The Resolution Letter

Holiday Greetings!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with loved ones and much joy!  I find it bittersweet as I contemplate taking down the ornaments and putting the house back together in normal décor.  It is time to start fresh with the New Year!  Three Christmas celebrations gone by for me and now my nutrition and physical fitness are also in need of a fresh start. 

Every New Year brings with it new resolutions, new promises and in many cases, the same attempt at exercise plans and weight loss.  What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Is weight loss or healthy eating on your list?  Perhaps you are trying to find a way to increase your activity without breaking the bank or over-committing.

If so, I want you to know that this year can be different.  This year you CAN succeed. You will succeed and I can help you. This isn’t a fad.  You don’t have to starve. I can help you succeed with a realistic nutrition plan that will become a normal way of life for you.  This is NOT a diet.

2013 is your year.  2013 is the year that you make a plan to get and stay healthy and I want to help. I have the tools that can get you to where you want to be whether you are interested in learning to eat healthier, weight loss or improving performance as an athlete.

As many of you know, for the past 2 years I have been working with AdvoCare products and have seen results not only with friends and family members, but with my own personal goals. I truly believe in these products and offer personal guidance with any program you start (grocery lists, instructions, coaching and more).  

AVAILABLE JANUARY 1ST, 2013, 9AM CST: Take advantage of LIMITED TIME specials on the 24 Day Challenge, 24 Day Challenge & Beyond Bundle AND the RELEASE of Can You 24 WorkoutSeries.  Need added Incentive?  Enter AdvoCare’s $40,000 TransformationChallenge.  Contact me in advance at 763-242-3265 or email me at lizblom@comast.net  to find out more about these specials, how you can gain additional discount and get personalized coaching and accountability. 

One final note:  If your pocketbook took a hit during the holidays you might want to ask me about the AdvoCare Opportunity.  I am always looking for champions to join my team.  AdvoCare provides a proven income opportunity for those that choose to pursue it.  This is a voluntary, part-time, plan B income source.  It has provided me with more than that, including flexible work hours, personal growth and the ability to impact lives.

Be Well!

Liz

Liz Blom, RD

Nutrition & Wellness Coach

Independent Distributor & AdvoCare Team Builder

763.242.3265

www.myadvocarecoach.com

For nutrition and wellness information follow me on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Confessions of a Wisconsin Girl

What do think of when you hear Wisconsin?  Let's keep it food related sports fans.

Yes, I am thinking about cheese.  As I was eating a salad for lunch it struck me just how far I have come.  I really, really like cheese and I am especially fond of  Wisconsin cheese.  It could be the Wisconsin girl in me, but I find those not from Wisconsin also find themselves in a vulnerable state when a cheese tray presents itself.

Fellow cheese-lovers pay attention.  This is for you.

A little history on my own personal nutrition journey with cheese.  Laugh all you want but this is a true story.  I grew up in the small town of Mauston where cheese was a main staple for a family of 5 girls.  My Mom was a busy lady therefore we ate what was convenient: cheese and crackers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese pizza, lone slices from the big block of American cheese she would buy and of course Velveeta (not sure I consider that cheese anymore). I think you get the drift.  At one point my sister worked at a cheese factory.  This added to my love for cheese. Hello Gouda!!  Of course the squeaky cheese that is near and dear to my heart, cheese curds, are still a favorite.  Yes, non-Wisconsin people, they come without breading and can be found fresh daily in the convenience stores across the state. They have traveled across the border to places including CT, KS and MN.


So, have I overcome this love for cheese?  Not in my lifetime. What I have done is learned to enjoy it and not let it consume me.  I know my limitations; I do not buy blocks of cheese unless I am entertaining and the same goes for cheese trays.  I will order some occasional Colby-jack for my kids from the deli.  Cooler weather will bring grilled cheese, so the American slices will appear.  But my best personal tip.  Buy it shredded.  A little cheese goes a long way.  Crumbled feta, is another favorite.  Parmesan is the bomb! String cheese in a single serving package is also a house staple.  Non-fat cheese...not a favorite.  I will occasionally opt for the the low-fat string cheese just because I like the texture.

