New Year, New You: {Questions from Yous}

(Yes, that says 'Yous'. Apparently I'm from Jersey today.)

Wow. Just wow.

Can I just say how thrilled I am that the New Year, New You series has taken off the way it has? I've gotten a ton of emails from you ladies with questions about various fitness/diet topics, so I felt the best way to address them might be on here!

Remember, if you DO have any questions that aren't addressed here, don't hesitate to email me at askblondeambition{at}gmail{dot}com and I'll get an answer for you!

What are Stephen's thoughts on cleanses and fasts?
In his own words, "Don't do 'em. Unless it's for a spiritual reason or you're preparing for a surgery the next day, there is no reason not to eat. Often times, people turn to these for a quick fix, but end up losing only water weight. Then they're discouraged when they gain all of it (plus 10 pounds) back the next week.

Cleanses and fasts are not only dangerous, but they are terrible for your metabolism. When the body is deprived of solid food, it goes into "starvation mode". It will then conserve and store every calorie it takes in after the fast....ergo, you end up heavier and hungrier in the long run."

via Shape Magazine

How do you beat, um, monthly bloat? I tend to gain about 5-10 pounds each month at that time, no lie! Help!
Since Stephen doesn't have monthly bloat, (HA!), I thought I'd share my tips. I used to get really awful bloat around that time of the month, but have discovered a few things that work for me. I try to cut out carbonated beverages the days before Aunt Flow comes to town. I also try to drink 2 cups of green tea per day during the week of. Green tea is a great diuretic, which helps to alleviate water weight gain, (which is what PMS weight really is - water.)

I also stick to my regular work-out routine and steer clear of super salty food. Bottom line: I still get PMS pudge, too. But these tricks have helped me look and feel better during that wonderful week of the month : )

Also, not to give TMI, but my doctor put me on a lower estrogen birth control last year which has helped immensely with alleviating PMS symptoms like weight gain. Email me if you want more info!


Is there a cut-off time for eating each night? I've heard never to eat after 7:30 (on Oprah, I think) but others have said it doesn't matter. Thoughts?
It's true. The earlier in the evening you eat, the better. This gives your body time to metabolize the calories consumed during dinner before you sleep. However, it's better to eat late than to skip a meal altogether. So yes, eat earlier in the evening if you can, but don't skip dinner. I have a personal cut-off time of 8:00 p.m. - it just works for me. If I can't eat by 8, I'll eat a light dinner as soon as I can and resume my normal routine the next night.

via Pinterest

Is there an optimal time to work out each day? Is day or evening better for a sweat session?
Not really. I'm a better exerciser if I work out in the afternoon/evening. But if morning is the only free time you have, by all means exercise then. Calories burned are calories burned, regardless of the time of day. Just make sure that you exercise at a time you can stick with long term. Most people cannot stick to a 5:30 a.m. workout for longer than a couple of weeks, so tread carefully when committing to a super-early workout.

I'm terrified of weights, but know they are crucial for tone and definition. How do I use weights without bulking up?
Most women are genetically incapable of getting a bodybuilder-like physique. Without the use of 'roids or massive amounts of protein and creatine, it's not possible. Most girls are terrified of looking like Chyna the Wrestler, I know I used to be! The key is to use light weights (5 to 10 lbs. for arm weights, less than 50 lbs. on leg machines) but with high reps.

Also, throw in yoga or pilates workouts in between weight days. These will lengthen your muscles and give you that ballerina-type body and keep you bulk-free.

What kind of scale do you recommend?
I've had the same black Health-o-meter brand, digital scale for about 5 years. I weigh myself about once a week, always in the morning before I've had food or drink. The numbers will let you know if you need to cut back the calories or exercise a little longer that week.

I also believe that clothes are a great "scale". If I notice my favorite skinny jeans are getting too snug, I know that I'm indulging a bit too much. Clothes are a great indicator of your dieting progress.

Have you ever used a trainer? I want to hire a trainer, but have no clue what kinds of qualifications I should be looking for. What makes a great trainer?
Ask yourself these questions:

1) Would I want to look like my trainer? (If not, then find a trainer who's physique you admire.)
2) Would I feel more comfortable with a female or male trainer?
3) Are they certified? (Chances are, if they work in a gym, then they are.)
4) Can they provide references? (If yes, CALL those references. Get some client feedback before you hire!)
5) Will I be required to join a gym for them to train me?

Also, ask if you can have a trial session. Often times, you'll know immediately if they are the right trainer for you, kind of like a date : ) If they make you feel uncomfortable or make derogatory comments about your current fitness level, move on! You're there to gain confidence and feel better - not the other way around!



via The Glitter Guide


When it comes to alcoholic beverages, which are the best to indulge in when you're dieting? I want to be able to partake at cocktail parties every once in a while, but am afraid of how many calories they contain. Tips?
I'll be honest - I rarely drink. Not a moral reason or a health reason at all, I've just never been much of a drinker. Stephen isn't either, so we typically don't even keep it in the house, except for cooking. When I do imbibe, I stick to a glass or two of red wine, like Chianti (my fav!) or Pinot Noir. Both are low cal and you'll reap the benefits of the antioxidants and *resveratrol (a compound that promotes brain and heart health.) Champagne (also yummy!) is also fairly low calorie!

I don't really drink liquor (hate the taste), but if you aren't a wino and prefer a stronger drink, stick to "skinny" cocktails, like this Fizzy Fruit Cocktail Punch from HungryGirl.com or one of the Skinny Girl Margaritas. Both are low in sugar and calories.

There you go, ladies! Our answers to your questions!

Until next week...

*All information presented in this post is from my husband Stephen (a certified personal trainer), as well as Web MD, Shape Magazine online and HungryGirl.com.

Be blessed, lovelies-