Working at Yvette Allen Properties in San Antonio has made real estate Gonzalez’s main profession. But she decided to take charge and make the choice to live a healthy, fit and balanced life. Inspiration guides this remarkable woman. “I read something that said Ask yourself this question - If I’m not working on being healthy, what am I working on?”

Emphasizing that everyone should take control

trying to head out to show houses. I love that I can make it in less than a minute and take it with me.” The price is right too. Each shake costs about two dollars. It seems like a winwin situation however you choose to use the shakes.

While a healthy lifestyle can be a major change for some people, “staying positive will help them through their journey. It’s all about the journey, not the destination!” ✽

For more information: Pilar Gonzalez “The Shake Chick” 210-201-NJOY www.TheShakeChick.com www.facebook.com/TheShakeChick twitter.com/theshakechick NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

27

Photo By: Pixie Vision Productions

 indoor fitness

Belly Dance Performance

When Belly Dance becomes about something OTHER than exercise, the real workout sets in!!

by Karen Barbee Adkisson

“I’m just here for exercise. I don’t have to perform, do I?!” This is one of the most frequently asked questions of the new belly dance student. Belly dance classes – unlike many other forms of dance classes – are generally for adults. These women come to class for a new form of exercise, to do something that they perceive to be different and exciting or to scratch an item off of their bucket list. Many of them have never danced before; if they have, it was in their childhood.

And even though they may have taken dance classes in their youth, few have ever performed.

It is common for new students to take a six or eight week beginner session and then retake it several more times. Once they are comfortable with the movement and can settle into the routine, they begin to feel more confident and are able to flow with the format of a class.

Not necessarily wanting a greater challenge than this, they enjoy the exercise for what it is and enjoy the progress that they have made. Within a few months, these students often are gone!

You see, we all need the proverbial “carrot” sometimes, and for the dancers at Karavan Studio, it comes in the form of an annual recital entitled “Give Belly Dance a Chance” (GBDAC).

First produced in 1995, the recital has been the incentive for many a belly dance student to keep up with their classes and stay in shape. As they progress from classes in the Basics of the Dance to those that teach entire choreographies (from Beginner to Advanced levels), the students evolve, advance and gear up for the annual benchmark. Those who have not yet attained the physical or mental level to participate in the recital are usually in the audience motivating themselves by watching their fellow classmates on stage and thinking to themselves “If she can do it, I can do it!”

I have been teaching Belly Dancing for 25 years. I

n tay i to s lasses, k r “I wo ttend c hen GBDAC w e, a h s ap ctice, so the best a m r ’ p ,I be. and comes ing to een o has b I’m g who ls .

S cita ren – Ka in five re

“I ha in d was tentio absol was n’t eve n of p utely n er o r n out eally o somet formin Hav as exer ut ther hing I t g. It ing the cise an e. It ju hough th t s d pro e sched annual somet t start bab ed ule h G i BDAC n l g y th keep all fun re e s acc year. It bigges me mo cital o . a ma t th omp tiva ing te n lis ke not just hed so s me fe I work d; el li been meth ke I on in goo fing g and h ’ve – Sa r a aro has b a, an ar und ve t een .” in six ist who recit als

“I have never performed in any ly other dance, I started bel dancing as exercise and to ital tone. I look forward to rec ee. and have participated in thr – Ann, a labor and delivery nurse who has been in three recitals

For more information contact Karen Barbee Adkisson, Karavansa@aol.com

benchmarks – whether it is sooner or later – are much more likely to 1) want to continue to perform, 2) invest in costumes for their performance that they are NOT going to let go to waste, 3) make sure they stay at the top of their game by being consistent about class attendance and practice, and 4) participate in other forms of exercise (often times the very forms they were trying to avoid when they first started belly dancing) to be in better shape for their time on stage.

Simply setting a performance (or even a less formal “demonstration”) opportunity causes students to reframe their reasons for par-

“My b into t est friend g ot me and th his cause s h o journ ught we’d t e tried it ey to ake a first G gether. Afte nother wante BDAC recita r I saw my d l the re to participa , I knew I citals, te. Wit there hout goals for so wouldn’t b e m e of us!”

- Helen , a sales pe Costco who h rson at in six re as been citals

Photo By: Pixie Vision Productions

have observed the hundreds of women who have come through the doors of my studio and it is clear to me that adult students who set and meet performance

of enhanced fitness and personal accomplishment is set on a course that can continue for years! ✽

Photo By: Nathan Penning

ital the rec “Having ly keeps me e definit . It makes me ted , motiva with classes keep up reographies ho me both c e, keeps chniqu ome, and and te h ing at r at practic work harde ’t e n m o s d e I k . e ma in shap keeping to look bad s!” want ostume in my c s r who ha , a write – Cassie two recitals been in

ticipation, set personal goals, take actions and form relationships to hold themselves and each other accountable, and – all the while motivate the other students. After a successful performance in which everyone feels even more invested in their activity, a student’s cycle

“I consider myself a hobbyist at dance. I want to be as good as I can…..but that’s where the recital comes in, it gives a clear goal to attain and so practice becomes even more important. And I should say it makes you feel accomplished, even without anyone in the audience you know, and you gain confidence with each one gone by.”

– Loretta, a veterinarian who has been in four recitals NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

29

 preventive measures

Survive the Holidays without going up a Pant size!

Implement these simple tips to keep your figure svelte this holiday season

by Sonya Roemisch

Do you want to avoid feeling like a Stuffed Turkey after the holiday season? After all the gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Year’s most of us have accumulated so many calories we probably know how Santa must feel on Christmas morning after all the milk and cookies. As we enter “The season to be jolly…” here are some guidelines to help you keep from gaining five to ten pounds this holiday season like many of your fellow San Antonians.

1

Do not go to a party hungry.

The last thing you want to do is starve yourself before going to a party or family gathering it will only lead to over eating. Try eating a healthy meal that consists of lean protein, veggies and a small handful of nuts like almonds. This will stabilize your blood sugar, help curve your appetite and keep you from feeling like you need to eat everything in sight.

2

Go for the protein & veggies first. If you do go hungry search for leaner protein sources and veggies and choose only a small serving of foods high in sugar and/or fat.

3

Bring a healthy option to parties & family gatherings.

Without sounding like a broken record, if you are asked to bring something, choose to bring the lean protein such as chicken or turkey breast or lean brisket. Bring the veggies such as veggie tray with

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

lots of fresh veggies or green beans or asparagus; however lay low on the additives like butter!!

4

Move more not less during the holidays. If you workout three days a week, then bump it up to five and if you don’t workout at all, well it’s time to get moving!

