I get a lot of questions on how I find time to workout or make fitness a priority when I run my own business and have now started my own conference. Well, in short, I don’t always feel like I have total balance over work, life, and fitness but I do have some tips that have helped me over the years.

1.  Two nights on and one night off rule- Years ago I watched a YouTube video about only allowing two nights in a row of events/meetings/gatherings and then by the third night you should “take a night off”. This rule for me has really helped me learn to say no, which we will talk more about next. So when I’m planning events or thinking about accepting an invitation I look at my calendar first that way I don’t spread myself too thin. It can be tempting to say yes to every event/meeting/gathering but you have to be realistic with your time.
2. Learning to say no- I have a hard time being a people pleaser and I say yes, yes and yes to everything without being realistic of my limitations. Learning to say no or prioritize certain events over others. By saying no to events or gatherings gives me time to meal prep, workout or just spend time with my husband and dog. I can’t stress this tip enough, by saying no you are taking care of yourself.
3. Timing- Figure out your best timing to work out. Personally, for me, I am a morning person, so if I know I have a jammed pack day I will get up extra early to work out. I know after a long day there is very little chance I will go to the gym so I make sure do it first thing in the morning.
4. Goal setting– Have a clear fitness plan. Are you looking to lose weight, maintain or gain? Over the holidays I get pretty lax with my diet but I also give my body time to rest and enjoy the holidays. For the spring I kick it into high gear and go back to regular workout sessions and clean up my diet. You have do have clear goals in order to find balance. Ask yourself what do you want from your fitness plan, then find a way to add it into your routine.
5. Staying motivated– The best thing to help stay motivated is to have a good tribe. Find a group of friends or group training classes and this will help keep you motivated to show up. When your around like minded people it will help you stay on track.
6. Give yourself a Break- Truly sometimes in life, some things have to take a backseat, that’s just the way it is. So don’t beat yourself up if fitness isn’t your first priority, you are doing the best you can in that moment. When I launched my conference it was right after Thanksgiving, so between all the holiday madness and getting this conference off the ground I didn’t workout that much. I used my time to focus on my new business and that’s okay! Learning not to beat yourself up or feel guilty about missing a workout is so important for your mental health.

I hope you use these tips and that they help you find your journey with fitness, work and life. Again I feel like I’m just figuring out as I go but that’s okay. Keep going after your dreams and everything will workout.

Photography by Stacey Poterson

If you are in need of a high protein healthy new snack than you have to check out Atlas protein bars! Let me be the first to say over the years I have tried probably tried every protein bar on the market. I use to eat Quest bars like they were going out of style but a few years back they changed their formulas and I no longer like their bars. So I was on the hunt for a new bar that fit my needs. Most protein bars either aren’t all that healthy or they taste very dry and chalky. I tried Atlas bars last October and I was totally hooked, these are the best bars I have tried. Atlas protein bars are truly taking over the market because they taste so good.

Atlas bars were around 200 to 220 calories depending on the flavor, 15 grams of protein, 3 grams of sugar (naturally sweetened with monk fruit) and 4-5 net carbs! You really couldn’t ask for a better protein bar. Atlas protein bars launched 3 new flavors last fall, mint chocolate chip, almond chocolate chip and peanut butter & raspberry. These bars not chalky at all and have so much flavor. Plus protein bars are great on those long busy work days and you can order them on directly or on Amazon!

Photography by Stacey Poterson

I did a 30 day no sugar challenge to start the new year off right. Giving up sugar was HARD! My sister showed me Sweet Defeat, and I was blown away on how well it worked! Sweet Defeat is a lozenge that tastes like a mint and you let dissolve on your tongue, then if you try and eat sugar you can’t taste the sugar! The formula blocks the sweet taste receptors on your tongue so you can’t taste sugar.

I carry Sweet Defeat everywhere I go! These are great for getting rid of sugar cravings or helping you eat in moderation. It will last about 20-30 minutes, so just long enough for the craving to pass. Try to wait to drink anything once you take the lozenge because the liquid will take off the film on your tongue. Don’t worry Sweet Defeat is only 5 plant-based, natural ingredients, gymnema, zinc, sorbitol, mint and spirulina extract!

Be sure to watch the full video to learn more about Sweet Defeat! I can’t say enough good things about this product.

Get your calendars out and block off February 28th to March 3rd because the 3 Day Fitness and Yoga Party is coming to Scottsdale, Arizona!

This event is the ultimate fitcation you need to attend. Spend 3 days at the beautiful Adeline hotel while enjoying all things fitness! Everything from guided yoga sessions, wellness workshops on nutrition and personal empowerment to overall networking with like-minded people.

