About
My name is Gina and I love food.
I love to eat it (obviously)
Write about it
Share it with friends
and experiment with unique ingredients and flavor profiles.
Of course I’m not biased –I loved and appreciate all things food- but usually choose to roll with the types that can fuel my body in the best way possible.
Because if there’s anything I love as much as food, it’s fitness.
I love to learn about it
teach and train others
and share my crazy passionate love for activity (!) with anyone who will listen.
You see, food and fitness had a lovechild —-> this little blog
It hasn’t always been easy for me to eat well and get moving – I still face challenges with it today.
I married a man who will eat anything I cook, but loves fast food, cheesy food, fried food and anything ooey or gooey.
He’s notorious for coming home with sweet tea and half-eaten bags of fries.
It’s taken a lot of planning for me to create our meals when I’m a quasitarian and he’s as carnivorous as they come, which is why I provide a lot of healthy options for veggies and meaties who co-exist in one household
As a military family, we’ve lived quite a few places. Most recently we were in a small Georgia town where healthy ingredients were scarce and the closest thing to Whole Foods was the organic section at WalMart.
A la Tim Gunn, we made it work
Whether it’s impromptu trips to Whole Foods in Jacksonville, Trader Joe’s in Atlanta, or exploring local farms, we found the good stuff we like to munch.
As you guys know, the Pilot is gone quite a lot. Despite how hard it is to have him gone, I have to draw on my inner strength to make the conscious decision to be healthy, even when I’m a little down. Let me tell ya, nothing makes you want to drown your sorrows in a gallon Haagen Dazs like your best friend being on the other side of the world.
Instead, I choose the times when he’s away to take even better care of myself,
I hang out with friends (and throw healthy dinner parties)
I work out to get those endorphins flowing
even if that means I have to do a Beachbody DVD or yoga podcast in our extra guest room – the small town we lived in didn’t have a yoga studio or gym with a full aerobics schedule.
This blog demonstrates that you can take the best possible care of yourself, no matter what the circumstance is. You can eat well, cook well, live amazingly and have a blasty at the same time
EVERYONE can find their Fitnessista
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Hi Gina,
I have been really inspired by your blog, ohsheglows, and the great balancing act…. to start my own…. I just don’t know how to get it out there for people to read and comment. I love the interactfullness of the blogging community… I think this interaction will help me direct my blog topics more as well. Any ideas?
Congrats on your anniversary as well!! Mine is next week!! August is such a great month to get married.
Thanks,
m
Hi Gina,
This is the first time I’ve seen your blog. You sound down to earth, so I figured I throw a fitness/nutrition questions at you. Here goes – I’m 58 yrs. young (really!), 5’7, 100lbs., small frame. I do weight training with a trainer 2x p/wk with a trainer. I’d been doing pilates for quite a while but then in October I got sick and had to put everything on hold. While my chest, bis/tris are good, my legs and gluts have never recovered the tone/muscle. Also, I have a terrible appetite and have a hard time gaining weight. Every DVD is geared towards losing weight. Can you recommend something to enhance my appetite and gain weight, tone and muscle.
Hoping to hear from you soon and thank you.
Kathy
Love your Blog!
Thank you for all of the fab recipes and workouts!
Awesome site. I love the humor and the pictures. 12 days into a new lifestyle of eating clean. I am loving it. Congrats on the new one that is on the way. It is a very demanding time, both physically and mentally.
I had a quick question, where can I get the serving size and calorie information for your recipes? They look very easy and yummy.
Shelly
Hi Gina,
I follow your blog to a point where it might be borderline obsessive. When you announced that you were pregnant – I actually was so excited for you I wanted to tell people around me at work, and then realized that they dont even know you, let alone the fact that I dont even know you, other than through your blog.
You are such a great inspiration and always have new and exciting things to try, whether it be food, receipes, or workouts! I love it all.
Anyways – I’m posting, and I never have before, but I’m wondering if you’ve looked in to getting an “App” made for your blog. So people with smart phones can download your “App” and have your blog right there on their phone. It came to my one night when I was about to make your breakfast cookie. I wanted to look up how to do it, and I googled it and went through all the steps to get to the receipe, but thought if there was an App, it would be so much easier…
Just a thought – and decided it was about time I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog. Congrats on your new house, and on your pregnancy.
-Ashley
you’re so sweet- thank you!!
i’ve actually been contacted about creating an app- now it’s just a matter of actually doing it
xoxo
Hi!
