1. What advice do you have for moms to help them stay motivating with their fitness goals?
First of all, I know from experience that Moms are infamous for creating roadblocks that can and will stop them from believing that they can be fit. There are absolutely no boundaries or exceptions for Moms not to look as good as women who may be younger than them, or even women who have never gone through the unforgettable pregnancy body metamorphosis. Fitness is a lifestyle, not an expiration date.
My Fit Mommy Rules:
Make time for yourself:
You will be a better Mom when you are refreshed and feel good about yourself. Yes, our kids need to come first, but you are as important as they are. It is crucial to find your inner strengths, likes, dislikes and passions, so you grow internally as your kids grow to be little adults.
Be patient:
Shortcuts and spot training do not work. Make fitness a health part of your life and positive changes will reward you.
We are not girls, we are women:
Embrace your mature physique. Day in and day out, I cannot even tell you how I’ve become more and more impressed by the awesome maturity of the female physique and the sexiness age adds to our silhouette.
Work from the inside out:
Focus in empowering your way of thinking rather than obsessing on external imperfections. Once you internally become fit and strong, your exterior can and will take shape.
2. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?
Eggs
Fresh fruits/vegetables
Gluten-free grains
3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Going on a date night with my husband and hanging out with our couple friends.
4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?
Your guess is as good as mine! In all honesty, most of the time it’s a complete mess… action figures, snacks, workout music, my phone charger…
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
The Biggest Loser
6. What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?
Sushi or Dim sum and of course chocolate chip cookies from Paradise Bakery.
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
My family recently surprised me on my birthday with a generous lululemon gift card and when we arrived at the store, my son turns to me and says, “So you are just going to have your jollies and fun time shopping for fitness clothes why we sit and wait for you on your birthday?” and I said, YES I AM!
8. What is your favorite quotation?
“Winners don’t care about failure, because they know in no time, they’ll be diving in their next chance for success.” – David ZincZenko
9. How do you instill the importance of an active lifestyle with your family?
I instill the importance of eating right and being fit to my children by example. When I am not in my workout clothes, my kids ask why I am so dressed up, even if I’m in a T-shirt and jeans, which I happen to find so hysterical! I guess that image speaks for itself!
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
Kelly Ripa
1- She is super fit
2- She is a smart business woman
3- She is extremely confident
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was a journalist and public relations professional, prior to following my heart into the fitness industry. When I am not training my clients, I write for many national fitness magazines, websites, as well as appear in infomercial / fitness DVD’s and local new segments. I feel extremely fortunate to be able use my education and experience in media relations to talk fitness, which is something that I am truly so passionate about. I get the most satisfaction working with Mom’s, who do comprise more than 95% of my personal training business.
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
Really just being myself and staying true to what I believe.
It’s a party weekend! I’m sure most of you will at least be attending one cookout if not hosting one yourself. Here are a few ideas on how to make your menu simple, easy and super delicious…
Tuna Kebabs
3 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 serrano chile, seeded, minced
Freshly ground white pepper
1 1/2 pounds 1 1/4 -inch-thick ahi tuna, cut into 1- to 1 1/4 -inch cubes
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1 large sweet onion (such as Maui or Vidalia), cut into 1-inch squares
6 (12-inch-long) metal skewers
Additional chopped fresh cilantro
Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend; season to taste with ground white pepper. Transfer 3 tablespoons marinade to small bowl and reserve. Add tuna to remaining marinade in medium bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Alternate tuna cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion squares on each of 6 metal skewers. Grill to desired doneness, turning frequently, about 4 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to platter. Drizzle reserved marinade over; sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Tomato & Goat Cheese Salad
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 ounces fresh goat cheese
3 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced crosswise 1 inch thick
In a blender, combine basil, oil, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water. Blend until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
With dental floss or a warm knife (wiped clean after each slice), thinly slice cheese. Arrange tomatoes and goat cheese on a serving plate; drizzle with dressing to taste. Serve garnished with basil leaves.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
The kiddos will love these ‘fries’ that definitely have more nutritional value than your standard potato. Make sure to cut down on the spice though for the younger palettes.
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (the latter will make them quite spicy, so using according to your preferences)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds medium sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 425°F. Coarsely grind coriander, fennel, oregano, and red pepper flakes in an electric coffee/spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Stir together spices and salt.
Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1-inch wedges. Toss wedges with oil and spices in a large roasting pan and roast in middle of oven 20 minutes. Turn wedges over with a spatula and roast until tender and slightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes more.
Cupcakes
As previously stated, my goal this holiday weekend is to keep the cooking simple. I will be making red velvet cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting courtesy of Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines (it depends which one is on sale). The key here is presentation. Pick up the little American flags from your local party store and add some berries. No one will care they are boxed cupcakes when they look this cute.
Wild Berry Mojito
I realize I posted this last but please feel free to start drinking your mojitos today through the end of the day on Monday. Hey, it’s a holiday.
1-1/2 oz. Bacardi Light Rum 3-4 each of fresh blackberries, blueberries and red raspberries 8-12 fresh mint leaves
juice of one lime 1 oz. simple syrup
soda water
mint sprig for garnish
In a 12-oz. highball glass, muddle mint, simple syrup, wild berries and lime juice.
Fill glass with crushed ice – it is very important to use crushed ice, not cubed – then add rum.
Stir well until the ice is reduced by 1/3, then top with more crushed ice, stirring until the glass begins to frost on the outside.
