We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people at My Stronger Self Fitness and we find that so many of them have their own businesses. We feel it’s important to our community that we buy local and support the independently owned businesses that are so vital to our area. In an effort to share our members businesses with all of you, each month we will be featuring one of their businesses to help show our support and spread the word. After all, we wouldn’t be where we are without all of you spreading the word about My Stronger Self Fitness

Sweetwater Photography

Tara is one of our awesome members as well as the official photographer for My Stronger Self Fitness and our Fit-4-Life Challenge. Take a look at her website, www.SweetWaterPhotos.com and you will see her work speaks for itself! Be sure to hire her for your wedding, senior or family pictures or your next major event! You won’t be disappointed! Thanks Tara!!!!

Sweetwater Photogrpahy, Owner Tara Botero

Mexican food is so yummy, but unfortunately many options are high in calories and fat. You might be heading out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend and just because you’ve chosen to lead a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you must deprive yourself from eating great tasting food!

Here’s a couple healthy alternatives to your Cindo de Mayo favorites:

Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos? Most versions have high fat ground beef and loaded with cheese and sour cream. Consider using whole wheat taco shells, turkey meat and skip the cheese. Instead add fresh salsa, diced avocados, tomatos and maybe even some grilled veggies.

Fish tacos are another great alternative to the traditional taco as long as you stay away from deep fried fish and all those high calorie add ons. This recipe looks perfect!

Ingredients

• 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and cubed
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and cubed
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for garnish
• chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and black pepper
• canola oil
• 2 large mahimahi fillets (1 1/2 lb total)
• 1 tbsp blackening spice
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups finely shredded red cabbage

Directions

1. Mix the mango, avocado, onion, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Season with cilantro, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan until hot. Drizzle a light coating of oil over the fish and rub on the blackening spice. Cook the fish, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove.

3. Warm the tortillas on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 minute until warm and pliable.

4. Break the fish into chunks and divide among the warm tortillas. Top with the cabbage and the mango salsa. Serve with the lime wedges.

Only 401 calories and 1.7g of Saturated Fat.

Classic Margarita

Most 12 ounce versions of this classic cinco de mayo drink will cost you 540 calories because restaurants will use mixers with corn syrup. Try this tasty version and save big on calories.

Ingredients

Ice
1 1/2 ounces of 100 percent agave blanco tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Cointreau

Directions

Fill rocks glass with ice; add tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau. Stir ingredients together until chilled.

Only 144 calories!

ENJOY!

As summer rolls around, the sun starts to shine, and our bodies start to get that itch to move, lack of energy can be a serious setback. We all look for that magic treatment that will give us infinite bursts of energy that can last all day, and keep us doing what we love. From spending time with family, to going for a run and staying fit. Energy is a major component to being healthy and fulfilling our goals for summer. Some may think it’s close to impossible or too expensive to waste time on energy remedies, when in reality the solution is as easy as one, two, three and as accessible as our very own home. The ways to increase energy don’t have to cost a fortune, and most importantly don’t have to increase our waist lines.

Healthy Food for Energy

It starts in the morning, eating a good breakfast can set the tone for the rest of our day. Eating healthy heart foods like fruits and vegetables with protein such as eggs can kick-start metabolism, and keep the body energized all the way to lunch. If you’re a major coffee drinker like the majority of America, and you need that little bit of caffeine to start off your day, try adding less sugar or crème to make sure you’re not adding unnecessary calories to your day. It’s also important to stay away from sugary energy drinks like Red Bull if you’re looking to keep an eye on your weight for bathing suit weather.

As the day moves on our bodies begin to get a bit more sluggish, which is completely natural. A way to help with that sluggishness is to add little snacks between meals to keep your metabolism moving and keep the healthy sugars moving through your body. You might be surprised to find what a granola bar and apple would do to increase your energy levels in a calorie saving way.

Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn’t make you tired — it literally creates energy in your body.  Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger.   As your heartbeat increases with a vigorous workout, more blood surges through the brain, more oxygen is absorbed by your brain cells, and you feel more mentally alert and energetic.  Better-conditioned muscles also make daily tasks that much easier. When you exercise, your ability to recruit and use muscle fibers are increased so you require less effort to perform any physical task.  And as you become stronger through exercise, so does your immune system.  Being sick drains us of energy.  Exercise boosts immunity, which helps averts illness, or at least reduces its length and intensity.

Whatever your forte may be for creating the sustained energy you need to get through the day always be conscious of what you put in your body, and know that if you treat your body well, it will return the favor better than any energy drink or cup of coffee ever could.

Yours in Health & Fitness,

Lori Murphy

Brighton, MI Personal Trainer and Fat Loss Expert

Join us Wednesday, April 10th at 630pm for our Health and Well Being Seminar with Rick Smith Jr. This seminar is FREE and open to the public. There’s going to be a lot of great information so please share with your friends. You can email us at FitForLife@MyStrongerSelf.com or call 810-844-1650 to RSVP. Hope to see you all there!

FREE Health & Well Being Seminar in Brighton, MI

Hi Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

I came across a flyer the other day, and I would like to share it with you. On the top of it read 9 daily habits that will make you happier. It made me think for a minute isn’t happiness what it is all about? When we are happy we tend to focus more on the positive things in life. Being happy feels good and we want to stay feeling good! Happiness is a choice so we have to incorporate daily habits that will relieve stress and help us prioritize the important things in life. Check this out.

9 DAILY HABITS THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER

“These minor changes in your daily routine will make a major difference in your life. Happiness is the only true measure of personal success. Making other people happy is the highest expression of success, but its almost impossible to make others happy if you’re not happy yourself. (husband/wife, kids, boss, friends)

With that in mind, here are nine small changes that you can make to your daily routine that, if you’re like most people, will immediately increase the amount of happiness in your life:

START EACH DAY WITH EXPECTATION

If there’s any big truth about life, it is that it usually lives up to (or down to ) your expectations. Therefore, when you rise from bed make your first thought: “Something wonderful is going to happen today.” Guess what? You’re probably right.

 TAKE TIME TO PLAN AND PRIORITIZE 

The most common source for stress is the perception that you’ve got too much work to do. Rather than obsess about it, pick one thing that, if you get it done today, it will move you close to your highest goal and purpose in life. Then do that first.

 GIVE A GIFT TO EVERYONE YOU MEET 

I’m not talking about a formal, wrapped-up present. Your gift can be a smile, a word of thanks or encouragement, and gesture of politeness, even a friendly nod.

DEFLECT PARTISAN CONVERSATIONS 

Arguments about politics and religion never have a “right” answer but they definitely get people all riled up over things they can’t control. When such topics surface, bow out by saying something like: “Thinking about that stuff makes my head hurt.”

ASSUME PEOPLE HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS 

Since you can’t read minds, you don’t really know the “why” behind the “what” that people do. Imputing evil motives to other people’s weird behaviors adds extra misery to life, while assuming good intentions leaves you open to reconciliation.

EAT ENOUGH QUALITY FOOD 

Eating healthy is so important for both our bodies and minds and we should do that 80% of the time but once in a while, allow yourself to enjoy something delicious, like a small chunk of fine cheese, a small piece of rich chocolate, a glass of fine wine. Focus on the taste, savor it, enjoy it, then move on without guilt.

LET GO OF YOUR RESULTS 

The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events which are outside of your control. Once you’ve taken action, there’s usually nothing more you can do. Focus on the job at hand rather than some weird fantasy of what might happen.

TURN OFF THE BACKGROUND TV 

Many households leave their TV’s on as “background noise” while they are doing other things. The entire point of broadcast TV  is to make you dissatisfied with your life so that you’ll buy more stuff. Why subliminally program yourself to be a mindless consumer?

END YOUR DAY WITH GRATITUDE 

Just before you go to bed, write down at least one wonderful thing that happened. It might be something as small as making someone laugh or something as huge as a million dollar deal. Whatever it is, be grateful for that day because it will never happen again.”