 If I'm going to enjoy it, it might as well be real. That's all my fellow cheese lovers.  I am not going to break it down any further and tell you to choose one over the other.  That is not what balance is about.  Enjoy your cheese and eat it too!


If you are looking for basic meal and snack ideas and want to know more about my nutrition philosophy feel free to visit my page on Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Challenge

Pop quiz:

• ·         Are you happy with the life you are living?
• ·         Do you love your body?
• ·         Do you love your daily frame of mind and energy?
• ·         Do you love what you do?
• ·         Are you getting paid what you are worth?  
• ·         Will you be happy living the same life 2 years from now?

If you can honestly answer all of the above with YES, good for you! Great for you!!! Enjoy your day and days to come!

Not where you want to be? Then it’s time you explore your options. It might be time to get uncomfortable. It might be time to challenge yourself and those around you to. Find your solution.

If you are a competitive person, a challenge will peak your interest. To others a challenge might not be what you are looking for. A life style change perhaps, but this too can be daunting to some as they have failed prior attempts. A commitment…well for some men, I know you are running the other direction. I forbid the 4 letter D word unless we are referring to the basic nutrition you put into your body, or lack thereof, to fuel it day to day.

So what is this challenge I speak of?  Supplementation. By definition a supplement is something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.  Increased energy, craving control, feeling better, looking better and moving better. A better quality of life: This can be achieved by choosing the right supplement (remember the definition) for you.  Perhaps added income helping others? Finding significance in adding something of value to someone else’s life? Priceless in my book. For me it started with a friend who saw the value in me; who put their fear aside and shared with me; who enhanced me; who provided me with a supplement. Looking for details on my supplement of choice? I am happy to share. If this is not your solution I applaud you for looking.  

One last question:

• Are you ready to Do Something?

If you would like to learn more about the challenge or just basic balanced nutrition you can find more at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.

Are you Curious?

Oh My Goodness I am fired up today!!  No worries, this is a good thing.  

Do you consider yourself a curious person?  Do you ever read a book, see a show and then slightly obsess over the fact that you were not ready for the story to end.  Can you relate?  Did they live happily ever after?  Did they get married? Have kids? What about the "Biggest Loser" did they keep the weight off?? Did they help family members to do the same? Whatever happened to the man who....  and it continues.

So today I am going to share just one continued journey/success story with you.  I  want you to know one is very difficult at this point because the stories are many!!!  The majority if not all of the credit goes to the individual because it takes a level of readiness and commitment to choose to change.  I will however point out that the common factor in all of these stories includes a vehicle of sorts; a vehicle that works to promote a lifestyle.  It is NOT a cult but IS a culture, of health, wellness and even the Extraordinary.  

Here it is, the one continued story I am sharing today...

Back in December My Aunt Jennifer sent me the most exciting email   

Dear Liz, 

Hope this holiday season is finding you happy and healthy!I just wanted to share a little of my success with you. Today, I bought asize 4 stretch jean and they fit really well! I used to be a size 10! YIPPEE! OK so, I know that the cut of the pant was large, (a size 8 in other jeans are just starting to feel loose), but I have to tell you that I was jumping for joy! Although my weight has plateaued at around 135, (Not too bad for 53!) my body is still shape changing. I'd like to think it is the AdvoCare and a little dedication! And, even though I am finding it difficult to squeeze in the extra workouts right now, my body is continuing the process. You promised me that if I remained committed to this program that I would achieve my goals! Thanks for those words. They became my mantra of the year! Thanks so much Liz for getting me hooked! Have a most blessed holiday season, dear! Can't wait to see you in the spring!

Much love,
Auntie Jen

I then posted her fitness journey on my facebook page in December of 2011.  The responses were most exciting as her journey inspired many. 

