Work, Train and Win!

By day, I’m a professional in the oil and gas industry. But in my personal life, I am a fitness model, competitor, coach, puppy mommy, sister, daughter and friend. That’s a lot of roles to juggle. But over time, I have found strategies to help make it work.

I have been living the fit lifestyle for quite some time, so making healthy choices has become second nature to me. Still, there are some gals out there who are struggling. So, I asked my girlfriends what their biggest roadblocks are. Here are a few major challenges that kept popping up, and tips to help you get over them:

1. Finding time to make healthy lunches

• Cook in batches once a week. It may take you three to four hours, but it’s more efficient than cooking one hour of every day.
• Get past the stereotype that it’s “taboo” to bring your lunch. Don’t be embarrassed to be healthy. Think of the cash you’re saving!

2. Finding time to work out

• Find a gym with a convenient location and hours of operation that work with your schedule. It’s extremely beneficial to join a gym with multiple locations.
• Don’t worry about what people say is the best time to train. Do what works for you because that’s when you’ll work the hardest.
• Pack your gym bag the night before so you have fewer excuses.
• Be efficient with your time and pre-plan a couple of quick workouts.
• Think quality over quantity and aim for intense rather than long workouts.

3. Staying on track during networking events

• Networking events can make it hard to stay on track with your fitness goals. Try these tips to make sure your job doesn’t derail your clean diet and training plan.

Business lunches

• Research healthy restaurants in your area and suggest these as alternatives.
• Look at the menu ahead of time so you aren’t tempted to order something bad.

Happy-Hour networking functions

• Do colleagues keep offering to buy you a drink? Just tell them you’re the DD.
• Eat a snack beforehand so you aren’t stuck eating the apps.

4. Work stress and boredom

• Know the difference between being bored and being hungry.
• If you’re feeling stressed, don’t snack; go for a walk or drink a glass of water.