Itz Linz
Hi! My name is Lindsay Itzkowitz and I blog at Itz Linz. I consider myself a healthy living blogger. There are a lot of things I'm not, but there are even more things I am. I am not a personal trainer or group exercise instructor. I am a woman who consistently includes strength training and cardio sessions into my daily life. I am not a registered dietician or a nutritionist. I am someone who has educated myself and am knowledgeable in the area of healthy eating. I am not a chef, cook, or baker. I am proficient in the kitchen and have created some pretty stellar recipes. In general, I am an incredibly healthy person. I workout on a consistent basis, eat foods that fuel my body properly, get enough sleep, and minimize stress. Why? How? When?
Why? It's simple and perhaps a bit egotistical, but I'll share anyway. When I work hard to make healthy choices in terms of eating and exercising, I like the way my body looks and I like the way my body feels. It's true and it's as simple as that. I work hard for my body. I'm not stick-thin, nor do I strive to be. I am a woman with muscles and I'm proud of it. My muscles are strong enough to carry me through the seven half-marathons I have run, one sprint triathlon, three extreme obstacle courses, and many other races.
How? I incorporate a variety of exercises into my workout regimen. Cardio and weight training are both included, as well as the occasional yoga. I mix-up my workouts in order to keep my muscles guessing and to ward off boredom. I never do the same workout two days in a row. My friends and I workout together. I get to know the people at my gym, so I feel included in the community. I try new classes. I've never looked as dumb as I did during Zumba, but I sure had fun while shaking it!
When? I am a third grade teacher, and like many of you, I am extremely busy. I wake up at 5:15 every morning and am at the gym by5:30. I know that early in the morning is the only time that nothing can get in the way of my workout. I have no excuse not to be at the gym. I plan my workouts and treat it as any other engagement. I wouldn't cancel my dinner plans with a friend because I was tired or had too much to do, so I don't cancel my workouts.
Being healthy doesn't mean only eating fruits and vegetables. I do consume a lot of fruits and vegetables because they taste good and contain nutrients necessary for my active lifestyle. I am constantly reading other blogs for recipe ideas, so I don't have to eat the same vegetable day in and day out. I stopped being scared to experiment, ask, and try new things and started exploring the many vegetables that are available. And let me tell you, there are a ton and they are GOOD! I do eat my fair share of frozen yogurt and other sweets, but I do it rationally. Extravagant desserts are not an everyday occurrence for me and I don't feel deprived. I make all of my meals tasty ones and I truly enjoy eating. So when someone asks me what being a "healthy living blogger" entails, I am honestly able to say that I get to share just some of my daily life and everyday happenings with the rest of the world.
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