A Journey Through Life

As I sit down to write this blog post, I can't help but marvel at how my birthday has become a celebration of my love for travel and a reflection of the incredible journey that life has been. Each year, as I blow out the candles on my birthday cake, I'm not just making wishes; I'm also making memories. 

Travel has been the cornerstone of my existence for as long as I can remember. From my earliest international tennis tournaments, marriage abroad, and backpacking adventures, the world has been my playground. I've been blessed to witness the sunsets over Sorento, the hustle of India, and the serenity of the Sahara Desert. But beyond the destinations, travel has gifted me with a tapestry of experiences, knowledge, and lifelong friendships, including connections for my nonprofit Changing Hearts Against Diversity.

One of the beautiful aspects of travel is the wisdom it imparts. Through exploring diverse cultures, I've learned the importance of empathy, tolerance, and the beauty of embracing differences. Travel has taught me to appreciate the simple pleasures, connect with people from all walks of life, and relish every moment. It's a journey of self-discovery, and it's my greatest teacher.

As my birthday approaches tomorrow, I had planned on celebrating in Hura Ghada, Egypt but due to the circumstances with Israel and Egypt, we chose to cut our trip short continuing the celebration in Orange Beach. My wish this year is for peace and love, the world has so much uncertainty right now. My heart is broken for all the lives lost, the kidnapped, and the stranded. I'm beyond blessed to be back in the comfort of my home and grateful for the experience we had in Turkey and Egypt.

In the grand scheme of life,  my birthdays are like pages in a never-ending novel. Each year, I turn a new chapter, eager to explore new destinations and create fresh memories. Yet, what makes these adventures truly special is the ability to share them with others. Whether it's through my blog, social media, or simply regaling friends and family with tales of my travels, the joy of sharing is unparalleled.

As I write this blog post on the cusp of another birthday, I'm filled with gratitude for the adventures I've had, the lessons I've learned, and the people who have enriched my life along the way. This birthday is not just a celebration of turning another year older; it's a celebration of life, love, and the insatiable curiosity that keeps me exploring the world. Here's to many more journeys, both on the road and through the chapters of life. Happy birthday to me, and to all the fellow Libras out there!

Staying Healthy While Traveling

As we are headed into summer and I’m abroad this week teaching yoga at the beautiful Secrets & Dreams Bahia Mita's Resort, I thought I would discuss how to sustain a healthy lifestyle on the road. It’s easy for healthy lifestyles to go to the wayside when you're traveling, especially if you're on vacation. But it really is possible to have a good time, enjoy local cuisine and get in some exercise without depriving yourself of a true vacation. I will show you how to combine pleasure with wellness when you're on the road, because isn’t living your best life the point of a vacation in the first place?

Even with the best of intentions, there are some common problems that may derail your healthy travel plans. Here’s how to deal with them. 

Is it the biggest deal to gain a few pounds on my vacation?

Gaining a few pounds over the course of a one-week vacation because you don't want to bother with watching what you eat or trying to exercise isn't detrimental to your overall health. But, it might leave you feeling irritable and low on energy either because your eating is imbalanced or you're not getting those feel-good endorphins from exercise. On the other hand, if you do end up picking up some extra weight, you can likely drop it within a week or two when you’re back home, provided that you're vigilant about jumping right back into a healthy eating and exercise routine.

Here’s a tip that I go through everywhere we travel. 

How do I deal with a food allergy or other dietary restrictions in a country where I don’t know the language?

Food allergies are manageable when traveling, I suggest traveling with a food allergy ID card that clearly indicates your allergies both in English and the language(s) of the country in which you plan to travel. And, do your homework before you travel. Often, the hotel concierge or a travel agent will have a good sense of restaurants that offer variety or accommodations for food allergies. Always pack snacks in case you find yourself with limited options.