5

Stress less. The holidays can be very stressful so a great way to destress is to exercise! Even 15 to 20 minutes of exercise can give you an endorphin rush that has“morphine like effect” and who in this day and time couldn’t use a daily dose of endorphin release to get through the day?

6

Create your own healthier options. Try substituting Truvia for sugar, coconut milk or oil for milk and butter. You would be surprised at how tasty your favorite dishes can still taste using healthier substitutions.

7 8

Stay warm. When we are cold we tend to want to eat more!

Limit alcohol. Lay off the Eggnog and margarita’s as they contain a lot of calories and choose lower calorie options such as diet cranberry and vodka and limit the amount of drinks because in the end its still empty calories and as long as you have alcohol in your system it affects your ability to process food and can cause insulin spikes which lead to quick weight gain.

9 10

Create balance. Stop living by the all or nothing method. By doing this you will avoid yo-yoing.

Take Digestive enzymes & probiotics. They help to process nutrients and facilitate elimination of waste out of the body. If you are going to put extra calories in your body the least you can do is help the body out a little to process it!

11

Drink plenty of water and zero calorie drinks. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body as it tends to curve your appetite and by all means don’t drink your calories!

12 13

Don’t stand by the food table. Socialize and don’t make the food table the focal point of your parties and gatherings.

Lose the excuses. Add this great 20 to 30 minute on-the-go workout you can do anywhere with no equipment needed for a full body core, cardio and sculpting workout.

Take a water break and rest for one minute and repeat three to four times. If you are just starting out work up to three to four sets.

20 Triangle Push-ups 30 Planks with alternating knees 20 Side-to-Side alternating Planks (AirPlanes) 40 Sumo or Plie Squats

I am sure if you follow some of these suggestions you will be successful in maintaining your weight and potentially lose a few pounds as well as get a head start on your New Year’s resolution! ✽

For more information on how to Transform your body and change your life you can contact me at sonya@youniquephysique.com or check out my website www.youniquephysique.com.

Sonya Roemisch, B.S., CPT/Owner Younique Fitness & Wellness LLC Younique Physique Personal Training 7460 Callaghan Rd. Ste 200 / San Antonio, TX 78229 Office 210-348-2990 • sonya@youniquephysique.com www.youniquephysique.com Sonya has over 15 years in the Fitness Industry and has Owned and Operated Younique Physique since January 2005. She specializes in designing individualized Fitness and Nutrition Programs to meet the needs of her clients. She also teaches group fitness classes and nutrition education. Sonya has over 15 years in Dance and Choreography experience and Competes with the WBFF and NPC organizations in the Fitness Model, Bikini and Figure Divisions. Her passion is helping others transform their lives to live healthier and happier lives! She has dedicated her life educating, motivating and inspiring others to “Aspire to Greatness…..Always!!”-Sonya Roemisch

I N S P I R E / / M O T I VAT E / / C O A C H ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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31

 mind, body & soul

Redefining Resolutions

Dedicate this year to living a life that works for YOU

by Mikela Bowers

Every year many of us come up with a list of how we are going to redefine ourselves and change our lives for the better. We make these resolutions with sincerity, but with an awareness of an underlying acceptance to not maintain them.

So, why do we play the game?

We play the game because we are ‘supposed’ to. Our culture has the expectation of continuous progress, and sets the idea of what this looks like. Your resolutions most likely revolve around weight, diet, exercise, parenting, career, relationships, etc. Every aspect of your life requires a resolution if you look closely enough (according to the standard of progress).

So, when will you meet the standard? When will you be content with yourself and the life you’ve created? In this game, never. The standard requires perfection. YOU require perfection.

It doesn’t seem that way on the surface, but without true acceptance and contentment you will constantly chase after the carrot.

The big joke is that it (the standard) is all an illusion. What we strive for is an ideal that has been set for us by fictional characters in our cultural media. Then, as a convenient companion, the voice in your head plays the role of constantly reminding you exactly where you fall short. And you believe it.

So what’s reality? The reality is that you are personally responsible for every aspect of your life. While you cannot control external circumstances and those around you, you CAN control your response to them. You choose how to interpret and perceive the world around you, which brings in the FUN part: YOU can determine the game. YOU can decide how your world occurs and who you are going to be in it.

How much of you is a reaction to life? Do you REALLY want what you

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

{

If you aren’t failing, you aren’t playing big enough.

say you want, or is it what you’re expected to want? Do you want to work where you work, exercise the way you exercise (or don’t), live how you want you live? Our ego will immediately scream ‘YES!’ because to find out that the answer is ‘no’ may make you feel wrong. It’s here that you must ask whom it is that is making you wrong. Most likely it’s the same source creating the standards that have you stuck in a life where you feel the need to make resolutions year after year.

So, what now? Taking a true look at the source of what is shaping your life may have you realize that it is all too often a list of SHOULDS, created by no one in particular.

What is it that you truly want your life to be like? Who do you want to be? What is it that truly moves you?

This year, I dare you to redefine your resolutions. Let’s make them about YOU. (Even though you’re not SUPPOSED to do that). Here are some suggestions to begin your journey:

➻ Understand that YOU are 100%

responsible for your life and relationships.

This doesn’t involve controlling others, only yourself. You lose the power to have the life you want when you blame others. Find your contribution to the situation and change it.

➻ Accept what is. This doesn’t mean that things can’t change, but fighting against what is already so, in this moment, will get you nowhere. Acceptance is required to find stillness and peace in any situation. Your rejection of what is causes more pain and suffering in your life than anything. Lean into the discomfort of the situation and see that the emotions you are experiencing will not kill you, and they DO pass.

➻ Be unreasonable in the goals you

have for yourself. If YOU don’t imagine and believe in what you truly want, no one else is going to step in and make it happen for you. If a healthy lifestyle is a goal of yours, you may need to dump absolutely

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➻ Love what you do. If you don’t love

it, sit down and make yourself love it before proceeding. You will fall off the path if you aren’t operating from a place that truly moves you. You’d be surprised at what you can learn to love. I’ve learned to love cleaning my bathtub because I MUST have it clean before I can peacefully sink down into a bubble bath.

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➻ Balance your world. Neglecting any

part of your wellbeing is equivalent to neglecting all of it. Balance is a must. No one else is going to create balance for you. You are the authority in how your life goes, and you determine what balance looks like for you. Saying “NO” is okay.

➻ Create space in your life for failure.

If you aren’t failing, you aren’t playing big enough. We are so concerned about looking good and having all the answers that we keep ourselves boxed in and at the shallow end. Jump in! Failure is not bad, it’s just a result. Coming from a place of humility in all you do allows you to fail with excitement about what will happen the next time you try.

