Loulou's views

Happy New Year! How  cliché to  start my first post of 2016 talking about ways to get healthier and happier, but the start of a new year excites me and I look forward to challenging myself, writing down new goals (that I may or may not stick to—hey, resolutions are tough !) and trying to get healthier than the year before. Of course it's important to stick to an exercise routine and eat well throughout the year, but December is a month of partying and overindulging more than usual, so getting back on track in January can sometimes be difficult... but not impossible. Here are six simple ways to be healthier and happier this year: Be thankful. It's easy to complain about the things in life that aren't going exactly as we'd like them to go, but if we take a moment each day to remember all the good things we have in our life, we'll complain a lot less. Be thankful for what you have—family, friends, home. We have it good, and if you need a remin...

I always have time to go to the salon to do my hair, even if it's just for my weekly blow-dry.  I always have time to go to the mall. I always have time to check Facebook. I always have time to catch up on my favourite shows on Netflix. So, really, there's no excuse for why I sometimes can't find the time to go the gym. "Want to go to BodyPump?"  "I can't—I have no time!" I don't like excuses, but sometimes, that's exactly what I'm using when I try to get out of going to a class at the gym. And sometimes, it truly does feel like I have no time for the gym, but that's only because my priorities have shifted—and that should never be the case. After all, it's my health. And my future. So why do I find it so hard to stick to a fitness routine, one that'll benefit me now and in the long run? I get into great routines with working out, usually in the summer and before a vacation when I know I'm going to be spending my d...

Summer is pretty much over, even though we've had some incredibly hot days in September. (Which I'm not complaining about—I wish we had this weather year-round.) Summer was all about being outdoors and being active. My boys enjoyed two week of all-day tennis camp, and we swam pretty much every single day this summer, including one month of swimming in the sea (and pools at our hotels) in Greece. Besides swimming and tennis, we stayed active by taking long walks after dinner, bike rides, and playing soccer. Now that the weather will inevitably turn colder, I don't want to stop our routine of staying fit and active. Here are three ways to keep on moving as the days get colder: 1. Layer up, baby! Sure, it's suddenly chilly outside, and you'd much rather sit on the couch with your favourite book or head to Starbucks for a latte, but once you start moving, you'll feel warm in no time. Also, this gives you the excuse to go shopping for a cute new scarf and je...

Summer is all about backyard BBQ's, ice cream, enjoying drinks on the patio with friends, and of course, vacations. I'm excited to be heading back to Greece this summer with my family. Despite  all the economic uncertainty in Greece, there is no better time to travel to the one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The beaches, the food, the people, the history‚ the sights and the island life (Mykonos, Santorini, Zakinthos, Lefkada...) are like no other. And you'll leave with memories to last a lifetime. Right before every vacation I try to lose a few pounds, especially since I know I'll be spending my days in the sea, in a bikini. I'm pretty confident with my body and my curves, but still—when I have a goal in mind, and something to strive for, it makes me work harder to achieve my goals. Although maintaining a healthy balance of eating well and working out, I find myself more motivated before I have to hit the beach in the summertime. Summer makes it e...

Right now, there are a lot of things that make me smile. After all, as long as my children are happy, I feel content. However, we all have bad days— those moments of doubt and insecurities and fear that can take over the mind and put you in a state of complete unhappiness. I’m trying to enjoy every minute of this sunshine and warm weather. I love evening walks and basketball games with my boys after dinner, and love the fact that because I’m eating healthier, I’m feeling better, too. However, it doesn’t take much to turn a wonderful day into something… not so wonderful, despite the power of the sun and love from my children. It could be a sad news story I’ve read, a fight I’ve had with a friend or loved one, unpaid bills piling up, or worrying about what’s going to happen in the near (or far) future. And I do worry all the time, about everything. There are ways to stop the negative thoughts from forming into something larger, though, and these are the things I do to try to stay...

Spring is finally— finally —in the air. Oh, just writing those words feels amazing! It has been a long, harsh winter, and despite a ten day beautiful vacation to Miami and Orlando, winter still dragged on, which meant I spent more time than usual sitting on the couch wishing the snow would go away so I could get outside with my children to do the things we love to do. (I'm sorry, but fun winter activities like skiing and skating are not that enjoyable to me because -30C is the worst!) Anyway, now with warmer days in our forceast, it's time to get back into shape. (Unless, of course, you've been smart and have kept up your workout routine even when all you've wanted to do is stay home, eat chips, and marathon-watch the new season of House of Cards.) I have been with GoodLife Fitness for years, probably from the first year they opened in Ottawa. I loved that I could go the gym whenever I wanted to work out, I loved that there was always a location clos...