I just wanted to say I absolutely love your blog! I just found it this past Sunday, so I’ve spent a few days trying to catch up on who you are and what all you do. So far I’ve come to realize that you are an inspiration to us all! I am really enjoying reading your posts. As a fellow Zumba addict, its great to both read AND see what you eat, what exercises you do, etc. Thanks for all that, and I look forward to more posts and inspiration!
thank you alycia! nice to meet you
Absolutely love your site! Been checking it out for about a while now. Would you consider doing an entry on protein powder – why to use it, your favorite brands, etc? As someone who’s not a big fan of processed foods, some of the protein powders I see in regular stores look like they have too many ingredients in them, so I wonder which kinds you like, which you recommend, etc. I use my Vitamix a lot and am just looking for ways to amp up the protein without adding anything weird. Thanks!
Can I ask where you work??? Is it a corporate fitness center??? I used o intern at USAA’s Fitness Center…Corporate Fitness is the Best, Job, Ever!!!
Hi Gina!
I have been a long-time “lurker” on your blog, and must admit that I am truly inspired by your enthusiasm for life! I am currently, ahem, between jobs, and after a good deal of soul searching have realized that a career in line with my political science/public administration degrees, really is not in line with my passions (which is probably why I am having difficulty “sealing the deal”). Long story short, I would love to get into the health/fitness field in some capacity or another. I guess what I’m asking is- how did you make the jump from a degree in Finance to becoming a personal trainer/group ex instructor?
(PS I’m a military *soon to be* wife too!…your posts on deployments, relocations, etc. have helped me out tremendously!)
Hi Gina, I stumbled upon your blog a while ago and I really, really enjoy it! I was wondering if you have ever tried, or have an opinion about shakeology?? Thanks!
Gina – love your blog. question about pregnancy and additives in foods. i am a very healthy eater overall) and recently found out i am finally pregnant (yea!). I know the big things not to eat, but i’m curious about things like stevia and other additives that are somewhat contraversial. what are your thoughts and things you have learned from your research? i certainly don’t want to do anything to harm my developing child. thanks!
Hi Gina. My Mom, sister and myself all follow your blog. We did want to ask for your advice regarding the J Rob Whey protein that we use. We noticed that you are a big fan of Sun Warrior. The whey protein we use is not vegan and is not raw. From your knowledge, would you recommend that we switch to the Sun Warrior…is it a healthier option? Thank you for sharing your blog…we look forward to it each day.
Hi Gina!!
Meredith (a couple posts up) – Congrats on your pregnancy! I too just found out (yesterday) that I’m pregnant
Good question. I’m curious about this as well.
Gina, what is considered a “healthy” amount of exercise during the first trimester? I have those who tell me to just continue working out at my previous (before I found out i was pregnant) exercise level. Although, some tell me to take it easy to “let the baby attach.” Eh.. weird just thinking about that. I’ve always been a very active girl although my running is on hiatus right now due to a fractured leg. Before we knew about the pregnancy, my doctor said that I could get back into my running this week. Small amounts of course. Do you think starting to run again will be okay for the baby? What types of exercises should I stay away from? Thanks girl!
i’d go with whatever your doc says. my doc said to keep doing what i’d been doing, but all of the crazy HIIT and pounding movements didn’t seem like they’d be right to me. so i stopped doing bodyrock and HIIT – just kept with zumba, turbofire, walking/elliptical, weights. do whatever feels good to you- your body will tell you if it isn’t right
Hello!
I’ve recently came across your blog and I just wanted to let you know that I love it! I am also a military wife stationed in Tucson so it is nice to read about another wife’s life and journey throughout the military lifestyle. Take care!
even though it’s past halloween….and you’re having a girl….and you’ve probably already seen this…how cute?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xQRsJNOVi_Q
i mean….i guess she could always fly in a pink flight suit right?
I am a senior Sociology major at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. I am currently working on my thesis project, in which I am studying self-presentation in the blogosphere. I have selected five healthy living blogs to study, and yours happens to be one of them. My project is twofold in that I am going to do both a content analysis of the blogs I have selected, and I would like to interview each blogger. Would you be interested in participating in my study? Participation will require no more than an hour of your time, and interviews will be scheduled at a time that is convenient to you. Thank you in advance for your time!
Sincerely,
Alyssa Breetwor
Hi Gina!
I was doing some online research when I came across your wonderful blog! I thought to myself ” Oh my gosh, I went to school with her!” I am getting married in May and have been strength training since the engagement in April. Unfortunately, my biggest downfall is … food! I will definitely be an avid follower and attempting some of you wonderful recipes! **fingers crossed**
Do you have a Facebook fan page as well? I know many friend who are vegan and would love your site!