Make this year’s resolution be about finding what truly works for you. Once you tap into your true nature, nothing will keep you from a life you love. You are SO powerful.

Namaste. ✽

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33

 mind, body & soul

Mentally

FIRST

Will your way toward achieving fitness goals

by Sean Burton

IF I WERE to ask you,” what is the key aspect to one’s success?” What would your answer be? Would it be pure luck? Maybe it was all skill? Perhaps it was fate? While I

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am sure all of those answers do play a role in one’s success, they are all the wrong answer.

The correct answer is, “mind set.” Your mental state is the only deciding factor in your degree of success in whatever you are trying to accomplish and your health and fitness goals are no exception to this rule at all. Think about this, have you ever really achieved the desired result of something you set out to do with a negative mind set or attitude going in? More than likely: no.

Remember this, “The body follows what the mind dictates.”

I’ve said and known this for so long and I want to share this with you,” You have to be there mentally before you can be there physically.” What this means is that you need to have that visual in your head of your success before you real make it a reality for you. Books detailing ‘The power of positive thinking’ or ‘The Secret’ as I’m sure some of you had read before are a very real thing when you think about it. Mindset and attitude are positive and optimistic in all of these success stories.

When you read some-

one’s success story, you don’t hear about how they hate working out, don’t like to diet or despise a gym. No, they love it. They live, eat, breathe and sweat positivity and optimism.

When you watch a talk show about a bestselling author, all you can hear in their voice is pure passion, positivity and optimism when they discuss their work. Trust me when I say that it is no coincidence.

So the question is how do we fix that attitude of yours? How do we get you to the next level of positive thinking without regressing into that negative black hole that leads to nothing good whatsoever? It’s far simpler than you may think and here are a few things you can try today, Start of each and every day from here on out with a smileThis is how you want to begin your journey to fitness success and achieving your good health. Whatever may have happened to your yesterday or bothered you, is gone. It’s a new day; a new slate and you want to treat this day as another chance to win. Start it with a smile and think about something you’re grateful or happy to have. Awesome car, big TV, a wonderful spouse or the job of your dreams. Think about it and smile about it.

Learn how to roll with the punches every day – Look, life isn’t fair and sometimes it will get rough. This is inevitable. What you have control over is how you decide to handle every situation.

Are you able to let it roll off of you and laugh about it? Or do you hold onto it

}

}

You have to be there mentally before you can be there physically

for dear life and sit around sulking in it? This in the immediate doesn’t do much, but in the long run it makes all the difference. You have a plate and the more things you hold onto just stacks higher and higher until that plate eventually breaks.

Do for others – In my personal opinion, I get no greater joy than giving or doing for others. It could be as simple as holding a door open for someone, paying someone a compliment or maybe treating a friend to lunch. That feeling of giving or doing and seeing the appreciation from an individual will fill you up with more positive vibes and energy

than you’ll know what to do with. It’s not about getting something back; it’s about doing it just because you can.

Know when it’s time for a break – As I said before, life is rough and it can be very unfair at times. We take as much as we possibly can and keep pushing, but there will be a time when you literally cannot handle anymore. There will be a time when you feel you’re literally about to ”Break” and that’s the cue for just that. Take a break! Take the day off. Clear your schedule and ”Detox”.

This isn’t quitting, this is allowing your mind and body to meet each other in the middle and

come back rejuvenated, revived and ready to own the day.

Remember, you have to be there mentally or you will never get there physically. The road to success is never smooth, clear or a straight shot. It’s a windy, bumpy road that is as if it’s never been maintained or paved. Sure, it’s a pain, but the payoff is worth every bit you’ve invested in it. So get your mind set right and own each and every day. Every single day is just another chance to be great. ✽ For more information, call 325.650.7538 or email seanbfitpro@gmail.com

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35

 mind, body & soul

New Year Up your fitness ante and find a new you

New Firsts

by Jennifer Broome New Year, New You. Those seems to be four little words we hear at the beginning of each new year. Instead of just saying those four words, why not take them literally and really try something new.

I wouldn’t suggest something if I hadn’t already tried it first. At the beginning of 2012, I decided to challenge myself to fill the year with trying new things, new foods, new workouts and new places. I was in the middle of writing my blog “Warrior Workout Year to 40” so it was the perfect time to throw the usual workout routine out the window and try new classes and workouts. What I quickly found out was this challenge was putting me on a year of adventure filled with firsts, including skiing with an Olympian. I got a chance to ski with Billy Kidd, the first American male to medal in Alpine skiing. During ski season at 1pm almost everyday you will find Billy at the top of the gondola in Steam-

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

boat Springs ready to ski for free with anyone who wants to. Billy is a legend in skiing. What I learned during that experience is that every adventure is a lesson to be soaked up and cherished.

Ease into this challenge by simply taking a new workout class. You can do that, right? How many times have you looked at the fitness class schedule and thought a class looks interesting, but you are too intimidated to be the newbie. It’s time to throw caution to the wind!

Remember everyone in the class has been the newbie at one point. Just by trying out new classes like sandbells, Tabata intervals and an outside sports conditioning, I found some workouts I love. Chances are you’ve read in a magazine or had a trainer tell you that you have to constantly mix up your workout. This is the perfect time to test out that ‘mix it up’ theory. >>

What I gained was the knowledge that at least I had attempted and even in fear was able to push forward.

If you have a friend that loves an activity, why not give it a try. You just might enjoy enjoying the hiking, tennis, cycling or whatever the activity is. There is no failure in trying. The hardest part is saying yes. If I hadn’t said yes to hiking my first Colorado 14,000 foot peak I would have missed out on something that is incredible, beautiful and tough. I summited my first 14er in May 2011. With my challenge to try new things, I decided to add to taking on Colorado’s highest and hardest to my list of 14er summits.

One of them I tackled and the other brought me to tears. In July 2012, I conquered the highest point in the Rockies by summiting Mount Elbert. In August 2012, I attempted Capitol Peak with two friends who are expert climbers and mountaineers. My friends, Jon and Chris wrote a book titled “Sleeping on the Summits” that is about sleeping on all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in 95 days.

Capitol is widely considered Colorado’s hardest 14er because of the extreme exposure of one section called the Knife Edge. Being afraid of heights, I challenge that fear when I can. So off I went on what was one of the toughest 17 miles I have ever done. I made it to K2, the peak before Knife Edge and Capitol summit. In a sense, the mountain conquered me that day, since I did not summit and had two tearful meltdowns. But what I gained was knowing I at least attempted and even in fear I was able to push forward. There will be more 14ers in my future.

Take the workout on the road. As an avid traveler, it is easy to find new places to run, try new restaurants and find new adventures.