Curious as I indicated at the beginning of this blog post I asked her for an update…

Hi Liz,

I continue to be totally thrilled with the AdvoCare products.  I am happy to say that I have maintained my original 15 pound weight loss for a year and a half now and am slowly creeping down to my goal weight.  It's those infamous and evasive "last five pounds" that seem to elude me!  But you told me once that if I stay committed it would happen, so I continue to persevere!  I love the Spark and Rehydrate, especially this time of year.  Exercising in this heat can really take its toll!   My favorite thing is to mix the Mandarin Spark with the Mango Pineapple Rehydrate.  The flavor is really yummy and intense, and the benefits are even better! I also love the meal replacement shakes.  They really save me when I'm in a hurry, or just don't want to fuss with making something!   I think the thing I appreciate the most is how good I feel and the energy I have when I'm dedicated to the entire regime.  I find my body responds better when I put the work into it.  It is really a great system of balanced nutrition.   Truthfully, my weight isn't as important as how I feel in, and about my body.  I can tell you the word that describes it best is "healthy"!  Who can ask for more?!

Love you Liz!

Jen

If you have questions on what program or products my Auntie Jen is using or if you have any other questions about AdvoCare, please email me at lizblom@comcast.net.  You can also visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness for wellness information.

Writer's Block - Back to School

I cannot tell you how many times I have thought about this blog over the past few months.  I even went as far as sitting down once and typing before my infamous 20 year class reunion in July.  Obviously, that did not get posted.  I'm blaming it on "writer's block" aka, in my world, "SUMMER."  We all have our excuses, some of them better than others.  Often they are unknown to one another unless we reach out and share or ask for some help.

This recent bout of writer's block for me included  full-time summer motherhood (in no particular order: events planner, chauffeur, short-order cook, nanny, grocery-getter, friend, disciplinarian, boss, mentor, teacher, lifeguard, referee and housekeeper); a multitude of fitness endeavors; my individual AdvoCare business, and one suddenly very ill mother-in-law who helped put a number of things into perspective (she is getting better every day).

Basically what I'm trying to say is finding and maintaining personal wellness is a lifelong education in the school of life.  We can continue to go to school and learn everyday but until we are practicing life we can only carry the tools and hope we remember how to use them when we need them.  

Lucy - on her first day of school 2010.
"Watch your Step" 

As the new school year begins, regardless of whether you have kids, are going back yourself, or just find yourself tested by the increased traffic in school zones remember that seasons change, writer's block will pass and the school bus of life will be bumpy.  Make sure you enjoy the friendship and laughter along the road, remember others are on the bus with you and let the school-life bus carry you past excuses and onto a new day of school.

Enjoy the last days of  your "SUMMER."  I plan to do the same but am looking forward to getting back on the bus! ~Be Well

Inspired by a recent read -  The ENERGY Bus ~ Jon Gordon

For more nutrition and wellness information visit my face book page http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.

"I Work Out"

My intent was a weekly blog.  As it turns out, that is not happening.  I enjoy it, I really do.  However I enjoy talking face to face or using my voice and hearing a response on the other end.  I find it much more rewarding.  So if you stick with my randomly timed blogs, I will continue, just not as often as I had planned.

Believe it or not, talking to people about nutrition never gets old.  What does get old is knowing people are going to do what they want until they are ready to make a change.  So, today I'm taking a break from nutrition talk to give a shout out to its counterpart: Exercise. Let me start by telling you I have no certifications in fitness what-so-ever.  I have however been running as early as I can remember.  I guess you can call me a recreational athlete. I started out running from the boys on the playground, racing neighbors in the driveway or my sisters around the house and even at times running away from my Mom when a spanking was coming my direction for good reason I'm sure.  It's just what I did and continue to do.   From a sprinter to a distance runner is the direction I ran, running both cross country and track in high school.  Fitting now that I grew to the long and lean length of 5'2".  After high school I ran through college, just for stress relief and socially to gain no more than the freshman fifteen.  I continued to run before and after the birth of my two children.

