Child Obesity: How Can You Stop Contributing to the Problem?

We’ve all heard it--each generation is unhealthier than the last.

To me, that says that as adults, we are doing something wrong. What other generation had 18% of children ages 6-11 classified as obese? In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Among a sample of 5 to 17 year olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

We would never want to do anything that would harm our children. We keep them away from a hot stove and hold their hand while we cross the street. Letting their health deteriorate is harming them. It just is. They don’t know any better, they don’t do the grocery shopping, and they don’t make meal choices.

It is completely up to us and if we fail on that front then we have under served our children.

I was reading an article entitled, “9 Common Mistakes Parents Make About Their Kid’s Weight” and I was pleased with each mistake listed until I got to #9. This point stated we should teach children that weight is another form of diversity. The line that really upset me stated: “Let your children know that weight is a characteristic, not a behavior.” 

I am all about body acceptance, self-love, and being proud of who you are. Yes, genetics can play a part in your weight and of course, there is not one set weight or shape that everyone should achieve.

However, if we teach our children that they have absolutely no control over their weight,  what motivation do they have to treat their weight and body with respect? 

There is a point where weight most definitely effects a child’s health. Who are we to tell them it doesn’t matter when science has shown that if a child or adolescent is obese, they are more likely to be obese as adults and at risk for heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Health and weight matter. We need to love and support one another, but that does not mean accepting and supporting unhealthy lifestyles.

I am not a parent--what do I know? Well, I do know that children deserve our efforts and time to make sure they can live a long and healthy life. I know that if we accept our own unhealthy weight and lifestyle that our children are more likely to follow our path. I know that we control which food we provide our children.

I have 22 nieces and nephews--I would hate to see any of them struggle with unhealthy weight in their lives without us doing anything about it. We should all feel the weight (no pun intended) of this issue on our shoulders regardless if we have children of our own. 

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. That is not an effect of diversity or genetics. That is an effect of our poor examples as adults and parents--that’s on us.

Need help? Let us assist you to improve the health of your family. We want to help you take those baby steps to improving you and your family's habits. You really can do it!

Love your Bud,

Aubri Goodfellow

5 Kitchen Gadgets and Tricks You Shouldn't Live Without

5 Kitchen Gadgets and Tricks You Shouldn't Live Without

1. Kitchen Aid

I use my Kitchen Aid to shred my chicken. That’s right--shred my chicken! Use the pictured attachment and place your cooked (I normally boil) chicken breasts. Turn it on and be amazed at what quick work this makes of your shredding! This attachment usually comes with your Kitchen Aid, but if you don’t have it, you can pick one up here.

*Make sure you get the right one for your size Kitchen Aid

 

2. Veggie Spiralizer

I love this thing! I personally prefer zucchini because it tends to spiral the best and it is easy as well. Do you have a sauce you LOVE on pasta but you are hoping for a PVF meal? This is a great alternative to pasta and, believe me, gives you more flavor and satisfaction. Add some cottage cheese, chicken, or ground turkey for your (P) or even ground beef for your (P) & (F). I got mine on amazon for only $10. 

 

3. Digital Probe Thermometer

This gadget!!!! I don’t’ know about you but the one thing I hate the most about protein prep is knowing if it is cooked thoroughly or not. This gadget takes all of the thought and worry out of it. Stick the probe into the thickest part of your meat and magnet the apparatus to the outside of your oven. It will tell you when your meat reaches a safe temperature. No more opening your oven or slicing open your meat (slicing open meat that is fresh from cooking releases its juices and makes it dry, let the meat rest for a few minutes for the juices to distribute and keep it yummy). I got mine for only $20 at Bed Bath & Beyond.

4. Potato Masher

What? This little thing? YES! Put your ground meat into your pan and you take your spoon to start breaking it up but you are left with giant and uneven pieces of meat. Not anymore! Use your potato masher to break up your ground meat.

*Don’t use a stainless steel one on your non-stick pans.*

If you are looking for a coated masher, I would give this one a try fromBed Bath and Beyond.

 

5. Small Scoop Colander

I LOVE this thing. I am all about minimizing dishes when I am meal prepping and this one saves so much space in the dishwasher. This is great for one serving of pasta, veggies (canned or steamed), or washing berries. I also found this item at Bed Bath and Beyond for only $7! P.S. Joseph Joseph, the makers of this, make my FAVORITE kitchen gadgets. 

Can you tell that: 1) I love a good deal, and 2) I love Bed Bath & Beyond? BB&B offers so many discounts and coupons that you almost never need to buy something full price. Like with anything, all of these items can usually be found at Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.

What are your gadgets and tricks?