Think of it as making the world your playground. On a ski trip in Beaver Creek, I introduced two San Antonio friends to snowshoeing. They were surprised how much they enjoyed it. While on vacation in Costa Rica, I fell in love with surfing in Tamarindo. But not every workout has to be intense or exhausting. In Costa Rica, walks on the beach at sunset in Quepos were enlightening and rejuvenating. New scenery can work wonders.

Take someone up on their challenge. As I was getting back into yoga, I took a picture doing Dancer Pose on a hike. A friend jokingly challenged me to do the pose on other hikes, kind of like the planking or Tebow-ing craze. Well I took him up on that challenge and now it is a moment of peace, tranquility and accomplishment for me.

The bottom line is just say yes. Make it a year of no excuses.

Instead of new year, new you, make it a new year, new firsts. ✽ For more information visit www.pointzero1.com or www.facebook. com/JenniferBroomeFans

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37

 inspiration 4 life

The Health Side of

Life Hero The Amazing Fitness Journey of Jessica Cummings

by Rita Hernandez

“FROM THE EXACT moment Jessica and I met back in 2011, I was able to witness first hand of Jessica’s amazing Fitness Journey from 344lbs to now 214lbs. She continues to make her New Year’s Resolutions for 2013 and they are even more inspiring than ever.”

Rita Hernandez I look back to July 2011 and I can still remember the first time I met Jessica Cummings. I was one of the Trainers and Jessica was one of the Contestants of the Two City Transformation Challenge. It just so happened, Jessica and I were standing next to each other during the demonstration of Resistance Band Training. We, the Trainers, were spread throughout the crowds of Contestants to show proper body mechanics and I was able to properly instruct Jessica of the different exercises with the resistance bands. As soon as the event was over, Jessica and I became instant friends and she stated, “It would be great if you were my trainer.” Well, lo and behold, when it came time to announce the teams, Jessica was part of my evening crew. This definitely was a Devine Connection!

Knowing Jessica Cummings as a kind, loving and caring person, there was a part of her that lived an emotional roller coaster. Her deep pain began as a child, with a father who verbally abused her by telling her she was not pretty enough, she was too fat or she ate too

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re

befo

much. When she was supposed to find love from her own father, he was too busy hurting her with his harsh words. This caused her to become an emotional eater and food addict.

She found comfort in food to help her cope with the pain she endured as a child. It became something that she could not control and she would eat during happy times, sad times or just wanted to eat when she saw other people eating. What made it worse was the name-calling from kids at school, they would tease her with every “fat” nickname and it would lead her straight to depression and binge eating.

Now as an adult, Jessica looks back and realized she needed to get help. It was about 3 years ago she went to get a heart catheterization to check her heart and to see if any of her arteries were clogged. By the grace of God, none of the arteries were clogged and her heart was fine but it put it in perspective that she needed to do something about her health. She did not want to follow in the footsteps of her

after

family medical history. Her Mother has heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

High cholesterol also runs in the family and she needed to do something about it in order to make a healthy change in her life. It was in July 2011 where Jessica was introduced to the Two City Transformation Challenge. She was very hesitant at first because she wasn’t sure if she was ready for such a drastic commitment.

Jessica prayed about it, signed up and it was the best decision she had ever made.

Jessica weighed in at 344lbs for this Fitness Challenge and it was the beginning of her 100 day Journey to lose the weight. What I love most about Jessica and why she is our Healthy Side of Life Hero, she was extremely determined and excited from the very beginning till the very end. Don’t get me wrong, there were times I personally knew she wanted to give up but she knew with the strength of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, she was going to make it the entire way through. Jessica showed up to

}

At the end of the 100 day Challenge,

Jessica stepped onthe scale and celebrated a loss of 60 lbs!

every single class and never missed a day of training. She endured the new challenges of working out six days a week and adapted to new healthy eating. She even tore a muscle in her arm and she still kept coming to class to train. I was very inspired by Jessica and I knew in my heart that her passion to simply want to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle would take her to 1st place. I knew first hand Jessica was not doing any of this for vanity reasons and was thankful every day of her life for this blessed opportunity. She had full support from her husband, family, church and friends. This was everything Jessica could ask for.

At the end of the 100 day Challenge, Jessica stepped on the scale and celebrated a loss of

60lbs! She weighed in at 284 pounds and won 1st Place of the Two City Transformation.

Jessica continued to train for another 30 days of the program till the end of November and dropped another 20 pounds taking her down to 264 pounds. Jessica realized she still needed a ways to go to reach her goal, so she kept training at her church and a year later has dropped another 50 pounds to a now much healthier 214 pounds.

Jessica shared a tough bump on the road when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis and had to have a total hysterectomy.

She had her surgery in October 2012 and rested during her recovery stage. Jessica’s main goal for now is to start slow again by simply walking. I asked what her plans were

for 2013 and if she will continue her fitness journey. Her answer was “Yes!” Jessica’s goal weight for 2013 is 179 pounds and I know she will meet it. She was once a size 32 women’s and is now a size 16. She is well on her way to a new healthy wardrobe.

Jessica will always be forever thankful and grateful for her experience and her strength comes from Jesus. I just can’t tell you enough on why Jessica Cummings is our Health Side of Life Hero but I can say, you will be inspired by her story in ways that will change your life forever! ✽

For more information on Jessica Cummings, you can listen to her complete Radio Interview at www.inspiration4life.org/liveaudio/ Episode 33. You can also watch her Inspiration 4 Life Local Hero Segment on KENS 5 Great Day SA Sunday Morning 6AM Show at http://www. inspiration4life.org/media/ Date 1-08-2012.

For more information on Rita Hernandez, NFit Magazine Writer, or Inspiration 4 Life “Healthy Side of Life” Heroes, you can visit her website at www.inspiration4life.org, rita@ inspiration4life.org, or www.facebook.com/ inspiration4lifeworldwide

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

39

 success story

Finding health and

Happiness

Sandi Wolff shares her journey to finding health and happiness

by Lisa Cruz

Cartoonist Frank Tyger once said, “Happiness is more a state of health than of wealth.” And, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, health is defined as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit...”

Sandi Wolff was living in a state of unhappiness. She was sound in mind and spirit, but her body just wasn’t what she wanted and knew it could be.

“I could just tell I wasn’t happy,” Wolff said. “Everything in my life was great except this one thing (her weight).”

So in March of 2012, after seeing a photo of herself at a family wedding, Wolff took control of her health and started the extensive, life-changing process of losing weight.

“It is a lifestyle change,” she explained.

“Weight loss isn’t about dieting or deprivation, it’s about defining your life’s goals outside of weight.”

Wolff has lost about 75 pounds since March but says that her motivation and her goals were bigger than weight loss and bigger than food.

