Welcome to the Team!
 I’d like to give a big Sweet Welcome to my new Sweet Connection partner Cindy Bell! Cindy is a fellow heath and fitness enthusiast, devoted to helping educate and inspire women toward a lifestyle of wellness. Married to Phoenix Sun’s All-Star Raja Bell, Cindy is a master of ‘practical health & fitness’, learning to incorporate simple nutrition and enjoyable daily exercise into her hectic travel lifestyle on the road with the team. She is the perfect addition to the Get Healthy Team, bringing a common sense approach and practicality to those of us who are always ‘on-the-go’!
~Chris
We had a chance to sit down with Cindy to talk about life and fitness. We started out talking about food.
What's your philosophy on eating?
I believe in a well balanced diet. On a daily basis, I make a effort to plan out my protein for the day so that my body is fueled properly and can repair after workouts. Now that I am in my thirties, one change that I have made is I eat smarter when it comes to carbohydrates. I love fruit so that's easy to incorporate into each day's diet and I try to eat only whole grain when it comes to breads and pastas. I eat in moderation, no overeating at mealtime. I eat until I am not hungry, not until I'm stuffed. Most of the time, I'll save the rest of my sandwich or meal until my hunger arises again later and then finish. By having lots of small meals throughout the day, my body is able to breakdown my food easier and I feel lighter with more energy.
Most of the time, I prefer my largest meal to be at lunchtime. Sometimes I get creative in order to eat enough vegetables. I don't like a lot of cooked veggies so I eat them raw with dip, peanut butter, etc...whatever is necessary so that I get the important number of servings for the day. Also, as long as I am making correct, healthy choices for my meals and I'm exercising daily, I am not against something sweet every now and again. I actually love it and enjoy it more when I don't over do it. I believe I deserve a reward for making correct choices for my health.
What do you do to keep fit?
I try to exercise at least one hour per day whether it be a yoga or pilates class, playing soccer, swimming, dancing, power walking, or a cardio lifting class. I like variety when it comes to working out. I may get bored doing one type of activity, so I move on to something else so that I don't stop all together. I try different exercises and workouts depending on the day and my attitude. Due to a back injury, I prefer to stay consistent with core exercises so that my stomach muscles are strong which prevents my back from aching. Most weeks, I average consistent hourly exercise for about five days a week.
When you and Raja are on the road, what do you do to stay on track?
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road, I have to plan ahead. I make good decisions when choosing restaurants and I scout out workout rooms in hotels for treadmill running or light weight lifting. I even power walk and sightsee outside in new cities.
What advice would you give to people who want to get in shape?
Read up on health and nutrition. Start slow. Make a few changes at a time whether it be with food or exercise. As exercises get easier, increase. Change up the scenery, get a workout partner, try something new, and make it fun so that you will enjoy it rather than dread it. Work at your own pace so that eventually it all feels natural and part of your everyday life.
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