Michelle Video Blog

Healthy Decadence

I had the amazing honor and pleasure of meeting Chef Devin Alexander in Chicago for a one-on-one workout date! We met at a gym in downtown Chicago - Devin mentioned that Oprah works out at the club we were at, but alas we didn't see O anywhere.

Devin and I completed a cardio circuit, and we talked the entire time. It was so refreshing to talk to someone that "gets it". Our date went by so quickly, and before we knew it, an hour and 10 minutes had flown by. Devin had to leave quickly because she was a featured chef at the Taste of Chicago, but before Devin left, she gave me a box of her Healthy & Decadent Treats



I was so excited - I couldn't believe Devin actually took the time to make these treats just for ME!!! When do you ever have a world renown chef cook for you?

My little box contained two chocolate chocolate brownie cups, 2 fudge mint iced brownies, and a glazed lemon bundt cake. It was so hard not to inhale the treats all at once - they looked and smelled so yummy, and tasted even better! The fudge mint iced brownie was pure decadence - so rich, and bursting with flavor. :)

We then met up with Devin again at Taste of Chicago where she introduced me to the crowd - it was rather exciting! We watched her presentation - she demonstrated her McDonald's: Big Mac, Green Potato Salad, and Chocolate Chocolate Brownie Cups. Let me tell you - if you love McDonald's Big Macs, you simply MUST try Devin's healthy recipe (found in her Fast Food Fix cookbook, and also shared in yesterday's post). Devin has recreated the "special sauce" to perfection!

Meeting Devin was an experience I will keep with me always! Devin has openly spoken of her food addiction, and how it continues to affect her life. Knowing that she continues to succeed and overcome her addiction every single day gives me immeasurable hope for my future. She is such an incredible inspiration because instead of running from her food addiction, she embraced it and taught herself how to live a healthy, decadent life. She's shown me how to create more balance with my nutrition and showed me it's possible to eat like a "normal" person yet be so healthy at the same time!

MIchelle Video Blog: 6/20/2009

Miller Ride For The Arts

My kids and I completed the 15-mile ride in today's Miller Ride for the Arts supporting UPAF. It was really fun, despite the chilly weather. The rain held off until we were done with the ride, which was perfect. I briefly thought about trying to shoot video of the ride itself as I pedaled along, but I'm far from graceful and much too clumsy, and decided both hands were needed on my handlebars at all times. We witnessed a pretty bad crash between two bicyclists near Mile 10 that had me quaking in my seat, and immensely grateful when we hit the finish line in one piece. Trying to get my leg up and over my bike was rather difficult, but the sense of accomplishment that flooded my entire being made the aches and pains worth it!

Michelle Video Blog: 6/6/2009

We started a new program this week - it's challenging to say the least! Kurt gave me a reprieve this week, with just 3 workout days. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I found myself oversleeping in the mornings, and passed out by 8pm in the evenings. I'm also very surprised at how much working out has become an integral part of my life. I seriously found myself missing my workouts on my extra rest days!

Nutrition Notes: 6/3/2009

Working with Michelle on her eating habits has been easy – but not so easy for her. She has been a “perfect student” even thought I know it has been tough for her. That proves how important it is for her to be surrounded by good people as she faces the challenges that come with this transformation. I think that Michelle’s transformation is not just physical, but mental and probably spiritual on some level. Thanks to her family, friends, co-workers, and other supporters for helping her out!

Trainer Notes: 6/1/2009

About a week ago, it became obvious that Michelle needed a bit of a transition to lower intensity training for a short amount of time to allow her body to heal and recover. This week, she is only completing three workouts and told me she feels rested and rejuvenated already. Rest is so important in getting results and I feel this will be good for Michelle both physically and mentally. This challenge has been tough for Michelle in both respects and she has been extremely tough. Thank you Michelle.