Finding peace in dark times.

Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor.

What can I say, life is crazy. Bad things are happening all around us. It’s easy to let these things get to us and perhaps prevent us from doing anything to help. In the midst of a sad, angry and anxious state of mind we often want to escape it all and ignore it. I don’t have any answers as to why bad things happen to good people, but I do know the best remedy for the sadness you may be feeling about all of the tragedy occurring right now: help someone or something in need.

Helping others and showing we care is the best way to get out of our depression and possibly prevent more bad things from occurring. It’s been proven that when we perform unselfish, philanthropic acts it enhances our ability to heal and energizes us to keep going and do the next right thing. It’s also the best way to help our society by alleviating the ills of those who suffer increasing their ability to be a positive, instead of negative, force in society. Making contact and showing you care is a great way to do this.

These acts can be as simple as making a small donation to a cause you care about or even holding the door for someone. Everything counts. I am so grateful when someone stops to let me perform a left turn! Or another example is when the person in front of me at Starbucks buys my coffee. These are small examples, big ones could be becoming a mentor to a child who needs guidance and love, volunteering at your local boys and girls club, homeless shelter or hospital, going on a mission with your church…

Choose a cause you care about and think of ways you can help. It doesn’t have to be complex, simple gestures make a big difference.

What is a cause you really care about? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by this question, try and narrow it down to one or two that you can dedicate a little time and energy to.

xo,

Hilary

 

 

3 Tips for staying fit this weekend

Think of the weekend as an opportunity to amp up your fitness game.

People often use the weekend as an excuse to cheat on their diet and not exercise. That’s fine as long as you are not trying to bring your physical, mental and emotional state to a higher level. However, if you are (and if you’re reading this you probably are) I have some suggestions for you.

1. Change your mind about the weekend. What do I mean by this? Think of the weekend as an opportunity to practice health and wellness instead of a chance to binge, sleep and watch Netflix. It’s ok to indulge a little, but if you change your general mindset and get in the habit of thinking of the weekend as having more time to focus on participating in healthy activities like hikes, running, getting to a yoga class or spending a little time making a shopping list for the week containing more whole foods and less processed ones; it will help you stay on track and not gain or regain those unwanted pounds.
2. Do something good for someone else. This is a great way to show gratitude and to get your mind off of those unhealthy foods you may be craving. Make a plan to volunteer a little of your time or give back in some other way; this will fill your soul with love and gratefulness rather than filling your belly with fried food and sugar.
3. Plan ahead. You know weekends are hard so make a plan to keep on track. Schedule a workout class and make sure you have healthy food options in your house to curb cravings.

What healthy activity are you doing this weekend?

Xo,

Hilary

My Favorite Weight Loss Tip.

Keeping with the theme of weight loss, I want to give you the secret to losing weight. It’s not easy but it works. Wait for it… distraction! It may sound crazy to some of you but t works, think about when you eat the worst? It’s usually when you’re bored, depressed or angry. The best way to combat this habit is to create new ones. For me it’s finding healthy ways to occupy my time rather than eating.

Guess what a great way to occupy your time and distract yourself from eating poorly? Exercise! Go to the gym, plan a hike, schedule a cycling class or go for a walk. Brainstorm and write down things you can do when you’re feeling the itch to binge. It doesn’t have to be exercise, read a book, take a warm bath, call a friend, go shopping. Human’s are forgetful so write down the activities that are healthy and fulfilling, they may be difficult to do at first but will become habits and you will find bring you more pleasure in the long run then eating junk food.

Of course this needs to be combined with eating well. Start off your day right with a good breakfast. This is important to maintain sanity  throughout the day so you can make healthy food choices. I’m often not hungry first thing in the morning, but if I don’t eat anything first thing but the afternoon I find myself putting whatever I can find in my mouth. It’s also important to kick start your metabolism for the day.

What is your favorite distraction? (Please refrain from dirty responses :))

Xo,

Hilary

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month…

Here are some great ways to “actively” contribute. There’s something for everyone…

1) Trek Women Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

2) Bar bells for Boobs

3) Row for the Cure

Find out about more great ways to get active and philanthropic at Shape.com.

Recharge your fall fitness routine…

With the lazy, hot days of summer over it’s a great time of year to spice up your fitness routine. Here are some ideas we came up with to help you get ready and motivated for a great workout season this fall. What suggestions can you add to this list?

1) New workout gear. I don’t know about you but new clothes always make me feel a little better about myself and ready to take on whatever task I have for the day. The same goes for workout clothes. Of course it’s fine to wear old sweats and a t-shirt to the gym, but wearing clothes that make you feel good and confident will both motivate you to get to the gym and perhaps stay a little longer since you won’t be rushing to hit the showers and make yourself look presentable.

At U Go Baby we’re not fans of spending a ton of money on workout clothes, especially if you workout as much as we do you don’t want your entire paycheck at Lululemon. Stores like, T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s and the like have a great selection of affordable workout clothing.

Where do you like to shop for workout clothes?

2) Be prepared for the cold. Fleeces, headbands, gloves will stop you from making excuses to not get out for a run.

Pic c/o What2wear.com.

What do you wear when the weather gets cold?

3) Plan a hike. Hiking is a great workout and a great way to spend your day with loved ones and see some beautiful sites. A good site to plan your next hike is Backpacker.com. It not only has details about trails near you but also provides useful information on how to prepare for a hike, physically, mentally and nutritionally.

4) Get philanthropic. There are lots of charity races going on this time of year. Sign up for one! Not only will it motivate you to get into racing shape, but you’ll feel good that you’re doing something charitable. CoolRunning.com is a good place to both find races and get advice on training.

If you’re intimidated by the prospect of running a race or just running in general, try the Couch to 5K app. I’ve spoken to many people who have tried it and love it.

5) Facebook workout community. Start a Facebook “workout club” with your friends, neighbors, colleagues or anyone you know is into physical fitness. The goal of this group should be to motivate each other to workout by posting when, where, what you are doing and inviting people to join. You can even post pictures of your progress to make it a little more inspiring / competitive.

If you don’t want to start your own Facebook workout page an easy solution is to join ours here… U Go Baby Fitness.

Until next time, remember you’re just one workout away from a good mood.