“I wanted to go out more and be more social,” Wolff said. “I wanted to be motivated in my career and contribute and participate more in my own life.”

Today, she is happier, healthier before and busier than ever before. As the mother of a 15-year-old daughter, the wife of county commissioner Kevin Wolff, Vice President of Education at KLRN and a community volunteer, Wolff has a lot on her plate, but she says her energy levels have never been higher and the key is making the necessary changes to love herself.

“The biggest obstacle to weight loss is your own inner voice,” she said. “You have to wake up every morning and remind your-

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

After

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self to put yourself first. How could someone expect to be happy and have healthy relationships if she isn’t happy and healthy herself?”

Weight is one of seven known risk factors for contracting heart disease and many other illnesses. Wolff said she saw the inevitability of health issues in her future, as her father is a diabetic and her family has a history of heart disease and cancer.

“I have always been healthy in that my blood pressure and cholesterol were normal. I don’t smoke or drink, but my issues were and are with food,” Wolff explained.

Of the seven-lifestyle factors Wolff learned about at last year’s 2012 Go Red For Women luncheon, maintaining a healthy weight, eating right and exercising were the three she struggled with the most. She said the conference came at a good time in her journey, because she had just started making healthy lifestyle changes, and everything she was hearing that day in May told her she was on the right track.

She was compelled that afternoon to become a supporter, joining the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red, which helps the organization fund heart health education, advocacy and research programs.

“I had not had any of those health scare moments where I was at risk of dying, but I wanted to be able to experience life differently, things like shopping at Macy’s,” she added, laughing.

}

Changing 40 years of eating habits didn’t happen overnight.

“Exercise had become a chore and food had always been the center of attention at my family gatherings. I have learned that the experience of spending time with family and friends is more important than where and what I eat.”

Wolff jokingly described her transition as one in which she “broke up with sugar and started dating her nutritionist.” She recounted how her nutritionist reminded her that the process of changing her lifestyle would take some time, explaining that changing 40 years of eating habits would not happen overnight. But, the changes are happening.

“When I’m hungry now, I go for a protein bar, and if we really want to eat a hamburger, we don’t eat the bread or the fries but don’t deprive ourselves of a good burger either,” Wolff said. “And, I get on a lot of good, healthy recipe newsletters.”

While weight loss was a motivator, a healthier lifestyle was the true driving force, and Wolff

said the benefits have been tremendous and have trickled to her family.

“Kevin has lost about 30 pounds, and the habits we are teaching our daughter have an enormous impact,” Wolff said. “I feel very confident our daughter will not have the same issues with food.”

Wolff’s weight loss journey has not ended, nor has her personal journey.

“I still have weight to lose, but I know I will reach my goal,” Wolff said. “I will finish my Ph.D. program in 2013, and I have this picture in my head of who Dr. Wolff is, and she’s happy and healthy.” ✽

Editor’s Note: This year’s Go Red For Women Luncheon is Feb. 1, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt.

For more information contact Danielle Gunter at 210-617-2609.

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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erin leonard coach & skating director ice & golf center at northwoods

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

style

Fit for photography by robin jerstad

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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I’ve always been passionate about this sport as it defines me as a person. I can’t find a better way to stay fit with doing something I love. This sport can accommodate all levels of athletes but best of all ... You do not have to be a certain age to Learn how to skate we have classes for all ages.

The Ice & Golf center is a facility that offer Learn to skate classes as well as Learn to play hockey. We also have indoor turf for various soccer leagues youth & adult. This is a facility where the whole family can stay fit in a cool environment.

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

{

Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada Erin started skating at the age of three.

She competed nationally and achieved all levels of skating becoming a triple gold level skater.

Erin always had a childhood dream to skate in the Ice Capades. After deciding to join the world of Ice Shows she signed with Ice Capades which allowed her to skate and travel around the world. Through this experience she landed in San Antonio where she met her husband Jeremy Leonard. Eleven years and two children later she now coaches in San Antonio at the Ice & Golf center at Northwoods.

As a Coach and Skating Director Erin enjoy sharing her knowledge and passion of the sports with all levels and ages of skaters.

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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 foodies

Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, 146 billion cups per year making the US the leading consumer of coffee in the world! If so many Americans are consuming coffee why not drink a healthy coffee? We added Ganoderma Lucidum, known in Asia as the “Miraculous King of Herbs.” Ganoderma Lucidum is highly regarded for its medicinal properties, powerful source of antioxidants and over 200 known nutrients that help improve your overall health. This high quality ingredient plus Omega-3 provides a perfectly balanced formula with exceptional flavor, aroma and significant health benefits.

THE HEALTHY BLEND *Ganoderma Lucidum Health Benefits: ww Helps to improve blood circulation ww May aid calm nerves ww Helps to enhance immune system ww May help to detoxify & energize your body *Omega-3 Health Benefits: ww Helps to maintain a healthy heart ww May reduce stress ww Assists in maintaining cholesterol & triglyceride levels

De León Café

A Healthy Coffee Blend

by Tania Trevino

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

DE LEÓN CAFÉ

Weight Loss Cappuccino/Black Besides the great benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum, we added the most famous brewed Tea - Green Tea. The secret of green tea lies in the fact that it is rich in catechin, polyphenols, particularly EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG may help stimulate thermogenesis and reduce LDL cholesterol levels leading to weight loss and promoting healthy heart function.

Sweet Balance Cappuccino

An innovative blend with excellent ingredients that promotes a lower amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar deceivingly flavored in a creamy cappuccino with cinnamon or a robust black coffee.

Besides the great benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum, we added a beneficial vegetable to give an added nutritional boost to your diet; Artichoke!

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial thistle of the Cynara genus originating in Southern Europe around the Mediterranean.

This vegetable contains nutrients such as calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. All of which are needed to maintain good health.

The innovative blend of ingredients prepared with an alternative sweetener, Stevia!

Cappuccino version: Contains as an alternative sugar sweetener called Stevia, derived from a green leafy plant. With a dash of sweet, a dash of spice, and creamy goodness it’s hard to resist.

*This product is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. *These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The consumption of this product is the responsibility of the person who recommends it and who use it.

I love to wake up in the morning and drink my hot cup of DE LEÓN CAFÉ It gets my metabolism revved up and a burst of energy to get my day going! I also drink a cup after heavy meals, which assist in the digestion of those hard to digest foods and bad fats.

I invite you to have a cup of DE LEÓN CAFÉ and wake up to your Health every Morning!

For a free sample of the Original, Weightless, Sweet Balance or Collagen Coffee please contact me via email. ✽ For more information visit www. ardysslife.com/vivabien or call Tania Treviño 210-445-4817

Make It Your Mission!

