Ever wonder what Barbie does to stay in such great shape? You’re about to find out. Okay, I didn’t really land a fitness interview with Barbie, but I did get to interview my friend Meghan, and that’s close enough.
Read on as Meg shares some great fitness tips that can help you burn fat, feel great and get in the best shape of your life.
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Q: What inspired or motivated you to pursue fitness and get in shape?
I’ve always played sports….basketball, volleyball, softball, etc.
I played for the love of the sport, however as I grew up and stopped playing team sports, I realized how much I loved being active! Feeling fit is the best feeling!
Q: People who have a lot of weight to lose really struggle with motivation. All they can think about is losing 30, 50, 70 pounds or more and how long it’s going to take and they want all the results TODAY!
You mentioned you have the same struggles as far as motivation.
What, in your experience, has helped you and what advice can you give to our readers to help them focus on smaller goals and stick to their plan with getting frustrated and quitting?
A: I think most everyone struggles with lack of motivation from time to time.
It’s hard to be on your A-game with your diet and exercise routine day in and day out, especially when “life” gets in the way.
It helps to plan ahead and not beat yourself up if you miss the gym or eat a brownie.
Get right back on track after that slip up…..don’t think, tomorrow is another day…think my next meal or the next hour.
I think it is important to focus on smaller goals to help achieve the bigger long term goal.
If you want to lose 20lbs, measure in increments of 5lbs. Each time you hit your mini goal…..get a manicure (or insert other reward here)!
You’ll be that much more motivated to hit the next 5lb goal…..and before you know it, you’ll have reached your long term goal!
It is very easy to get frustrated and want to quit, but just give your body time. You only get one!
Eventually, if you are doing the “right” stuff (eating clean and consistently working out and challenging your body), you will see results! There is no question about it!
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Q: What’s the biggest mistake you made when you started and how did you correct it?
A: I think the biggest mistake I made was going too fast too soon.
Right when I started to workout in high school, I would do two-a-days….wake up before school, workout….come home from school….workout!
It was too much too soon, and I nearly burned out.
Q: What do you think is the most important thing or skill you’ve learned with regard to health and fitness?
A: The most important thing I’ve learned with regard to fitness is that not everything works for everyone. Just because your friend went on a diet and lost a ton of weight, doesn’t mean you will too.
You have to find out what works for you/your body.
Q: What are some common pitfalls you feel people can stumble upon and how would you help them avoid these obstacles?
A: For sure, a common pitfall is setting unattainable or unrealistic goals. To avoid this, make small achievable goals. People also create excuses for why they can’t work out or why they can’t eat right.
It’s all BS, because if you want it bad enough, you will do it. I know plenty of the people that are successful in this industry are crazy-busy, but they just make the time for it!
Q: Moving forward and knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently with your own journey, if anything?
A: Nope. Part of the success I’ve had thus far, came from the things I’ve learned along my fitness journey.
Q: The most common excuse I hear from people who don’t eat right or train is that they don’t have the time.
What advice do you have for people who use ‘lack of time’ as an excuse to eat poorly and avoid exercise?
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A: Trust me, I don’t have time. If you want it bad enough (to be in shape), you will make the time and not give excuses! Plan ahead!
I wake up at 5:30am so I can workout before work and I pack my healthy lunch.
On days I know I wont wake up early….I know I can bring my gym bag to work, and go right after. It’s all about thinking ahead.
Q: What’s a typical day for you?
A: 5:30am – workout (cardio or weights, depending on the day)
7am – breakfast (1/2 c oatmeal, 1/2 c fat free cottage cheese, green tea)
8:30am – off to work
10am – snack at work (protein bar or shake)
1pm – lunch (grilled chicken, steam veggies, greek yogurt)
6pm- snack (fat free cottage cheese)
7pm – workout (if I didn’t make it to the gym in the morning)
8pm – dinner (grilled chicken or egg whites, 1/2 sweet potato)
10pm – snack (only if I’m super hungry)
12am – bedtime (It’s hard for me to go to bed early!)
Q: How are you able to consistently fit everything into your busy schedule?
A: Again, it’s all about planning ahead and making the time. Waking up early has really helped me fit exercise into my day! I also write down everything I eat in my food log to stay on top of things!
Q: What do you think are the keys to becoming successful, whether it’s in business, or losing 15 pounds of fat?
A: To be successful in anything, you need to be motivated, have enough determination, seek out a plan and execute it!
Q: What’s one of the things you find most challenging about fitness?
A: Many things in this industry are contradictory.
Q: What are your future fitness plans?
A: I don’t think I could compete, however being a fitness model would be great. As a little girl I wanted to grow up and be the next Denise Austin or Kathy Smith. I would love to do workout DVD’s and write books.
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