Take 10-60 minutes first thing in the morning to do yoga, meditation or a short walk. At this resort I teach an 8am restorative yoga class and it’s a great way to start your day. If you plan to workout later in the day, chances are that you’ll likely be too busy, or having too much fun out and about to actually find the time. Alternatively, if you make your day an active one by taking a walking or bike tour, you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about skipping a workout. 

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. This simple tip helps with everything from dehydration to constipation to overcoming jet lag. Since you’re likely to get busier as the day goes on and may forget to drink, try starting your day by drinking 16 ounces.

Jet Lag- Natural Remedies

I thought since I just endured a 49-hour journey home from Kenya, I would give tips on jet lag. 

As we are going into Christmas travel, try these 7 natural jet lag remedies to nip it in the bud and get more out of your holiday vacation!

Sip on herbal tea.

The soothing herbs will help you relax while adding more hydration, something you most definitely need on those long flights.

I am constantly drinking tea throughout the journey to stay hydrated and to get rid of toxins. 

Look to the sun. 

Pick your plane seat according to the sun and the direction you’re flying. This seat placement hack will help with jet lag. When heading west, seek out the morning sun in a window seat while avoiding sun later in the day in an aisle seat. Heading east? Then you’ll want to seek that afternoon sun in an aisle seat instead.

Pack melatonin supplements. 

Melatonin is a hormone our bodies make naturally which helps us regulate sleep cycles. As you travel through time zones, it can be hard for your body to adjust. Taking melatonin is a natural way to supplement what’s missing and help you kick jet lag to the curb.

Make your meals count.

Now is not the time to ignore your nutritional needs. I suggest eating smaller meals with a balance of protein, complex carbs, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Plenty of water is important too. You should try to curb your intake of caffeine and alcohol if you feel the symptoms of jet lag or it will only get worse.

You can ask for special dietary meals on flights. 

Try some aromatherapy on the go. 

They say scents can make a difference in how you feel. Lavender essential oil is well-known for its soothing properties that help keep you calm. It also helps improve the quality of sleep. Grab a roll-on tube of it so you can apply it as needed wherever you are. We love a high-quality, natural essential oil that is safe for skin.

I had a travel size of Rosewater mixed with lavender a dear friend gave me, I kept my face nice and hydrated throughout the trip. 

Go for green juice. 

Another great thing to try to banish those jet lag blues is a green juice. This is a perfect solution when you’re not feeling up to eating but know you need nourishment

Get moving.

Blood flow and circulation are critical for feeling better with jet lag. On the plane, make sure you get up and stretch your legs at certain intervals. This will help keep you from feeling blah once you arrive. 

I’m always here for any questions, reach out to me anytime by calling my clinic at 251-949-2220, email cindy@drcindyross.com or you can visit my website www.lifewellnessforever.com

#health #travel #lifewellnessforever #jetlag #naturalremedies #drcindyross

Another season has begun...

I have missed you!

I took a break from writing blogs just before Christmas. We jetted off to New York to enjoy some holiday festivities, celebrated Jason's birthday with friends for New Year's and got ready for everyone's New Years resolutions at the gym.

Home is where my heart is! :)

Finding bodybuilding again has been a game changer for me in many aspects. The discipline in my life is what I had been looking for but most of all I found my passion again. So many things in life spike my interest but it seems I always go back to fitness and nutrition. With that being said, I started school back Jan. 10 and it's been scary and amazing all at the same time.

I am completing my Master's in Nutrition and pursuing my Doctorate in Functional Medicine. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20+ years now I am always researching and trying to find better alternatives than just patching the problem with prescribed medicine. My passion is to help others control their health through fitness, nutrition, hormone balancing, and natural medicine.


