Meet Lindsey

Can you tell us a little about yourself (name, age, occupation, and children)?

Hey Ya’ll!!  I’m a Georgia girl, Mom of 3 amazing kids, Wife of a football coach, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer.  We love fitness, food, family activities and football of course!  I’m 35 and have been a stay at home mom for 11 years which is and always will be my number one “job”!    Because I am so passionate about helping others, I also have a thriving business from home that partners with clients to help them reach their wellness goals. 

What sparked your interest in training?

It kind of just happened naturally!  I have been active since I was a child and always participated in team sports.  I used to be a serious runner and lifted occasionally.  After my third child was born, I fell in the gym and twisted my ankle.  I couldn’t do any cardio during that time, so I started lifting weights!  I Immediately fell in love with it!

How would you describe your body before you began training?

I used to be a competitive runner in high school and college.  I also ran a couple of marathons so you could say I was a cardio girl for sure with minimal weights.  When I started lifting weights, and I mean REALLY LIFTING,  I dropped the last 10 pounds of my pregnancy weight and my muscles started showing more definition.  The most significant thing for me was that this was the turning point in my nutrition too.  When I did a lot of cardio I craved simple carbohydrates.  When I started lifting I ended up eating a lot more protein!

Please describe a “typical” day for you?  What is your daily routine like?

I’ll use a “typical” day during the school year, because I don’t think I ever have a typical day during the summer!  After the kids leave for school,  it’s important for me to start my day off with a devotional and breakfast.   I always eat breakfast (never skip it anymore) and then head to the gym.  After that, I come home, work on my business and make sure I have food prepared or ready for dinner.  Then it’s running some errands and picking up the kids at school.  In the afternoon I take the kid’s to their activites.  We almost always eat dinner at home during the week and then bedtime for them!  

 What is your current weekly training routine? 

I am not training for anything specific,  but I love to stay fit and strong throughout the year.  Currently it’s summer and we are home from our vacations, so I am getting up earlier and going to the gym 4 – 5X per week.  I split up muscle groups each day, usually focusing on two muscle groups at a time.  I’m always mixing up my routine, but I love to lift heavy.  Today I did shoulders and triceps.  Yesterday I did back and legs with abs in the middle of my circuits.  Tomorrow I will probably just do some cardio.  I take one or two days off and do something active with the kids.  

What is your favorite cardio or weights? 

I can’t believe I am saying this after so many years of being a cardio girl, but I LOVE WEIGHTS!!!  Although I really enjoy being outside in nature running, biking or just walking!  It’s so peaceful!

Do you have a favorite body part to train?  What exercise do you like to use for it?

I really love to train every muscle group.  So hard to choose.  Right now, I would have to say my favorite is my back.  I love Lat Pull Downs, Seated Cable Rows, Standing Cable Rows, Pull-Ups, Single-Arm Rows.  

What does your diet consist of on a daily basis?

I am a big advocate for eating low glycemic good every 2-3 hours.  For breakfast I either have eggs, oatmeal and veggies or a low glycemic meal replacement with extra protein in it.  For a mid morning snack,  I have something with more protein and complex carbs.  This could be eggs, lean protein, banana, apple, almonds, etc.  For lunch, it’s usually grilled chicken or fish on a salad or in a high fiber wrap with leftover veggies from dinner the night before.  I have another snack in the afternoon (more protein, shake, bar, veggies).  Dinner  is usually fish or chicken with sweet potato and veggies.  I also drink a LOT of water!  Gave up all artificial sweeteners 2 years ago and feel amazing!  I have a lot of recipes I post on my facebook page and will be putting more up on a website soon!  I LOVE to COOK!!!  

Do you have a favorite healthy meal/food?  Do you have a favorite cheat meal/food?  What are they?

My favorite meal is Salmon, Spinach Salad, Roasted Veggies or Sweet Potato.   This summer I have really enjoyed making lean hamburgers with 90% ground beef and topping with bacon and provolone cheese for a fun meal!  I use these whole wheat buns that are amazing!!  Add a side of sweet potato fries and it’s a delicious meal.  But a lot healthier than going out!  

How do you deal with cravings?

Oh this is my favorite question and what I love to help my clients overcome!   As long as I eat every 2-3 hours and give my body nutrient rich food, my body doesn’t crave simple carbs.   I eat complex carbs, protein, lots of fiber and healthy fat throughout the day.  I also don’t deprive myself or tell myself I can’t have something.   I struggled with this for years and I know how hard this can be.  When you have a healthy mindset and realize that you only have ONE BODY, you want to nourish it!  Every day I ask myself, “Am i having a good cell day?”   Your health starts at a cellular level!  Give your cells a lot of nutrients and antioxidants not just to look good, but so that you can have energy and fight off degenerative disease!  I love teaching about balancing blood sugars and the importance of how this helps with cravings.  So if you want to know more, please reach out to me.  I do a lot of free nutrition calls during the year!    

What is your favorite workout song?

When I workout in the morning, I really like to listen to worship music.   “God is Able” by Hillsong is one of my favorites and gets my mind focused on what really matters!    “Good Feeling” by FLo Rida is a fun song that I have on my workout mix too. 

What, if any, supplements do you take?

Supplements are meant to “supplement”, not replace a healthy diet!   They are meant to enhance it.   Understand that there is no regulation on the supplement industry, so you need to be very careful to and make sure you research what you are taking.   I partner with a company, USANA Health Sciences because I trust them.  I use their Multi-Vitamin, Biomega Fish oil, Vitamin D and Proflavanol to help make sure my cells are getting optimal levels of nutrients everyday.  

What are you most proud of?

My purpose and passion in life is to help others.   I am so proud of everyone who is reading this, for those of you who are trying to improve your health and fitness levels.  When you take the time to learn and grow, then you can begin to help and inspire others yourself!  We need more influencers out there!!  

What tips do you have for a beginner just starting out in fitness? 

Don’t have an all or nothing attitude.  Do what you can with what you have and set attainable goals so you don’t quit.  Doing something is better than nothing!  Seek out people who can help you and keep you accountable or join you on your journey.  Be patient.  It takes time to for your body to change.  Have fun.  Do what you love doing so that it’s not a chore!  Love yourself through the journey.  

What is next for you?  What goals do you have in mind?

I have some personal goals in my nutrition business so I can help more people and have more resources for them.  I also have a goal this year to go to bed earlier!  I know that seems silly, but it would help me so much in my overall well-being and productivity during the day.  Sleep is definitely an important part of having a healthy lifestyle!!  

Where can readers find you?  Are you on social media?

Website: www.lhardy.usana.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/LindseyHardyInspiringOptimalHealth?ref=ts

Twitter:https://twitter.com/lindseynhardy!

 Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/lindseynhardy/

It’s been a pleasure!  Do you have any final words or a favorite quote to share with the readers of NaFiMo?

 This has been fun and I hope that some of the things I have shared inspire ya’ll!  

Favorite Quote:  “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out”

 

It’s the little things you do everyday that add up to success.  It’s not one quick answer.  It’s CONSISTENCY in making the right choices.  People aren’t successful because they never failed.  They are successful because they kept going!   Don’t Quit!  – Lindsey