Roon winners + My Manifesto

Hey friends! IT’S FRIDAY 🙂 Happy weekend to ya.

roon

I still can’t believe the redonkulously awesome amount of roon entries. It wouldn’t be right to pick just one winner, so I picked two 😀

Congrats to:

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and

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Send me your addresses to fitnessista at gmail dot com (+ any foodie likes/dislikes/nutrition prefs) – I’ll make your roons this weekend and will get your goodie packs together.

Thank you SO much to all of you for entering! <3 Expect more roon giveaways in the future fo sho 🙂

At lululemon, we have a manifesto:

image manifesto

These powerful quotes are a great way to initiate conversations with guests and serve as friendly tips and reminders for a happy, healthy life.

When I put the call out for reader’s request ideas the other day, someone suggested that I do a top 10 list of my favorite health/fitness tips. I decided to take it a little more general and do my top 10 list for everything and anything – almost like my own manifesto 🙂

1. A salad beast a day keeps the munchies and boredom away. Salad beasts are my all-time favorite lunch or dinner. There’s a thousand different combinations out there, and an easy way to get a ton of nutrients. A properly balanced salad beast will keep you full and satisfied for quite a while.

beast

2. Get a pet – they make life richer and more fulfilling.

bella

3. Splurge on classic, save on trendy. I like to think of my clothes in “cost per wear” – if it’s something that I’m going to wear over and over, it’s worth the extra dinero, instead of a trendy top or dress that I’ll wear once or twice. Workout clothes count, too. If I’m in athletic clothes every day, you can bet your luon-covered booty I’ll be making sure it’s quality stuff 🙂

clothes

4. Move everyday. It can be intimidating to begin a fitness program because many people believe they need to go balls to the wall everyday to make it count. So. Not. True. Just MOVE everyday – it will add up and I promise you’ll feel a difference in your energy levels and jeans size. There’s no need to go crazy with the exercise if you’re combining it with healthy eats.

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5. Make time. As a busy bee myself, I know how it feels to have a schedule that’s bursting out of the seams. However, when it comes to friends, my husband and family, I make time. My friends know that if they need me, I’ll be there in a second, and the Pilot knows that I’m down for a random date or movie night anytime. At the end of my life, I’m going to look back at all of the fun I’ve had and be thankful, not at how much I worked.

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6. Get yo juice on. Having a daily juice does wonders for my skin and is an easy way to get fruit and veggie servings. Oh, and it tastes foodgasmical.

juice

7. Devote yourself to a regular yoga practice. You’ll stretch, focus, prevent injury and learn valuable lessons that are applicable to everyday life. Yogi falls. Yogi gets back up. Yogi transforms into a stronger person. 🙂

yoga

8. Treat everyone you meet like they have 24 hours left to live. Kindness goes a loooooong way.

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9. Get what you want out of life- obstacles just make the ride more exciting. Have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, declare your goals, draw on others for support and GO for it.

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10. Dating a loser jerk? Dump him, ASAP. I promise that there’s someone out there who will treat you like a queen.

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Before I met the Pilot, I was in a two-year relationship with a crazy person, who harassed and verbally abused me. When I finally broke ties with him, I thought my life was over. I was heartbroken and had little self worth – it was a very bad summer. Two months later, I met the Pilot at Starbucks! Everything happens for a reason <3

What tips or quotes would you include in your manifesto??

I can’t wait to read them 😀

Enjoy your morning and I’ll see ya later today!

xoxo

Gina

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154 Comments

  1. Angie on February 4, 2011 at 10:45 am

    I love this post, oh so much. Even though I didn’t win the roonies. 🙂

  2. ashley@quasichick on February 4, 2011 at 10:47 am

    “It can be intimidating to begin a fitness program because many people believe they need to go balls to the wall everyday to make it count. So. Not. True. Just MOVE everyday – it will add up”
    I love this and needed to hear it today 🙂 Thank you!

    My piece of advice is to find some way to calm your mind each day. If you are like me your thoughts are always running in a thousand directions. But its so important to take time each day (at least 5 mins) to just be 🙂

    xoxo

  3. Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete on February 4, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Congrats to the winners!

    Great post Gina — I love the “be kind” one. I feel as though there is so much stress in the world (and in me!) that being kind and having someone BE kind back is such a great thing.

    Part of my manifesto would be “spend time with people who make you a better person” — for me that would be most family members and friends and my husband of course. They push me to be better and they are always so supportive of me!