I launched Life Wellness Forever last week and it will be evolving over the next couple of years as I get closer to graduation. You can follow along on FB, IG, and the website www.lifewellnessforever.com. I have also created a blog and hope you will find the tips helpful. Here's the first post... https://www.lifewellnessforever.com/life-wellness-forever-blog/2019/2/11/its-time-to-detox-eating-clean-on-a-budget

I ran into a friend while we were out last night and she said she missed the blogs of my journey. I promise to try and post every weekend and keep you up to date on my competition training and new discoveries I find through my research with school. I have two thesis papers due this semester and my topics are "Lectins Cause Inflammation" and "Phytoestrogen Foods Help Menopausal Women Balance Hormones Naturally." The more I research, the more I will share with you.

You will find me a little less on social media and more behind the books these days. Every day someone asks me for book recommendations and I am thrilled I have my blogs to share them with you. We can start on our own book club:)  I love discussing these topics with others so please share your thoughts if you decide to read one of my recommendations.
While I was teaching fitness in Panama two weeks ago I read "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan. I really enjoyed this book, very fact-based and eye-opening of what we are eating.

If reading isn't your thing, there is a documentary on Netflix.

Ok so I am 12 weeks out from my next competition and it's really cool to see the comparison from last season to this season. Sometimes it's hard to notice the small changes which keep us motivated so I encourage you to journal and document your progress.

I started contest prep 16 weeks out, the week before we left for Panama and it's definitely harder while travelling. It's not I was tempted to eat bad food but what is hard is finding the right foods to meet my macros per meal. My OCD kicked in after a week and I was missing cooking my own meals so I could control the exact preparation.

Red Frog Beach in Bocas Del Toro, Panama

I put on 12lbs since October 2018 and I am leaner and still wearing the same size, which is still mind-blowing to me. My goal was to even out the symmetry between my upper and lower body. I have put on a lot of muscle on my arms, back, and shoulders. During off season I was consuming 3,000+ calories a day and now since the prep has started I'm currently eating 1,600 calories daily. Cardio was minimal during the past 3 months and I'm now gradually increasing my time on the stairclimber.

I am competing the whole season this year and if you are in the area of one of the shows, I would love to have you in the audience cheering me on!

• May 11, 2019 Battle on the Bluff- Tunica, MS
• June 15, 2019 Battle on the Gulf Coast- Biloxi, MS
• Oct. 19, 2019 Battle on the Beach- Gulf Shores, AL

Here is my 12 Week Check-In... the next 3 months will be interesting! Looking forward to the changes!

The top is 12 Weeks Out 2018, Bottom is 12 Weeks Out today.

"Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness." 
— Yousuf Karsh

XOXO,
Cindy Lane Ross

Top Destinations for Family Fun this Summer

As Promised By The Fat To Fit Radio Show...

Top Destinations for Family Fun this Summer

#1  Honolulu-Oahu -Honolulu — especially Waikiki — offers excellent child-friendly beaches and activities, like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Plus, many hotels sit along the shore, negating the need for public transportation or a vehicle.

#2   Yellowstone -Kids will get a kick out of watching Old Faithful erupt, and there's nothing quite like an afternoon hike to bring the clan together. Hotels inside the park can be expensive, so make this a BYOB (bring your own bed) vacation.

#3  Orlando-Walt Disney World-Known for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and performances, Disney World is engineered specifically for families, and its formula is very successful. But if you aren't up for putting on mouse ears, Orlando hosts a slew of theme parks that are sure to excite wee ones.

#4   Yosemite -What makes Yosemite an excellent family destination is its numerous outdoor offerings, from hiking and camping to mountain climbing and rafting. And, unlike other parks, Yosemite boasts relatively easy accessiblity (San Francisco is only a few hours away by car).

#5  Grand Canyon-The Grand Canyon is a universally admired family destination, perhaps due to the Brady Bunch and the Griswolds. You'll find lots to do here, including hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding Grand Canyon Railway. The Grand Canyon also manages to be budget-friendly.

#6  San Diego-The simple truth: San Diego offers 70 miles of sandy fun. When the waves start to bore little ones, the creatures at the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld are sure to hold their interst. Plus, if you need some relief from the sun, head to the museums of Balboa Park.