As a fitness family we need to share things with one another to make leading a healthy lifestyle that much easier! Be sure to share your special items with us that you love! Hope one of these helps make your prep more enjoyable.

Love your Bud,

Aubri Goodfellow

I Don't Exercise for Myself

I exercise for my Husband.

He truly is my everything. We met when we were 16 and I have been head over heels ever since. We have been married for 3 ½ years now. He has supported me through school and the many ups and downs of being in the fitness industry. I am a personal trainer to many. I motivate, teach, and encourage others while I can tend to be discouraged and unmotivated myself. It can be hard when you are giving so much to others to then give back to yourself. You’ve heard that a therapist needs a therapist? Well I stand firm in the belief that a Personal Trainer needs a Personal Trainer. He is that for me.

In December of 2015 I made the “out-of-the-box” decision to compete in an NGA Bikini Competition with his support and backing. This was 100% out of my comfort zone. I am not one to go for something that will bring attention or possibly even cause some controversy. I am generally a conservative person so the spray tans and itsy bitsy bikini didn’t exactly fall in line with that. When my workouts were depleting me and I was eating Spinach like a cow eats grass, he was there. At every step of the way he was there. Many people have asked why I decided to compete. I chose to compete because I wanted to do something that would challenge ME, that would push ME, and that would teach ME about MYSELF. That was the truth. That is why I did it, well once Bryce convinced me that I could do it.

I wasn’t used to being that selfish. It is a quite uncomfortable position. My meal prep, my steady-state cardio, my lifts, my body fat, my meal timing, and my competition. For 16 weeks it was all about ME. I learned so much and grew immensely but when I stepped off the stage it was a huge rush of relief that it was over.

Now the competition and the prep is over (thank goodness!) and I am back into my regular routine. I still eat for fuel and train daily. However, it is with a complete shift in motivation. I exercise and fuel and train for HIM. I still enjoy it and it keeps me sane through the day to day. Although, keeping myself healthy and happy is for him most of all. It is to give back to him what he gives to me every day. It is so I come home acting like a normal person. It is so my body will be more equipped to one day mother his children. It is to be confident with him when it comes to intimacy. It is to feel free with my body and my relationship with him. When I am not at my best, our relationship is not at its best. So it is for him, which in turn is for me, and it is completely and wholly for US. 

That’s why I wear my Enso ring when I train. When I have just one more rep I can look at that ring and remember my WHY. What is your why? 

Get your enso rings here. I don't endorse many products but these guys are local and offer a quality product that I can't resist! 

7 foods I MUST warn you about.

As humans, it is our right to enjoy a DELICIOUS meal regardless of the calories. However, our health needs to be first and most important.  I am a strong proponent of "Moderation in all Things" however there are some foods that may leave you better off if you do your best to extremely limit them in your diet.

The thing about these foods that scares me the most is that KIDS tend to eat them the most. As children are growing they need the best of everything to develop properly, maintain healthy weight, and (believe it or not) prevent adulthood obesity.

Here they are coupled with a few suggestions to help curb the negative effects of these foods.

1. Chicken Nuggets
1. Full of MSG, oils, Trans Fats
2. Make homemade grilled chicken strips
2. Soda Pop
1. There may not be a substitute but it is time to DITCH the soda.
2. Water with a lemon wedge
3. Avoid "flavored water" drinks if possible. 
4. DO NOT TURN TO DIET SODAS.
3. Hot Dogs and other Processed Meats
1. look for nitrate free organic hot dogs with no preservations, artificial flavors, or meat byproducts.
4. Store bought Cookies, Cakes, Muffins, and Crackers
1. Make your OWN!
2. Be aware of the Trans Fats(look at the back of the box).
3. Get creative for deserts (sweet fruits, whipped frozen bananas)
5. Some Popular Breakfast Cereals
1. Sugar, Sugar, Sugar
2. Stick to oats, grits, cream of wheat
3. Even better-make some eggs or have some fresh Yogurt.
6. Granola Bars
1. Just eat plain Granola
2. Better off with a bag of apple slices for your kids
7. Pre-Made Condiments and Salad Dressings
1. Make your own
2. Dip your FORK into your dressing
3. Add salt and pepper before condiments

There are some situations where these items feel unavoidable (I have had all of these at some point or another).  The key is to limit them to certain activities. Maybe you just need a Hot Dog at the baseball diamond, or a drive through is the only option so you order a Coke and some Chicken Nuggets.  

It isn't easy to eat healthy, if it was, everyone would do it.  The BIGGEST KEY is to eat healthy in your home.  Make the smart decisions at the grocery store and you won't have the temptation in your home.  Leave the temptations to the restaurants and sporting events and that will give your body the chance to be healthy.

