Q: How can I stay motivated and optimistic when "life gets in the way"?
Questions and Answers

As a licensed professional counselor and coach of people who want to live healthier lives, I get asked all kinds of questions about food, exercise, relationships, and how to override thoughts and feelings that get in the way of progress. I've been compiling the most common questions and my responses to share here.




- 2 min
Q: Is it better to work out with a friend?


- 1 min
Q: How can I stay focused on my goals when family and friends seem to be working against me?


- 3 min
Q: I seem to be able to EITHER eat well OR be more active. How can I get these to work together?


- 1 min
Q: Nutrition labels confuse me. What should I be looking for when trying to make healthy choices?


- 2 min
Q: How can I stop feeling like a failure whenever I "slip-up" or "give in to a moment of weakness"?


- 2 min
Q: I lose focus on my goals when I'm stressed. How can I manage stress better and stay on track?


- 2 min
Q: I often get stuck labeling food as either "good" or "bad". How can I change this habit?


- 2 min
Q: I exercise regularly but I want to step it up. What's a more efficient use of my time?


- 2 min
Q: I'm a beginner. What's the best way to start working out?


- 2 min
Q: I've tried to change before but I always go back to old habits. What should I do differently?


- 4 min
Q: Why is it important to pay attention to heart rate? It's hard to stay in the right zones!


- 2 min
Q: I'm a runner, but I'm thinking of adding biking to my week. Are these workouts pretty equivalent?


- 1 min
Q: I'm thinking about starting triathlon but it seems overwhelming. What made you start the sport?


- 3 min
Q: Is it better to work out every day or to alternate between harder days and recovery days?


- 3 min
Q: How can I make myself do hard workouts like speed work?


- 3 min
Q: Sometimes exercise is boring. How can I make it more fun?


- 3 min
Q: I still struggle with self-esteem. Why is it so hard to feel good about myself? Can I change it?
