While the anticipation of my new website & blog in the works, and with everything going smoothly with Grandportfolio again (...for now), I thought it would be a good idea to do some posts in the meantime. To kick off the wonderful warm weekend, I have a special little treat for you today. My personal trainer & lovely best friend will be guest blogging. She is a total fitness addict! This is exactly the kind of positive reinforcement I love in my life to keep me staying active always. I love working out with her and I thought my lovely readers would enjoy some of her wisdom on fitness and nutrition. She is a total bad-ass, I have to say, this summer she will be participating in competitions like, Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash. Paulina & I will be featuring vital nutrition, fitness fashion and easy to follow workout routines, to get you looking and feeling like toned and healthy beach babes! Enjoy her post below. Love, Stephanie.

Change is scary, we've all heard that before. But what we rarely hear is that change is exciting, exhilirating, fun and even better, liberating!

Change is an element that is always guaranteed in life. So why not make it a positive change?

Do it at your own pace, and surround yourself with positive people who will uplift your choices, and keep you motivated on your journey to a healthy, happier you.

Keep in mind that change may be uncomfortable but at those times remember that you are doing it for yourself, and the new changes that your body and mind are going through will be absolutely worth it. Celebrate your shape, your curves, your smile and positive energy levels.

Before we begin to discuss exercising, let's take a look at our diet, because without proper nutrition, the wonders of cardio or weight lifting will not mean a thing.

We'll start this journey together, and we'll start it simply by following these rules:

Say YES PLEASE TO:

Water, Water and more Water!

ZZZ....Sleep! (7-9 hours a night)

Fruits and Vegetables

Exercise! Move your body everyday (dance, take fido for a walk, go to the gym or pick up a sport like tennis)

Green Tea and Organic juices

Say NO THANK YOU to:
Alcohol and Tobacco

Sodas and sugary beverages

Processed Foods (tv dinners, fast food, fried foods)

FAD diets (there's a reason why they're called FADs, they don't work girls!)

Here's an idea of some Healthy Fats, Healthy Carbs and Healthy Protein Choices you can incorporate in your diet:

Healthy Fats: Wild Salmon Nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews) Flaxseed Avocado Olive Oil All natural peanut or almond butter (my favourite!)

Healthy Carbohydrates: Whole wheat bread, pasta Brown Rice Beans and legumes Oatmeal Sweet Potatoes Vegetables: brocolli, asaparagus, carrots, spinach leaves,

Healthy Proteins Organic Chicken Lean turkey Tofu Whey Isolate ProteinEggs / Egg whites Quinoa Lean Fish: talapia, halibuty, mahi mahi

Remember to seek foods that will keep you full, opt for high fiber foods that are low in fat. The first step in eating clean is the hardest, but it's the biggest step and once you take that baby step, you've begun a new, healthy lifestyle. The first step can be:

-Switch your salad dressings from full-fat ceasar dressings to balsamic vinegar and olive oils.

-Keep fruit with you at all times (replace it with chocolate bars when you're feeling an energy slump through your day)

-Add vegetables to your sandwiches, pizzas or even your morning omelette.

-Never skip breakfast, try eating your first meal of the day within your first waking hour!

Remember that consistency is key, if you slip up, pick yourself back up on your next meal or day. I pledge to never give up on you or myself, we can and will do this.

Take the oathe with me, and participate in a healthier movement to a better life today.

Until next time, stay beautiful.

- Paulina