Athleta + Gap Fit Nail it!

January 16, 2014January 18, 2014Leave a comment

Gap Fit Nails it! by ssotelo12 featuring a nike footwear

Ladies and gentlemen! Let me introduce to you GAP FIT. I know, I know it’s not new to the rest of the world but it’s new to me. I am an avid GAP shopper when it comes to my everyday wear because most of the time the pieces they make will last years. When it comes to workout gear on the other hand, I am not one to branch out and try new brands. The problem with my body is that my legs are skinny, my boobs are big and my waste fits somewhere in between – so when it comes to shopping for athletic wear it’s either too big or barely fits in some areas. Not only is this discouraging but it has prevented me from really giving other brands a try. Needless to say, I stumbled upon Gap Fit over Christmas while shopping for family and decided I would give it a try. The material they use is similar to that of Lululemon which I am familiar with. I bought a few shirts like the one on the top right (pictured above) and decided to give the crops a try as well. What do you know, they were both great! The prices are reasonable and you are walking away with a great product. Thank you Gap for nailing it once again.

If buying new clothes will get you to the gym then you better get shopping! It’s the second week in January….how are you doing with your healthy makeover?

60 Day Challenge: My Truth!

April 1, 2013Leave a comment

Friends! Here we go. It’s April 1 and you know what that means? The beginning of a 60 days to summer challenge. It’s been a year now that I started my blog. Hard to believe the time has flown by. You know that saying. “Where has the time gone??” I’m feeling it! As I reflect on the last year I am amazed at all that has been accomplished in my own life and in the lives of others around me. I attended a Wayne Dyer conference a year ago and remember it like it was yesterday. This was the pivotal moment that I would allow my creative passion for health and nutrition to no longer be just a dream but actually manifest into reality. To my surprise the people in my immediate life were ready to hear what I had to say. With this said, I have completely transformed my lifestyle. When I look back at a year ago I think of all the things that have changed for the better. Of course when we stop and evaluate our life we assume everything is on track (hopefully or somewhere close), and that we are always the best we can be. Ha. I wish this was true. In the last 5 years or so I have always considered myself healthy. When I refer to healthy I am talking about food, life, relationships, work, etc. It’s always easier to justify where we are due to some event that happened in the past and “made us who we are.” I have come to learn in the last 365 days this simply is not the case. Whatever the situation is, or story that we create to be our own can be changed at any moment you make the choice to live, NOW. I joined FNS training center last year with the intent to try a workout that would actually change the way my body looked. I had the diet down, but never really pushed myself to workout where I felt like I was going to throw up. Don’t get me wrong I liked to go hiking, run and occasionally lift some weights but I think I was lifting the same amount of weight for the last 3-4 years! Sound familiar?? During this type of workout I have learned to really step outside of my comfort zone. I started the workouts because eating healthy is easy for me (not for many) and working out on the other hand was not something I ever exceeded at or felt like needed to be pushed to the limits. As I look back I know that every single workout is so much more than the physical aspect. It’s getting your mind right in order to then tell your body A- you CAN do this and B- you are SO strong enough!!!! Who was I kidding. When I started I could barely even do a single pushup or pull-up for that matter. It’s not like I would just break down while watching TV and do either of those…how was I supposed to know?? I started with the intent to change my body and this is exactly what has happened. I became committed to doing something I actually hated(this extreme workout). The split jumps, the squats, and the rowing are all things I still have to force myself to do to this day. (Just being honest!) On the contrary, I have become faster, lost some weight, lost some inches and have changed my confidence level beyond words. I have a frequent habit in my life to start something and not commit if I don’t like it. This workout regimen helps me to overcome this barrier I sometimes set in my mind. We’re not always going to like the things that make us better, it’s a fact. Simple as that.

I am doing this 60 day challenge as a commitment to be better. My passion for life is not just about food and nutrition but about being better than we were yesterday. It’s so easy to make an excuse and get stuck in our ways because it’s easy (trust me, I am guilty) but where is the growth and reward in that? My intent for the next 2 months is to step up my game. I want to be fit and I want to be full of muscle. I want others to know that No- it’s not easy to get in shape and look great but the easiest things DON’T TEACH US ANYTHING. I want a six pack, let’s get real! I will post an after picture June 1 so watch out! This will be a before and after from May 2012 to May 2013. I am proud of myself for staying committed and changing my body and mindset over the last 365 days. It’s not always easy, and I don’t always want to wake up at 6 AM to workout but I can definitely say I never leave and feel like I shouldn’t have come to the workout. It’s commitment, lifestyle and making my health a priority. What are you going to do in the next 60 days to change your life??

