Rich, successful, fat, happy… and full of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease.

That’s not what I want.  You?

Here’s the deal: if you don’t make time to work out and eat well, your body will do it for you – and you are NOT going to like the timing or the experience.

Here are three things that are working fantastically for me to keep me feeling super energized, healthy, and are even helping me lose weight:

1.  I’ve (finally) adopted Erika Lyremark’s “Green Drink” every day but I put my own spin on it.

First and foremost, I use a BlendTec Blender and it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE when you are making a smoothie or blended drink.  (Thanks, Dad!  Best gift ever!)  Plus, there is no blender easier to clean up on the planet.  So, the whole experience is a lot nicer and faster.

What’s in my green drink?

• 2 large stems Kale (remove the leaves from the stem and trash the hard stem)
• 1 large handful Cilantro
• 1 large handful Plain Parsley
• 1 tspn Spirulina (in only 1 drink per day)
• 1-2 scoops Standard Process Whey Protein

Sound gross?  It isn’t.  It tastes SUPER clean and is really energizing.  Actually, after drinking one of these in the morning, I have a hard time drinking my delicious coffee.  It is just too much.  So, I switched to Yerba Mate which is wonderful after a Green Drink.  These really set my day in motion now and I enjoy (read: crave) them throughout the day.

2.  I’ve added an accountability calendar to the sidebar of this website – Public accountability.

If I’m going to lead by example, then I’m going to lead by example!

Having a system of accountability that works for you is mandatory if you intend to make any kind of lasting change.
- You might recruit a friend to change a habit with you – maybe even have a contest between each other to keep both of you on track.
- You can keep a journal or daily log of your nutrition, exercise, or whatever habit you want to change.
- Or, if you have an online presence, you could contribute to your blog or a social forum where everyone is working towards the same goal.

I opted for a calendar that syncs to my Google calendar so I can show you when and what I’m eating, when I trained (and what I did), and share results and experiences with you.  Not only does it hold me accountable, but you can learn from my experiences.

3.  I am training LESS.

That’s right – I’m working out LESS, not more.  I have a tendency to over train because of my love of fitness, sweating, and challenging myself in general.  This time around, I am opting to do less.  That is both the recommendation of The 4 Hour Body, which I am currently experimenting with, and the recommendation of my fitness-life coach, Amy Christensen of Expand Outdoors.

Basically, here are my workouts:

• Cycling (mostly indoor lately) for no more than 1 hour 3 times per week.
• Swinging a 35 lbs. kettlebell for 5-15 minutes 3 times per week.
• A fun run with a friend around Town Lake once per week.

It feels pretty awesome.  I feel energized, sharp, and honestly… super smokin’ hot!  There is an extra strut in my step and I’m definitely shakin’ my newly single hips and swooshing my skirts more.

Exercise is a lot more than just good for you.  It will change your entire outlook on life and your day.  If you are like me and find yourself having a hard time pulling away from work to go work out, think about it this way: If you don’t take time to exercise and treat your body right, your body will decide when and where you are going to give it rest.  …And it will NOT be on your schedule.

So look at taking time to work out as actually working: you are taking the time to give your body and mind what it needs so it will keep working for you on YOUR terms.

Have any tricks up your sleeve you’d like to share with the class?

Note: I have no financial interest in any of the recommendations in this article.  I just use and love these things.