Eat well this Holiday Season!

Aubri 

The 12 Biggest Myths About Stretching

1. Myth: Stretching prevents injury. 
Researchers are finding that stretching won’t necessarily prevent sitting out on the sidelines. Injury is due to many factors, including poor technique, muscle imbalances, and not warming up properly. The upside: Greatist expert and trainer Kelvin Gary says the risk can be minimized by stretching regularly as part of a warm-up and cool down.
Truth: Injuries are complicated, but stretching may be one way to keep them at bay.

2. Myth: Stretching nixes soreness. 
Aches from yesterday’s CrossFit W.O.D. might not fade with a few good stretches. In a study of over 2,000 adults, stretching before and after exercising didn’t stop those pesky post-workout aches and pains. (Fun fact: Feeling sore comes from micro tears in muscles, and stretching is not effective in preventing these tears and subsequent soreness, Gary notes.)
Truth: Soreness can strike any athlete, regardless of their stretching regime.

3. Myth: Stretching a few days a week is plenty.
We may not want to hit the gym seven days a week, but according to Greatist expert and triathlon coach Andrew Kalley, consistent stretching is key to increasing flexibility, range of motion, and potentially reducing the risk of muscle strain.
Truth: Stretching consistently is the best way to reap its benefits.

4. Myth: Static stretching should come first.
Stretching before a workout when the body is at rest can be harmful, since muscles may actually tighten up in the process. But static stretching after exercise is typically beneficial, helping the muscles to relax, Gary says. 
Truth: Go static after working out— not before.

5. Myth: A bit of light cardio is the perfect warm-up.
A quick jog isn’t all you need before hitting the weights, the courts, or the ‘mill. Dynamic stretching(think: walking lunges, running butt kicks, and power skips) in addition to some light cardio will warm up muscles and prep the body for a safe and effective workout, Kalley and Gary advise.
Truth: A proper warm-up should include dynamic stretching, too.

6. Myth: Stretching won’t help performance.
Dynamic stretching involves movements that jump-start range of motion, making them a great warm-up solution. And like the name suggests, studies show these moves may even help power-up those muscles.
Truth: Dynamic stretching might give muscles an extra power boost.

7. Myth: It’s OK to jet out after a workout. 
To get the most out of a workout, don’t forget to stretch at the finish line. Kalley recommends static stretching before hitting the locker room to relax those heated muscles. Try foam rolling post-workout/pre-stretching to really get those knots out.
Truth: Foam rolling and stretching are important post-exercise to-dos.

8. Myth: Stretch extra long on race day. 
Don’t take those race day jitters out on cold muscles. Researchers have found that static stretching before sprints could both harm muscles and prevent athletes from reaching their A-game potential.
Truth: When it comes to stretching, treat race days like any other training day.

9. Myth: Stretching one muscle group will only relieve strain in that area.
Sore in one spot? The source may be another muscle group altogether^[. One example: Lower back pain isn’t necessarily from forgetting to stretch that back— the culprit could be tight hip flexors. (Sneaky, right?)
Truth: Everything’s connected. Stretch one area, and another might benefit, too.

10. Myth: A five-minute warm-up should cut it.
There’s no way we can squeeze in all those Frankensteins and hit the elliptical in five minutes flat. A proper warm-up often involves foam rolling, dynamic and active stretching, and then light cardio, Gary says, so don’t skimp out on warming up properly.
Truth: When it comes to warming up, take 10 (at least!).

11. Myth: All individuals need the same amount of stretching. 
Working long hours at a desk can lead to seriously stiff muscles. So cube-dwellers, remember those muscles might need a little extra attention before and after working out.
Truth: Workaholics may need to stretch more than others.

12. Myth: I’m already flexible, so there’s no need to stretch. 
Not necessarily. According to Gary, dynamic stretching and warming up are still important for everyone in order to increase blood flow to muscles. And remember, skimping out on stretching might also decrease flexibility over time.
Truth: Stick to stretching, even once flexibility goals are achieved.

by: Laura Schwecherl

Dirty Dash Round 2

so.. I did the dirty dash... AGAIN! so fun every single time! this time I did it with my sister and some of her best friends... and my friends too :) 
Splash (or Lauren.. whichever) works for a company that does something for Gold's Gym so we got to be on the Gold's Gym team for Free... yup it is THAT MUCH BETTER when it is free!!! 
It was a good time! full of mud, running, climbing, and sweating!

new job :)

so I got a job INSTRUCTING CYCLING!!! yay yay!!!!
My job is at the Jewish Community Center.
dreams coming true... I am a little nervous though!
I teach..

Monday 5:45 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am
Wednesday 5:00 pm

come to classes :) :)