THE 60 DAY CHALLENGE

As we start our “60 Day’s to Summer Chall…enge” is imperative that we are setting ourselves up for success. One of the biggest ways we do that is by Setting Clear Expectations not just for ourselves but also those we surround ourselves with most. Here are a few questions to ask yourself in order to reach your goal over the next 60 days.

1. What are you willing to give up to be successful?

2. What are you willing to add in to be successful?

3. Who are going to ask for extra help, support, and accountability to be successful? When you let others know what you need and what you are trying to accomplish they will either support you or leave you alone. In either case both will be beneficial.

4. What are your “Non-Negotiables”? No matter what the circumstances, what are the things you WILL get done everyday in order to take a step closer to reaching your goal.

5. WHY is this important to you? “If it is important enough you will find a way, if it is not you will find an excuse” KNOW YOUR WHY!

Good luck!!!! When you know better, you DO better!

Baby Steps

February 18, 2013February 18, 2013Leave a comment

Spring is right around the corner which means bikini season will be here before we know it! What does this mean for me? I’m changing some things up. I already eat pretty healthy, but I won’t lie, there is the occasional alcohol beverage and Starbucks that could probably be left out. I’m making a promise to myself to lose some body fat in the next couple of months and start seeing some definition in my body. I have been working my ass off to be where I am at now- but know that with a few more changes I can reach my personal goal. What do these changes entail? Eating enough food (sometimes challenging between work and school), no alcohol, more protein shakes post workout, adding running in between FNS workouts. Feeling better is just the beginning, this in turn results in looking better. Figure out what you love about your body, and what you don’t. Make some changes. Baby steps in time turn out to be the leaps and results we wish to acquire. You can’t see any results if you never try! Stop making excuses as to why you’re not your best. Go ahead, what are you waiting for?

Half Marthon Done & Done!

February 5, 2013February 5, 20132 Comments

{Pre Race}

{After Shot- Don’t know how I am standing!!}

Ladies and Gentleman- I am happy to report that my half marathon goal of about 2 years is finally complete! It seems like up until now this has been something I have wanted to accomplish but yet I always found a way to make it not happen. I think it was mostly fear that I let build up in my head, telling myself I wasn’t capable of running this distance. I know for myself, anytime I get nervous or have doubt I want to just back out for fear that I might not succeed. For others, it’s different- if they tell you that you can’t you will do everything in your power to make sure that you do it and you hopefully do it well! I am learning this….slowly but surely. Up until the minute I crossed the start line I was freaking out thinking, “What if I can’t finish????” haha, I am so ridiculous! I started with a great pace and up until about mile 8- I was feeling pretty good. At mile 9-10 my hip flexers started to hurt and I just kept thinking how in the world am I going to finish 3 more miles? Luckily, 10 miles was the turn around so there was some hope- the way back always seems faster than the way up, right? I stopped for water a couple of times between 10-12 (big mistake). My legs were feeling so heavy, but not hamstring heavy, like hip flexer heavy. If you run long distance you know what I am talking about. At mile 12- the last time I stopped was the hardest to get going because my legs just froze. It felt like I was carrying a sand bag on each leg for the entire last mile. My music was blasting but my mind was trippin out- thinking how the hell am I going to finish this last half mile! I kept running, encouraging people to keep going if they were walking because we were right there. THEN, I had to stop and walk again because I had nothing left, literally. There was a man about 50 years old that ran by and said, “let’s go, you’re almost there” and I looked at him practically wanting to cry and told myself it’s 2 more minutes of your life!!!!!!!! I started running again for the last quarter mile (completely power of the mind) and crossed the finish line. I finished with a time of 2:10.

This experience was nothing short of life changing. Not just because I ran 13.1 miles, but because I had no clue how I was going to push through the last 3 miles muchless mile 12. My body was aching- but I just kept saying (as cheesy as it sounds) you can do it- you got this….JUST KEEP GOING! There is no way in hell I would have been able to finish if I didn’t train at all, and now I know next time to run up to 13 and not just 10! The last mile is no joke- your body is in another land and your mind has to be there to tell yourself that you can make it. The man who passsed me and encouraged me to keep going must have been an angel, because I felt like with that little bit of encouragement I HAD to keep running. Another reminder that you never know the impact you’re going to have on someone else’s life. Two days later and I am still completely sore, but I am so happy I did it and can officially say that I have finished my FIRST half marathon. Let the bucket list items continue to check off for 2013.

