Q: How can I stay motivated and optimistic when "life gets in the way"?
A: This is so hard; I know. You've got a good thing going and then something throws you off, maybe it's an injury, maybe the weather...
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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.
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: Is it better to work out with a friend?
A: The short answer is yes. Finding someone to work out with regularly is a great way to stay consistent with your goal of building...
Sarah Brinkley
- 1 min
Q: How can I stay focused on my goals when family and friends seem to be working against me?
A: Your family's sabotaging behaviors are about their own stuff, not about you. We don't know what goes on in other people's heads, but...
Sarah Brinkley
- 3 min
Q: I seem to be able to EITHER eat well OR be more active. How can I get these to work together?
A: A lot of times people have trouble with this because of some crazy stuff your brain does based on some long-held beliefs about food...
Sarah Brinkley
- 1 min
Q: Nutrition labels confuse me. What should I be looking for when trying to make healthy choices?
A: The healthiest foods are the ones without nutrition labels at all! :) But when you're looking at packaged foods, there are a few key...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: How can I stop feeling like a failure whenever I "slip-up" or "give in to a moment of weakness"?
A: This is black and white thinking at it's finest. Black and white thinking is what we call a "thinking mistake"; our brain putting...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I lose focus on my goals when I'm stressed. How can I manage stress better and stay on track?
A: Stress has a way of forcing our minds into "tunnel vision" and "survival mode" which is why it's so darn hard to stay focused on what...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I often get stuck labeling food as either "good" or "bad". How can I change this habit?
A: Oh, my friend. Such a complicated question. Society certainly has helped create all kinds of conflict of this sort in many people's...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I exercise regularly but I want to step it up. What's a more efficient use of my time?
A: My specific answer would depend on what your exercise routine already looks like but in general, I suggest incorporating one of two...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I'm a beginner. What's the best way to start working out?
A: The most efficient workout (whether we are talking about bang-for-your-buck or ease of fitting into a busy life) is the workout you...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I've tried to change before but I always go back to old habits. What should I do differently?
A: Change the label you give yourself. If you think of yourself only as someone who has tried and failed, it's only natural for you to...
Sarah Brinkley
- 4 min
Q: Why is it important to pay attention to heart rate? It's hard to stay in the right zones!
A: Here is a helpful article from Runners World that explains the science and training benefits of paying attention to heart rate zones:...
Sarah Brinkley
- 2 min
Q: I'm a runner, but I'm thinking of adding biking to my week. Are these workouts pretty equivalent?
A: Biking is an awesome addition to your running routine and will definitely give your knees a break. Unfortunately, from my...
Sarah Brinkley
- 1 min
Q: I'm thinking about starting triathlon but it seems overwhelming. What made you start the sport?
A: Well, it wasn't so much a "what", but a "who". On Christmas Day 2017 I opened an envelope from my family and inside was a printed...
Sarah Brinkley
- 3 min
Q: Is it better to work out every day or to alternate between harder days and recovery days?
A: It depends on your goals. If you are trying to build exercise into your daily routine, I think it's better to do a moderate amount on...
Sarah Brinkley
- 3 min
Q: How can I make myself do hard workouts like speed work?
A: Some people love to push hard. I am not one of them so I totally understand where you're coming from in asking this question. Here's...
Sarah Brinkley
- 3 min
Q: Sometimes exercise is boring. How can I make it more fun?
A: First of all, exercise comes in many different flavors and it's important to try a bunch of different kinds to find the ones you like...
Sarah Brinkley
- 3 min
Q: I still struggle with self-esteem. Why is it so hard to feel good about myself? Can I change it?
A: There are many factors that contribute to our view of ourselves that it's hard to pinpoint where the problems came from and why so...
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