As we go through life’s stages there are times we wish longingly for what was but is not more. When that happens remember this quote:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Think about these words this week. Practice living a happy life. Focus on the good not the bad. It takes work but it is so worth it in the end!

I know it is getting warmer out but I want to see all your happy, smiling faces at the studio this week. Make your health a priority!

9 Daily Habits courtesy of Geoffrey James

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people at My Stronger Self Fitness and we find that so many of them have their own businesses. We feel it’s important to our community that we buy local and support the independently owned businesses that are so vital to our area. In an effort to share our members businesses with all of you, each month we will be featuring one of their businesses to help show our support and spread the word. After all,  we wouldn’t be where we are without all of you spreading the word about My Stronger Self Fitness! We’ve also dedicated a special section on our website to feature these businesses. So check here first next time you’re in need and let us know if you have a business you’d like highlighted on our website.

Did you get your butt kicked by the trainers at My Stronger Self?  Are you tired after that killer work-out?

Now, you need to go to work, run errands, shop, plan and prepare healthy meals and on top of it …………………………….. CLEAN?

Sure you have more energy after working out, but wouldn’t you rather spend it doing the things you really want?

I can help free up some of your time so you can focus on the things that matter the most to you. Imagine walking into your clean, fresh, sanitized home after a long, hectic day.

It’s simple.  Just call Next Clean. I started my cleaning business because I enjoy cleaning. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when the detailed work I put into a home brings happiness and comfort to others.

Some of the services include:

• Bathrooms cleaned and sanitized
• Floors cleaned and sanitized
• Kitchens
• Stovetops and front of all appliances
• Microwaves inside and out
• Carpets vacuumed
• Dusting
• Ceiling fans
• Doors and frames
• Baseboards
• Removing cobwebs
• Trash emptied

See more about Next Clean at: www. MyNextClean.com

Gail McCoy, Owner of Next Clean

Contact Gail: (517) 258-1122

Gail has been a part of My Stronger Self for a long time, and is one of our sweetest members! She not only knows how to brighten your day, but also how to brighten your home with her wonderful cleaning talent. She is the reason why My Stronger Self is so sparkly clean! Join us in supporting one of our OWN! 

Lori Murphy, Personal Trainer and Fat Loss Expert of My Stronger Self Fitness in Brighton, MI takes a question in this week’s “Ask the Trainer” segment about cleanses and their benefits as well as what not to do.

For more information on a cleanse we recommend, check out our site www.Fit4Life24DayCleanse.com

Do you have a health or fitness question for Lori? Send us an email at FitForLife@MyStrongerSelf.com and we will answer your question in our next segment of Ask the Trainer.

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My Stronger Self Fitness providing Personal Training, Group Training, Boot Camps, Zumba, Yoga, Kick Boxing and many other exciting Fitness classes PLUS Nutrition, Advocare Products including 24 Day Cleanse to residents of Brighton, Howell, Hartland, South Lyon, Pinckney, Fowlerville, Fenton, Highland, Milford and all of Livingston County as well as parts of Oakland County.

Congratulations Barb Falconer!

Barb is our latest My Stronger Self Member of the Month.  She joined us back in April of 2011 working one on one with Lori where she

Barb – AFTER

made awesome strides with her fitness! Now, she’s part of our Group Training Program and this is what one of her fellow classmates and instructor Teresa Arnold has to say about Barb,

Barb – BEFORE

“Whenever I have had the opportunity to be in the same class with Barb I have seen her give her 100% all. She is always smiling and brings a very motivating spirit to the gym that is just contagious!”

Barb is a wife, Mom of 4 and now a new Grandma and she’s still here rockin’ out with us 6-7 days a week. She knows how to work hard and it’s paid off!  You’ll often find Barb in a Group Training, Kick Boxing and her new love Hatha Yoga class. She does it all and we are so thankful she found us. Each one of our members brings a special energy to our studio and Barb is no exception.  We’ve enjoyed watching you melt away the pounds and inches Barb You’re such an inspiration to us all … Keep up the great work!!!

