Aspire to Inspire

This weekend I had the privilege of watching 13 kids participate in what for some was their first triathlon. Inner city kids who after being introduced to the sport, create goals to compete in and complete a mini triathlon. This was a monumental experience for me. After watching and training with these 13 athletes for 5 months, it was gratifying for me to see them accomplish their goals.

Webster defines inspiration as the "stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity". It is the " divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul".

What these kids accomplished was for me confirmation that anything in life is possible with planning and practice. Some of these kids had never even seen an ocean much less swam in one. But undaunted, they pressed on and 3 placed among the tops in their age groups. When asked after the race if they were afraid before the race, most said that they were. But not one quit! As Emerson once commented, "It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do."

After having survived the death of his family and the German concentration camps, Victor Frankl once commented, "Life can be pulled by goals just as surely as it can be pushed by drives." All of these kids were driven to achieve a goal and it was their accomplishment of this goal that inspired me. Inspiration can come from any source and I'm proud to say that the kids from Tri-Kids Inc. inspired me to continue to pursue my goals. I hope that their story can inspire you to reach for that thing that you've been dreaming about in life. Who knows maybe one day you too can be the inspiration for someone else to reach their goals. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!

Clean Living

Eating clean is not a new concept. Fitness enthusiasts, both professional and novice, have long recognized the importance of a healthy diet. To eat clean, there are a few easy principles to follow.

Clean Eating Principles

• Drink water with every meal.
• Eat proper portions.
• Avoid soda and other sugary juices and drinks.
• Avoid saturated and trans fat, instead consuming healthy fats.
• Avoid all over-processed and refined foods, especially sugar, white rice, and white flour.
• Combine lean proteins and complex carbs at every meal.

When eating healthy, many people focus on what they put in their diets. But much can be said about the benefit of eliminating toxic things from your diet as well. Clean eating is not about deprivation, avoiding food groups, counting calories or starvation, but about making healthy food choices and providing the body with the best foods possible.

The Benefits of Clean Eating

• Increased energy
• Weight loss
• Fat loss
• Better sleep
• Increased mental well-being

Eating clean is not complicated but it does require planning. Many people underestimate the importance of eating good quality foods. The human body and mind are nothing without food so make good choices. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!