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Decision. Action. Outlook change.

Act / Decide / Outlook / Path

Decision. Action. Outlook change.

Do you want to get fit? Are you discouraged because you don’t have the time, or don’t know where to…

The DAO – Decision. Action. Outlook.

Act / Decide / Outlook / Path

The DAO – Decision. Action. Outlook.

The “DAO” of being a "fit professioanl is a three-part framework that gives professional women a customizable plan of action for fitness success while balancing their career and relationships.

Do you want to get fit, but don't have time to figure it out? My personal blog, DAOFitlife, and the upcoming book, is here for busy professionals who don’t have time to figure it out. I give you my insights on making fitness - physical AND spirtal - a sustainable part of your life.

If you are like me, you DON’T HAVE TIME to waste on spending hours in the gym OR to cook elaborate meals with obscure ingredients. Through years of my passion for fitness, I have accrued knowledge of what works – and more importantly, what is a waste of time. I can show you how you can revolve fitness around your life, instead of trying to do it the other way around.

Decision

Decision

Decide. Make a decision - that is the “ D” in DAO. A decision to commit - or recommit - to change, to transformation, and to a new way of life. Even if that's after a New Year's resolution that has gone up in smoke. We start our day with making decisions, and by the end of it we have made thousands. It's those little decisions and habits throughout the day that will make or break your fitness goals in the long term.

Action

Action

Act. Action is the only way forward. Even if it’s an incremental 5 minute per day routine just so that you do it every day. Do or do not. There is no try.
Action is the only way forward. Just DAO it..

Outlook

Outlook

Outlook. After having done something, then meditate and visualize how you feel afterwards. Chances are that having come fresh off of taking action, you will want to do it again.

Remember this Mantra: You can't change the body unless you first change your mind. This is the difference between people who lose weight quickly in the short term and people who make long-term, sustainable transformations. For the first group, it's just about weight. For the second group, it's about self-transformative change, on the inside and the outside.

Kind of always knew you’d end up my ex-diet

Kind of always knew you’d end up my ex-diet

Let's begin by addressing the elephant in the room. “Diet.” Google the word “weight loss diet” and you will see no less than 1.38 billion hits.

Just so I am transparent, my diets outnumber my past relationships. And in some ways for me a diet experience is like a bad relationship. You always feel lesser than, you are not satisfied, and someone else is making all the rules. Some are like the old boyfriend you keep going back to.

Now that is just my experience but there are two glaring statistics that we cannot ignore about diets: chronic dieting is directly linked to weight regain and slowdown of metabolism. A group of UCLA researchers reviewed 31 long-term studies on dieting and concluded that dieting is a consistent predictor of weight gain - up to two-thirds of people regained MORE weight than they lost.

The DAO “PFC” approach to food

The DAO “PFC” approach to food

In the DAO, the action follows from the Decision. The decision is not to "diet." The decision is to embrace a principled, sustainable approach to food.

The 80/20 approach to a sustainable life

The 80/20 approach to a sustainable life

The 80/20 principle is often used in a business context, to dictate that the most results can come from a minority of inputs. It's not just for business - it is a principle that we an apply to many areas of life, including an activity we dedicate an average of 10 percent of our annual income towards: eating.

The DAO of eating like a boss

Diets / Recipes / Tools

The DAO of eating like a boss

You can still kill it at work and eat healthy throughout the day. Food will give you energy and calmness to deal with all the stress. All you need is a framework designed for #busyAF #fitprofessional women.

Read more about the article Kick Any Craving With These Healthy Food Swaps

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Diets / Life hacks / Tools

Kick Any Craving With These Healthy Food Swaps

One thing that is so hard to deal with over the holidays when you may have more down time is cravings. Whether you are with the fam, on a holiday, or just relaxing at home catching up on your TV sport or show of choice, you probably will experience cravings. These are heightened in the winter “comfort food” season, when we tend to feel a little more down (see my article here about that) and just more low energy.

December 20, 2023

Read more about the article How to Make New Year’s Resolutions You Actually Keep

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How to Make New Year’s Resolutions You Actually Keep

Every January, gyms across the world witness a surge in activity as individuals embark on their New Year’s Resolutions to get fit with determination and high spirits. However, by February, a staggering 80 percent of these resolutions fall by the wayside. The crowded gym floors of January become sparse, and the enthusiasm fades away. But fear not! This year, I came up with a key to for you to break the cycle that does not involve shilling out 2K for a piece of equipment that will eventually be a clothes hanger.

December 20, 2023

Read more about the article Your ChatGPT Guide to Calories and Macros

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Diets / Path / Tools

Your ChatGPT Guide to Calories and Macros

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and nutrition, the role of artificial intelligence in shaping our understanding is increasingly prominent. In this new series, “Ask ChatGPT,” we will throw it right in the deep end with the debate of whether you should count calories or macros.

