The real reason you can’t sleep

The real reason you can’t sleep
You know those nights when you slip into bed and the sheets feel soooo good?
 
Your body is tired, your mind is calm, and you’re perfectly set up for a great night of Zzzs. 
 
It’s the best!
 
And then there are those nights you go to bed and just can’t get comfortable. 
 
Your muscles are tight from sitting all day, and your mind can’t seem to settle down.
 
It seems to take FOREVER to fall asleep and when you finally drift off, you toss and turn all night long.
 
Ugh. Not fun.
 
Here’s the difference:
 
The nights you fall asleep easily usually follow the days you did something to EARN that sleep.
 
When you think about sleep that way, it makes it a whole lot easier to set yourself up for sleep success!
 
If you don’t make it a point to be physically active — and/or you sit in front of a screen for most of the day — you’re making it harder for your body to get into a good sleep groove.
 
Here’s how to earn that sleep:
  • Be active during the day.
    Regular exercise doesn't just boost your health, it sets the stage for deeper sleep. Hit the gym, take a brisk walk, and/or find a reason to move — your body will thank you at bedtime.

  • Train your brain.
    Make it a habit to do activities that give you a mental challenge.

  • Release tension.
    Help ease stress and work out muscle tension with yoga, stretching, or mobility work.

  • Eat well.
    Give your body the right nutrition (in the right amounts!) and plenty of water during the day to keep it functioning at its best.

  • Go outside.
    Natural light and fresh air can improve and help lock in your sleep cycle. 
If you’re looking at this list thinking, “But I’m too tired to do all of that!”, I can help you find the best place to start. 
 
In my 28-Day Total Body Transformation Program, I have a simple to follow roadmap to success! You go at your own pace, and take small steps to finally get the energy and they body you desire!
 
It doesn’t have to be complicated…
 
It just has to be consistent! 
 
Want to see if my 28-Day program is a fit for you? Check it outHERE, or reach out and let’s chat and figure out how to get you feeling happy, healthy, and energized.

 p.s
Don't miss out on my latest interview on the Shifting Focus Podcast where we discuss everything from exercise, toxins, pickleball, my book, menopause, and wellness. Click here to listen: Colleen's Interview on the Shifting Focus Podcast (I'd love to hear your favorite takeaways!)
 
Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Creator of the Fit Pickleballer's Injury Prevention Program
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

Do THIS instead of Quitting

Do THIS instead of Quitting
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re struggling with your New Year’s goals right now…

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Why? Because you deserve better than that.

In fact, did you know that the second Friday in January has become known as “Quitter’s Day”?

Yup, it’s true…

The second Friday in January is supposedly the day by which most people have ditched their resolutions. 🤯

But, there’s ONE powerful way that you can shut down those naysayers:

Instead of quitting, commit to ONE healthy action today. (It’s that simple.)

Need some easy ideas? Here’s a list of 15 healthy actions you can do ASAP even if you’ve already put your goals on the shelf — and all you have to do is choose ONE:

  1. Drink a glass of water
  2. Spend 5 minutes quietly focusing on your breath
  3. Go for a walk
  4. Take a multivitamin
  5. Do some squats
  6. Plan a healthy dinner
  7. Put your phone away for 30 minutes
  8. Go outside for some fresh air
  9. Write in a journal for 5 minutes
  10.  Reach out to a friend or other supportive person
  11.  Brush your teeth
  12.  Hire a coach
  13.  Read a self-development article or watch a video
  14.  Adjust your goals
  15.  Eat an apple
Remember, do just one thing. 

Then, use that teeny-tiny bit of momentum to power your next healthy thing… and your next… and your next.

And if you are ready to conquer your goals once and for all, I have a time-tested plan that’s helped women just like you lose weight and regain their energy without feeling deprived and spending hours in the gym! 

Another session of my 28-Day Total Body Transformation is kicking off February 12th, and it’s not too late for you to join. You can learn more HERE.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you 1) have a plan and 2) work the plan!

