4 things I learned from logging my food & exercise

At some point along my weight loss journey, I realized that I wasn’t going achieve my goals and have them be life long habits if I was implementing radical and quick fix solutions. I needed to think about sustainable habits. What were those things that I could do and keep doing for years and years, and still be successful? AND if I was going to do something that wasn’t sustainable, I would acknowledge it, but if it could get me to a goal and then I could safely transition off of it, the technique would be worth a try. An example of this is food logging and wearable fitness trackers. In my guide, 7 Mistakes I made in my Fat-Loss Journey, one of the 7 mistakes that I made was being too dependent on the calories in versus calories out approach. And that’s true. I used my fitness trackers and Read More . . .

Should you exercise while you’re on vacation?

I live in a tourist town on the eastern coast of Mexico. We’re near Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We have a high season where we get an influx of visitors, and a low season where, we still get some visitors – just not as many. When I talk to folks who are visiting, or even my clients who will be traveling here on vacation, I hear the same fear all the time –  they think that they’re going to gain weight while they’re here. But I’ve found that while living here, it’s been really easy to maintain my weight without any scales, and feel good about my diet (of course, you can be healthy and unhealthy pretty much anywhere! It’s all about our choices.) What’s the difference? For one, the restaurant portions aren’t nearly the size that they are in the states. And because imported food is more expensive, Read More . . .

3 Tips for Staying Fit When You’re On the Road

For folks who love traveling, or who travel for their job, it’s one of the downfalls that goes along with the luxury of going to wonderful new places: traveling is disruptive to even the best intentioned person, when it comes to their health. I recall when I started my first job where I would be traveling 100% of my time; I knew that business travelers often gained weight. I was already bigger than I felt comfortable with, and didn’t want to gain more. I was young – in my late 20’s. I had never exercised before in my life and my diet was sh*t. I knew my diet was bad. I loved bloomin’ onions, burgers, fries, and beer. I knew that I should be eating more vegetables, but I didn’t know how to do that – so I did it the only way I knew how – I became a Read More . . .

How to prevent your diet (or exercise routine) from derailing

Life gets in the way. Doesn’t it? How often do you plan to do something, but then, something else comes up? And then that thing that you wanted to do gets put on the back burner?   I always kind-of laugh to myself when I make a big ‘life decision’ because it always seems like the universe conspires against me to make it not happen. What typically happens is that I’ll decide to make a change, and then 3 or 4 other events happen at the same time that make my situation that much more stressful.   The best example of this I can give is when I moved from Chicago to Austin to live with my husband, Gary.   Granted, moving across the country is already a HUGE, stressful event. But the reason I was moving was to be with my husband because we were in a long distance Read More . . .

General Tips & Info

Weight Loss Lingo Perhaps it’s time for us to stop focusing on “weight”, and start focusing on “reducing body fat”. Experts say our percentage of body fat is generally a better measure of our fitness and health status than our weight. And, in fact, the scale can be quite misleading. For example, through exercise and a healthy diet, we can build muscle and become leaner yet be discouraged by a scale that suggests we haven’t made much progress. Likewise, the scale can fool us into believing we’ve made strides with lost pounds, when in reality we’ve simply lost important muscle mass. The words we use make a big difference in how we perceive our goals. “Reducing bodyfat percentage” may not exactly roll off the tongue, but it could give us a sounder perspective on what it really means to be fit. Want the truth about cellulite? It isn’t a mysterious Read More . . .

Health “E” Tips

Exercise Tips Nutrition Tips General Tips For Beginners Nutrition Guidelines for Reducing Body Fat Exercise Guidelines for Beginners Read More . . .

3 Tips for Increasing Activity

Part 3 in the Runtex University Bucky & Bob Speaking Series In the ongoing debate of whether someone can be overweight and be healthy, one thing is clear: Being active and incorporating intentional exercise into your lifestyle is going to positively contribute to your quality of life as you age. It may or may not help you live longer, but then who wants to live until the age of 150 if you’re strapped to a wheelchair and feeding tube? The body and mind are so tightly inter-connected that regular, intentional exercise improves mood, quality of sleep, decreases stress and the risk of disease. What I have also found intriguing is that as individuals become more active, their bodies start to crave healthier options. Don’t be surprised if you start craving broccoli or salmon once you incorporate activity into your day. Your body was meant to move; treat your body well Read More . . .

