This morning when I woke up I as soooooooo hungry.  I ate this big bowl of cereal and there was just a little bit left in the box.  I thought it was silly to put back the last bite so I ate it.  I felt awful, full and bloated!  Plus those extra calories aren’t needed.  So in this case, don’t do as I did…don’t eat the last bite!

I’ve received so many questions about extra skin after baby.  Many moms want to know “will the extra skin ever go away?”  The answer is two-fold.  First you need to assess whether it’s skin or fat or a combo of both.  Now if it’s fat the folds are thick and if it’s skin the folds are thinner and there’s usually more of them.  The benefits of body fat is you can work on your diet and exercise and lose body fat which will reduce the roll.  Now if you’ve lost the body fat and it’s strictly skin it will typically decrease in size a few months after having your baby.  However, if you gained alot of weight during your pregnancy and or had multiples then lost a lot of weight the extra skin may never go away.  In this case the only way to reduce the extra skin is through surgery.  A few of my clients have had the surgery and were extremely pleased with their result both emotionally and physically.

One of the biggest ways we gain weight is through using food to reduce anxiety and stress.  The first step towards stopping emotional eating is to become aware of it.  Wear a rubber band and gently snap it every time you notice that you desire food to reduce stress.  Once you have an awareness make a healthy choice that won’t pack on the pounds.  Step away from the stress or stressor and take deep breathes outside, go for a short walk, email a friend, call a friend…anything BUT reaching for food to “fill you up”.

How many times have you stopped yourself from eating when you’re hungry because it was only 10 a.m. and lunch wasn’t till 12?  Listen to your body and watch the pounds melt.  That means eating when you’re hungry, and chosing your snacks wisely.  Some great snacks include nuts, raw veggies, bananas, and balance bars. 

Are you trying to lose weight, but find it nearly impossible due to your cravings?  Would you say you have a sweet tooth?  You’re not alone, many people do, including me!  To through your sweet tooth a curve ball try these healthy options prior to reaching for high calorie, high sugar, high fat foods:
*banana with peanut butter
*grapes and low-fat cheese
*a couple of handfuls of high fiber cereal like Kashi Go Lean Crunch (no, they don’t pay me, I love it!)
*nuts
Once you eat any of these food combos your craving should subside.  When you combine fiber, protein, and carbs you’re more likely to get satisfied.  Still not satisfied? Go ahead have your sweet, but I betcha it will be a smaller portion!

Attention fellow San Diego women!  Fit by Sara and Komen for the Cure, San Diego have united to help women get fit while finding the cure for breast cancer.  Join us for life changing yoga workshops.  The first yoga workshop is Sat. Feb. 28, 09.  For more info click here: YOGA 4 THE CURE

Most people are intimidated about taking a yoga class because 99% of people think yoga is twisting yourself into a pretzel and saying “OM” over and over.  The thing is yoga is about getting fit from the inside out-mentally and physically.  Yoga challenges you to focus within and use your breath to go deeper into postures.  It also teaches you how to move with grace in your body and leaves you with a sense of calm and inner knowing.  Give yoga a try.  A good instructor will guide you to optimal well being.

For more info about my prenatal yoga dvd’s click here: http://fitbysara.com/products.php

Many times we emotional eat which can pack on unwanted pounds.  The first step to finding out when you emotional eat is to pay attention to your cravings when you’re stressed.  Do you reach for food eventhough you’re not hungry?  Many of us do, including me, however I’ve learned to portion size my cravings by asking myself these questions: “Am I REALLY hungry or just craving this because I feel it will make me calmer?”  “Do I REALLY need this?”  “What else can I do besides reaching for food that will make me feel better?”  After answering these questions you can chose a healthier alternative.  Close the fridge, go outside and get some fresh air, and take a few deep breaths.  If you’re still craving that chocolate you’ll take a smaller piece because you’ll be conscious of your emotional eating craving.

*Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/fitbysara 

I have to say that I’m frequently asked, “How do you have time to workout?”  Which really translates to, “How do I make time to workout?”  The answer…when you can, but preferably in the morning.  I’m a mom of two- 2 1/2 yr. old and 5 1/2 yr. old, so I know from personal experience how challenging it is to get a workout in.  Today I brought my battery powered boombox outside along with my 3 lb. weights and did a kickboxing cross training workout while my kids rode bikes.  They LOVED the music and were entertained watching me and I felt good that I got my workout in while spending quality time with them. 

**If you’re interested in my postnatal workouts you can check them out here: http://fitbysara.com/single-products.php

I notice with my clients that they are so hard on themselves.  They pick out and focus on so called flaws.  No one is as critical as you are to yourself.  The other day I asked my client, “What would you say to your girlfriend if she said she looked awful?”  Of course my client said she would tell her that she was beautiful.  So why not start being your own friend!  Stop the negative self-talk, it doesn’t serve you!  In fact negative self-talk keeps you from making progress.  True fitness stems from the inside out!

Follow me on Twitter!  I just joined today: http://twitter.com/fitbysara