Here's what one customer had to say about her experience, "
"When I first heard about Colleen's program, I thought I didn't have "time" for another program. I read more about it and realized it was different and easier than most programs that are out there. I changed some major bad habits in just 3 days into the program that I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to do. I love the new habits I've created and still going strong; they are really lifelong changes. Who knew! Colleen did!"-Melissa G.
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

6 ways you’re making it harder to reach your goals

6 ways you’re making it harder to reach your goals
This month we are all about making your healthy lifestyle EASIER …

And one big way to do that is to get rid of the things that are blocking you from your goals.

I’ve got a quick list of 6 things you can stop doing now … so you can start getting results NOW!

Ready? Let’s go!

6 Ways You’re Making it Harder to Reach Your Goals

1. Aiming too high, too soon. This is a recipe for failure and frustration.

Goals like shedding 20 pounds in a few weeks… or running a marathon within a couple of months can be daunting and discouraging. Instead, set smaller, realistic targets to fuel your long-term progress. If this is an area you struggle with, a coach can help.

2. Comparing yourself to others. It's okay to draw inspiration from others but don't let their progress define your worth. 

Plus, you never know behind-the-scenes of what it REALLY took them to get there. Your journey is unique, so own it and celebrate your progress.

3. Over-restricting your diet. Eliminating foods (and food groups), skipping meals, or obsessing over the scale is not only discouraging… but it can lead to cravings, fatigue, and a serious lack of motivation. 

Aim for a balanced, enjoyable lifestyle that supports your health and well-being.

4. Navigating without a plan. Having a proven game plan to take you from where you are NOW to where you want to be will save you time and effort. Otherwise, you’re relying on guesswork to reach your goal. 

5. Short-term vision. Being fit for a vacation or an event is great… but staying in shape is even better. Consider your long-term health and avoid the exhausting cycle of temporary fitness.

6. Isolating yourself. Everyone needs support. A strong support network or a great coach can hold you accountable and help you reach your goals even faster. 

Having someone in your corner cheering you on – and helping you find the inner strength to step out of your comfort zone – is invaluable!

If this is an area you need help with, make sure you check out my online coaching program.

Imagine a version of yourself that radiates confidence, vitality, and joy every single day. A version that feels proud when they look in the mirror, slipping into their favorite clothes with ease. A version that exudes energy and charisma, embracing life to the fullest. That version is within your reach, and I am here to guide you on this life-changing path!

Click here to learn more about my online personal training and coaching program: https://colleenriddle.com/page/online-training

Remember… what you DON’T do is just as important as what you DO do in reaching your goals.

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Creator of the Pickleball Injury Prevention Program
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263


Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

7 Habits that Wreck Your Metabolism

7 Habits that Wreck Your Metabolism
There are probably a few things in your life that you’d like to slow down… 
 
But when it comes to your metabolism? Probably not.
 
Unfortunately, there are plenty of sneaky ways we slow our metabolism down — here are 7 of the most common metabolism saboteurs:
 
1, You don’t eat enough
 
Your body is smart! When you regularly eat less fuel than you burn, your body can make itself even more efficient by lowering how many calories it needs.
 
This can happen if 1) you exercise a lot and don’t ramp up your food intake to match it; 2) you undereat every day, or 3) go on a lot of diets.
 
2. You skip meals
 
Research shows that eating regular meals throughout the day is linked with a greater “thermic effect of food” – i.e., more calories burned after eating. 
 
Plus, eating on a regular schedule helps your body manage its blood sugar levels, which is a biggie when it comes to your health.
 
3. You don’t lift weights
 
Strength training helps boost your metabolism in a couple of different ways.
 
Over the long run, it helps build muscle, and muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue.
 
But it also has an immediate benefit: it raises your metabolism for hours after your workout is finished.
 
4. You slack on your sleep
 
Not getting enough sleep is like a triple whammy on your metabolism.
 