#7  Myrtle Beach-Myrtle Beach lacks the diversity of other destinations on this list. But in terms of accessibility and cost, Myrtle Beach offers an excellent family getaway. Meanwhile, Ripley's Aquarium and Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf are welcome distractions from the shoreline.

#8  Williamsburg -Nearly everything in this tiny Virginia town caters to families. Colonial Williamsburg allows youngsters to immerse themselves in history. If you're visiting in the summer, don't deny the kids a chance to cool down at Water Country USA or to ride the coasters at Busch Gardens.

#9  Anaheim-Disneyland-Similar to it's Disney sister city, Orlando, Anaheim has enough mouse-themed attractions to keep parents and kids busy and smiling. Plus, Anaheim has the added benefit of its California location, which sits in close proximity to the beaches and sites of Los Angeles and San Diego.

#10  San Antonio-San Antonio contains an abundance of family-oriented attractions, including the Alamo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld and several historic parks. Add plentiful family-friendly restaurants and a relatively unique setting and San Antonio truly is a first-rate family destination.

#11  Tampa-Trade crowded, expensive Orlando for relaxed, affordable Tampa. Mingle with manatees at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center or look for lions at Big Cat Rescue. If your family can't shake the longing for roller coasters, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will do the trick.

#12  San Francisco-San Francisco is home to some excellent family-friendly attractions — Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, to name a few. The city is also close to great outdoor areas, including Yosemite National Park and Muir Woods. The only downside: It's pricey.

#13  Washington D.C. -The key to D.C.'s family appeal is the National Mall, which is surrounded by free, kid-friendly museums and renowned monuments. If you have some extra time, spend a few hours at the National Zoo (which also offers free entry) or snag a treat at one of Georgetown's cupcake shops.

Everything we talked about during the Fat to Fit Radio Show with Cindy Lane Ross & Co-Host Larisa Dixon

Hey guys we hope you all listened to the show this morning on News Talk Radio 710AM or on IHEARTRADIO. If you missed it you can listen to todays show and past shows on our podcast HERE

We talked about a lot this morning, so here is a recap and links to pages we talked about...

Nerd Fitness Blog Traveling tips...

Whenever I get to a new town, my first mission is to go for a walk and find one of three things:

• A pull up bar or swing set
• A sturdy tree branch
• A building or bus stop overhang

Localeikki - App that helps you find places to workout when you travel
Have you ever been traveling & just wanted to find a good place to run, walk or ride? Or maybe you had a workout to do and would enjoy jumping into a local group’s training session if only you could find one?

That’s why we created localeikki. We want to help people be active no matter where they are. localeikki is a database of recreation locations that are publicly accessible and locally recommended.

localeikki is a riff off of the concept locavore: loca for local & leikki means play in Finnish—play local. Our goal is that the business not only helps people be active, but also encourages information sharing of great places to be active. Did someone tell you about a good place to be active? Play it forward by sharing the great public places to run, bike, & play in your hometown.

Active Vacations:
www.adventuresingoodcompany.com
www.tripadvisor.com/Inspiration-g1-c7-World.html
www.RunforFunCruise.com

Fitness Pro Travel
Fitness at resorts provided by instructors like me J

Health and Fitness Blogs mentioned
Katy Widrick www.katywidrick.com Orlando
Katrina Pinkerton www.katrinaelle.com Orlando
Dani Holmes-Kirk www.weightoffmyshoulders.com Boston


Airport Workouts

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas (DFW)
An airport big enough to have its own ZIP code had better have some good exercise options, right? The Grand Hyatt DFW hotel (connected to International Terminal D) has a 24-hour rooftop pool and a fitness center that offers Life Fitness Cross Trainers, exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights, weight machines, and a steam room. A day pass (for the pool and gym) is $33. “That’s a small price to pay to know I got a good workout in before I get on an eight-hour flight,” says Gillotti. 

