Welcome to Donna's Fitness Blog....let's discover our health together


The Purpose of this blog is to travel the journey of life and discover our optimal health together.

Call Donna Lidman (780) 231 9311 or email donnafit@me.com

Thursday, 14 March 2013

The Secret to making Weight Loss last



Women's Health Magazine posted this article that high lights these five tips for leaving your diet mentality behind and changing your life style for good.


  1. Make a healthy Grocery list
  2. Start drinking 8-10 cups of water a day
  3. Create a positive support system
  4. Start a food journal (on paper or digital)
  5. Find your favourite Exercise and DO IT!
  6. Portion Control (I added this one)
Simple life style changes can payoff with big results!
Check out the full article.




Tuesday, 1 January 2013

WECA Classes are back!!!!







It is time to get back together and get fit!!!!

Classes start again at West Edmonton Christian Assembly Wednesday January 9 and Friday January 11

Same time!  Same Place!!  Same Price!! Same great Fun!!!

It's a new year, a new Turning Point.


Yes we can!!!   See you there!!!!

Monday, 10 December 2012

Attack that Sweet Tooth





Sweet Sugar look out!!!!

Since the introduction of High Fructose Corn Syrup in 1970 the caloric intake of the average American woman has jumped from 1,652 - 2,028 calories per day.  That equals 25 pounds more sugar annually for women.....WOW!!!!!

And guess what, eating too much sugar makes you want to eat more and it can become addictive!!! Studies liken the sugar addiction to that of heroin or cocaine.

Read your labels and watch out for hidden sugars!!!  They are every where.  Especially hidden in drinks.  Artificial sweetened drinks aren't much better.  They tease your stomach into thinking that calories are on the way.  When none show up your body sends you looking for calories and you end up munching your way to unhealthy foods.

THE ONLY WAY TO CURB A SUGAR HABIT IS LIKE ANY OTHER - CUT BACK DRASTICALLY!!!!

Here are some tips to help you do just that.

When craving sweets pick up a piece of fruit (added fiber and natural sugar help)
Extra sweet cravings - try dried fruit (limit to 1/4 cup) or Fruit Juice (limit to 1 cup/day)
Think 100 -  a treat with only 100- 150 calories and less than 16 grams sugar
Indulge right after a meal - helps to stabilize the blood sugar
Cut out overt sugars - what are you drinking?  Try sparkling waters with a squeeze of lime, coffee with just cream, tea with BuckWheat honey.

Just like any other "addiction" the first 5 days expect to be a little cranky and jittery.  Once you kick the sugar habit after a week you will find that what you once enjoyed is now too sweet.

Thanks Women's Health for a great Article.  Check out the full article!!!
Curb your Sweet tooth

Friday, 30 November 2012

10 minute office workout at your desk

Perform all six exercises for 30 secs.  Do at a moderate pace so you don't get too sweaty - just be active.

Skip (pretend you have a rope)




Desk Push up

Knee Lifts

Chair Squats




Desk Mountain climbers

Desk tricep dips


Preferably use a chair with no casters or your desk.

Add a little stretching!!!!

The 10 minute Holiday Workout before the Party


All you have is 10 minutes.  Give this your routine your all.  Turn on the holiday tunes.  Perform all six exercises  for 30 secs, repeat for 3 circuits.  Pick the intensity of the move that is right for you.






Jump Jacks - half jack , full jack , squat jacks, rock star jump

Push ups - from knees or toes (use that core)


Leg lifts - lift knee to chest with hands over head, run on spot with high knees


Reverse lunge & Bicep curls - add weights, step back off a step


Mountain Climber - step feet forward alternating or power drive knees forward (keep head up)

Plank - knees or toes, one arm or one leg off

Now go take a shower and remember those Holiday Party tips!!!

10 top tips for surviving the Holiday Parites



Stay Hydrated
- Drink lots of water and tea
Never go Hungary to a Holiday Party
- eat an apple before, drink a glass of almond milk with 2 Tbsp's Chia seeds
Sip sparkling water (add fresh cranberries or orange)
- alternate with a glass of wine or the egg nog if you must partake
Portion size
- stick to the small luncheon plate when you hit the buffet table
Take it slow
-sit down to eat and chew slowly (it takes 20 mins for your brain to catch up to your stomach)
Go colour
- fill your plate with the rainbow (salad & veggies) then if you must, go back for a small portion of your favourites
Avoid the sauces
-especially the creamy ones
Dress for success
-wear comfortable but a tight fitting outfit (not the time for your stretchy pants)
Eat Protein
- balance your carbs with a good portion of protein, chow on a few almonds and walnuts
Chew Gum
- it keeps your mouth busy when all else fails
Bonus tip - Get moving
-even a walk before or after a feast can make a big difference!!!!

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

BEST DIETS FOR HEALTH & WEIGHTLOSS

Are you looking to drop a few pounds??

Which Diets are the best for overall weight loss and are the easiest to stick to??

A recent study from the US News Best Diets (2012) report by 22 health experts ranked the 25 most popular diets.

Here are the results for best overall diets
(that is weight loss and likelihood of sticking to it)

DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

TLC Diet (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes)
Both of these diets are based on the Canada Food Guide

Tie for third place goes to

Mayo Clinic Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Weight Watchers
All of these are good diets to follow
- pick the one that works for you and that is easyiest  to follow

The worst diets are
Raw Food Diet
Dukan Diet
Paleo Diet
so steer clear of these!!

Check out the Nourish, Move Thrive website for all the details

DASH diet