Every Friday morning I wake up at 4:30 am to teach my 6:00am spinning class. Many of my friends and clients have asked me, "how do I rise so early to teach this class?" The answer is actually quite simple, teaching spinning classes brings me joy!
During my weight loss journey, my trainer TJ encouraged me to incorporate early morning workouts (fat mobilization) into my exercise plan. When he explained that working out early in the morning would expedite the weight loss process I was hooked! Almost two years later, I am still hooked on early morning workouts.
I challenge each of you to give early morning workouts a try. Trust me you won't be disappointed! To learn more about early morning workouts and fat mobilization, visit us at www.tonyamjones.com.
Yours in health,
Tonya M. Jones, M.Ed.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What's Your Definition of A Diet?
Today was one of the most joyful days of my career as a professional speaker. I had the honor of presenting my workshop, "Taking Care of Yourself...Eating Strategically" to a group of eleven year old girls and they were beautiful. Truthfully, I was nervous about this speaking engagement because most of my work is with teenagers and adults.
However, these sweet cheribs embraced me and enjoyed learning about healthy eating, portion control, and good food choices. The highlight of the presentation, was when I asked the girls to define the word: diet. I was stunned by the responses, which were: calorie restriction, nasty food, and a way to lose weight. My heart sank as I worked to re-educate them with the truth to understand that the dictionary defines diet is, "food and beverages consumed."
Therefore, some people have a healthy diet and others have an unhealthy diet. Unfortunately, these sweet girls have been misinformed and so has America. As a result, the obesity epedemic is running rampid in the lives of adults and children. The innocence of these girls taught me why so many men and women have looked at my STRANGE when I make healthy food choices, cut my food portions in half, and abstain from unhealthy foods. The perception is that I am on a diet, but the reality is that I just have a healthy diet.
However, these sweet cheribs embraced me and enjoyed learning about healthy eating, portion control, and good food choices. The highlight of the presentation, was when I asked the girls to define the word: diet. I was stunned by the responses, which were: calorie restriction, nasty food, and a way to lose weight. My heart sank as I worked to re-educate them with the truth to understand that the dictionary defines diet is, "food and beverages consumed."
Therefore, some people have a healthy diet and others have an unhealthy diet. Unfortunately, these sweet girls have been misinformed and so has America. As a result, the obesity epedemic is running rampid in the lives of adults and children. The innocence of these girls taught me why so many men and women have looked at my STRANGE when I make healthy food choices, cut my food portions in half, and abstain from unhealthy foods. The perception is that I am on a diet, but the reality is that I just have a healthy diet.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What Do You Love?
Michael Jordan was truly one of the most talented basketball players in the history of the NBA and he truly loved the sport, which he demonstrated in his words," I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Those of us who have the courage to step out and faith and pursue our dreams will certainly experience failure, but in the words of Jordan, "that is why we succeed."
My work as a weight loss consultant and personal coach has been deeply rewarding and an wonderful addition to my career as a college professor. Teaching both English and Psychology courses has brought me joy, but coaching men and women to embrace healthy living is priceless.
One of my clients shared with me yesterday that she loves the way she feels when exercising and eating healthy portions of food. I looked at her smile and realized that what she loves is taking herself and living a healthy life.
I echo her feelings and it is no secret that I love to workout! In fact, I begin my day six days out of the week with a morning workout that includes a combination of cardio and strength training. The joy I fill when I am a running on the treadmill or cycling on my spinner nxt followed by weight lifting gives me a pure sense of self-confidence.
In addition, to my love for health fitness-I love healthy eating! I trashed my body for many years with poor eating habits that included:
- Fast Food
- Large Portions
- Skipping Breakfast
- Eating One Meal Day
- Over Indulging in Pizza and Pasta
Today, I truly enjoy food. As I result, when dining out I always cut my portions in half and select the healthiest option within my test buds. And, I will never allow myself to pack on extra pounds by unintentionally skipping meals.
When I look back on my days of being overweight and obese I know that I was failing at life. However, similar to Jordan because I was willing to take the risk of embracing a new life I am now able to succeed in not only helping myself, but in helping others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
