Well wellll well, it's already July. Omg where does time go? I swear it was just the Xmas holiday season, lol.

Now I will admit, summertime and picnics make it so hard to stay on track. The potato salads, macaroni salads, chips and dips, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, ETC. (omg my mouth is watering, HAHA)

Here's a few tips I've mentioned before!!

Were you asked to bring something? Offer to bring a huge salad. Not only will it give you a healthy option it for others as well. Even if you weren't asked, just bring one anyway. Even a fruit salad for desert. Skip the s'mores or brownies and cookies.

Ask if you can bring a turkey dog or turkey burger for yourself to be grilled.

If you do have a burger, take off one or both parts of the bun.

Bring your water jug. Don't be tempted to drink soda and sugar drinks or sodas.

Assess the situation when you get there. Scope out the healthy foods.

The beer and liquor is full of sugar or empty calories. Skip it. It's hard but think of your long term goals.

Only fill your plate once and eat like you would eat any other meal. Focus on protein and veggies!

Maybe even eat before you go. That way you will be full and not even tempted.

As hard as it is on these days at events and picnics....you really just need to keep that mental focus. Picture your body the way you want it to look.

Put your before picture on your phone wall paper. ANYTHING to keep you focused and motivated to stick to your goals!

Hope all of you have a happy and safe andddddd healthy 4th of July!

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move.

This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds.

Talk about a good feeling!!!

Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost.

Here are a great bunch of tips I put together for you guys when trying to make a decision on which gym to choose!

Most of you know by now, I am a proud member of “PLANET FITNESS”, a gym who takes pride in their slogan of being a “Judgment Free zone”, and delivers that promise to its members every single day. Truthfully, my entire weight loss journey started with a random-spur of the moment decision to do a U-turn in the middle of the road and pull into a Planet Fitness in Shelton, CT. (which has since relocated to Derby, CT). Honestly, best decision I ever made. I was extremely self-conscious being over 400 lbs, and I walked in there, and not at 1 point felt I was being stared at or made fun of because of my size. That is how EVERY gym should be.

One thing that gets on my nerves is when people say, “A Gym Is A Gym”.  UHM, NO! That might be your opinion, but don’t except someone morbidly obese to feel the same way, because I  know I sure didn’t feel that way then, and I still don’t agree with that statement now. A gym isn’t just about where you go to sweat, its where you spend 1-2 hours a day. What you see, what happens around you matters. What is allowed at these facilities matter. Dress code, behavior, ETC matters. You being comfortable matters. How are you going to stick with making exercise a habit if you don’t feel comfortable where you work out?

Understand that there is no 1 set type of gym for people trying to lose weight, or maintain weight loss and another set gym for those who are trying to gain or bulk. But we all have 1 thing in common and that’s fitness, regardless of our goals, and that is HEALTH AND FITNESS. Keep that in mind. At no point should you feel intimidated or out of place, so you need to find the facility that you feel comfortable at. Find one with helpful employees that a friendly and make you feel welcome, that you can go to if you have a question or need helping using equipment. Check for cleanliness. No gym is “Clean”, lets be realistic here. The amount of germs inside of a gym or almost as much as an airport lol, but keep these things in mind: Are the Spray Bottles and Towels to wipe down your machines before and after use? Do you see employees cleaning? If there are ceiling fans, is there a ½ inch thick of dust? Are there showers? Are they decently clean?

Keep in mind as you are on a weight loss journey, that you were once a beginner. If I am working out and I see someone new who may not be using something right, I will ask them “would you mind if I show you how to use this machine correctly? You don’t want to hurt yourself.” Its all on how you approach people, and you also want to make yourself approachable. Say Hello to people. Give them a compliment, let them know that they are working hard and it will pay off. If you notice a change in them let them know “I see you are losing weight, you look great” I do this a lot! And seeing the way someone lights up when you tell them that makes me feel good. Wouldn’t you want someone to do that to you? Wouldn’t you walk out of  the gym feeling great? Feeling like your hard work is paying off? Make someone’s day. We were all beginners at some point. There were those machines I didn’t know how to use in the beginning and I remember someone coming up to me and correcting me. They didn’t do it to make me feel stupid. They did it because they saw how hard I was working out and they wanted to make sure I got the best results.

