Nicole’s Take on Fitness & Nutrition

“Everything in balance” is the phrase that rules my life. I don’t believe in extremism with regards to diets or exercise. Maintaining an overall healthy balance within your social, nutritional, sexual and career lifestyles is more important than risking one for the other.  For example, efforts in trying to lose “that last 5 lbs” by starving yourself via diet pills or fad diets while becoming a bitchasaurus-rex to everyone around you.  Even if you think you look drastically better, you just scared off that cute guy/girl who took you time and effort to snag in the first place (think of all those wasted hair and makeup hours)! You shouldn’t sacrifice one part of your life to benefit another. Enjoying a healthy balance of all the delicious slices of this pie we call life is highly recommended by me. Also, party and celebrate as much as you can (if you’re not hurting yourself or others).

I constantly eat and drink water and also try to exercise around five days out of the week. About a year ago I switched to a pescatarian lifestyle so I don’t eat red meat, pork or chicken (i.e. only fish and sea beasts). I have seen incredible improvements with my overall health, appearance and attitude. I should also mention that I live in Central Oregon where microbreweries are king and therefore not imbibing is considered an insult. So, yes, I do consider beer a normal part of my diet and here’s a glimpse at it:

• Morning: Egg, toast, coffee w/ soy milk
• Mid-Morning Snack: Raw Almonds & fruit (orange, banana, etc), yogury
• Lunch: Salad, grains (quinoa or brown rice), steamed veggies, fruit, cheese
• Mid-Afternoon Snack: Pretzels, or crackers with peanut butter
• After work snack: Microbrew or red wine w/ chips and hot salsa (My favorite)
• Dinner: Fresh squeezed vegetable juice (usually kale, spinach, carrots, apples, and cabbage) accompanied by a grain, lightly steamed vegetable and tofu or fish for protein.
• Dessert: Dark chocolate – Delicious not only because it’s an aphrodisiac!
• All the time: Water, water, water!

I work out about an hour five days per week which is switched up between weightlifting, aerobic classes, yoga, Pilates, and running. When it’s not too cold I prefer to walk the two miles to my office for an extra calorie boost. Also, I love to snowboard so I make it up to the mountain any chance I get. Fun is an important part of overall health and fitness so do whatever puts a smile on your face when you’re burning those calories. ;)