Take a moment and read about Barb’s story here …

“I don’t think I’m being overly dramatic when I say that becoming a member at My Stronger Self changed my life.    I was in my early fifties but felt more like a seventy-year-old.  I was overweight, out of shape, and full of aches and pains.  My hips and knees hurt, my range of movement was limited, and my neck and shoulder ached almost constantly.  I was experiencing symptoms of menopause and SAD.  My weight had fluctuated up and down since I had my first child over twenty-five years ago.  At times, I had gotten close to my goal weight, but I never felt strong, in shape, or in control of my life.

Two years ago I walked into My Stronger Self out of curiosity and decided to try the two-week trial membership. I remember coming home from those first few strength classes close to tears.  I felt like a failure and that I would never be able to perform some of the exercises the trainer had us do.  But thanks to the support of Lori, the other trainers, and fellow members, I stuck it out, and the rest, as they say, is history.  I feel so blessed to be able to take advantage of the various cardio and yoga classes, as well as the strength classes.  I have found all the trainers and instructors to be positive and encouraging while kicking my butt at the same time.  One of the benefits I enjoy the most is the support I receive from my fellow members.  Incidentally, I work out with a remarkable group of ladies (you know who you are Tuesday and Friday morning strength ladies) who consistently push the bar, and continue to motivate me to aim higher.

My Stronger Self has become such an integral part of my life now that if I don’t visit the studio daily, I feel as if something is missing from my day.  Two years later, I have lost nearly twenty pounds.  But even better, I feel strong, (both physically and mentally), confident, and in control of my life.  Thank you, Lori, Lisa, and the entire staff and membership of My Stronger Self.”

Lori Murphy, Personal Trainer and Fat Loss Expert from My Stronger Self Fitness demonstrates a few exercises you can do in your home, while you travel or at the gym to get you those killer abs!!!

Do you have a health or fitness question for Lori? Send us an email at FitForLife@MyStrongerSelf.com and we will answer your question in our next segment of Ask the Trainer.

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My Stronger Self Fitness providing Personal Training, Group Training, Boot Camps, Zumba, Yoga, Kick Boxing and many other exciting Fitness classes PLUS Nutrition, Advocare Products including 24 Day Cleanse to residents of Brighton, Howell, Hartland, South Lyon, Pinckney, Fowlerville, Fenton, Highland, Milford and all of Livingston County as well as parts of Oakland County.

Ballroom Dancing Brighton, MI

Have you ever wished you could glide around the floor while Waltzing with your partner? Well your wish has come true! My Stronger Self along with Professional Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor (as well as our awesome Saturday Zumba Instructor!) Terri Sweet-Herrick have paired up to bring you 4 Weeks of Waltz Lessons for Beginners! Emphasis will be on strong use of basics and getting comfortable with the use of patterns and transitions. So grab your dancing shoes and your partner and you will be Dancing in NO time!

Dance class meets every other Friday at 6pm starting March 15th.
Cost is $80/couple for 4 weeks.

Email us at FitForLife@MyStrongerSelf.com to sign up today. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Take a TIME OUT from your busy day to re-connect with a loved one in our Couples Yoga.

Couples Yoga Brighton, MI

An evening to build trust, share strength and develop awareness.
Yoga Instructor, Denise Johnson will take you through the same poses done during an individual yoga session, but in partner yoga, you work together to achieve the pose.
Communication, eye contact, and trust will help you and your partner to experience not only a deep stretch in the body, you’ll deepen your connection to each other.
We accept, we laugh, we let go of self-judgment … we just have fun!
No prior yoga experience necessary!

Couples Yoga meets every other Friday at 6pm starting March 22nd.
Cost is FREE with membership, Non-Members $4o per person for 4 weeks

Email us FitForLife@MyStrongerSelf.com to reserve your spot. SPACE IS LIMITED!