Hot Pilates

January 24, 2013January 24, 2013Leave a comment

I finally had a chance to check out Hot Pilates at Yoga Source in Los Gatos. I have many friends that have done the class and always suggest that I try it, but I never made it a priority to try until Monday. Thanks to a friend who gave me a free class I was able to finally see what Hot Pilates is all about. I will admit that since starting FNS last May, my yoga practice has taken a bit of a back seat. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s equally as important to decompress and stretch your body out as it is to do high intensity conditioning and weight training. Clearly, I need to get better a balancing both. The Pilates class was great- the music helps get through the poses because by the end of them your legs are shaking! Haha I should have thought this through as I am training for the half marathon next Sunday. It’s a mix between bridges, jump squats, lunges, abs, child’s pose and downward dog with Bikram style heat. Just when you think you want to stop it’s onto the next pose….and then it was over. Now, knowing what to expect I can’t wait to try it again. The class itself is no joke so if you’re a beginner I would probably choose another workout to enjoy.

2012 At A Glance.

January 2, 2013January 2, 2013Leave a comment

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I was looking through pictures on my computer from this last year and it is hard to believe ALL the things that can happen in just a single year. Sometimes it can seem like ages or rather we forget all there is to be thankful for in a years time. Especially for new hairstyles (kidding-kind of). In all reality looking back through the millions of pictures we snap on our camera it is nice to reflect on not only the good times, but also the not so good times and the better things that have happened because of those not so good times.

This year I started in Tahoe with great friends, walked on ice which I was so scared to do (I think it was the beginning to working through my self inflicted fears). I went to Pebble Beach and met Darius Rucker at ProAM, heard Wayne Dyer speak which was LIFE CHANGING(I highly recommend you check him out for any self doubt in your life), started my blog Newtritionsavvysarah while also having over 5,100 views so far, joined a great community called FNS and started working out harder than I EVER have in my life, lost a dress size, became an auntie to one of my best friends baby, ran a few races, saw Tony Robbins speak in SF, created a vision board, heard some amazing music like Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Foo Fighter/John Legend/Black Keys in Central Park, and ~~Metallica~~ not so much,enjoyed the farmers market almost every sunday, cooked more, hiked Mission Peak, snapped more pics with my SLR (finally putting it to use), took a few trips to Sonoma for some wine tasting, visited my favorite -New York City -finally saw the 9/11 Memorial, visited the Bull on Wall Street for some good luck, enjoyed many laughs with coworkors and friends while reuniting with a best friend, played Mexican Train with family one too many times, volunteered, celebrated my 28th birthday, and was surrounded by amazing friends and family while doing it. I will say I have never felt so good in my life as far as health, outlook on life and direction. Can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store.

When I look back I am not only thankful for every good and bad thing that has happened (easier said when it’s over- I know), but I am appreciative of everyone who I can call a friend and inspire in any way. When people take the time out of their day to say they read my blog or I have influenced them in some way it is beyond rewarding. My passion in life is to not only educate people to live a preventative lifestyle and take ownership over their health but also encourage people to have fun while doing it! Heres to a Great, Prosperous, Blissful, Healthy, Bright, Delightful, Mind Blowing, Energetic, Terrific & Extremely Happy New Year 2013!

Sincerely,

Sarah Sotelo

Sayonara 2012.