3 Tips for Maintaining Motivation

Part 2 in the Runtex University Bucky & Bob Speaking Series We’ve all done it; whether it’s a New Year’s Resolution, or disliking the way you look in pictures, or even wanting to fit into a cute pair of pants again that have gotten a little too snug. We start off with a vengeance; vowing to change our life this time for good. Then, about 6 weeks later (maybe sooner, maybe later) our stick-to-it-iveness begins to wane. What strategies can you use so that you maintain your motivation & make those behavior changes that you desire? 1) Set Goals Goals are SO important in life in general. Goals allow you to be proactive in your life instead of re-active. When I think about life without goals, I think about the song Once In a Lifetime by the Talking Heads. The tips I’m outlining here can be applied to health, personal, Read More . . .

Transform Your Health Game – No Dieting Required!

Embark on a transformative journey with our exclusive guide to sustainable weight loss for women over 50. Say goodbye to fleeting diet trends and hello to a life brimming with vitality and health. Dive into our holistic approach, where drinking water, eating nutritious foods, and managing stress lay the foundation for a vibrant lifestyle. Discover the power of movement, the importance of sleep, and the balance of enjoying life’s treats—all tailored to the unique needs of women in their golden years. Join our empowering community and start your path to a healthier, happier you today Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #168: Evaluating Our Mistakes

I’ll never forget the night I let loose at a party, only to wake up the next morning with a mix of regret and an undeniable curiosity about the choices I made. My overindulgence became the catalyst for a deep dive into the ‘why’ of our health habits, and I’m here to take you through how moments of indulgence aren’t just about guilt but can be powerful teachers.  Together, we’ll explore the art of post-event reflection, unlocking the capacity to transform our slip-ups into stepping stones for personal growth. I’ll guide you through the murky waters of habitual snacking and unintentional eating, showing you how these can become the ink with which we write our guidebook for a life of health that truly echoes our values and aspirations. In the company of my clients’ compelling stories, this episode peels back the layers of reducing friction in our daily health routines. Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #164: I Know What to Do. I’m Just Not Doing It!

My journey from a health professional battling with my own vices to someone who preaches wellness wasn’t an overnight transformation. It began with a heart-wrenching wake-up call during my mother’s illness and led me down a path of discovery—realizing that knowledge alone isn’t enough to foster the change we seek.  That’s why we’re unwrapping the complex layers that lie between understanding health and living it, highlighting the indispensable role of personalized coaching. By sharing my own experiences, I aim to illuminate how tailored insights and accountability can revolutionize our approach, turning information into action for a healthier, more fulfilling life. This episode isn’t just about what to do; it’s about setting goals that resonate and creating a vision that sticks. We dissect the SMART framework to show how effective goal-setting can lead to remarkable achievements when aligned with personal values.  As we explore the need for regular check-ins and customized Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #163: Men’s Midlife Health w/ Craig Spear

What happens when the invincibility of youth starts to fade, and the reality of aging and health decline sets in? Can men truly embrace self-care and emotional vulnerability as they cross over the age of 40?  Join us as we navigate these thought-provoking questions with the unique insights of our esteemed guest, Craig Spear, a renowned men’s health and weight loss coach.  Craig Spear, once a professional athlete and now a passionate advocate for men’s health, shares his journey and his mission to help men, particularly those over 40. He dives into his experiences of creating inclusive gym environments and explores the emotional pain and fears many men face that lead them to seek help.  With Craig’s expert guidance, we uncover the obstacles around self-care and emotional engagement, offering pragmatic advice on overcoming these hurdles. This deep-dive conversation unravels the complexities around defining optimal health and how it varies for Read More . . .

Living Well as We Age

In this enlightening blog post, we delve into the critical difference between health span and lifespan, offering a fresh perspective on aging. Through real-life success stories, practical strategies, and a call to action, we guide you on how to live a vibrant, independent life well into your golden years. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physical activity, improve your nutrition, or boost your mental health, this post is your roadmap to aging with grace and vitality. Join us as we redefine what it means to age well, proving that it’s never too late to invest in a healthier, happier future. Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #159: Fault vs Responsibility

I remember the moment I realized that my health was not just a product of my genetics but a canvas I could paint with my choices and actions. It was a profound transformation from feeling like a helpless bystander in my own body to becoming the artist of my well-being.  On this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I, Elizabeth Sherman, invite you on a journey to unlock the potential of a mindset geared towards health empowerment.  We’ll unearth why we often feel trapped by our genetics and upbringing, and how acknowledging our role in creating our health narratives can lead to profound change. Get ready to challenge old beliefs and embrace the effort it takes to achieve your health goals. As we peel back the layers of self-pity and victimhood, we discover the resilience of taking personal responsibility for our well-being. Whether you’re navigating injuries, health diagnoses, or the Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife #156: Health Span vs Lifespan

How would you redefine aging?  This episode is all about that – not just adding years to your life, but adding life to your years. We dive into the intriguing contrast of health span versus lifespan and underline the importance of proactive health management for a vibrant future.  Hear firsthand stories of individuals thriving in their later years and those facing challenges, drawing attention to the long-term impact of our daily habits on our health and finances. Leaping simply surviving to thriving, we discuss the power of physical activities, mental and emotional well-being, and independence in living a fulfilling health span.  Have you ever wondered about the real impact of investing in your health? Discover how mindset, habits, and health coaching can pave the way for a healthier, happier future.  Remember, every step counts when it comes to a fulfilling health span. So, are you ready to make those choices Read More . . .

