Meet Mandee Miller, Lisa's personal trainer, a multi-faceted fitness pro, and a physical wellness rockstar. We asked her to spill some secrets to getting fit, and she was more than happy to oblige! P.S. Want to meet Mandee in person and soak up her expertise? Book your spot on the Hungry Girl Cruise, where she'll be running exercise classes and sharing tips 'n tricks DAILY -- setting sail next April!
5 Secrets from HG's Personal Trainer
Jul
14
2017
All the crunches in the world won't give you a flat stomach if you don't watch what you eat.
To quote Mandee, "You may have heard the old adage: Abs are made in the kitchen. It's true!" Exercise alone isn't enough if you're looking for serious progress. Mandee says, "Getting in a great workout and then sabotaging it with a high-calorie meal could be your roadblock to real results!" And if you're putting in all that hard work, why mess it up? So stock your kitchen with smart staples, and track those calories with a food journal.
You don't need a gym membership to get in a good workout.
Save cash and travel time; as long as you've got a space that's about 4 feet by 4 feet, you're in business. Mandee's at-home suggestions: sit-to-stand squats on your couch, stair walking (do it sideways for an extra challenge), and weight-lifting exercises using cans and milk cartons. As for your core? Kick it old-school, and scrub the floor on your hands and knees. Bonus: Mandee says that working out at home gives the creative part of your brain a boost too.
What you eat before and after a workout is so important!
When it comes to pre-exercise snacks, Mandee has some sage advice: "Something that doesn't feel like a wrecking ball in your belly while you're moving around is key!" And it's not just unhealthy, heavy food you want to avoid; working out on a full stomach is super uncomfortable, even if the food itself is wholesome. Mandee suggests munching on a handful of almonds or half a banana about an hour before you exercise; light but nutrient-dense snacks like these will give you an energy boost! Afterward, replenish with water, and eat lean protein to help build those muscles.
Quality workout clothes are an investment in your health.
You might think that breathable cotton is a good call. Not so! According to Mandee, cotton keeps sweat close to the skin, which can cause irritation and keep you from cooling down effectively. That's why she recommends exercise wear made from sweat-wicking fabrics. And it doesn't have to be pricey! If Lululemon isn't in your budget, she suggests Athleta, Target's C9 Champion, Old Navy, Forever 21, H&M, and Victoria's Secret. Good quality, cute designs... These brands will keep the extra weight in your wallet, where it belongs.
Accountability is KEY.
No matter how diligent you intend to be, a support system will keep you on track. While a personal trainer is an obvious solution, it can be costly and inconvenient. Enter at-home virtual training, a specialty of Mandee's! As she puts it, "It's a great way to get in shape without having to buy a gym membership or front the overhead cost of hiring a gym-based trainer." Using Facetime or Skype, Mandee's virtual sessions are customized based on your space, equipment (or lack thereof), and personal goals. Find out more here. Other accountability tools? Enlist a friend as your "accountabil-a-buddy," or join a Facebook group of like-minded people who check in and encourage each other!
Remember, for face-to-face time with Mandee, book your spot on the next Hungry Girl Cruise!
Mandee will be joining Lisa and the HG team on the next Hungry Girl Cruise -- teaching all-level exercise classes, leading mid-presentation dance breaks, sharing calorie-torching tips, and so much more... Don't miss it! Departing from Fort Lauderdale on April 7th, we'll visit the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, and Key West! Along with expert pals like Mandee, Lisa will personally motivate, educate, and engage you in a truly life-changing experience loaded with fun activities... Get the details!Chew on this:
It's July 14th, which means it's Bastille Day in France! Celebrate with this French-esque dish of Ratatouille Pasta with Pine Nuts.
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