December 28, 2012December 28, 2012Leave a comment

Say Whatttt?? 3 days until the New Year! I feel like the older I get each year just speeds up faster and faster. ~~What I wouldn’t do to be a kid again and have no concept of time~~ OR I could just live my life now. I am not usually one to set NY resolutions because I think the entire year should be dedicated to kicking things off that bucket list. When I look back at 2012 I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out. Mid year I did in fact set some goals that were to be achieved by the end of the year (thanks to FNS). Some people hear goals and think it’s lame, but how are you supposed to remember everything you want to achieve in a day, month or year? I don’t know about you but I always tell myself I will remember and a day later I am stuck thinking, “what was that thing again??” Sound familiar? A couple of my goals were to start Newtritionsavvysarah (check), get 200 likes on my FB page (almost check…I am 8 away), stop spending so much money (check) and be consistent with my workouts (check). I can’t tell you how good it feels to set your mind to something and absorb all that comes as a result of putting the thought into the universe. It’s like buying a new car and then suddenly realizing everyone already has that car! Funny, right?? And SO true! 2012 has also brought many new people in my life. Some of these people provide encouragemt while others provide accountability and push me to be a better person for myself and this journey of inspiring others to live a better life. There are two specific things I have learned this year ( I knew it, but know I reallllly know it). First- that you can’t blame anyone else for where you are at in your life. If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. You’ll be surprised when you stop thinking that the world owes you anything. Second, if you want to preach to others you can talk all you want, but living the life you preach is what will teach more than anything. Accountability was my main focus for this year and I feel quite successful when I think of mine. I think of it as the domino effect. When you acknowledge and better one aspect of your life it is inevitable that other areas will not only surface but improve as well.

With the fast approach of 2013 take a second to think of the things you really enjoyed about the last year and also the “not so much”. Ask yourself how (not why) they happened and if there is any sort of pattern that can be changed. I know what I need to work on and recognizing is the first step. Enjoy this last weekend of the year! Happy Almost New Year!

*I do not own the rights to any of these photos.

Strawberry Santa’s…I Want!

December 21, 2012December 21, 20122 Comments

Who can believe the it’s the Friday before Christmas and the world DIDN’T end!??? No way! We are all still alive, which means the holiday is right around the corner. I haven’t finished all of my Christmas shopping yet….that would be too smart! Have you guys figured out what you are making to eat on Christmas? I am in the process – will let you know Monday. I want to mention this week has been nothing short of F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! The energy as well as the team work at the gym has been through the roof. The gym is closed this next week so everyone is committed to getting their last workouts of the year in at FNS. Work has been great, another example that when you are kind to people they reward you in return and last but not least Whole Foods tweeted me this week! Call me a nerd but I was quite excited to see they asked me what my favorite Whole Foods item is? I have to go with the make your own peanut butter and the WF brand jalapeno hummus. So good! On that note, good luck with the last minute tackling the malls, crowds and have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Birthday To ME!

November 9, 2012November 9, 2012Leave a comment

{28 Never Felt So Good}

Wowee, where has the time gone! Today marks my 28th birthday….Officially midway through my late twenties. It’s funny how you can turn another year older and still feel the same. I am happy to report that with turning 28 I have never felt better in all areas of my life than I do today. I have experienced a couple of “Aha” moments this year- the most important one came while attending a conference where Wayne Dyer spoke about reaching beyond something ordinary. This conference changed my life. I believe ever year you become a litter smarter and stronger in your beliefs- but this year was the most profound to date. I figured out that no one can fix your life for you. You need to set out consciously to do it for yourself. You must trust what you know in your bones to be true- that your body is your ally and that it will always point you in the direction you need to go next. There is only one of us here: What we give to others, we give to ourselves. What we withold from others, we withold from ourselves. At any moment, when we choose fear instead of love, we deny ourselves the experience of Paradise.

Earlier this year I was introduced to the most amazing group of like minded people at FNS who encourage me everytime I work out that I can be better than I ever thought possible. This has taught me so much more than just doing a pushup- but to actually believe that I can do something I am scared of and reep the rewards of hard work. This is applicable to every area of my life. We all know the ways we excel, and I am ready to make the things I can improve on much better than they are. I enjoy having the opportunity to voice my thoughts about life, health/nutrition and all the other stuff I ramble about through my blog and hear my friends tell me they DO read what I have to say. I am living my passion, and am grateful to be able to be happy most of all while doing it. Thank you for thinking of me today….Cheers to another year, if it’s better than this I can’t wait!

California Sunshine

November 5, 2012November 5, 2012Leave a comment

{San Pedro Square Market}

{Iced Mint Mojito}

Wow, what a weekend! 80 degrees in November…is this real? Thank you mother nature for the California sunshine. This weekend was a blast. Started Saturday morning with an FNS workout- and then headed to the San Pedro Square Market in dowtown San Jose. I had never been there before, but am happy to report it will be visited again soon. There is a small farmers market outside and then the market itself was filled with cute order at the counter type restaurants, and a cute patio with outdoor seating (indoor available too). What is better than enjoying the day with some friends, Philz Coffee, Farmers Market and a bloody mary? Hope you guys had a great relaxing weekend and were able to get in some exersise and soak up the sun. Cheers to a great week.