STOP Judging me

Why do we love to judge people? What makes us look at someone or hear something and automatically make accusations about them without even knowing them.

She’s skinny-well she must be anorexic or bulimic

Shes fat-well she must never workout and be slob

Why are we so freaking critical?

I am owning it today, and forever

Rachel-Thank you for starting this!

Am I judged? Yes, yes I am, probably everyday in fact. I could have people reading my blog right now who think I am crazy, ugly, fat, skinny, obsessed with exercise,you name it. I am sure there is someone reading who thinks one of these things about me. Do you know me, I mean really know me? No, you don't, so anytime you want to stop making judgements, that would be great.

Am I a strong person? Hell yes I am. Am I a confident person? Yes again. So this is me, take it or leave it but either way, I am OWNING it.

I have always been passionate about living a healthy lifestyle which includes eating healthy and exercise. Since I was 15, I knew my passion was in the health and wellness field.

Did I always have this passion, and have a athletic, fit body? Nope, so don't think this journey of mine was an easy one

I was 5 feet and 158 pounds at the young age of 14, I struggled everyday with living in my body.Did I have the motivation to not only get healthier-but gain self esteem, confidence and drive?

Yes, I did.

No, I was never the fastest kid on the team, or Varsity Captain of the field hockey team in High school, but did I bust my ass every practice and game? Yes I did. It wasn't for exercise either-it was for my mind, body and soul. physical activity gave me a rush. I got such a pump from sports, running, spin class, you name it, I did it, and loved it. I was 14 years old, and working out 4 times a week at Golds Gym with my mom. Did I get judged by my peers- you bet I did. Did I give a crap? NOPE!

I went to college with 1 major in mind-Exercise Science & Nutrition. I would tell others what I chose to study and more often than not, this would be the response “So, you’re studying how to workout…cool I would kill to do that” Really? You would? How about you take Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Kinesiology, and exercise phyisology all in 1 semester, then get back to me on that. I worked my ass off in college, so what gives you the right to judge me and think I am studying 'how to workout' spend a day in my shoes before you judge me.

I love what I do and how I motivate people to live healthier lives, who are you to tell me what I do is easy? I have peoples lives in my hands. They trust me with their health, and they trust you with what...they're money? If they didn't have their health, they sure as hell wouldn't have that money. Did you have to get CPR certified for your desk job? Because I have to be CPR certified just in case someone collapses. That’s how serious my job is, and I take it very seriously. So stop telling me what I do is easy. I'm so sick of hearing that.

Am I a little stubborn and selfish-you bet I am. I like to be the leader of my own life. I like to workout when i want to work out and do things on my own time. Why should I conform and follow what everyone else does, or what is "the right way to do things" The truth is, that there is no "right" way to do things. You do what you want, and thats that. So, don't judge me for getting up at 4:00AM to workout. Its my life-not yours.

Is my mom my best friend? Yes she is. There is no one in this world that knows more about me, and who I confide in more. Don't judge me for telling my mom everything and wanting to share all the details of my life with her. She is not only my mom, but my best friend so do NOT judge me.

I am Jewish, so you can stop asking me what I do around Christmas time when 'everyone else' celebrates Christmas. I have a life, I live my life and I celebrate my Jewish holidays. I don't, have never and will never have a Christmas tree in my house, I light the menorah on Hannukah and don't eat pig for religious reasons. I am who I am because of my religion, so don't ask me if I ever miss out on Christmas.


When it comes to food, am I a little crazy? Yes, I am and I am damn proud of that. Do I keep cinnamon, stevia and no salt seasoning in my purse to season things without calories-Yes I do, so don’t judge me. Do I carry a cooler around with me full of brown rice, sweet potatoes, chicken breast, Greek yogurt and almonds? You bet I do. Don’t judge me, ok? You can give me wierd looks all you want, I will walk away feeling more empowered.

When I go to a buffet and instead of choosing the pancakes, bacon and home fries, I choose the oatmeal, fruit and yogurt-don’t tell me “Oh, you are being so good!!” I am not being “good” by eating this food-this food is what I eat, its what tastes good to me, and what gives the proper fuel and energy I need for me. You don’t know me.

Feel free to ask me if I am ever tempted by fried food and I will tell you “No, never, I hate it with a passion” and this is the truth. You don’t have to respond by saying “OMG HOW DO YOU SAY NO TO THAT” It’s not about saying “no” when you truly do not like something. Would I question you when you shoved your face with fries and a burger? No, I wouldn’t so don’t tell me to “just take a bite” I don’t want a freaking bite, I want you to stop judging me.