Here’s a good tip! If there are no Planet Fitness Gyms in your area, then visit the local gyms and ask if they have a free trial. Some offer a free week, or a free month, and some even have free day passes. Take advantage of those! Make sure you know what machines and amenities you will want before signing any contracts!! Visit the gym at the prime workout times! (8-11am, 3-4pm (after school rush or after 1st shift rush), 5:30-8pm (the after work and after dinner rush) Visiting the gym you are interested in at these times will help to give you a good idea of how crowded it gets, and the availability of the machines. What are the hours they are open? Will it accommodate your schedule? Is it 24 hours? How far is the gym from were you live or work? Distance is important.

Are they a chain? If so, can you use your membership at the other locations for free?

Check to see if the gym has or offers personal training. Ask for info on them, compare rates, success stories, ETC.

As yourself what you are trying to get out of your workouts. What your goals are. Look for a mix of machines. If your problem area is your legs or lower body, check for a gym that has multiple types of machines that target that area! DO NOT BE SCARED TO ASK QUESTIONS!

Next thing…the cost? Does it fit in your budget? Are you going to break the bank just to exercise? Weight loss isn’t cheap. From constantly having to buy new clothes as you go down in size, supplements, healthy foods (which cost more), and workout clothes and sneakers. Losing weight can end up being very costly. You have to find a gym membership that you can afford every month.

I am lucky enough to have a gym that is open 24 hours and  has EVERY piece of equipment that I need to workout. Whether it be upper body, lower body, machines targeting stomach problem areas, ETC, I have it all right there. Not even that but it has tanning beds for when I tan, Hydro Massage beds, that are amazing for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness which I use sometimes before and after my workouts, and also massage chairs, and not to mention FREE PERSONAL TRAINING. With my PF black card, I can also visit any Planet fitness, ANYWHERE. When visiting family in PA, or FL and need to get a workout in, I can go to any of those gyms there without having to pay a fee.

You need to find what works for YOU. What makes YOU comfortable. What makes YOU happy. What YOU can afford. After all this is YOUR journey.

I hope this could help you all out and try to guide you in the right direction when choosing a Gym at the beginning of your weight loss journey, or even if you are looking for a new gym. I get asked a lot “how did you know what gym to go to?” Truthfully I didn’t. I was at an extremely low place in life, was driving home from work…saw those “Judgment free zone” signs outside of the gym that I drove past every day, and just pulled in, signed up, and look at the outcome of it. I am now a weight loss success story trying to inspire others.

One thing people starting, or already on a weight loss journey tend to do, is to forget how to hold yourself accountable.

Even if you are already on a journey to lose weight, and you realize you have hit a plateau, not seeing the results you want to see, or starting to lose motivation. You need to light a little fire under your butt, lol.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN. Either buy a weight loss/food & water journal, or get creative and make one.

Write down everything you eat and drink that day, even the dressings, sauces, toppings, ETC. Anything that has calories.

Another Idea. Post everything you ate in 1 day on a social media site.  Make a collage and post it on Instagram or Facebook. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable posting it, then you shouldn’t be eating it. You would also be giving others good ideas as to how to eat healthy. There are lots of positive reasons for posting your health and fitness things o n social media. You never know who you are inspiring. You can also make a page just for your weight loss journey. There is such a large community of people going through the same things you are. Follow eachother, and help to keep each other motivated, get recipe ideas, ETC.

These are great ways to hold yourself accountable. Track, Track, TRACK! You would be surprised how quickly you clean up your act or see a change

Weird blog post I know...but this is just a tip! I know you change relate to those days...Crunched for time, don’t have time to bake your sweet potato in the oven but still need that sweet potato for your meal?

Don’t worry, I got your back!