  • When you’re tired you’re not as active, which means a lower daily calorie burn
  • You tend to eat more when you’re sleep-deprived because it messes up your hunger hormones and makes you crave high-calorie foods
  • Your body has a harder time managing blood sugar levels when you’re low on sleep, which can make you store fat
5. You sit all day
 
Being sedentary – i.e., not getting up to move around every half-hour or so — is linked with a slower metabolism. Time for that standing desk!
 
6. You don’t eat enough protein
 
Not only does protein keep you feeling full after you eat it, but it also helps you build metabolism-boosting muscle.
 
Plus, digesting it burns more calories than digesting carbs or fat.
 
Some guidelines: aim for between .73 and 1 gram of protein for every pound of your weight (1.6 and 2.2 grams per kilogram of your weight). 
 
7. You get stressed out a lot
 
It’s true! Stress can LOWER your metabolism.
 
An Ohio State University study found that women burned fewer calories after they ate a high-fat meal when they were stressed.
 
Just another reason it’s so important to have a plan to regularly blow off stress, like working out, meditating, or relaxing hobbies!
 
How many of those rang a bell for you?
 
If you know you need some support revving up your metabolism and creating healthy habits, my 28-Day Total Body Transformation program can help you go from feeling blah and sluggish to confident and energized in just 28 days!
 
I'm here to support you in any way, just respond to this email if you want to chat or have any questions! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!
 
"I have lost 15 lbs during the 28-day program. The biggest thing is realizing that I in fact wasn’t eating clean at all & you gotta move daily! I’m now enjoying fresh, organic choices vs anything over sauced or breaded. My fridge is full of beautiful colors, and I have lots of energy. Thanks Colleen, I know you love what you do!" - Tammy M.
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

7 Reasons to Build More Muscle

7 Reasons to Build More Muscle

I probably don’t have to ask you if you’ve ever thought about “losing weight” or “burning fat” — but how often do you think about building muscle?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your muscles much thought until you go to pick up something heavy or throw on a bathing suit. 

But here’s a surprising fact:

Although the idea of building muscle is typically linked with how we look, your muscles are closely linked with your overall health – and also with the aging process.

In fact, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon states that muscle is the, "Organ of longevity," and says if you have healthy skeletal muscle, "Your chance of surviving nearly anything and everything that happens to you is exponentially greater." She also says that, "We are not over-fat, we are under-muscled."

Here are 7 reasons to build more muscle, starting right now:

1. You start losing muscle around the age of 30. 🤯

Yes, you read that right. On average, people lose around 3%-8% each decade… and then it speeds up after you turn 60.

The sooner you get started on building your muscle “bank,” the better! 

Muscle loss is one of the top causes of disability for older people – they become too weak to live alone and are more prone to falls and injuries.

2. You’ll build stronger bones.

Did you know that many people start losing about 1% of their bone mass PER YEAR after the age of 40? 

Stressing your bones (when you’re doing it in a healthy way through strength training!) will help boost your bone density and cut the risk of osteoporosis and fractures when you get older.

3. It can help you manage chronic conditions.

Lifting weights can help you cut back on symptoms of arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and obesity.

4. It can help with fat loss.

If you’re trying to lose weight, strength-training workouts are an important tool – and they can help you keep (and maybe even build a little) muscle as you get leaner.

5. It can help sharpen your thinking.

Studies link regular strength training and aerobic exercise with better brain function. 🧠

6. It’ll improve your quality of life.

Your everyday activities get easier – starting ASAP! Plus, it can improve your balance and protect your joints from injury.

7. It helps you keep your balance.

Again, this can help you avoid slip & fall accidents now and as you get older.

Plus… having toned muscles is great for your confidence and energy level! 

If you’re ready to get serious about your health and fitness, my 28-Day Total Body Transformation program gives you a proven approach.

With my 28-Day Program, you can expect to: 
  • Increase energy levels
  • Build muscle
  • Improve brain focus & mental clarity
  • Naturally balance blood sugar & eliminate cravings
The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll start feeling (and seeing) results. You can check out what others have to say and more details here: 28-Day

Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor 
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info!  Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
 
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