This isn’t a conference where you are sitting inside all day listening to panels and speakers for 8 hours. This is a fitcation where you are up and moving around while connecting with other fitness enthusiast. Each morning you will start with a healthy chef prepared breakfast followed by a poolside yoga session. Then in the afternoons, you can choose between varies different fitness activities that fit your interests. Activities include a fitness crawl, paddleboard yoga or even a Super Circuit Obstacle Course. After all your fitness activities you will enjoy a nice healthy dinner followed by a fun sunset pool party.  There will be over 40+ specialists at the event either speaking or guiding workouts, so there is something for everyone.

One thing I personally love is that every ticket includes 3 healthy chef-prepared meals per day! All the meals will be using the freshest local and organic ingredients and don’t worry they will have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo and pescatarian options. This is so great because now you don’t have to pack and lug around all your meals, you can just focus on the session, networking and enjoying your time. They also have different packages that do include food and drinks.

This 3-day yoga, fitness, fun, food empowerment event will be something you don’t want to miss! If you are interested in attending this one of a kind event click here for tickets. You can also use a discount code to save 10% – “Bella10”

I hope to see all there! Comment below if you are interested in going.

 

I put together some of my favorite fitness products that would a great gift to your friends and family members. All these products can also be found on Amazon which makes shopping super easy. These are all products I already use and love so I know you will love them too!

1. Athleema Resistance Bands– These bands are amazing if you watch my YouTube videos you see me use these bands all the time! I have had them for over 3 years and they have not broken once! Resistance bands can provide a killer workout and they are great to travel with!
2. Wake Up Waffles– Wake Up Waffles is a great way to start your day off right with 23 grams of protein per serving, gluten-free, and all you have to do is just add water! Also, they have 8 different flavors to choose from plus they have a keto and vegan mix.
3. Athleema Jump Rope– This jump rope is great because it’s adjustable for all heights, lightweight and a great way to keep your heart rate up during all your workouts.
4. 90 Degree By Reflex High Waisted Leggings– I love 90 Degree by Reflex clothes! They are great quality and affordable. They offer lots of different styles and colored leggings but my favorite is the high waisted tummy control leggings!
5. Basic Workout Tanks– You can’t go wrong with a couple of solid color workout tanks. The material is very soft and great to workout in. I personally have blue and white tanks. If you get the white tank I would suggest sizing up so that it isn’t too sheer.
6. Walden Farms Syrup– I definitely would suggest getting Walden Farms 0 zero calories if you want some delicious syrup for your waffles! I also will mix in Walden Farms into my oatmeal! You can also find Walden Farms at Sprouts or Fry’s.
7. Saffron Road Organic Crunchy Chickpea’s– This is a great healthy and delicious snack to gift someone. These chickpeas come in 6 different flavors, are packed with 6 grams of protein per serving and have no artificial flavors or colors!
8. The Good Chocolate– This chocolate has zero sugar, vegan and very low carb! This is a great healthy treat that will help anyone stay on track with their fitness goals. There are six flavors to choose but mint is my favorite!

*This article contains affiliate links*

Let me first start out by saying I am not competing for any bikini competition right now. I am about 7-10 pounds up from my competition weight, which is totally natural. Right now I want to slim down just a little bit but the thought of going back on a diet and saying no to happy hour just doesn’t sound appealing. With these 4 tips not only have I been able to lose a little weight but I have also started creating a healthy relationship with food. I hope these tips will help you as they have helped me 🙂

1. Drink lots of water throughout the day. When your dehydrated your body can think it’s hungry and those end up being wasted calories. If you aren’t a big fan of water try a club soda, or add lemon to your water.

2. Find easy swaps for your favorite foods. You don’t have to give up for favorite foods, just find healthy swaps. Almost every food has some sort of healthy swap here are a few of my favorite swaps.

• Sour cream »»»» plain greek yogurt
• French fries »»»» air popped popcorn
• Mayo »»»» Mustard
• Maple syrup  »»»»  Walden farms zero calorie syrup
• Wine »»»» Fit Vine Wine or Skinnygirl wine

3. You have to get moving! I encourage you to try weight lifting but I understand that isn’t for everyone. Find what you enjoy, this can be a group fitness class, swimming, hiking etc. Also in your everyday activity, park in the back of the lot, take the stairs at work or take the dog on an extra walk.  You will burn more calories and distract you from food. I have been using a Fitbit for 3 years now and LOVE it! My goal is to get 10,000 steps every day even on rest days. It’s a great way to keep track!

4. The biggest key to losing weight is to be in a calorie deficit. Calories in versus calories out (burned). This is good because once you know your maintenance level of calories you need to consume then you can add in the foods you already love. You can achieve this by eating less, burning more calories or a combination of both. This is similar to macro counting. As always I suggest still adding in proteins, healthy fats and veggies etc but this way you can also still enjoy the foods you love without binging! All foods are okay in moderation.

Tell me what your favorite food swaps are?

Outfit Details:

Sports Bra: Exact

Leggings: Exact

Shoes: Exact

Sunglasses: Exact

Photography by Jordan Hibbs Photography