Take a fork, or a knife and tab a few holes in it. Then place it in a microwave-safe container and put a little water in the bottom of the container. (3tbsp max)

Now put it in the microwave for 12-13 minutes on high heat BUT making sure that you check on it every 3-4 minutes.

This method has saved me so many times!

What do your cravings mean? How can

You satisfy them? Look at this pic!'

When you see those three words, the 1st thing that comes to your mind probable isn’t Food. BUT, that’s now goig to change.

Ladies and Gentleman, please understand that eating healthy does NOT mean you cant eat the food you love. YOU can, you just wont be preparing it the same way.

You will need to edit your recipes, Alter some of the ingredients or steps, and most importantly make substitutions!
Take it from me. With a “Back To Basics” approach on weight loss with healthy eating and exercise…I have learned that you can make almost any recipe "healthier". I’ve learned to take my favorite ground beef recipes and substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Here is another tip you can try… use low-fat or fat-free substitutions. Try egg whites or  egg beaters instead of normal eggs.

There are tons and tons of substitutions for the foods and ingredients you love that taste just as good.

When I do release my meal plans, I will have a long list of substitutions you will love…

But in the mean time, take the time to research healthier alternatives for foods you love!

• Start slow. Walk around the block, or to the mail box. Keep going a little further each day, stopping for rest as needed. (My mom is a marathon runner and starter by running telephone pole to telephone poll.)

• ·Most Beachbody programs use a modifier. You may need to even modify the modifier. I know I did.

• Can’t do a pushup even on your knees? I couldn't either. I did them against the wall. As I got stronger, I would slide my feet out further from the wall.
  
• Keep pushing play! Guess what? Most people don’t ever make it through all of P90X the first time around. Yup, even fit people. You can only make it through five minutes of the workout? GREAT! Let’s go for six tomorrow! Or, better yet, shut it off, and try again in an hour! Before you know it, you’ll be completing that days workout in its entirety without stopping. And then, 90 days is there and gone!

• Make sure you’re checking in with your doctor on a regular basis to be monitored. Your labs can be a great motivator to get moving.
  
• Choose low-impact exercises like working out in water. It is much easier on the joints, especially when standing is an issue.
  
• Get a workout partner. Somebody you trust, and will help push you.

Ok guys, I get this question a lot so what better way to clear the air?

Have I used a waist trainer? Absolutely not. Would I? Definitely not. If you are not familiar with what they are...they are like a corset like contraption.(yes like the corsets from back in the day) it is meant to cinch your core, back, & hips. The "idea" is that if you wear it over a period of time that your body will magically "mold" itself smaller. Celebrities post it all the time. That doesn't mean it works guys!!

Do your research. Experts have proved it doesn't work. They have also proved that if worn tight enough, it can squish your lungs and ribs. YOU CAN NOT reduce the collection of fat in one particular area of your body. Some people also wear them to give themselves a curvy shape or to hold on fat or skin? A waist trainer is not a weight loss plan. Seriously, there are no easy ways out to losing weight. Losing weight isn't easy! Cutting calorie intake, exercising, changing your whole life...ETC. it takes lots of hard work and dedication. You have to want it. You have to work for it, just like any other goals you set in life.

Bottom line is, weight loss is exercise and healthy eating. There are no shortcuts. There are no magic corsets. There are no secret pills.

I will never lie and say it's "easy" but I can and will always say it's worth it. If I can do it so can you.

Well this week I was beyond blessed to have been given the opportunity to be interviewed by WTNH news reporter Jocelyn Maminta at my Planet Fitness gym in Trumbull, CT.

You are probably wondering how it went! Well truth is, personally I could have done A LOT better. My mind kinda froze. If I was asked those questions again, idk if I would answer them the same way. Not sure why I was nervous at all seeing as I am very good at speaking to people and with people not only about my weight loss story, but about weight loss advice and tips, etc. looking back, I definitely let my nerves get the best of me. I had many talking points in my head of what I would say, and when that camera turned on, I forgot it all. But you know what? It happens. I can't beat myself up for how I wish I did! What matters is what I have accomplished!