Goal Setting Series #2: Understanding and Overcoming Myths

What if the major roadblocks hindering your progress are not your capabilities but the myths surrounding goal-setting you’ve subscribed to? Join me, as we debunk common misconceptions about goal setting, especially those that might be wreaking havoc in your midlife transition.  Together, we’ll uncover the truths and reshape our perspective towards setting goals – those that are not only achievable but also fulfilling. Let’s move away from the overwhelming belief of making sweeping changes all at once or solely relying on willpower, and instead, focus on making small yet sustainable changes that harmonize with your current life situation. Are you ready to challenge the widely held beliefs that often trap us in a cycle of frustration and disappointment? Tune in as I share insights and practical strategies for setting goals that align with who you are and the unique circumstances of your life.  I explore the importance of setting realistic Read More . . .

Goal Setting Series #1: Setting Realistic Goals

Are your goals often oversized and unrealistic, leading to feelings of failure and disappointment when you can’t meet them?  Join me as I redefine goal setting in the context of midlife, focusing on the power of achievable, behavior-focused goals that lead to lasting change. I share personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the necessity of meeting ourselves where we currently are in life.  We challenge the norm, demonstrating that it’s entirely okay, and even necessary, to adjust and evolve our goals as we grow, highlighting the importance of flexibility in this process. I also talk about common goal-setting myths, debunking them one by one. I illuminate the value of adaptability and the power of taking small, deliberate steps towards your future.  I invite you to journey with me, transforming your aspirations into attainable realities, and making this year a year of true growth and fulfillment. Get ready to change Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #153: Holiday Health Bare Minimums

Haven’t we all been there? Trapped in the holiday chaos, stretching ourselves too thin to cater to everyone else’s needs, but ours?  This episode peels back the layers on a game-changing strategy for the holidays – the idea of bare minimums. These are small, easy changes that can keep us sane and healthy amidst the festive frenzy.  I debunk the myth that the holiday season is just another time of the year and expose the invisible workload that often accompanies this special period. I aim to ensure you don’t vanish into the to-do list.  I then dig deeper into the bare minimum concept during the holiday season. These are non-negotiable habits that serve as your health safety net while keeping you grounded amid the holiday whirlwind. I lay out practical tips to establish and maintain these personal habits, no matter how wild things get.  I wrap up the episode and Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #151: The Mental Offload with Shawna Samuel

Ever feel like you’re constantly bombarded by societal expectations and pressures, especially as a woman? Well, you’re not alone.  I recently had an eye-opening chat with Shawna Samuel, the founder of Mental Offload, and we dove into this hot topic, exploring how imperative it is to subtract these pressures to reclaim our time and energy. Shawna’s insights on shedding the perennial need to please others, to make space for self-care and personal growth, are just the wake-up call we all need. Navigating the labyrinth of household chores and responsibilities often brings its own set of challenges. The talk with Shawna brought to light the concept of weaponized incompetence, and how it’s often entwined with maternal gatekeeping. These patterns can strain relationships, but more importantly, they can impact our ability to trust and allow space for our partners to learn. We dug into how we can shift these dynamics and embrace Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #147: Do You Have Peter-Pan Syndrome?

In today’s upbeat and eye-opening episode, We’re taking a candid look at the “Peter Pan Syndrome,” that tendency we have to cling to youth in ways that actually make our health choices anything but youthful. I’ll take you back to when I was 22, equating fun with a whole lot of unhealthy habits, and lay bare the biases and misconceptions we often have about what being young, ‘edgy,’ or ‘fun’ really means. I’ll also dig into the hidden narratives in food marketing—ever notice how processed, unhealthy options get billed as ‘party foods,’ while anything healthy gets tagged as ‘boring’ or ‘old’? Through stories like a client of mine who was scared of losing her connection with her boyfriend by eating healthier, I’ll unfold the irrational ties we make between overeating, overdrinking, and this idea of defying aging. But here’s the real meat of today’s talk—it’s all about empowerment and self-realization. Read More . . .