Join me in The Mixx Challenge...It will be fun!

How many times do people tell you that you must create balance in your life? Well creating it isn’t the hard part for me, it’s maintaining it that’s the tricky part. That is why I’ve decided to create, take and maintain The Mixx Challenge. Interested? Read on….

Okay, here I am again, out of shape, not at my best weight, having left not nearly enough time for my health and myself over the past year. Opening up my second restaurant created the perfect storm for me to let myself go in efforts to open up a successful second location for The Mixx, the downtown store. Basically, as I shaped the downtown location into a sleek, beautiful space with every last detail tended to, I allowed my own self to move in the reverse direction.

It’s like I’m living the old phrase “history repeats itself.” Back in 2005, I created, developed and built my first restaurant – and I overworked myself. I fell out of all my good eating and exercise habits. I gained a lot of weight, felt tired and overdrawn… a far cry from the athlete who has two marathons under her belt. After we had been opened a full year and The Mixx was running well, I finally decided to take a little time for me – no more 20-hour work days!

So what did I do? Well, I hit the gym, starting running again and actually sat down to eat three healthy meals a day. This may not sound very exciting or revolutionary, but when I wake up every day and feel great, it is proof that this is worth the commitment to take care of me and to make the most out of every minute in every day.

As a result, I lost 60 pounds and was back in amazing shape and, the best part, I felt out-of-this-world-great. Happier, energized and, yes, I looked better too, which also helped out in the happiness column.

Fast-forward to 2010, and, ugh, I find myself in the same boat I was in after opening the flagship Mixx on the Plaza. So two weeks ago, I made this commitment to me and to my health, my energy, and my mood. I’m back at the gym, my healthy eating regimen has begun again. I am not going to call this a diet; instead, I’ll call it my lifestyle-eating plan.

I challenge anyone who wants a healthy lifestyle to join me in this journey. I am totally putting myself out there and will check in with you all and let you know how it is going.

Come take The Mixx Challenge with me.

The Mixx Challenge Tips for Week 1:
• Be a “Grocery Track Shopper.” I am not an expert or nutritionist by any means, but I do know what works for my body and me. I am a grocery track shopper. I hit the produce aisle first and then swing by the meat and fish department. I vary rarely hit the 50-yard line or much of anything in the middle of the store. I love shopping at farmers markets and take that idea into account when I am at the grocery store…seeing that it is quite cold in Kansas City in the winter. Being a “Grocery Track Shopper” eliminates most processed foods and allows myself for a very “clean” eating style allowing my body to breakdown “real food” and as a result; shed those extra pounds. After all, this “real food” eating is how The Mixx was created and designed.

• Create an exercise routine that works for you. Getting started is the hard part, but once I get momentum going my work-out is just part of my day…kind of like grabbing your morning coffee of checking your email.

• Create some “me” time. I have worked, worked and worked…now I have set aside some “me” time. I am someone who, once I am out of bed and my feet hit the floor, it is non-stop all day long. I have incorporated a little time to hang out with my dogs, Herman and Charlotte, to enjoy a cup of coffee in he morning at home or to relax and read a few pages of my new book. This is my dedicated “me” time to sit back, relax, breathe and just enjoy the moment.

• Start a Journal. I log all my meals and workouts everyday. This helps me keep in check and will allow me to track my progress. This is also a good place for me to record my body measurements, set goals, and write down any inspiring messages or ideas that I may have come across.

Ok, this is a good start. I would love for you to join me in The Mixx Challenge…If you need an overhaul like I do…come join me in the fun.