My Love, Starbucks

I am a classic Starbucks junkie, and Liberty Lake Starbucks is my favorite. They all know me and my drink, they love me. Over the past 10 years I have evolved into the dream customer for Starbucks. I buy the coffee, but also the to-go cup, the ceramic home cups (one for every city I have traveled to) and the teddy bears. I’ve even bought music.  I’m a gold card member, and I get a “free” drink every 15 visits. These drinks taste the best.

Starbucks has been my comfort for so many years, the same smiling faces and the same coffee every time, even when I travel. I once had to spend three weeks away from my husband and kids in Dallas for a work training. This was probably the most emotionally heart-wrenching time of my life, and I missed my sweet little daughters so much every day. Sometimes, I stopped at the Starbucks by my hotel twice or three times a day, just to enjoy a delicious iced coffee and the comfort and familiarity that I felt there.  My husband did a great job while I was away, but my little girls were only 3 and 5, and they needed their mommy. By doing that training, I positioned myself for a nice raise, which I really needed…to pay for my coffee habit, I guess.  When I travel, the big green sign seems to beckon me, a light for a weak and weary traveler. Waiting inside is a promise that a delicious coffee will be crafted especially for me, exactly to my specifications.

Good or Bad?

At some point, I started to wonder if I was buying coffee or something different…like a nice, sturdy little crutch to get me through times of stress, times when I am tired, or worried. Much like any drug (and don’t kid yourself, it is a drug) there came a point when I realized this was not just a want, but a need. I sincerely doubted my ability to drive past the Liberty Lake Starbucks and go to work without a coffee drink in my hand. This is the point I realized my habit was an addiction.  But I felt that I could live with it…after all, it’s not like I was snorting cocaine, or smoking weed, or drinking alcohol. And this didn’t seem to cause any harm to my family, or anyone else. Heck, I kind of felt like I was doing my part to support our nation in these tough economic times! After all, Liberty Lake Starbucks employees (have I told you how much I love them all dearly?) have to work for a living too.

But on my journey working towards my ultimate dream of losing 100 pounds, the truth is coming out…after 8 weeks of working out (and by working out I mean working out HARD) with Zach Hunt at Physzique I am not losing weight as fast as I wanted to.  Sure, I am much more toned, super strong, and more fit than ever, but that I want to see the NUMBERS GO DOWN!  Some days I want to kill my scale. And, of course, the first question anyone asks me is “well, how much are you eating?” and I hate that question. I guess diet and exercise really do go hand in hand.

It was time to face reality, and actually track the calories I consumed. I would prefer to track everything EXCEPT for my daily latte…I just would prefer that was a freebie, a given….after all, it’s not my choice, I HAVE to have it, right?  Did you know that my seemingly-innocent Venti Non-Fat-One-Honey-Packet-Latte has 213 calories? This is a huge portion of my daily calorie goal. And If I couldn’t lower that daily calorie intake, my wonderful, hard, empowering workouts would fail to yield the results I so desired. So last week I did what I thought I couldn’t do. I gave up Starbucks. I still drink black coffee, but I consume far less calories this way.  I am not only saving calories, but also saving money every day. If I averaged $4 a day for my latte,  I save $1460.00 a year in cash! I am going to miss the team at Liberty Lake Starbucks.

How Does Exercise Help?

Research indicates that 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise five days a week reduced depression in some individuals. Other evidence suggest that being physically active can increase certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Working out also releases endorphins which are proven to make you feel better. As you exercise your muscles release tension and that can reduces anxiety. It also raise your body temperature
which for some, has a calming effect.

Exciting Benefits of Exercising

• Self Confidence
• Distraction From Negative Feelings And Thoughts
• Increased interaction With Others
• Coping Skills
• New Healthy Habits

• Weight Loss

Why Choose Exercise Over Depression And Anxiety?

