seeking out challenges

On Saturday I ran in the Wasatch back Marathon.   A relay marathon that runs along the ridge line of the wasatch mountains.  Of course the leg I ran was 11 miles climbing to the top.  "Why would you want to do that?", chids my mother.  "You are not as young as you used to be."  "what if you get hurt?"

What if I do?  Why would I want to put my body through agony for 11 miles?  It is an adequate question, but of course my answer is so much deeper than, "I just thought it would be a good idea."

I am not an advocate for marathons.  I am advocate for picking something challenging and doing it, even if others around you think you are crazy.  Pick something that is fun for you, pick something that you wouldn't normally do.

My experience running this race was something that hopefully stays in my heart forever!  I gained so much insight while pounding away on the dirt trails climbing the ridge line.  Each mile, or should I say stride, I would have to tell myself, "get to that next tree and then reevaluate how you feel."  Each time, I would feel like I wasn't just climbing, I was tackling everything in my life that is hard.  I was tackling all my goals that I have.  I was tackling the fears that lume in my mind.  Each stride was an affirmation that I can do hard things and keep on going.  On my journey to the top, at mile 13...there was my precious girls, cheering other runners on and giving out water.  As I climbed the hill to reach them, I was reminded again, that this isn't all about me.  It is about them.  What a great opportunity for them to encourage others in their goals, to give aid, and encouragement.  It was a chance for them to see their mom do hard things and to buoy me up.  They grabbed my hands and started to run beside me, eyes beaming and chanting, "you can do it mom!"

Once I reached the top, the views where so beautiful!! You could see the valleys below and the Timponoga peak ahead.  In that moment, I felt more close to intention than I had in a long time.  I was in a place of complete surrender.  My body was numb and my soul was humble.  I was able to feel that I have a plan here on earth, that we all do.  That we have been given such a great gift...the gift of life.

During hard times, challenges, or experiences, it is a chance for us to look at the tree ahead and say, "I will get to that tree."  and once you are there...build confidence and do it again.  Pick the next tree and the next until you have reached the top.  Challenges can humble the spirit and make us teachable.  If we are willing we can learn our most valuable lessons during that moment.  Remember along our journeys, we are never alone.  We may feel alone as we run along the dirty, rocky path, but a few miles ahead there is a water station and someone willing to give you aid.  These individuals are everywhere, ready to buoy us up and cheer us on.  If your head is down and your eyes are shut, you will miss them and the relief that they bring.

When I got home from the run.  This wonderful running mediation and teaching moment, I received a phone call from someone that I was waiting to hear from about a business partnership.  Mind you, this is a Saturday afternoon when I got this call.  Coincedence?  I don't think so.  I had put myself in nature, humbled my spirit and let my soul and mind meditate for hours.  I was so close to intention and right when I needed it, the helping hand to further my purpose in life had called and we worked out a business deal over the phone.  He even said, he had never done that before without meeting the person, but felt so differently about me and was willing to wrap up the deal!!!  Amazing and truely a gift.  A gift of knowledge that intention works and that seeking out challenges is one of the greatest ways we can feel zestful and more closer to our purpose!













Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

What is your TRUTH?

It all starts with a dream!

When we go through challenges in our life, we can go in 2 directions.  1. we decide to be sad, angry, discouraged and think about it end on end. 2. Or we can decide that we are as low as we can go and step up and find happiness in the journey.  

I have made the decision to go with #2.  I am officially going to take a risk and let myself come through.  I tend to be quiet about my personal life, but at the same time want to passionatly help others live their best lives.  I also have been wrestling w/ beliefs that I grew up being taught and whats in my heart.  I am making the choice today to continue being true to my heart and speak and do what I feel is "TRUTH, " despite what others close to me will think or respond to me.  We all come to that avenue sooner or later and I have officially come to mine.. So today to everyone who reads and to myself, I am declaring that I will take the higher road and govern my actions based off my heart and be ok with it and not worry or govern any more after what others would like for me.  

I extend this to all of you.  Take risk, choose happiness, and walk the path that is in your heart!

Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

Saying Good Bye

Thank you Jake LaLanne for setting a great example of health, fitness, and happiness.. I hope to carry the torch and continue to help people see how much is accomplished, how great can be their joy, if they live healthy, conscious lives.
Today I challenge everyone to be aware of what they put in their mouth.  Try to eat consciously and avoid anything with refined sugar (white sugar).  Bring on the joy!

Energy Foods

A Shopping List of Top Foods to Fuel Your Body

Tired. Drained. Pooped. No matter how you put it, you're beat and need to drum up some energy. You are not alone. Many people have trouble getting in gear in the morning, experience the afternoon slump, or just want to crash on the couch in the evening.

The exhaustion can be a constant problem for some folks. Fatigue is a common complaint associated with many factors. It is found in all populations and generally reported by more women than men. Sluggishness can be caused by many factors, but experts say poor nutrition is a big culprit. A well-balanced diet, on the other hand, can boost energy.

Food is truly our body's fuel. What we choose as our fuel is going to absolutely impact the performance of our bodies.