Join Us at the San Antonio Go Red For Women Summit February 1, 2013

Grand Hyatt Hotel

www.heart.org/sanantonio

With Power, Passion & Heart, Our Circle of Red members are committed to fighting heart disease.

Consider joining our Circle of Red at this year’s Summit.

For event sponsorship or ticket information, contact Danielle Gunter at 210-617-2609.

TM Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS

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GET FIT BOOT-CAMP CALL FOR DETAILS REGISTER NOW to claim your spot

15909 San Pedro Ave., Ste 116 San Antonio, TX 78232

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210.490.4447

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

47

 foodies

The Skinny on

Holiday Weight Gain Easy solution to a mouthwatering problem

by Erica Jones

Surveys report that the average American gains three to five pounds during the marathon of heavy meats, pies and alcohol that define the holiday season. However, scientific studies show that although people feel heavier, they actually only gain about 1 extra pound. The problem is that one pound is likely a pound that they’ll never lose.

After a few decades, those little pounds can create a big problem.

Dritan Saliovski, owner of all-natural, gluten-free pasta sauces and salad dressings company, Moni’s Natural, states that everyone can indulge a little during the holidays, as long as they make a dedicated effort to get rid of the November-December tummy once the new year rolls in.

“Cutting out the overly-processed sausages and cheeses and putting back in healthy, flavorful ingredients is key to making your stomach feel satisfied with less food,” said Saliovski. “It’s all about creating a deficit in the number of calories consumed over the calories burned. Nothing more than that is required.”

Holiday weight gain starts early in adulthood. In a study conducted by the University of Oklahoma, 94 college students were observed over the Thanksgiving vacation. Those observed packed on the extra pound in just a two-week period. Those college students who were overweight gained an average of two pounds. This trend echoes into post-graduate life, as adults whose BMI (body mass index) is over 25 typically add on pounds as well,

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

}

The amount of people who don’t overeat during

Thanksgiving and Christmas

meals is slim to none.

sometimes tipping the scale an extra 7 pounds

by New Year’s Day. “I think the amount of people who don’t overeat during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals is slim to none,” said Saliovski. “It’s not about dwelling on what we ate in the past and more about starting the new year with the right food choices.”

Saliovski’s suggestions include:

u Eating colorful, fresh vegetables and fruit to keep eyes and stomach happy v Drinking plenty water to keep stomach fuller between meals w Throwing away unhealthy leftovers x Keeping a hand-written or digital food journal to monitor food intake “Whether you gain 1 or 31 pounds over the holiday season, it’s important to remember

that weight loss takes time and effort but it’s all worth it for a better, healthier 2013,”said Saliovski.

To assist New Year’s dieters, Moni’s Natural owner Saliovski has offered his own custom dishes, prepared with simple ingredients and including the award-winning line of Moni’s Natural sauces and dressings. As with everything food-related, Saliovski stresses moderation as key to weight loss. ✽

Moni’s Natural sauces and dressings can be found at San Antonio-area Whole Foods, H-E-B, Central Market, and COSTCO locations. For more delicious recipes visit www. monisnatural.com.

Healthy Recipes: Bay Scallop Salad with Italian Dressing Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients: 1 lb. bay scallops 2 Tablespoons olive or canola oil 3 Cloves garlic – minced ½ Shallot – minced ¼ lb. pancetta, chopped fine 1 package cherub tomatoes, quartered 1 package butter lettuce, torn 2 sprigs marjoram, minced 1 small lemon, juiced 8oz Moni’s Italian Country Dressing Preparation: For the salad, combine tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, lemon juice and Moni’s Italian Dressing. Mix well and refrigerate.

In sauté pan, add oil over medium heat.

Add pancetta and cook until slightly crispy, then add garlic and shallots. Cook about 1 minute. Add scallops and continue cooking until scallops are opaque and cooked

through, 5-10 minutes.

Serve scallops with salad.

Sicily’s Salad with Grilled Shrimp or Chicken

Moni’s Natural dressing and toss in bowl until thoroughly mixed. Place on serving plate and top with mozzarella. Put the shrimp on your amazing creation and drizzle any remaining delicious Moni’s Natural on top.

Serves 1-2

Ingredients: 3-4 deveined shrimp, tail off & chopped -or- 1 Cutlet of Chicken 2-3 Cups Iceberg romaine mix ½ Cup Mushrooms ¼ Cup Black olives ¼ Cup Diced tomatoes ¾ Cup Shredded Low-fat Mozzarella ½ tsp olive oil 4-6 tbsp of Moni’s House, Light or Country Balsamic Directions: Place shrimp or chicken into a pan with olive oil and sauté on medium-high heat until shrimp is opaque or chicken is cooked through. (2-3 minutes) Set aside and allow the shrimp to cool down.

Add your olives, mushrooms and tomatoes and lettuce mix into a bowl. Poor 4 tbsp of your preferred

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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 nonprofit

How Alpha Home Helped Me and 8,000+ Women

beat addiction Steve Ford to share his fight to overcome alcoholism at Alpha Home

by Julie Wisdom-Wild Photography Roberta Barnes

“Hello, my name is Julie, and I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict.” This very month, 25 years ago, I said those words when I attended m/y very first 12 Step meeting at Alpha Home as a woman whose life was totally out of control, financially, physically, spiritually, professionally. I was at rock bottom.

My addictions to drugs and alcohol had taken everything I held dear: family, work, home, my values, my self-respect and my dreams. I was broken, frightened and confused. I asked God to help me because I had made such a mess of everything. I surrendered. On that day, I began regaining all that had been lost, and more.

And now—clean and sober for 25 years—I am at Alpha Home as its CEO, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and an Advanced Addictions Counselor (ACC) who graduated cum laude from Texas State University in 2006.

I share this story with you, not for sympathy or accolades, but to illustrate how chemical dependency knows no socio, economic or ethnic boundaries. Take Steve Ford, the son of former U.S. President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford, who seemingly had it all: wealth, education, loving parents, travel, an exciting career as the son of a U.S. president and then a Hollywood actor—and yet, he too, is a recovering alcoholic. Sober for 19 years, he addressed his successful fight to overcome his addiction to alcohol, as well as his mother’s battles with alcoholism and breast cancer, at Alpha Home’s “Doorways of Hope” luncheon on November 7, 2012 at the Pearl Stable. He inspired all at the sold-out luncheon with his insight, humor and compassion.

I also share this story to show how the right treatment such as what we offer at Alpha Home can raise a person from rock bottom to

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

becoming a productive and successful member of society.

Getting off drugs is only the first step in rehabilitating a life annihilated by addiction.