December 19, 2023

Read more about the article Sip, Sweat, Succeed: Your Ultimate Dry January Guide

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Sip, Sweat, Succeed: Your Ultimate Dry January Guide

Ditch the glass, stow away the corkscrew, and prepare to embark on the adventure of a “Dry January.” This trend of abstaining from alcohol for the entire month has gained popularity over the years, promising not just a hangover-free start to the year but also a chance to reevaluate your relationship with that tempting tipple. So, should you hop on the sober bandwagon? Let’s uncork your Dry January Guide!

December 19, 2023

Read more about the article Can you drink alcohol and still lose weight?

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Can you drink alcohol and still lose weight?

How booze can be blocking your fitness goals

By now you must know that I am not afraid to take on touchy subjects. I feel that with an audience of mostly working professionals, we gotta talk about alcohol. And the timing is just right. Alcohol is a significant thread in the fabric of socialization. We will soon be back to the days of raising a glass, of wining and dining clients, and of team happy hours.

December 18, 2023

Read more about the article Escape the Free Food Trap Part II: The Office

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Escape the Free Food Trap Part II: The Office

One of the many perks of working in an office environment is the abundance of free food. From stocked kitchens and holiday treats to cookies, candy dishes, lunches, bagels, and doughnuts, the workplace often becomes a culinary playground. While these offerings can bring joy and foster a sense of community, they can also pose challenges for those striving to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to navigate the office food scene without compromising your well-being.

December 6, 2023

Read more about the article SAD is normal – how you can overcome your winter blahs

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SAD is normal – how you can overcome your winter blahs

As December unfolds, the air is filled with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming holidays. However, amidst the festive spirit, the pressure to wrap up work tasks, attend social gatherings, and fulfill family obligations can lead to a spike in stress levels. Managing the year-end rush is crucial to prevent burnout and preserve your mental well-being. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to navigate the December chaos and prioritize self-care in ways that DON’T take up more of your time.

December 6, 2023

Read more about the article Are you still scrambling to buy gifts? Here is an easy solution

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Life hacks / Tools

Are you still scrambling to buy gifts? Here is an easy solution

It’s the most wonderful – and crazy – time of the year. On top of your to-do list, you have gifts to buy! The good news is, it’s such an easy solution – basically everyone wants to get fit and take care of themselves, but a lot of times we forget to or just don’t want to spend 30 bucks on a candle. If someone gets one as a gift, though, that is a whole different story. This year, consider giving the gift of fitness with presents that cater to self-care, healthy indulgences, and exercise essentials. In this article, we’ll explore fantastic fitness-related holiday gifts that span categories from self-care to exercise equipment, offering something for everyone on your list.

December 6, 2023

green leafed plant

Dirty fasting can allow liquids like green juices throughout the day. Photo by Devin Avery

Dirty Fasting: How to Make it Work for You

In recent years, fasting has gained immense popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and enhanced mental clarity. Traditional fasting methods often involve abstaining from all calorie intake for extended periods, which can be quite challenging for many people. However, there’s a new and less restrictive approach on the block: dirty fasting. In dirty fasting, you primarily consume liquids until late in the day, providing you with more energy and flexibility than traditional fasting methods. This article explores the concept of dirty fasting, its potential benefits, and why it may be a more attainable fasting approach, as it was for me.

November 8, 2023

closeup photo of sliced pie on white ceramic saucer

Photo by Element5 Digital

ESCAPE the Free Food Trap: Strategies for Being Healthy This Holiday Season

This week I attended a conference in San Diego, and at one point, to my horror I found that I was EATING CHILI LIME TORTILLA CHIPS FOR BREAKFAST.

WHAT THE WHAT? This my friends is a classic case of the “Free Food Trap,” and no one, not even the ones with the most willpower, are safe.

Whether it is a work event, friendsgiving/family Thanksgiving, holiday party, or even just minding your own business in Costco, there is FREE FOOD everywhere. And no matter how financially secure you may feel, for some reason, the natural reaction is to shovel it in like you were at the Last Supper.

Free food, it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures, right? We all love to indulge in delicious treats, and when they’re offered to us without a price tag, it’s even better. However, this “free food trap” can lead to overindulgence and impact our health, especially in typical scenarios like holidays, work events, kids’ school functions, and parties. But fear not, we’ve got strategies to help you navigate these situations while still enjoying yourself.

The good news is, there is a logical explanation, a primal reason in fact. And the key to escaping the food trap is understanding this reason and figuring out a way to outsmart it.

November 6, 2023

Read more about the article 10 Ab exercises that won’t mess up your hair

Exercises / Tools

10 Ab exercises that won’t mess up your hair

Whether it’s a midday workout or a quick one before you hit the office, or your weekend activities, you might want to just zoom through a workout with as little “muss and fuss” as possible. For me, sometimes I have just gotten my hair done the day before, or maybe I don’t want to look like I have been rolling around on the floor just minutes ago. If you are working at home, you can do many of these between calls. If you only have 15 minutes to actually be in the gym you can easily do an amazing ab workout after a five minute brisk work or HIIT workout. (see my post here for a simple explanation of HIIT and how it is easily accessible)

November 6, 2023

woman in black long sleeve shirt holding blue plastic bottle

Photo by Bindle Bottle

How you can hydrate for optimal health and weight loss

You know water is a key component to your overall health. But did you know that hydration is a big part of maintaining your energy and regulating your appetite throughout the day? But it’s a lot more complicated than “8 glasses a day” because everyone is different. So how much should you drink and how often? This article breaks it down by the times of day.