Spritz with soda water and stir one last time to incorporate. Enjoy!
It has been almost a month since I have bought a new pair of shoes. My Vibram FiveFingers don’t count because those are classified under workout shoes. I was starting to get all jittery until I spotted these bright blue boat shoes on Blake Lively during my heavy weekend reading of Life & Style.
How adorable is she? With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner I thought these Sperry’s would be a fitting selection to curb my shoe craving.
1. What inspired you to begin training for your first bodybuilding competition?
I had been competing in triathlons for the past two years and after the second season, was extremely frustrated that my body had not changed at all! I was more active at that point that I had ever been in my life. I decided I was going to lose body fat instead of pounds. As I gathered more research on fat loss, I continued to come across bodybuilders and figure competitors. Then, I asked myself, “what do THEY do to look the way they do??” I hired my trainer, Valerie Cota with VIP Factor Personal Training and from the moment my body started to transform, I knew I was meant to compete. I was inspired by the hundreds of photos that I came across, and I so badly wanted to achieve that physique.
2. How did training for the competition change your everyday diet?
I spent the first few months just learning how to eat right. I had really bad eating habits prior to learning how to Eat Clean. That being said, my diet changed dramatically, for the better! I quickly learned how to eat more often (every 2 to 3 hours) and to eat MORE! Before Eating Clean, I would go all day without eating and once I got home from work, I would devour anything in sight! Looking back, it was such a bad habit and it was one of the reasons my body wasn’t changing. I also went from arriving to work with NO food in hand, to now bringing a HUGE bag of food to work. By the end of the work day it is all gone, and it is all good for me! As the competition grew closer, my diet became more strict and regulated. There were things that were eliminated and things that were reduced. The great thing about it all, is that it was doable. I’ll admit that it was boring, and daunting some days, but I cannot wait to do it again!!!
3. What is your go-to ‘Cheat Day’ treat?
Honestly, I don’t cheat that much. What I consider a cheat, would probably not be what someone else would consider a cheat. Chips and Salsa are definitely something I love to snack on, but have to limit of course. Most recently though, after the competition, I did indulge in some Flipz (chocolate covered pretzels) that my girlfriends gave me! They were SO good!!!
4. How do you instill the importance of an active lifestyle with your family?
Our kids have always been involved in our active lifestyle. For example, they have attended several of my triathlons as well as my husbands. We have participated in local running events as a family and they love going to the gym with us! The most important thing that I incorporated into the family was the healthy lifestyle in terms of diet. My kids were not big fans of vegetable before, but now they are not afraid to try new things or eat their veggies!!
5. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?
Reality TV!!! Specifically, any of the Real Housewives series, but my favorite being the Orange County group!! Not something I’m proud of, but I love the escape it provides from the day to day demands. There is something intriguing about watching someone else’s problems, and being grateful they’re not your problems!!!
6. What would we be most surprised to find in your purse?
Listerine White Strips! Hey, you never know when you may need to brighten up your smile!
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
The funniest thing my daughter said lately, was that I looked like a “brown monster” the day of my competition. I am naturally very fair skinned, so for her to see me with a deep dark tan, was alarming to her! She never quite got use to it, and she asked me to wash it off! Ironically, on the day of the competition I was feeling very beautiful and powerful, so for her to say that kind of surprised me! I didn’t take it personal though. You have to love their brutal honesty and not take it too seriously.
8. What is your favorite quotation?
“If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!” I know it sounds so cliché, but it is so true! I have to remind myself of this quote when things get tough or challenging in the gym or elsewhere, that it is supposed to be tough! It’s not supposed to be easy!
9. What songs are top on your iPod playlist right now?
My #1 song right now is Katy Perry’s Firework song! I know it may sound silly, but that song and the lyrics have been the driving force many a day as the motivation to reach the competition stage. Other songs that are on my playlist are On the Floor by J-Lo, Right Now by Van Halen and Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. These are either songs that motivate by their lyrics or by their upbeat tempo.
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?
My favorite celebrity mom is Kelly Ripa, hands down! I admire her for a few reasons. Before I decided to do the competition, I always looked at Kelly Ripa and was amazed at how she transformed her body from the way she looked during her soap opera days, to the way she looks now. I always wondered HOW she changed her entire physique?? HOW can someone appear so different, almost like a different person?? After going through my own transformation, now I know! She amazes me with her work ethic surrounding the many jobs she holds, as well as the amazing mom and wife that she is! On top of all of that, she has an incredible positive energy about her that I admire!
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Some people know this, but most people probably don’t know that I am a huge worrier. I have gotten better (somewhat) as I have gotten older, but I worry about little things as well as big things. I worry about my kids, my husband, being on time, being late, etc… I try to be aware of it, and tell myself not to worry and enjoy the experience, whatever it may be. Life is too short, and I don’t want to waste my time with unnecessary thoughts.
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
My secret to staying Hot and Healthy is taking the time for myself, and being selfish at times to take care of myself. Often times as moms, we think we are putting ourselves first, but the majority of the time, we really aren’t. Now that my kids are at ages that they are more self-sufficient, I see the importance of taking care of myself FOR my kids! I want to be the best person for them and my husband, because in the end, we all win!! I don’t feel guilty taking time out for girl time, or getting a pedicure, or going shopping by myself. It’s important that we don’t lose our identity, but instead honor ourselves by taking care of ourselves.
Name: Lisa Robins