My first sprint triathlon 2010, with my favorite cheerleaders

My running took a turn after the birth of my second daughter Lucy. I ran my first 10 mile road race. I loved it! I then ran a 1/2 marathon and loved it. After that, I knew then I was ready to take on a goal I had pushed aside...the full marathon, 22.6 miles.  I did this with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training, October 1, 2006 inspired by two beautiful ladies and friends who had lost a battle to cancer just months prior, Anne Boehm and Tracy Hoffman.

To this day when I run I think of those who cannot.  It's a blessing to have a body and a choice of how we move it and feed it.  I am not saying that everyone should take up running, however if the mood strikes you, get off of your couch and move!  If you look at when my love for running began, it started as a childhood memory.  What did you like to do as a child? Did you swim, bike, run, hike, jump, climb, lift heavy objects for show?  Find that lost movement. Then choose to change and the rest will fall into place.  

Be Well!

                                           

For more timely nutrition and wellness information visit me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.

Blog About A Blog

So I started following a blog that came across my face book feeds.  It is a journey of a young woman who is giving the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge a try. Here is the link if you want to see it for yourself  My Proper Binge. Yes, I work with AdvoCare as an independent distributor but only after much skepticism, research and personal use.  What I am about to say is my personal opinion, but I like to think I have enough experience and training to evaluate it.  I am now convinced AdvoCare might be one of the best long term approaches to weight loss and weight management available.  Notice I did not say on the market.   You will not find it on a shelf in the common market place, even though it is a 19 plus year old company.  This will not be the case for much longer.

AdvoCare is a direct sale company by design.  Please do not let me lose you on the direct sale part, it left a sour taste in my mouth for a very long time, even after I had fell in love with product.  Obviously that changed with time and more knowledge.  I am not going to go into what makes AdvoCare a better direct selling company or why direct sales is a smart business, there are plenty books written on that subject.   What I would like to share how it is different than anything I have every worked with.

Prior to AdvoCare I have worked as a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, with individuals using the food guide pyramid,  the diabetes exchange system, calorie counting, medically managed weight loss (very low calorie starting in the 800 calorie range consisting of shakes and meal replacement bars), cholesterol (low fat) and, high-blood pressure (low sodium) diets.  I’ve had the pleasure of counseling individuals on nutrition pre-weight loss surgery.  I even obtained a certification in adult weight management.

Here is what I have come to learn over the years.  There is no one solution that fits all.  Obesity is multifaceted.  People who say they know what to eat but just don’t do it, are often lying to themselves.  We do not move as much as a society to support our caloric intake and the ease at which we get it.  Portion distortion is a huge problem.  People are confused how to eat for weight loss, weight management and general health. 

As a good friend has pointed out, it is better to look at all of this in fascination vs. frustration.   Fascination puts this epidemic of obesity and mass nutrition confusion into positive light.  I still believe there is hope.  I know this is true or I would be working at one of my favorite retail stores for personal discount.

So with no one solution, why do I stand by AdvoCare?  I’ve personally felt and seen progress for myself and those that stick with it long enough to find the pieces of the puzzle that are missing.  I know it is safe, and I know it works.  It is a supplement company and therefore is meant to be used in addition to a healthy eating plan, exercise and sleep.  It is not a magic pill.  What it does provide is what most of us need to perform at our optimal ability: ENERGY & ADDED NUTRITION TO FILL GAPS.  With this added energy and nutrition, not only are we able to perform our daily tasks, but we are also able to find the extra energy to move and to make healthier decisions.  NOT A DIET.  As for Carolyn and her blog I hope that she finds AdvoCare to be her answer.  I believe she has some of the best coaching and support available to her without the substantial costs of so many ‘solutions’ on the market. 

If you would like to learn more about AdvoCare or just basic balanced nutrition you can find more at http://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness for more nutrition and wellness information.