Jennifer
hey girl!
so crazy awesome to hear from you! hope you and your family are doing well. congrats on your engagement, too!
here’s the link to my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fitnessista
take care and hope to talk to you soon! <3
xoxo
Thank you! And congratulations to you on the pregnancy, you will have a beautiful family!
Is your husband stationed at DM or the Air Guard in Tucson? My fiance is a reserve flight surgeon at the 162nd for the F-16 pilots.
Happy holidays!
Jennifer
Hi! I was wondering if you had any links or info on good makeup that doesn’t have a ton of sketchy chemicals. I saw your post on Tarte eyeliner, went and picked some up, and now I’m hooked! I hate putting chemicals in my body, so I don’t really want to put them on my skin either. Thanks! Love your blog!
i really love the tarte products, and also use origins moisturizer and korres makeup products
Hi Gina,
I just wanted to let you know how thankful and appreciative I am of your blog. I started reading your blog about a year ago and absolutely love it. I also wanted to tell you how much I love the family section of your blog. I’m pregnant, due in April, and I find your family posts so helpful and reassuring. I don’t have any pregnant friends and being able to read about your pregnancy, the choices you have made, and all the knowledge you have gained has been extremely useful. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! Best of luck with everything and all the best to you and your family in this new year.
Hi! I just found your blog & love your approach to food and living a healthy lifestyle! I can’t wait to read more of your great ideas!
thank you, nicole! so lovely to meet you
I’m finding my Fitnessista by becoming Zumba certified this year! I can not WAIT to teach! Thanks so much for the inspiration and helpful tips!! I’m addicted to your blog! (:
yay!!! you’ll love it so much
who is leading the workshop??
thank you for reading <3
I love your blog and log in all the time, but would love a “sbuscribe” option. . . does this host site offer one? Your videos are fantastic, too. I think that it is hilarious that all of “The Wives” call our husbands “The Pilot.” 15 years, two kids and several deployments in. . .I know you can do it, girl!!
Thank you for sharing! I am looking forward to following you on FB and Blog-we too live in an area where organic/locally grown food is scarce….walmart, kroger, and one produce stand:) I NEED fitness in my life-I am a mother of two beautiful, spirited girls, oiy! –If for no other reason to buy as much organic as I can afford, hold off puberty!! yikes. Blessings on your pregnancy-prayers for a healthy baby and safe delivery** I am finishing nursing school in May, and I am struggling to encorporate my love for fitness and healthy eating with the medical viewpoint…I have been a stay-at-home-mommy up until this new journey. (another OIY!) Whose great idea was this nursing school thing??? Oh yeah, my DREAM.
I was totally excited when you expressed your love for Tubo Fire! MEEE TOO! Love it. I was a Turbo Jam fan before and received Turbo Fire for Christmas-FUN!! I teach a CardioKick that encorporates the HIIT idea interval training and I teach Pilates 2x week at our local YMCA. Enjoy the process of the birth of your baby, and of course meeting him/her!!
hahahah that is a GIGANTIC zucchini! love your blog!
Hey love your site…gonna check out some more. I once had a Zucchini that big from my garden..man those things can grow! Thanks for sharing some of your life with us. Looking forward to your updates.
Tracy
Hi Gina!
Congrats on your little one
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and value your opinion. I have had trouble losing the 15 pounds I put on last year (until last year I had maintained a 45 lbs weight loss for about 8 years) and it is scary. I worry I will wake up one day and realize I have put the entire 45 lbs back on. Anywho, I know 1 + 1 = 2 and I pretty much know how to get there. My question is: Do you have any books you recommend that focus on the last 10 or 15 lbs of a weight loss journey? Or maybe just extra inspirational books in general (mostly focused on diet)? Although I know what needs to be done, I always like reading an extra inspiring book to help give me that extra kick in the butt.
Ideas?
Thanks!
i wish i had some good resources for you :/
congratulations on your success and maintenance! i know how you feel about worrying about it creeping back on. just trust yourself and your body <3
as far as motivational stuff goes, i really like brian tracy – check out some of his books <3
xoxo
Hey Gina!
Will you be having any fitness events or projects coming up? Would love to attend.
I absolutely love your blog. I love reading tips on nutrition and fitness. It really helps me with my fitness journey with P90X and my blog. Thanks for the inspiration
Thanks,
Sharlene
Hi Gina,
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter.
I thought of you today when my gym bag broke. I remembered you did a post about your favorite gym bag. instead of going through all your post (which I love, esp.. the roons) Can you remind me which post that was again. Thanks.
Again, Your daughter is beautiful and I cant wait to see her grow.
Lisa
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