He & She Eat Clean | Healthy Recipes & Workout Plans

Challenges,Body Image

Be Happy in the Skin You Are In... NOW!

Body Image, MotivationWhitney Carlson4 Comments

Today's post comes out of necessity for me to get something off of my chest. There is so much talk in the media about what it means to be skinny and even a definition of "fat." We are seeing "fat shaming" and now, "skinny shaming" left and right - wherever we turn.  So, when should we be happy with the body we have? Once we are happy, do we stop trying to make it better?

The truth of the matter is, you have to be happy in the skin you are in at the moment to make any improvements in the future. As most of you know, I had a baby 10.5 months ago and my auto-immune disease has spiraled out of control since then. I'm in a good place as far as my body goes (at least I think so), but I'm not that super teeny size I used to be. Guess what - I don't care! I'm happy with the effort that I have been putting in, the way I have been eating. and can honestly say that I am getting stronger each day - physically and mentally. I fit in most of my clothes (with the exception of those super tiny ones) and I have found the balance that I need to ensure I am taking care of my family while also taking care of myself.

(I was that person... I used to laugh at the people that said I didn't understand what it was like to have a kid, when I didn't have one, but now I understand! Especially at this age, there is very little time to yourself and it's a triumph if you actually cook something to eat and GET to eat it!)

So... does that mean that I won't work hard to get myself to the next level? Absolutely not! Life is a constant state of change and why not change for the better? I am a real woman, a real mother, a real wife and a real member of society. My life has to reflect that. Your life should reflect the person you are and the person you want to be - not reflect what you do or don't see in the mirror. That will come.

Understand that YOU are constantly evolving. Love the process. Love each and every step.

30-Day Squat Challenge

ChallengesWhitney Carlson2 Comments

Ready for another 30-Day Challenge? You can even pair this one with our 30-Day Plank Challenge!

This one will have you squatting until you are sick of squats - but don't stop!  Finish strong!  You may need to modify or re-arrange the rest days depending on your workout routine and when you actually train legs!  You do not have to do all the listed squats at one time...you can split them up throughout the day!

(click on the picture to enlarge it)

* Be sure to check out our workout plans here.

Happy Squatting!

30-Day Plank Challenge

ChallengesWhitney Carlson6 Comments

If you have excess belly fat covering your abs why would you work on increasing your abs muscles? Wouldn’t you want to shed that fat first and then work on defining a six pack? Don't do endless amounts of sit-ups...do planks! Planks tighten your core by actually sucking it in with minimal muscle build.  Try this 30 day Plank Challenge!

(click on the picture to enlarge it)

{Update} Here is a post for descriptions of the planks listed!
* Be sure to check out our workout plans here.

Happy Planking!