  4. Liz @ Tip Top Shape on February 4, 2011 at 10:49 am

    I love Lululemon’s manifesto. Whenever I pass the store by me (mantras are on the windowfronts) it always makes me happy!! Love your manifesto, too!! So many great things on it. And that last picture of you and the Pilot is adorable 😀

  5. rebecca lustig on February 4, 2011 at 10:50 am

    you are such a beautiful person and we are lucky to be a tiny part of the life you’ve created for yourself and for the messages you share

  6. Sara (Miles and Manhattan) on February 4, 2011 at 10:51 am

    My manifesto…love this… maybe “i am bad as*”! hehe. i try to use this in workout classes/during tough workouts to push me through…maybe it’s more of a mantra? ehh you say manifesto i say mantra…right?? 🙂
    xox
    s

  7. Leanne (For Health's Sake) on February 4, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Although I was bummed that I didn’t win, I loved this post. Congrats to the winners!!

    My piece of advice is: your’re stronger then you think.

    Last night I had my first personal training session & when I thought I had nothing left, she would tell me to do 5 more reps… and I could do it! I just had to stop listening to that voice inside saying that I couldn’t! 🙂 it was super inspiring and I felt like I turned a corner last night.

    SO happy you met the pilot after dating a jerkface.

  8. Mandy (theamazonprincess) on February 4, 2011 at 10:55 am

    D’aw you and the Pilot are so cute! And I love your “manifesto.” My booty is luon covered as I type, and I love it. 😀

  9. Lindsey @ SoundEats on February 4, 2011 at 10:56 am

    Love this! Also, to my lovely fellow juice-lover, I had to share a little tip I picked up Tuesday! In Food Science Lab (yes, one of our “experiments” was vegetable juicing!) my instructor told us that she always gives her juice a tiny squeeze of lime at the end…I’m obsessed with lime anyway, but this plus a tiny bit of ginger totally makes the juice! I’ll put a post up later with exact proportions of the recipe my group made, but it had carrot, spinach, apple, strawberry, ginger and lime. Absurd. 🙂

    p.s. MISS YOU!!

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 6:04 pm

      yum!! what a great tip!
      miss you too, lovey!

  10. K on February 4, 2011 at 10:58 am

    I love your must haves 🙂 I have been reading your blog almost from the beginning and watching the transformation to what is has become has been fun! I never comment but just felt like it today haha, have nice day!

  11. aneessa on February 4, 2011 at 11:02 am

    my life manifesto…Wear Sunscreen, as in the Baz Lurhmann song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQlJ3vOp6nI it brightens my day every time I hear it.

  12. Angie on February 4, 2011 at 11:08 am

    *this* was the best post ever!!! I LOVE #10!!! OMG I wish more girls would listen to that…. all of this was such amazing advice!! LOVE your blog <3

  13. Kara on February 4, 2011 at 11:08 am

    Woah, I’m glad you got out of that relationship! I have a simple manifesto: Enjoy my baby. She changes everyday and I want to enjoy every new phase and not wish away the present with “I can’t waits”

    Great post!

  14. Courtney on February 4, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I LOVE this. I already loved Lululemon’s manifesto (and bag) so it is no surprise I love yours. 🙂 Amazing & uplifting!!

  15. Megan on February 4, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Thank you so much for sharing Lululemon’s and your manifesto. I love reading inspiring quotes and thoughts, and it’s just what I needed today. I’ve downloaded and am printing their PDF version right now. Thanks for putting me in a great mood 🙂

  16. brittany on February 4, 2011 at 11:12 am

    I want to emphasize this as much as possible: I LOVE YOUR BLOG!! your manifesto is reason 986554 why i love it so much! Just reading this post put me in a MUCH better mood and made me a little less stressed. as soon as this long school day is over i’m going to straight home and hitting the yoga mat. thanks gina you are amazinggggg!

  17. Beth (Will Run for Books) on February 4, 2011 at 11:14 am

    What does it say about my life that I am envious of that schedule every time you post that picture? Maybe I should start saying no to some stuff…

    Aaaaaaaah life envy!!!!!!

    • Beth (Will Run for Books) on February 4, 2011 at 11:15 am

      PS. I love this post and the “manifesto” – especially “Be Kind.” I have a tendency to get bogged down by how busy I am and that can make me CRANKAY!!!

  18. Jodie on February 4, 2011 at 11:14 am

    One of my favorite quotes

    “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

    Audrey Hepburn

  19. Amy @ purewellnessamy on February 4, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Love your manifesto. I would include “This too shall pass” and “Life goes on” because in all of my years I have learned that those two things are absolutely true. At times when I thought things couldn’t get any worse and I was at the end of my rope (whether it was the death of loved one, a broken heart, an evil boss, or an insomniac newborn), life *eventually* got better. Life is an endless flow. We may hit a few boulders and fall over a few waterfalls, but ultimately we need to trust the flow to get us through the tough times.

    Have a great weekend!