Don’t judge me for wanting to have a low weekend night. Yes I am 24 years old, but this doesn’t mean that I should be going out until 4 am, getting drunk and not remembering the night before. I like to watch Say Yes to The Dress on TLC at 9pm on Friday’s, go to bed at a normal hour, get up early and enjoy the day. Don’t judge me. Its my life-not yours. Do I feel bad the next day that you feel like crap, are hungover and can’t even function when it is a beautiful sunny Saturday?-No, I don’t feel bad, but I also don’t judge you, that was your choice-not mine

And lastly, Do NOT judge me for wanting to enter a fitness competition. I am dedicated, more focused than ever and have the most self motivation I have ever felt in my entire life right now. I go to bed each and every night feeling strong, powerful and independent. I am so proud of the changes I have already made, I cannot wait to see myself in a few more months. I am conquering this thing. I have wanted to do this for about 5 years, and now-its happening. Don’t even THINK about judging me. Yes, I will have the fake tan, and I will wear the stipper heels, flashy suit and cheesy smile-but to me, all of this represents how far I have come and what I have worked so damn hard for-so, don’t you DARE.

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Spill it, what are you owning TODAY and EVERYDAY?

The ONLY Exercse You'll Ever Need!

I am sure you saw the title of my post pop up in your google reader, or saw it on twitter, and thought "oh, I wonder what exercise this is?" well there is no ONE exercise that you will ever need, that just will never be the case...let me explain....

I was reading a magazine the other day, when I realized why I picked it up in the first place. I was passing by thte cover in a CVS and saw some catchy cover words "Tone...Abs...One move...pg 62" That is what drew me in to opening this certain magazine

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Look at the bold letters on this magazine for a few minutes. "Get Firm, Flat Abs...The ONLY move you need" Now, when I read this at first I think to myself "There is no way that this one move will get me a 6 pack, yet I still pick it up and turn right to that page listed on the front cover. I think almost every fitness magazine I pick up, there is something about blasting fat, toning in no time, the BEST foods etc etc. Most of this information goes in but doesn't really stay and resonate with me for a long time. This is not a textbook, yet we sometimes treat it as one.

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I mean, c'mon...World BEST workout? This just cannot be the WORLDS BEST workout...Yet I am intrigued and usually end up buying it. After reading that article I forget why I even bought the magazine!

--Don't get me wrong, I LOVE magazines and subscribe to a few of them. I also keep all of my fitness themed magazines and always look back at them for ideas for training clients and recipes. I just think its crazy that we are so drawn into some of these magazines based on a few words written on the cover, then plastered with an airbrushed model.

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Moving on...Some of you asked me what brand and where I got the xanthan and guar gums that I mentioned yesterday

I ordered them from Iherb. I think this is a great website, less expensive shipping and it was at my doorstep in 3 days. I chose NOW healthy foods brand, and like I mentioned, these are KEY for making that smoothie creamy and thick!

Last night for dinner I roasted up some tofu in the oven for about 30 minutes at 375. I sprinkled some basil and garlic salt free seasoning. Along side the tofu, I roasted up some asparagus and cauliflower.

This morning, I woke up (got to sleep in a little bit yay!) And made my delicious bowl

I had a reader ask me if I mix my egg whites INTO my oatmeal. The answer to this is--sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Recently what I have been doing goes like this

• Cook 1/2 C liquid eggwhites in the microwave (in the same bowl that I will eat out of)
• When cooked through, break it up into scrambled pieces in the bowl
• Cook oatmeal on the stove top
• take berries of choice and put ontop of egg whites
• When oatmeal is done, pour into the egg white, berry bowl.
• Nuke for an additional 30 seconds if necessary
• Eat!

I have whisked egg whites INTO my oatmeal before too (click here to see) which I love! It makes for a creamy voluminous bowl!

After I digested I hit the gym for Shoulders/Core workout. Awesome today! I loved it, and went up in military presses to 17.5's! This beauty was 1 scoop of protein mixed with ice and water and 1/4 t each of the gums

On the way to work, I munched on the sweetest, most delicious yellow pepper! I also had some strawberries and 1/4 C cooked oats

These lil guys were used for my lunch!

I had a delicious salad packed at home for lunch and when I left for work, I grabbed the wrong grocery bag out of my fridge, only to find it was NOT the lunch I had prepared (sad face) Luckily we have a salad bar in the cafeteria at work so I resorted to that (that is my own grilled chicken from home that I pre bagged and  put in the fridge on monday--same goes for brown rice) Baby spinach, zuch, yellow squash, cucumbers and broccoli

My afternoon snack post cardio was awesome! I used cold brown rice and mixed it with a cup of greek yogurt and cinnamon. Loved this combo! Cold brown rice is gooooood.

Have a HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!

