"When you are in a positive state of mind your body will react accordingly."

The other day, I was chatting to a friend of mine and he said, “The next time I see you, I want to be 10 pounds lighter! I want to look good for you.” Although I was flattered that someone wanted to use me as a source of inspiration, I was a little taken aback and replied, “Don’t do anything for me. Do it for you!” Later, it got me thinking about why we work out and eat right at all. 

All too often, we do it for the wrong reasons – we seek approval and recognition from the people around us when in truth the only opinion that matters is our own. This may not be easy to believe or follow through with, but it’s true – I’ve experienced this myself. Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just going through the motions – it’s about being aware of the way you feel. Treating your body right through proper eating and working out is about giving back to you, making time for you, conquering challenges, increasing your energy, boosting your self confidence and, most of all, it’s about feeling good. Don’t be afraid to do things that make you better. 

Here are some things I do to keep my fitness focused and live the Oxygen lifestyle:

1. Your workouts are “you time.” The time you take in your day to train should be without distractions. This is your time to focus on yourself and release the stress of the day. I was bringing my iPhone with me to do cardio and weights and found that the constant interruption of text messages, phone calls and emails was a major distraction and I left my workout more tense than when I went in. Miryah’s tip: I separated my music onto an iPod. 
   
   
2. Don’t worry about what others think. Whether you’re in the gym trying a new exercise or toting around your cooler like it’s your new best friend, don’t fret about what the people around you are thinking. The other day I decided to try a Zumba class and the complicated steps left me fumbling around and self-conscious. I was worried that I was in the way and that I didn’t belong. Then I said to heck with it and let loose. Not only did I have a fantastic time in the class, but I caught on to the steps and then my energy caught on, too! People were laughing, dancing and having fun while working out. Because of that experience, I’m now hooked on Zumba! Miryah’s tip: Free yourself from inhibition!
   
   
3. Make your goals relate to how you want to feel and look. Long lasting changes occur and goals are achieved when the inspiration to make healthy choices comes from the way you want to feel about your self. Visualize yourself with the body you want, and focus on the way you will feel when you have it. Then use that feeling to guide your choices throughout the day. 
   
   
4. Do activities that you enjoy. Fitness should be fun, not torture. If you like being outdoors, why run on a treadmill in a gym if you can jog outside? (Weather permitting, of course.) Choose activities that you feel good doing. When you are in a positive state of mind your body will react accordingly.

Miryah’s Mocha Java Protein Shake

Mix together one scoop of chocolate protein, a packet of Stevia, 1/2 cup of ice, 1/2 cup cold coffee (brewed the day before and left in the fridge to chill), 1/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and blend until smooth. 

*This is a great morning pick me up that tastes like a mocha frappuccino.