  20. Ali @ Ali on the Run on February 4, 2011 at 11:18 am

    This is, without a doubt, my favorite Fitnessista post yet. These 10 “rules” seem so simple, but they’re life-changers. Thanks for sharing!

    • Lesley on February 4, 2011 at 9:54 pm

      Agree. Thanks!

      • Fitnessista on February 5, 2011 at 12:30 am

        thank YOU 🙂 xoxo

  21. Gill (snaxandthecity) on February 4, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Aw I loved this. If everyone followed these rules, we’d all be much happier!!

    In my top 10 would also be: “don’t sweat the small stuff” ie. only worry about what you can change!

  22. Kathie @ Frugal Fit and Fabulous on February 4, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Congrats to the roon winners!!! I love Lululemon’s manifesto and your’s too!!

  23. Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! on February 4, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Treat YOURSELF with kindness and compassion We so often forget to be kind to ourselves. We each deserve all the happiness in the world, and we should treat ourselves as such!

  24. Kristina on February 4, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Congrats to the winners! Love this post-all so true!!! I love that Bella watches you do yoga, my Luca does the same-although i’m jealous at his downward dog!

  25. Katie on February 4, 2011 at 11:24 am

    love your list! i so want to start incorporating a yoga practice into the mix of my fitness routine. i believe you are the one who mentioned yogadownload.com awhile ago??? (such a great resource!) i was wondering if you had a suggestion of a good download for a somewhat newbie (i’ve done yoga classes before, but have never really stuck with anything). i want something that is more for stretch and flexibility rather than aerobic, for now. thanks gina!

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 6:03 pm

      try their lunar yoga or any of the restorative classes. they have video podcasts too which will help you become familiar with the poses

  26. Erica on February 4, 2011 at 11:30 am

    I LOVE your personal manifesto! It is SO YOU. I think my favorite is to “treat everyone you meet like they have 24 hours left to live.” What a great way to approach our everyday interactions with everyone around us! Can you imagine how much better this world would be if everyone followed this simple principle? Thank you, dear, for the reminder. xoxo

  27. Nicole on February 4, 2011 at 11:32 am

    Great Post!! Thanks for the tips!

  28. Errign on February 4, 2011 at 11:33 am

    I LURVE your manifesto. And frankly, everything about your little bloggy. This post is like, the perfect summary of why I (and so many others) come back every day to visit!

    Especially the loser-jerk one. One month ago today actually the guy I thought was “the one” ended our 2.5 year relationship via a text message. I was crushed & heartbroken & I’m still a little lonely, but this last month has taught me – he was not “the one” – nowhere close to it, and everything happens for a reason! Now, I just need to find my very own “pilot”! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 6:02 pm

      everyone needs a pilot 🙂

  29. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on February 4, 2011 at 11:34 am

    I love the lululemon manifesto, I use that bag for everything! I agree – salads, kindness, exercise, yoga, and dumping that jerkasaurus rex go a long way! Happy friday love:)

  30. Christin@purplebirdblog on February 4, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Lovely manifesto, Gina! I especially like the pet, yoga, kindness, and drop the loser ones… they are very important in the manifesto of my own life!

  31. Laura on February 4, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Love your manifesto! So many things on there I would give a thumbs up to! I might just have to come up with my own manifesto, I have a feeling that there will be a handful of similarities!

  32. Sarah (Sarah Learns) on February 4, 2011 at 11:45 am

    this is such a great post! you have a great manifesto, gina! 🙂

  33. Michelle on February 4, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I really love this post!

    Yoga question – If I hurt myself in a yoga class, should I go back? Or try a different instructor? I pulled a tendon in my foot during a class I otherwise like… i’m a little nervous about going back for some reason. I’m not sure if it was my fault, or an unfortunate accident. I love that I can see the benefits of yoga in my running (I’m training for a my first half) but am afraid i’ll hurt myself again. Any advice?

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 6:02 pm

      what exactly happened when you got injured??

      • Michelle on February 4, 2011 at 6:25 pm

        The teacher had us put our toes up on blocks with our heels on the floor and then sink into chair pose. I didn’t feel it right away but once I sat down and rested post-yoga, I had a hard time walking when I got up and for the next few days. I can’t be sure it was the yoga but my doctor said based on the stretch and the tendon affected it was the likely culprit. 🙁

        • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 7:32 pm

          That sounds like a terrible pose variation – I’d try another teacher

          • Michelle on February 4, 2011 at 8:04 pm

            Thank you for the advice! I (and my aching tendon) really appreciate it! I will try the other studio in my area. I hope you have an amazing weekend!



  34. Melody Durham on February 4, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Great post, Gina! My life has really fallen apart in the last year (Divorce!) A mantra I have kept on a sticky note by my bedroom door is “I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be.”