The best strategy is to eat small meals of energy-promoting foods several times throughout the day, rather than infrequently bingeing on huge meals (you also need to exercise, get enough sleep and control stress, but that's a whole different segment.) With that in mind, I offer you 6 foods that are guaranteed to charge your batteries and stave off the dreaded afternoon and early-evening head-nods.

1. Oatmeal: Don't forget the oatmeal ever! Start your day with oatmeal. This is an excellent healthy food that not only makes digestion easier but also stabilizes blood glucose level (because of its complex carbohydrates and fiber content). Fiber content in the oatmeal helps you to get a steady stream of energy. Oats also contain Vitamin B which helps transform carbohydrates into usable energy.

2. Almonds: Not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats such as butter and cheese tend to make you lethargic by lowering the amount of circulating oxygen in your bloodstream. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s, that produce an alert mental state. Other healthy fats to include in your diet are avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil, fish oil and canola oil. Of course, with the possible exception of fish oil, eat all of these in moderation

3. Lentils: Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. They're also a great source of fiber--which translates to a slow release of glucose--as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. And they're low in fat and calories to boot. If you don't eat beans often, start with a small portion or you'll experience the flatulence factor and end up dining alone. Some other good choices include navy beans, chickpeas and kidney beans.

4. Blue Berries: Blueberries are high in manganese, fiber andVitamin K. All these are great to reduce blood cholesterol level and improve condition of the heart. Blueberries are the number one antioxidants fruit. Antioxidants help to get rid of free radicals and balance the protein level.

5. Sardines: A lean protein food- contains an amino acid called tyrosine. This helps to improve mental function. Besides sardines, salmon (rich with omega 3 fatty acids) is also very good for health.

6. Chocolate: Not just a pick-me-up-in-the-love-moment for women, chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine, says a study in the Journal of Food Science. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, improve longevity, and increase sexual appetite. Chocolate does contain sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories, so consume in moderation and, when possible, opt for dark chocolate, 70% or more, which has the fewest calories and the most antioxidants.

Spring Clean & Detox Your Body

For Ways To Detox Your Body

There are a few simple steps we can all make that will detox our bodies, jump start our metabolisms, and help us feeling refreshed and ready to conquer our fitness and health goals.

1. Sweat at least once a day for a week. Go for a run, take a spin class, stretch in the steam room, and dance around your house until your body starts to sweat. Sweating helps clear clogged pores and eliminate toxins. It may also feel good and help start a new habit!

2. Eliminate white sugar from your diet for one week. White sugar (sucrose) is one of the most toxic chemicals in the body and it is also one of the most addicting. When you find that your body is constantly craving sweet food, you know you need a cleanse. Sugar is inflammatory in the body and decreases elasticity in the skin and drains your energy. Remove sugar for one week and you will see a more youthful appearance and renewed energy. Good tip: Throw out or give away all sweets in your home and in your drawers at work.

3. DRINK WATER! Most of us do not get enough water as it is. Make it a reminder to get enough each day for one week. Drink 64 oz. or more each day. Water helps eliminate toxins and flush out the inside of your body. I like to think that sweating and drinking water each day is like taking a bath for your insides. Most of us do not like to go more than one day without a shower. Our internal bodies do not like to go without an internal bath of exercise (sweating) and drinking water for more than one day as well. Good tip: Place a 32 oz water bottle in places you are going to be throughout the day. Tell yourself you have to drink at least half before you can go to the next spot. Refill bottles for the next day.

4. Do a daily scrub. As our bodies try to detox due to eliminating sugar, sweating, and drinking water it will eliminate out through the body via our skin. Scrub your skin each night in the shower with a shower scrub and then do a nice sesame oil rub after. While applying the sesame oil, rub in a circular motion around joints and the abdomen area. This will hydrate the skin and help you feel refreshed and renewed. This is an Ayurvedic tradition that has had years of success in healing fibromyalgia, arthritis, and aids in renewed energy.

Secrets to Amazing Sex

SECRETS TO AMAZING SEX

Don't get distracted by people and companies trying to make money at your expense:

You know what I'm talking about:  Pictures of Naked Women, Seductive Topless Shots, Sex Movies, etc.

Looking good and feeling good make sex more enjoyable. Fitness is an excellent way to improve your sex life. Consistent exercise creates higher seritonin levels in your body and brings heightened and more enjoyable sex.

As you improve the quality of your relationship you can dramatically improve the quality of your sex life. Communication, harmony, and oneness all contribute to amazing sex. When you have balance in body, heart, mind, and soul sex is amazing.  Exercise promotes healthy relationships.

Secrets to Sex?  Better Body & Better Relationship.  Focus on those two fundamentals.  It is really that simple.

Respect yourself, respect women.  Go out and get some exercise and you will look good and feel good.  Your body and relationships will improve.  You will find the true secret to amazing sex at an unbelievable price (Your consistency & your willingness to work).


Danette Allen Fitness
www.bodyheartmindsoul.com
"Live Your Best Life!"

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