Because living sober can be every bit as hard as getting off drugs or alcohol, learning how to make good decisions and actually surviving in sobriety are the truest challenges. And that is where Alpha Home comes in. Founded in 1966, Alpha Home is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient substance abuse services, serving almost 600 women annually with an average success rate of 86% of women who stop using drugs and alcohol each year. Alpha Home provides a spiritually based substance abuse treatment program for women to prepare them to become more productive members of society. Treatment is delivered via two core programs—the Residential program and the Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment program—with a full continuum of services for four-six months that also includes programs for their families. Clients receive confidential, highly individualized treatment, including medical and mental health assessments, individual, family and group counseling, addiction and recovery education, trauma counseling, anger management, GED instruction, 12-Step support, career counseling, relapse prevention education, life skills, drug and alcohol education, trauma therapy, and extensive case management services.

Recovery after substance abuse treatment (Left to Right) Julie Wisdom-Wild, is possible. However, CEO, the overwhelming cost Alpha Home; Debbie Matz, of treatment in private residential facilities makes those counselor, LCDC, programs inaccessible Alpha Home for many women.

Without the availability of nonprofit treatment programs, many female addicts wanting and needing help will be unable to get it—leaving community health and human service providers reeling with problems associated with chemical dependency. The economic impact of substance abuse in Bexar County is

& LIFESTYLE COACHING

MARGO MARTINEZ, CPT, ASN WNBF Pro-Figure & Pro-Bodybuilder

Providing Professional Services For: more than $1.7 billion per year, according to the state commission on substance abuse.

Alpha Home is not just changing one person’s life— we’re affecting the entire community We’re changing the lives of everyone whose lives touch these women. It’s a huge ripple effect.

With your generous donation, Alpha Home can provide women an alternative to homelessness, disease, and abuse and help them become more productive members of society.

(Left to Right) Gaye Preston-Litton, co-chairman of the luncheon and chair of the Alpha Home board; Julie WisdomWild, CEO, Alpha Home; Steve Ford, Alpha Home “Doorways of Hope” luncheon keynote speaker, actor and son of former U.S. President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford; and Alpha Home board member and luncheon co-chairman/emcee Steven Bull

25 years ago, one day at a time, I began to recover from the horror of my addiction and my children became proud of me again. Today, I am happy and free by God’s grace, and I feel useful and respected by others. Having walked in their shoes of addiction, my only desire is to save other women from the challenges I faced by providing innovative services to prepare them for a full life. There is always hope. ✽

Julie Wisdom-Wild, CEO of Alpha Home since 2003; clean and sober since 1987.

For information on how you can support this life-changing institution, please visit the website at www.alphahome.org, or call (210) 735-3822

¡ PERSONALIZED ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING ¡ WEIGHT LOSS & MUSCLE STRENGTHENING ¡ SPORT SPECIFIC AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT ¡ REHABILITATION AND POSTINJURY TRAINING ¡ YOGA/PILATES & CORE CONDITIONING ¡ CUSTOMIZED NUTRITION PLANNING & SUPPLEMENTATION

5126 Fredricksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229

210.310.5574 freakishlyfitsa@yahoo.com

FREAKISHLY FIT SAN ANTONIO NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

51

 nonprofit

Paint the

Parkway Pink

by Jean Edwards Holt, MD, MHA

Closing out breast cancer ‘one step at a time.’

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

THE FIRST ANNUAL “Paint the Parkway Pink” 5K run/1 mile family walk/ kid’s run, held at the North Central Baptist Hospital on Saturday, October 20, 2012, was an unequivocal success, according to Dr. Jean Holt, one of the organizers. Referring to the

Stone Oak Parkway, the central thoroughfare for the Stone Oak community, this special event was held to promote community wellness and health awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research. The money raised from this event was donated to the Susan G.

}

The ultimate goal is to have enough participants to close Stone Oak Parkway for the racecourse.

Komen for the Cure® Foundation for breast cancer research through a special, restricted grant set up previously by the Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure. This organization, Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure, led by Dr. Holt, partnered with

the North Central Baptist Hospital and other groups, vendors and sponsors in the Stone Oak community, to hold this inaugural event.

Additional founding sponsors included the Baptist Breast Center, Sonterra Ophthalmology, Alamo TotSports, Liz Braden Realtor and Character Café. Reagan High School of the North East Independent School District provided space for the various runs and walk on its campus.

Mr. Richard Oliver, sports writer for the San Antonio Express-News, was the event moderator, and the Silver Stars’ Fox joined the children for the kids’ fun run. Over 500 runners, walkers and children participated in this first “Paint The Parkway Pink” event. Dr. Holt wants to acknowledge the event planning committee, primarily from the Baptist Breast Center and Mrs. Jennifer Meachum, director of employee wellness for North Central Baptist Hospital, Dr. Andrea Duke, Jennifer Thompson and Liz Braden.

The event organizers are already planning for the next “PPP” event, to be held Saturday, October 19, 2013, and are proud to announce a new joint effort with the North East Independent School District, to promote health and wellness for the district students.

All in the Stone Oak community are invited to participate next year!

Dr. Holt indicates that the ultimate goal is to have enough runners and walkers in the event to qualify to close Stone Oak Parkway for the course and to raise enough money to “close out” breast cancer. The Stone Oak community is encouraged and welcome to participate next year and contribute to this most worthy cause. ✽

Additional information about Women in Medicine and Law can be found at their website: www.womeninmedicineandlaw.org.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Triathlon Coach ■ CrossFit Coach ■ Nutrition Coach ■ Inspiring Coach ■ Traveling Coach-travel to your home, business or a park for an AMAZING workout ■

Jennifer Rulon MS Fitness Concierge/ Triathlon Coach

210.385.7210 www.jenrulon.com

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

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 nonprofit

New Year, New You Supporting breast health in 2013

by Angela Brown

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The New Year signifies a time to reflect on the past year and refocus attention to achieving personal goals.

Most Americans’ New Year’s resolutions center on how to better one’s quality of life through eating healthy and exercising regularly. What many Americans may not know, however, is that their pledge to live a healthier life also puts them at lower risk for breast cancer.

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. accounting for nearly one in three cancers diagnosed among women. An estimated 226,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among

women in the U.S. during 2012. And men can get breast cancer, too. It’s anticipated that 2,190 cases will be diagnosed in 2012 in the U.S. Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends several tactics to help with early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Along with knowing family history of breast cancer and participating in regular screenings, making healthy lifestyle choices is one the top ways to reduce the likelihood of breast cancer. Leading a healthier life includes eating less caloriedense foods, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

The 16th annual Susan G. Komen San

f GREEN DOWNTOWN:

Antonio Race for the Cure on Saturday, April 6, 2013, provides an outlet for participants to exercise on a large scale. If you’re new to fitness, consider training for the largest 5K run/walk in Bexar County. For those ready for a more of a challenge, the 10K run is the perfect opportunity.