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 6:01 pm

      amen to that. so glad you’re in a better place now 🙂

  35. Tina on February 4, 2011 at 11:54 am

    I LOVE this post. Such great tips to live by. Anytime I catch myself having a negative thought or emotion I stop myself, take a deep breath and instantly replace that negative thought with a postive one. This shift in perspective makes a huge difference! Have a good weekend! 🙂

  36. Sana on February 4, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Someays I get soo caught up in what a doing, that I just forget to moveee! Thanks for the reminder!

  37. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on February 4, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Love it! I always say: Everything in Moderation! 🙂

  38. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine on February 4, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    The last one is so true- there are way too many fish in the sea to settle for anyone who makes you feel anything less than special and beautiful. I’m glad you found your happy ending 🙂 And I love the salad beast one, too. I sometimes feel like my meals are getting repetitive, but I just love them so much!

    My advice: find the healthy choices that make you feel the best. If you hate running or can’t stand the taste of kale, there are so many other options you can choose in their place!

  39. Kimberly on February 4, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    I love this post, Gina! Your manifesto made my day. It is so easy to get wrapped up in day-to-day life that sometimes just taking a step back and appreciating YOURSELF gets lost in the madness. I <3 your perspective 🙂

  40. elizabeth on February 4, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    My fav is #8 and I LOVE the down dog with real dog sitting under your head.

  41. Mindy on February 4, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Awesome tips, thank you!

  42. Charliegirl on February 4, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    great post! even though i didn’t win the roons…;)

  43. Susan on February 4, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Wow Gina, this post manifesto definitely came at the right time. I haven’t commented in a while but I’d like to say thank you for writing it, I was meant to read it today and pay special attention to points 9 and 10. I’m off to do a vision board now. Thank You!

  44. Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete on February 4, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I love the fact that you brought up the “balls to the wall” comment. A lot of people think they need to sweat everyday! SO not true. If you do what you can, even if it is just a walk, it really does add up.

    I also agree with you about dumping a crappy boyfriend. I put up with crap for so many years before I met my husband. He was and still is the nicest person I know, and he really DOES treat me like a queen. 😉

  45. Laura J. on February 4, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Love this post! #10 is so true! The right guy is out there and he is definitely worth the wait.

    Any chance your going to do a book review of Crazy Sexy Diet? I just started reading it and would love to hear your thoughts on it 🙂

  46. Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter on February 4, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I love each and every one of your tips! I could comment about each one. But I totally agree that pets are just amazing.
    Everyone at college misses their pets and always goes crazy when we see a dog on campus. They are so relaxing and humorous.
    I love your tip about juicing too. I have a juicer at my parents house and miss it like crazy since I’ve been living in the sorority house. It gives me SO much energy.
    And your last one is phenomenal! I can’t agree more. I will always be considering this tip when I’m in a relationship. Thank you 🙂

    • Michelle on February 4, 2011 at 12:32 pm

      Your comment made me smile because I was out walking my pups the other day and this girl stopped her run and crossed the street and asked to pet them. When I said yes she got down on the sidewalk and let them both crawl into her lap. She told me she’s in college and was really missing her dog at home. It made me happy that my dogs could make her day! 🙂

  47. Alicia @ Addsomesprinkles. on February 4, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I LOVE number 8! Great post Gina, keep up the fabulous blogging girl!

    • Fitnessista on February 4, 2011 at 5:59 pm

      thanks girl 🙂

  48. stephanie on February 4, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I don’t have time to read a ton of blogs. Wish I did! But, I tell you that to say this: I read your blog everyday. Twice! Because YOU are a beautiful person! Just so so loving 🙂 I feel like I’m sipping tea next you! Thanks for being so real with your readers…it shows.

  49. Beth on February 4, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    Great list! And I’ve been there – whew, wish I can say I only dated one jerk. But I must say, those bad relationships definitely made me a smarter, stronger person and make me appreciate the man in my life now. We’ve been married 3 months (after knowing each other for 7 years) and things only get better & better.

    Also, love the comment about moving everyday. Instead of pressuring myself to workout strictly, I find if I just think to myself “MOVE today” it feels more fun – whether it’s a trip to the gym, a walk because the sun is out or rolling out my mat for a home yoga practice. It’s fun to live in the moment that way and honor what I need.

    I’ve also been writing in my workouts on my calendar AFTER I do them instead of doing it ahead of time and crossing it off a list. Then I can see at the end of the month how many days I MOVED and it makes me feel great and encourages me to carry it into the next month.

    And I definitely need something dark, leafy and green everyday – salad, juice, etc – otherwise I just feel off.

    Great work, everyone!

  50. kristin on February 4, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    even though i didnt win the roons, i still love this post! beautiful 🙂

    now please tell me, WHERE did you get that navy sweat/jacket with the stripes on the inside? im dying over that!

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