Short Bursts of Exercise – or “Exercise Snacks”

As a kid, my mom often gave me “exercise snacks” without either of us knowing it. She would send me down to our cold cement floor cellar to grab ingredients for her next recipe. Or she would ask me to go downstairs to fold laundry and distribute it two floors up to the proper bedrooms. This worked out well for … Read More

Hack: Do this to keep Motivated in the Gym and Kitchen

For the last few years, many bloggers have written annual posts about their “word” for the new year. Oh, that’s nice, I thought sarcastically while scrolling past the articles. You might think I am jumping on the bandwagon, and you might be right! Initially, I didn’t see the value in a single word as a year-long theme. But then I … Read More

How to Make a Fresh Satisfying Dinner in 25”

I love to enjoy fresh fish at home but sometimes it can be dry or stink up the house. To avoid dried out fish and a smelly fish odor, I bake it in foil packets. Foil baking infuses the fish with the flavor while keeping it moist. Odor doesn’t stink up the kitchen because each fish is in a closed packet. This dish can … Read More

Cravings Part 2: How Being More Mindless Can Quell Cravings

You are enough You have enough You do enough We are plugged in all the time. We are consumed with knowing more, being more and doing more. We have stopped listening to our inner voice. When we become quiet, we have the opportunity to process all that information.  I have to thank my dogs for this revelation. Opus, Caymus and … Read More

Cravings Part 1: What You Need to Know

Cravings are triggered by a stressor (or an emotion) and an environmental cue. Cravings are not a sign of mental weakness, because as women, we are wired to be more craving sensitive than men. It goes back to our ancestors who had true food scarcity, and when food was available, it was hoarded. Our brains are designed to want more … Read More

Drive to Thrive: Master Fitness & Nutrition…for good!

Have you ever noticed how dogs and children, take action when they want something? Treats. Attention. A walk. Caymus, our younger pup, brought me his leash 3 separate times this morning. He obviously wanted to go for a walk, and he was taking action to get what he wanted. And it hit me, he is an expert at taking action … Read More

#WIAW What I Ate Wednesday

I hate diets. After years of being a chronic dieter for various reasons, including professional physique competitions, I. Hate. Diets.  I affectionately call the way I eat ‘Manage Your Mangia’. This is based on my upbringing in an Italian American family, where I like to believe mangia means eat and enjoy. What I eat in a day can vary, and I … Read More

5 Ways Women Self Sabotage

In my 20’s my Dad and fiancé were determined to teach my sister and I how to play golf. The guys would take us to a par 3 course weekly, to teach us how to play. I didn’t think it would take much effort to excel, because I was a confident  and successful athlete in my youth. Golf was different. … Read More

Those Arms Though!

I have coached, trained and/or advised over 500 women about their fitness challenges. The questions women ask me have a common theme, and they are often about physique improvement.  I have been sharing my answers to the most asked questions on my Instagram  and Facebook page. Because so many people requested this information,  and many busy women may have missed it … Read More

Manage Your Attitude To Manage Your Mangia

Have you ever started the day by getting up on the figurative ‘wrong side of the bed’? There is no doubt that it can suck. Going on with the day like you are sucking on lemons is a choice, but we don’t need to make that choice. I know If I don’t get my sleep, I am at risk for having … Read More