All in all though, it was a great day. I got to meet some amazing people, from Planet Fitness, The Pita Group, & WTNH! I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity!

I just hope and pray what I did say and how I did answer will touch someone's life. That someone will see that with hard work and dedication you can lose weight. That is what my main goal is. To touch the lives of others and inspire them with my story.

I want others to realize That if you do find a gym you are comfortable in, anand stay consistent, that you can reach your goals with exercise and healthy eating.

Beyond humbled. I never thought when I started documenting my weight loss journey that I would obtain such a large amount of followers and support. I can't thank you all enough for your kind words, support and encouragement. What people fail to realize is that...motivating others is what keeps me motivated. Xoxo

• 1st thing to do…cut out all sugar drinks. (sodas, Juices, un-natural flavored waters, etc.) anything that is filled with sugar. As hard as it is, stick with water.

• 2nd thing…unless your meat is grilled, or baked, it is not a good idea to eat it if you are trying to lose weight. Fried food, is a serious no-no!
• 3rd thing…focus on what you are seasoning your food with. Look in the grocery store for salt-free seasonings. Mrs. Dash has many options. Many people do not realize the amount of sodium they are adding to the food they are cooking. More sodium will have you retain water, which will increase your weight.
  
• 4th thing….I know it sounds like common sense but use portion control. Yes you might be eating something healthy, but eating a lot more food than you should will not help you to lose weight. Especially if you are not burning the calories by working out.
  
• 5th thing. SUGARS!  Candy, and sweets, have to go. Its okay for a tiny portion once in a while, and there are healthy alternatives, but brownies, cookies, candy, ETC needs to go.
  
• 6th thing…processed foods. SO BAD for you! If you can buy it in the frozen section, or it comes in a box, its probably not the best idea. Try to truly limit what processed foods you are eating. Buying frozen meals filled with chemicals and sodium is 1 of the biggest “healthy easting” mistakes you can make.
  

• “B6”- which is important for cardiovascular, digestive, immune, muscular, and nervous system function. 
  
• “GREEN TEA SUPPLEMENT”- which is used for vitality, contains lots of antioxidants and is an all-natural fat burner.
  
• “APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SUPPLMENT”= Honestly, ACV has so many different benefits. I take it for chronic sinus issues that I have, but there are literally hundreds of benefits of ACV pills, and it helps aid in weight loss.
  
• “CLA 1250”-which  turns fat into lean muscle mass. CLA is the natural polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential in all diets, and found in many foods such as avocados, olive oil, meat and cheese.
  
• “WOMEN’S MULTI VITAMIN”- basicially contains almost all vitamins wrapped into one.
  
• “OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID DIETARY SUPPLEMENT”- Which supports heart health and increases overall wellness.
  
• “BIOTIN”- which helps for healthier skin, hair and nails
  
• “CRANBERRY VITAMIN”- Which helps maintain good urinary tract health.

• *I also take a vitamin called “colon  pro” which I take 2 times on 1 day a week. This helps to flush out any bad toxins in my body.

They will hopefully be out by 1st week in April. I get about a dozen inquiries a day, which is why I am posting a blog entry in regards to the question.

The meal plan will include lots of amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and recipes as well as tons of snack ideas.

Stay tuned. :)

If you are a member of planet fitness gyms make sure you go to your app store on either iPhones or android phones and download the app! They have something called"planet of triumphs" where you can basically share any of your achievements inside or outside of the gym,Health or fitness related.it is a good way to not only get motivation from others but it is one of the best ways to motivate others. Always share your story. You never know who you are inspiring. You could be the someone elsedoesn't give up

Many ask what pre-workout mixes I use. I alternate between these two. C4 and optimumnutrition gold standard pre-workout. I purchase mine from bodybuilding.com

Heyyy guys! I am getting multiple emails daily in regards to my meal plans. I am finished them up, then they will be edited. I am hoping for the next 2 weeks to have them finalized then they will be available for purchase.

They will include MANY meal and snack Ideas, many tips, and OFCOARSE many of my recipes.

Can't wait!!