The Race for the Cure is the principal fundraiser for the organization. In 2012, Komen San Antonio invested more than $900,000 in local breast cancer screening, treatment and education for the medically underserved of our community. An additional $325,000 was contributed to breast cancer research.

With the community’s support, grants specifically addressed breast cancer screening including clinical exams, mammograms and biopsies (60%); treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and treatment support including counseling services, transportation, diet and nutrition classes (20%); and breast health education (20%).

Registration on all participation types (excluding Sleep in for the Cure) includes a $5 discount until January 31st. Don’t delay and sign-up today! For information and to register for the 16th annual Race for the Cure, visit the website at www.komensanantonio.org or call Komen San Antonio Affiliate at 210-222-9009. ✽

About the San Antonio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Established in 1997, Komen San Antonio has invested more than $14 million. Seventy-five percent supports local nonprofit programs providing vital breast cancer screening, treatment and education right here in San Antonio. The remaining 25 percent goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program for groundbreaking breast cancer research and scientific programs around the world. Historically, more than 100 percent of funds the San Antonio Affiliate sends to HQ come back to our community in research grants. For more information, visit www.komensanantonio.org.

For information on breast health or breast cancer, call Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s National Toll-Free Helpline at 1-800 GO KOMEN (1-800-4656636). For the latest information, news and activities, visit the National website at www.komen.org.

1017 N. Flores Street San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 320-5865 Sunday-Thursday: 9am to 9pm Friday: 9am to 8pm Saturday: Closed

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ď Ż nonprofit

Elizabeth George Rosenblum and the

Street2Feet Program

Elizabeth George Rosenblum is the co-founder and executive director of Street2Feet.

Special to Nfit

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NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

EARLY ON, Elizabeth worked in residential and acute psychiatric hospitals as a recreational therapist in Austin and San Antonio, including serving eight years as supervisor of the Recreational Therapy program at Laurel Ridge Hospital in San Antonio. Among other healthy leisure pursuits, Elizabeth pro-

moted health and wellness activities for her patients, recognizing that physical activity yielded far more than physical benefits. Patients experienced benefits such as decreased anxiety, elevated mood, increased energy and confidence, and improved sleep, among others. In fact, Elizabeth enjoyed these very benefits as

“TRANSFORM” 90 DROP 2 SIZES IN 10 MINUTES AND TRANSFORM IN 90 DAYS!

BEFORE

AFTER

LOSING WEIGHT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! • Healthy meal plan • Weekly support from your coach • Monthly weigh in • Prizes awareded every month • Ultra body cleanse • Free Zumba class CALL TANIA TREVINO TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

210.445.4817

CALL TODAY FOR A

FREE CONSULTATION she developed a love for running in 1993, training for the first of her four marathons.

After taking time off to have children, Elizabeth began volunteering at a nursing home, leading exercise groups for the aged, which continued until 2009, when she and a friend came up with “a crazy idea” involving helping the homeless which is known today as Street2Feet.

The mission for this program combines a passion for running and health with a commitment to promoting a transformation in the lives of the homeless. Street2Feet, now a permanent program of SAMMinistries, promotes health, self-discipline, perseverance, goal setting and confidence. Founded with the belief that physical activity yields far more than physical benefits, residents meet three times each week at 8:00 in the morning to exercise and train together with the goal of completing a 5K race.

The program has grown exponentially, partly due to the move to a larger campus, from 60 residents in that first year with five attending on average to the successful program it is today. The program has an average of 25 showing up each morning for a run.

Seeing the need for additional funding for the Street2Feet program, Elizabeth took the initiative to start a 5K to benefit SAMMinistries. In the first year, Elizabeth pulled together runners, donors and volunteers to

raise $20,000 with 530 registrations in 2010 and then grew the event to 936 registrations, raising $60,000 in 2011. While it took a great number of people to make this event possible, it was and is Elizabeth’s vision, dedication, determination and passion that compels others to pitch in and make it a success.

This year, in an effort to provide the Street2Feet participants with a wonderful place to train three days a week, Elizabeth has spearheaded the push to install a path in Garcia Park. While many would like to upgrade this park to meet so many needs of the surrounding neighborhoods, the path is what is on Elizabeth’s heart.

Elizabeth is so dedicated to providing quality and the very best to those she serves, she’s managed to convince a multitude of others to bring the path into top priority for the park. Guess which project was completed first in the five year plan…the path. ✽ For more information on Street2Feet and SAMM Ministries visit www.samm.org/ index.php?option=com_ k2&view=item&id=196: 2013-street2feetinformation&Itemid=160

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210.386.6531 NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

57

Are you a woman suffering from

LOW THYROID?

FREE Seminar will reveal the likely reasons why you still suffer with “thyroid symptoms” despite thyroid hormone therapy and normal test results.

“I had very low energy, depression, weight gain, joint stiffness and hair loss. This is just to name a few.

After being on the program I no longer deal with depression, weight gain has turned into weight loss, the pain is no longer there and the energy level is tremendous now. I am no longer on any medication and I feel like I am back in control of my health again. I would truly recommend this program to anyone with thyroid symptoms.”

- Ellen Bradley San Antonio, TX

“I was very sick with “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis”. I had pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, severe inflammation, brain fog and confusion. I couldn’t drive and was completely dependent on my family. After several weeks in the program, I no longer have blood sugar issues, cholesterol down 125 points, no more inflammation, the brain fog and depression went away. Western doctor’s failed to treat my autoimmune disease and simply removed my thyroid. I am very grateful that Dr. Webb came into my life and I hope you find this program.”

- Sylvia Huerta San Antonio, TX

Discover the likely reasons why you continue to suffer from • Continual Weight Gain • Life-altering fatigue • Depression • Anxiety

• Insomnia • Hair Loss • Constipation • Hot flashes

• Brain Fog • Memory Loss • Heart Palpitations • Irritable Moods

Take the first step toward becoming YOU again...

By reserving your seat for this event that has changed the lives of so many women just like you.

Reservations are required and seating is strictly limited.

New Patients Only. One Guest is Welcome.

Recommend Bringing Your Spouse!

Presented by International speaker, author and leading wellness expert,

Dr. Charles Webb DC, CCST

Call For Upcoming Dates (210) 798-9322

“Call Now” - Seating is Limited - Adults Only 58

Feel Free to Bring a Guest

NFIT WOMAN january / february 2013

Imagine Wellness Functional Medicine Center of San Antonio