Because it just makes sense. It is something that anyone can do no matter what shape they are in. Increasing physical activity gets you out of isolation and keeps your mind on the positive aspects of living. As you lose the weight you will become aware of how much you’ve allowed the depression to fuel the unhealthy habits that led to your obesity. That will get you motivated to make changes before it is too late.   Instead of  anxiety as a major way to deal with life you can use exercise instead. It really does help when you are faithful to a workout program.

With each day of physical activity depression seems to subside. You will realize that exercising needs to become a steady and permanent part of your life. You can actively make choices to let go of the depression and anxiety and embrace a more healthy state of mind. We all know that exercise is not a magic solution to depression and anxiety but it is a alternative to feeling hopeless and helpless.

Setting Realistic Goals

This is very important so as not to become overwhelmed and just give up. Starting slowly with attainable goals is the way to be successful at overcoming depression and anxiety when you are using exercise as part of your treatment. You can start by walking where ever you can to run errands. But you also have to make a conscious effort to keep track of what you eat by starting a food diary.  Believe it or not some foods can contribute to depression and anxiety.

There is a great exercise program hiding out in Liberty Lake, Washinton. It is called Physzique, home of  Zach Hunt. He is a personal trainer. Every time you go workout there, you will feel better and better. Your confidence will increase and your depression and anxiety will veryl likely decrease.

One other important thing to remember is if you are on medication for depression or anxiety do not stop taking it without your doctor’s approval. If it’s a goal to be off medication talk with your provider and ask him about making exercise part of a complete treatment plan to deal with the depression and anxiety.

So is today your day? Will you give yourself the opportunity to live a life that is full of  joy? Or will you sit on your couch full of anxiety or lay in your bed depressed and miserable? Make the right healthy positive choice: start exercising. Today is your day make the most of it!

Call Zach at Physzique today to start down the road of a healthier, happier life!

So Exactly What Is The Acai Berry And How Can It Help Get You Fit in Spokane?

Pronouced ah-sigh-EE, The acai berry is harvested out of South America. It comes from a palm tree. Most recently it has been endorsed by people like Rachel Ray and Dr. Oz from Oprah. They claim that
the acai berry has health benefits both physically and mentally.  With endorsements like that who wouldn’t be curious about this newest health craze.

So with all the hype I decided that I would give the acai berry a try. I especially like the claim that using the acai berry can cause significant weight loss. I am all excited about that idea because losing pounds is a big  part of my plan to get fit at a athletic club in  liberty lake. I plan on losing about 70 lbs so I got a lot of work ahead of me.

What Are Some More Great Benefits Of Using The Acai Berry?

• Increased energy level
• Mental clarity
• Improved digestion
• Detoxification
• Improved skin/complexion
• Improved sleep
• Increased sexual function in men

Also another positive is that there are no known negative side effects from using acai berries. When used as a dietary supplement it comes in several forms. Tablets, juice, smoothies, instant powder and whole fruit. So as you can see there are numerous reasons to include the acai berry as part of a complete fitness program.

I have personally experienced increased energy and several pounds of weight loss. It seems to me that the hype over this new craze is true. So jump on the band wagon and get started with the acai berry in what ever form sounds good to you. Seriously, with all the different methods to use this wonderful dietary aid you really have no excuse not to give it a try.

Where Can You Get The Acai Berry?

The quickest way is to go to Google.com and search for it. Right now there are several offers for free trials but you’ll have to pay for shipping. It is worth it. I encourage you to make it part of a your fitness plan.

Along with the acai berry I am combining an exercise program at Physzique in  Liberty lake.  I go there 3 times a week for an intense workout with my personal trainer Zach Hunt.  His ability to motivate and encourage me is amazing and I am confident that with perseverance and determination I will achieve my fitness goals. So if you are interested in seriously changing your lifestyle to include fitness I suggest you use the Spokane acai berry and make an appointment to go see Zach at Physzique, his fitness club  in Liberty lake.