September 28, 2023

person holding brown glass bottles

Photo by Sticker Mule

Hot Sauce: The Spicy Secret to Jump Start Your Fall Fitness

Did you know hot sauce can be a powerful weight loss tool? From boosting your metabolism to reducing your appetite, hot sauce has been found to offer a range of benefits for those looking to improve their health. In this article, we’ll explore these benefits, as well as the different categories of hot sauce.

September 28, 2023

Read more about the article Just go with it : Why not trying is the key to winning

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Just go with it : Why not trying is the key to winning

This summer Simon Biles made a miraculous comeback from the "twisties" that caused her to leave the Tokyo Olympics two years ago. How did she do it? She let go and focused on other more important things in life. In other words, she "Wu-Weid" her way into success. What's Wu-Wei?…

September 28, 2023

Read more about the article Why You Should be Skeptical of the 12-3-30

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Exercises / Tools

Why You Should be Skeptical of the 12-3-30

Every single day when I walk into the Equinox I see the treadmill -style workout still sweeping the nation – the 12-3-30 workout. But a lot of what I see is people holding on for dear life on the handles and craning their necks to overcompensate. It is important to consider whether a certain “hot” workout is right for your physique, as opposed to jumping on some social media bandwagon. You should always be skeptical. This is why.

August 29, 2023

Read more about the article Sip, savor and stay skinny with this coffee creamer guide

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Diets / Life hacks / Tools

Sip, savor and stay skinny with this coffee creamer guide

For many, the comforting ritual of sipping a steaming cup of coffee is a cherished part of the day. However, concerns about weight gain often loom large, especially when considering the addition of creamy, flavorful coffee creamers. The good news is that with a mindful approach and a few clever techniques, it’s possible to enjoy the indulgence of coffee creamer without tipping the scales. In this article, I will give you specific recommendations and a great method to make sure no matter what you choose, you can sip and stay skinny! Thanks to my husband’s friend Chris H for inspiring this article!

August 20, 2023

Read more about the article The DAO of Metrics: Why You Will Succeed With Food Tracking

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Apps / Diets / Tools

The DAO of Metrics: Why You Will Succeed With Food Tracking

In business, accountability and metrics are important. How is a company supposed to know if it is meeting its goals and gains if there is no understanding of daily, weekly, quarterly sales? Similarly, fitness goals also need measurable metrics. But what are the right ones, and how should you track them? The #fitprofessional is here to help.

NOTE: This is not to be interpreted as a recommendation of how many calories/macronutrients you should be eating. While the tools highlighted here are a good litmus test, everyone should consult with a medical professional and/or dietician to ensure that the numbers are consistent with their individual health profiles.

August 18, 2023

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Photo by Sydney Sims

Supplements / Tools

What the Liver? What You Don’t Know Might Kill You

Have you ever had a long weekend and felt like you needed a “detox”. Maybe you had too many glasses of wine at that wedding. Maybe you ate a lot of croissants on that summer vacation to France. Or maybe you just feel a little sluggish, and the fantastic promise of many products in the market that will “clean out your liver” and “detox” you is very tempting. This article should make you reconsider. Based on a true story.

August 16, 2023

Read more about the article Why Portion Sizes Matter! (more than most things)

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Why Portion Sizes Matter! (more than most things)

We are going to talk about portion sizes. I categorized this as a saboteur because I have seen many cases, including with me, of eating nothing but healthy whole food and gaining weight. It is SO frustrating.

The only explanation lies in CICO, Calories in = Calories out (read my cardio post for more explanation and breakdown of CICO). Portion sizes matter in this equation. And thanks to Supersize menus, we have a skewed view of what they should be. So I will use this article to understand the problem, and then offer a guide to retrain your brain – which is what I had to do after being brainwashed by the skewed portion size saboteur.

August 15, 2023

Read more about the article Your Low-Cal Guide to Summer Starbucks Drinks

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Diets / Life hacks / Tools

Your Low-Cal Guide to Summer Starbucks Drinks

You know it’s summer when you start seeing pictures of the frothy, creamy, colorful Starbucks drinks pop up on the menu.

What you might not know is that many of these favorites, even when not supersized, are the calorie and sugar equivalent of a large candy bar. And have far in excess of the recommended sugar intake sometimes on a daily basis. While following my 80-20 approach can definitely leave room for an indulgent Starbucks drink as is, regular consumption of these “empty calories” will not only add up but will leave you unsatisfied, as there is no significant amount of protein, fiber, or fat in any of them.

But you don’t have to be left out in the heat. You can have your cake and eat it too on the reg. Here’s how.

July 23, 2023

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