LaGuardia Airport, New York (LGA)
Most gyms aren’t attached to the airport, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them during a long layover. “When you start getting into a three-hour window, that’s when you can grab a taxi, go get a workout, and then get back through security,” Gillotti explains. Just a 3-mile cab ride from New York City’s most central airport, the Rock Health and Fitness Club in Astoria, Queens, boasts 30,000 square feet with a boxing studio, isometric equipment, and the real highlight, a 30-foot rock-climbing wall. A day pass costs $20. 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
In early 2012, a 150-square-foot storage room in Terminal 2 was converted into a relaxing yoga studio that’s free to all ticketed passengers — the first of its kind in the world. (Fun fact: SFO designed its own “yoga” icon since it didn’t exist in the guide of airport pictograms.) Even better, there are no cell phones allowed. FlySFO.com

Minnesota-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
It may not have fancy equipment, but the busiest airport in the upper Midwest has something the others don’t: a 1.4-mile walking loop through the main terminal, clearly marked with overhead signs. The track opened as part of the American Heart Association’s Start Walking program in 2007. MSPAirport.com

Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Take a 10-minute taxi ride to the World Gym East Fort Lauderdale. The $10 guest pass includes a locker. 

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Located in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport hotel’s state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT gym lets you use free weights, treadmills, stair machines, and exercise bikes for $15 per day. Fun fact: Should you desire to stay overnight in the Westin, you can get a room equipped with a stationary bike or treadmill, plus a medicine ball, fitness mat, and Pilates DVD. 

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
For $18, you can spend your layover in the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel’s recently-upgraded workout room. It overlooks the U.S. departures area, so it’s designed for people-watching. In addition to the usual array of fitness equipment (rowing machines, treadmills, etc.), you can do wet laps in the three-lane pool (with self-adjusted current). Join the Fairmont President’s Club (free) and you’ll even be able to rent Adidas workout gear or an MP3 player

Sky Harbor Airport PHX

Free 1 mile Fitness trail located in Terminal 4 clearly marked with blue line and has a views of surrounding mountain ranges. Also equipped with water bottle fill stations.

Find fitness Trails in cities, FREE

http://www.active.com/running/articles/25-best-trail-running-destinations-in-the-u-s

http://www.theactivetimes.com/best-city-bike-paths
We also announced our 6 Pack Fitness bag giveaway winner ...
 
Congrats Holly!

Stay tuned to The Fat to Fit Radio Show with Cindy and Larisa next week as we talk about all things health, fitness, and fun. Also listen for your chance to win a 6 pack of Zevia No Calorie Cola...

Have a great week!

Fat to Fit Radio Show with Cindy Lane Ross & Co-Host Larisa Dixon

Today's Show is about Travel & Fitness, as we are winding down the last few weeks of summer and taking last minute vacations, we wanted to give you some tips to stay on track with your goals!

Larisa & Cindy with our 6 Pack Bag Coolers :)

Fat to Fit Radio with Cindy & Larisa- Check out our giveaway today and hear about how you can stay on track when traveling!

Hey guys, we hope you listened to The Fat to Fit Radio show with Cindy and Larisa this morning. Eating healthy while traveling can be easier and cheaper on the wallet if you just plan ahead. We are always on the go and taking healthy foods with us just makes since.

We talked about teaming up with 6 Pack Bags this morning. Here is the info you need to start sharing those recipes. We are excited to see what post. Good Luck!

Get those recipes tagged. we will pick a winner next Saturday. God Luck!

Here are the links to the blogs we talked about also...
Mindy www.roadrunnergirl.com
Sarah www.momrunningnempty.com
Kristin www.stuftmama.com

If you would like us to feature you on an upcoming show, send us an email at  info@fattofitradiowithcindyandlarisa We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Also if you have any topics or ideas you want Cindy and I to talk about on the show, you can also send us an email at info@fattofitradiowithcindyandlarisa

Make sure to get those recipes tagged, GOOD LUCK! Chat Conversation End