Attune Foods' LinksCarla Birnberg is one part mom, one part female dynamo and the voice behind MizFitOnline.com. She’s an award-winning author, fitness expert and has worked at one point as a personal trainer. We are excited to have Carla as our attune ambassador at the Type A Mom’s Conference and had a chance to chat with her about her journey of healthy living.
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1. Have you always lived a healthy life?
Not really. I was never too unhealthy before college, I was just raised in a family which valued brains over brawn. I spent most of my free time with friends, reading or playing the clarinet. And, being the highly uncoordinated individual I am, I didnt participate in any organized sports.
2. When did you have your “a-ha” moment about living healthier?
While I gained the typical freshwoman forty (wait what? not everyone gains the forty? duly noted.) I really didnt care all that much. I gained the weight in the name of having (perhaps too much) fun and enjoying life. It was only after I graduated college and realized my interview suits no longer fit I decided it might be time to shed a few pounds. Quite frankly it was more the fact I was cheap (aka poor) than anything else which initially motivated me to change my diet & start working out. Then I saw a picture of Linda Hamilton circa Terminator2…
3. Is it ever a struggle to stay healthy?
While my first thought is to say no—I guess Id clarify that it is simply a choice. A choice that I’m forced to make more frequently some days than others (choosing to say no to skipping a workout or opting for cooking when I’d really rather do take out), but it’s a choice I made for myself about sixteen years ago and I’m committed to not looking back. I guess the words I’d choose to describe it is fraught with planning over struggle. It’s a daily effort to set myself up for healthy living success.
4. How do you stay motivated / what do you do on the days you’re not feeling so motivated?
As with all moms my life completely changed when our daughter entered our live. And, when it comes to workout motivation, this was definitely for the better. On the days where I dont feel motivated or cant do it for myself I do it for her. I’m not a young mom (shes almost 5 and Im 41) and I owe it to her to be the healthiest mom I can be.
5. What do you do to stay in shape?
Disclaimer: Dont be me. I’ve slid back into a workout rut currently mainly because Ive got a lot on the proverbial plate with regards to work and life. Also this is what works for me and my life. Yada yada yada took me 41 years to figure out what works for me. It’s worth making the time to find out what works best for you and your body. I lift five days a week. Sometimes six. Typically split into chest, back, biceps, triceps/shoulders, legs. I tend to lift MORE frequently because I am in & out and DONE with my lifts in 20 minutes maximum. (I’ve found a child in the gym daycare for short spurts is a happier child.) Right now I do 6 days a week of cardio.on my recumbent bike. Approximately 30 minutes. I may do 35 if Im sucked into a trashy magazine, but never more than that.
6. How do you encourage healthy living for your family?
I’ve found that it really is all about practicing what I preach (with the husband and the child). When I do that there is rarely the need to ever “preach” a word.
7. Do you find it easy to feed your kids nutritious food?
I have to say that I really do. That said, we do not always eat nutritious foods, but when we dont it’s always a conscious decision and not the fact we’ve no other options around. I’m a firm believer that everything in moderation is fine. One big surprise for me with regards to motherhood is the fact that my daughter really does want to eat what she sees me eating. As she gets older I know this will change I just hope some of the tastes & habits we are setting now will stick.
8. What’s a great piece of advice you’ve received about healthy living?
This isn’t advice but more something Ive come to on my own which has been life altering. We are the experts of our own bodies. We may all want to get to the same destination with regards to fitness (living longer, feeling better, looking good etc) yet that doesnt mean we all need to take the same path to get there. Listen to gurus, read books and magazines, talk to your friends about what worked for them but remember that you are the expert of your own body. Carve your unique path to health and wellness. Just get to carvin’
9. What’s your current favorite song that makes you want to move?
I am embarrassingly not hip when it comes to music these days. I’m more Yo Gabba Gabba than Lady Gaga. Shall I further embarrass myself by saying Im a Justin Timberlake fan?
10. What’s your favorite attune chocolate bar flavor?
CHOCOLATE CRISP!!!