• Do you get suckered into buying anything like magazines, books, gadgets because of taglines that you hear? I do but mostly with magazines
• Absolute favorite nut butter at the moment? I am LOVING Blue Diamond Almond Butter (creamy)
• In honor of going back to school time...What was your favorite part of "back to school" When you were younger? Mine was the back to school clothes shopping and spending so long trying to put together that first day outfit! (I always got so upset when I didn't see "that boy" on the first day in my new spiffy outfit.

Its Quite the Situation

First of all, thank you so much for the comments on my bathing suit! I wasn't even expecting one! Want to know something funny? I forgot a bathing suit to the cape, so Saturday morning I went to Marshalls and found that suit for $10!!! It was originally $60 from Bloomingdales and it was a Marshalls STEAL! I do love it!

Ok, other exciting news of the day...

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Yes, Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino will be on Dancing With The Stars I. Am. Psyched.

So about this heat..... I thought that heatwave back in July was hot, but today was pretty brutal. I made the most of it and stayed inside-the mall-some shopping. It was a good day for it, right? I am in DESPERATE need of some new clothes. I realized yesterday that 3/4th's of my wardrobe is athletic/gym/fitness wear. Now, I am a personal trainer and wear workout clothes 5 straight days a week to work (which is a HUGE perk, in my opinion!) but the problem with this is I sometimes get so comfortable wearing yoga pants, tanks and zip ups, that I forget I am a 24 year old, young woman who deserves to wear real clothes when I am not at work! 

I have a ton of clothes that I also haven't worn in so long because well, they didn't fit me. Today, not only did I do some damage at the stores, but I shopped in my closet. I started trying on clothes I haven't worn in SO long including a pair of $180 jeans that I just bought before the summer and had NEVER worn! I was psyched! I am writing this to tell you all to shop in your closet once in a while! You may find something you never knew you had or forgot about!

I want to talk about my current obsession in the veggie department. These mini cucumbers are UNREAL. I mean, I love veggies, all veggies really, but I am pretty much obsessed with these cukes! they are perfect for dicing up and throwing in a bag, taking on the go, or eating as is! They are sweet and seedless and just out of this world. Okay, enough cuke talk

I also enjoyed a juicy plum today! I LOVE the size of this plum because it isn't too big or too small-just right for what I wanted

Juicy

I also enjoyed a greek yogurt with 1/4 C oatmeal and 4 blueberries as meal 2.  Two Mini cucumbers were eaten in 2.5 seconds as well.

Lunch time! I had a baby spinach salad with chicken breast, 1/2 C brown rice, and lemon water

The BEST. I only use a little bit because its very sweet, but its basically thick balsamic vinegar. Vinegar that has been reduced a whole lot and has the consistancy of watered down honey. Its so delicious!!

This chicken was on the bone, cooked in the oven, then my mom grilled it for the last 30 minutes. Wow, it was so tender and juicy! It was AMAZING. I was so happy to have leftovers for lunch today!

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Workout

Today was steady state cardio and LEGS. For my steady state I did incline walking and ellipticizing. Incline walking is HARD. Sure, I could run for 4 miles and have no problem, but incline walking? Thats a different story! If you haven't tried it yet, I think you will be amazed at what a great workout it is!

I stay between 6-12% grade and between 3.4-3.8 speed. My leg workout ROCKED as well. I will be having some major DOMS tomorrow!

And now...

I GOT THE GUMS! OMG I was so excited when they came in the mail!!!

Post workout protein shake with 1/4 t guar and xanthan gums, 1/4 C oatmeal with cinnamon and 4 fresh strawbs

I think I have been under a rock because this stuff was just introduced to me! What a difference it makes! this shake was almost TOO thick! And delicious!

As were the fresh berries!!

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Lastly, I just wanted to share a question that I got from reader recently that I thought would benefit some of my readers!

• "Naomi, when I am at the gym and I lift, how do I know if I am lifting too much or too little. I get confused when I am doing, say for instance 12 reps and choose a weight that I think is appropriate, but I really don't know if its a good weight or not. Thanks!"

Well first of all, this is a GREAT question! I get asked this a lot! The answer to how much weight you can lift can be tricky and quite ambiguious. Everyone is built differently. I do not lift the same as Mary, Bobby or Sue (Made up names used in examples to follow), so when you read something in a magazine that says "12 reps of 8 lbs" this 8lbs may be extremely challenging for Mary but not for Bobby. When choosing an appropriate weight I would suggest choosing a weight for an exercise that allows you to maintain proper and correct form through the very last repetition. Each movement should be controlled and smooth, not jerky. If you notice that you are using your body's momentum to help lift you or the weights you are lifting, that weight you chose is probably too heavy. I would start lighter than you probably think and perform one set just to start off. If this was too easy, the next set, move up in weights!

