Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health, Nutrition


by Melissa

on
February 9, 2010


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“Super Bowl” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Congratulations to all the New Orleans Saints’ fans! I admit I’m not the football fan that my husband is. The Super Bowl for me is more about commercials, socializing and eating. It’s always fun to get together with friends and eat yummy food while watching the big game. In the past, the food usually consisted of pizza and wings or some other high fat appetizers. Of course, this year I knew I couldn’t do that and, of course, my husband NEEDED to watch the game so we came up with a solution. A “healthy snacks” Super Bowl party! We got together with friends and everyone brought a healthy snack to share. We had soup, hummus, light cheeses, edamame, chicken meatballs, fruit and lots of veggies. My new favorite recipe was a faux ranch dip. Just mix a ranch seasoning packet with plain Greek yogurt and YUM! I LOVE ranch dip/dressing so to find a healthy alternative was awesome. Thank you Kari for giving me another yummy, healthy recipe! I was excited that we had a wonderful time without the junk food. So many social events seem to pivot around food and I realize that healthy living just means choosing the right foods.
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Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


by Melissa

on
February 4, 2010


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“Pushing Through” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Just three weeks into the challenge and already the workouts are becoming daunting. Nine weeks to go! Ugh! It feels like some days are just easier than others for getting a workout in. Today is a gloomy, overcast day (my little girl is home sick) and it makes me want to snuggle back into bed and NOT go to the gym. I feel like I have to pull out all the stops today. I tend to play tricks with myself to get through a workout. I upload new songs on my iPod, find a favorite show to watch, or cover the display so I’m not watching the minutes slowly pass. I would love to hear some feedback about what gets YOU through a workout. Everyday, or sometimes every minute, I feel like I’m faced with a decision that the will determine my success in this challenge. What am I going to eat and how much, when can I workout and how hard will I push myself during the workout. So I’m just trying to remind myself why I’m doing the challenge, and make every moment count.
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Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


by Melissa

on
February 1, 2010


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“Discipline” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Wow! What a weekend! I felt like I was put to the test. Saturday was especially difficult. We had big scheduling issues. My daughter had a school activity that required her to be there all day, my husband needed to be at the office all day and I had my two-year old to entertain and his naptime to work around. So when was there time for me to workout? How was I going to work in my healthy eating? How was I going to take care of everything and still take care of me? Thankfully, I have a wonder husband. He was able to go in to work a little later than planned. I got up early and went to the gym, and then finished my workout at home while the kids ate breakfast. I packed lunches for all of us and somehow we made it to school on time and even had cookies for the bake sale. Then I was faced with my next temptation…dinner. We had a small break between school performances in the evening. The kids really wanted McDonald’s and, well, I really wanted McDonalds. I admit it….I have a problem with fast food. “Hi, my name is Melissa and I love french fries.” It would have been so convenient to run and grab fast food. But “It’s not willpower, it’s discipline”, right? So we reluctantly headed home for dinner. Yes, it required more preparation on my part, but in the end I felt great about sticking to my meal plan and it was healthier for everyone. I realized that I will continue to be faced with temptations and challenges in the next couple of months and beyond. My own discipline will be my weapon against them.
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Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


by Melissa

on
January 29, 2010


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“Stretch” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

This challenge is bringing out all my aches and pains. It’s making me feel OLD! How does that happen so quickly? When do you officially cross that line? My body just doesn’t recuperate as fast as it use to, something I took for granted 10 years ago. In this challenge, whether you’ve just started working out or you’re increasing your workouts, your body is feeling the changes. Yesterday, I found a wonderful solution. I went for a stretch therapy session at the gym. Going into the session, I was sore from my lower back down through the backs of my legs. I was completely amazed at the INSTANT relief I felt. Cara explained to me about the benefits of assisted stretching, everything from reducing injuries, increasing blood flow and shortening recovery time. I mean, I always TRY to do my stretches at the end of a workout, but if I’m short on time I cut my stretching time. After yesterday, I’m a big believer in the benefits of stretching and even more with assisted stretch therapy. I was shocked to walk away from the session pain-free and feeling great. Thank you, Cara!
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Gold's Gym, Health, Nutrition


by Melissa

on
January 27, 2010


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“Recipes” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

I’m always looking for new, healthy recipes. I’m probably one of the pickiest eaters on the planet, so when I find something I actually like I’m really excited about it. If anyone has a recipe to share, I’d love to see it. I tried the Lentil & Chicken Sausage soup recipe from the Challenge playbook and thought it was great. I decided to try and make a favorite soup recipe a little healthier. So, I took Paula Deen’s Taco Soup recipe (you know, the southern gal from the Food Network) and changed a few things. It’s great because you can dump everything in a crockpot and at the end of the day you’ve got dinner. So here it is:
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Classes, Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


“Spin” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Particpant

Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


“Before Pictures” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Gold's Gym, Health, Nutrition


“Food Tracking” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Fitness, Gold's Gym, Health


“Eating Out” by Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant

Classes, Fitness, Gold's Gym


“New Class”- Blog from Melissa Schwab, Gold’s Gym Challenge Participant