Just as important as a good sweat session, meditation helps to relax us, clear our minds and steady us for what the day, week or moment will bring. 

There's a specific CD that I use that I love, It's a meditation CD that my CB Therapist gave me that is all led by God's word. Meditating to scripture helps connect me to what's important and let's me rest and relax for twenty minutes at the beginning or end of my day.

For a quick recharge, try this calming 2 minute video below by my friend Rachel Zeskind. 

While paradise is probably at the top of all of our lists for the perfect place to relax and recharge, all you need is a quiet space to sit or lay, where you can be cool, calm and comfortable. Even an office breakroom, airplane seat or heck, a bathroom if you're a busy mom looking to grab two minutes of calm, will work for this short, but effective, video. 

Share on social media with the hashtag #FitnessFriday to connect and share with others. 

Through my position at Runway, I've had the privilege to work with the beautiful Holistic Health & Wellness Coach Rachel Zeskind. She is one of our fabulous writers and always has something to share regarding clean living, eating well, managing stress and an abundance of fitness tips. 

From time to time we are going to be sharing one of her wonderful recipes, videos or articles to help inspire a healthy and fitness driven attitude for this summer. 

I've personally had a very stressful week - and needed something to help me recenter, get focused and be calm while helping to relax my muscles. Aside from my prayer time in the mornings, I like to unwind with gentle stretching, breathing techniques and Rachel's stress-reduction yoga video. The video takes just over 90 seconds and is a great way to end the day or break up a busy day. 

For more - visit www.RachelZeskind.com 

Tip of the day. Everyday. 

Know what you're putting in your body.

It's important to be aware of what you're consuming. We get one body and what we fuel that body with determines how we feel, both physically and mentally. Starbucks recently released the sugar content for their latest six new flavors of Frappuccino's that everyone is going nuts over and I have to say, honestly, these numbers are almost criminal.  102 GRAMS of SUGAR?! 

As someone who tries to abstain from sugar completely, sometimes I will have a treat using honey, agave and in rare cases, organic cane sugar, but I limit myself to 10-14 grams. 10-14 grams and I can still feel the adverse effects of sugar. So I can't IMAGINE what putting 10x that into my body would feel like at this point. And I wouldn't want to know. Sugar is toxic and sugar addiction is an epidemic in our country. Starbucks just continues to take advantage of that fact. 

There's also a big trend in people giving their children these sugar-laden drinks, the ones made without coffee, but I would suggest MUCH healthier alternatives. Make a shake at home. I have a recipe for a dairy-free and sugar-free shake that tastes remarkably like a restaurant chocolate shake that is loved by toddlers in my home. Childhood obesity and diabetes is growing at alarming rates and we the power to stop and slow that trend by making health-conscious decisions. 

I am not saying we don't deserve the occasional treat, and if you must get a treat when you're out, know the sugar content. Opt for a sweetened tea or order a hot cocoa. Or work on a sugar-cleanse to benefit you, so that next time you will be satisfied with an herbal tea, warm lemon water or black decaf. Peppermint tea with a dash of honey is so sweet & satisfying to my palette now it feels like dessert. Make these easy swaps and your health, and your wallet, will thank you. 

I haven't done many personal posts in a while, so I thought, "hey, today's a good as time as any."  I'm still floating on cloud 9 since our Universal deal announcement and I'm loving school. As always, I have many irons in the fire, mainly because it's my nature and a little because my heart and soul is wanting a little one and I want, ok, I need to keep myself as busy as possible while we continue trying. 

Summer has been a blur so far, but exciting. Between putting out the Summer issue of Runway, class, the new record deal and freelancing, it hasn't left much time for a social life, but we try to make it a priority. We went and saw Pitch Perfect 2 on opening night which was insanely fun and a big personal accomplishment, as in previous years, my anxiety wouldn't have let me attend a crowded movie. YAY for healthier living! 

My diet has looked a little different as of late. While I strive to live as close to Paleo as possible, ensuring many vegetables, lean meats and fruit fibers get into my diet, sometimes it doesn't always work best for what my body is needing. That's a process I'm learning not only for myself, but for my future clients. I believe in the power that food has to heal, and that for some of my former issues/current issues, grains can cause more damage than good, but right now my body is telling me in moderation, it's what I need. 

I'm mixing in a little gluten free oatmeal once a week and some high quality, organic rice or rice products as it's actually improved my digestion in the last couple of weeks, and sorry for the information, made me more regular than when I'm just on plants and meats. I also noticed, especially when I was pregnant, that my ketone levels were getting quite high, and healthy carbs, even in the form of sweet potato or starchy vegetables will help prevent that. 

But sugar, aside from fruit and honey, sugar is still a non-negotiable. In all it's refined forms, sugar is toxic. Which is why I've added a link to my Honest Girls Guide To A Sugar Cleanse from my guest post over at Around My Family Table. It gives an in-depth look on what it's REALLY like to cut sugar from your diet. Teaser: IT GETS EASIER. You'll have more ENERGY. Less illness. Better skin. I mean, why not give it a shot?

As a bonus, you'll also get access to my 5 Tips For A Successful Detox.