**You NEVER want to sacrifice form!**

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• When you are bored what is the FIRST thing you do? I either read blogs, read the news or food prep!
• What is the BEST BARGAIN you have ever found on an item that you purchased? This is a toughy for me, but for now I will say this new bathing suit of mine I found for $10!
• Have you ever hunted in your closet and reinvented clothes?! I have! love it!

The Perfect Summer Day

Good morning! Back to work for me (booo) I had 4 days of vacation last week which were really nice! It is always so hard to get back into the groove, isn't it? We spent the majority of the vacation looking at sights like this

Any New Englanders know where this is?!?! Marthas Vineyard! Well we acutally spent most of our time on Cape Cod, but on Friday we took the ferry (on the motorcycle) to the Vinyard! It was so so beautiful and picturesque. We could not have asked for a better day. It was not too hot, slight breeze, blue skies and smelled like the ocean! I didn't take too too many pictures, because I really wanted to enjoy myself and not be bogged down to my camera, but I did have the BEST salad for lunch. We ate at the Atlantic Restaurant which is about 3 feet from the water in Edgartown

This was SO SO SO amazing! I cannot get over it still! It was microgreens & arugula, navy beans, seared ahi tuna, two poached shrimp, local heirloom grape tomatoes. This salad did not need a pinch of dressing, the flavors from the fish and beans was to die for. I LOVE fresh seafood especially eating it about 2 feet away from the water-doesn't get much better than that!

On the ferry ride there and back, there was the US Coast Guard riding right next to us. Rumor has it that this coast guard spent the day going back and forth with EVERY FERRY for security purposes due to the Obama family being on the Vinyard (No, we didn't see them!)

The next morning, I woke up around 7:45 and went to the gym on the Cape. My parents are members of Golds Gym back home, so the Golds in the Cape-we can use if we are members so I just used my mom's name (hehe) Anyways, I loved that gym! I did my chest and triceps workout and then 15 minutes hardcore HIIT on the treadmill & abs. When I only have a short period of time, I really go hard, so it was a great workout! I came home and had some breakfast! Complete with seashells.

It was the traditional "onefitfoodie" bowl. 1/3 C oats (saved the rest for meal ) 1/3 C blueberries, 1/2 C liquid eggwhites withe extra cinnamon and SF syrup

We spent the day on the boat/beach. As we puttered around the harbor where my parents house is, we saw a boat ice cream truck! it was the cutest thing!!! Just like the ice cream man, but on a boat!

We ate at a restaurant called Ardeo, which is in Hyannis. It is mediterranean/greek/american food. I loved the atmosphere!

I got 1 glass of pinot noir. I'm on vacation, right?

For dinner, I went with the baby spinach salad topped with goat cheese, tomatoes, raisins, red onion and grilled chicken. (balsamic on the side) DELICIOUS!

Jason went with the fresh ahi tuna. What we thought was crazy was the ice cream size scoop full of wasabi on his plate! He figured it was mild beacuse there was so much of it, but that was a negative. He was coughing for about 15 minutes after his 'small' bite.

I was a happy gal, on the beach and fully enjoyed my vacation! Yes, I worked out, Yes I still ate healthy, because to me, when I take vacation, it is not a vacation completely from diet, exercise and health. I really don't like when people go on vacation and eat like crap and are totally against doing anything active--what an excuse. I acutally went for the most enjoyable jog yesterday morning and came back and did some exercise outside-It was perfect. Not as hardcore as some of my other workouts, but it was SOMETHING. Of course-this is just my opinion :)

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On the fitness front (speaking of which) Changes are happening and I am pretty psyched about it. My body feels tighter smaller and my clothes don't fit (which acutally isn't so great, because I only brought a few shirts/shorts etc and everything was pretty much swimming on me) Oh well! I felt COMFORTABLE in a bikini! I felt strong and confident and looked in the mirror liking the way I look (I never "didn't" like the way I look) but I just felt so much more comfortable to just walk around in my bikini  all day and not cover up. I am really kicking butt with this, sticking to the eating plan and my workouts, so I think my body is finally catching up and kicking into gear-its awesome!

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Have a great Monday, I am off to find coffee!!

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  Do you like seafood? What is your favorite? I love all seafood EXCEPT mussels, clams and oyster-oh and nothing fried :)
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   What is your idea of the perfect summer day? Mine is going out on the boat, sitting on the beach, wearing bathing suits and towels all day, sunglasses, sun tan (or burn hehe) and not worrying about what time it is
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  What do you (or did you) order from the ice cream man? I always got the screw ball or ice cream sandwich but my mom only let me get that on Fridays!

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