Introduction

Power is defined as the ability to influence the behaviour of others with or without resistance.

I chose the name PowerBomb (bomb as in bombshell) for my blog as I believe in the power to motivate others and how fast a little inspiration can spark something amazing with the right strike.

Things I am passionate about in my life are all surrounded by the main purpose of feeling good and pursuing happiness. I love Crossfit, Yoga, Running, Cycling, Boxing and everything in between.. I love fitness and working out or pushing myself further to try new things. Crossing new thresholds is fun for me and makes me feel human. I am also a foodie and while it is usually contradictory of the two lifestyles- I believe it doesn't have to be. I love to create things in the kitchen that are delicious, clean and provide fuel for your body. I create Powerful recipes and want to share them with you.

After years of trying various diets for a quick fix, I have finally come to realize that you need to commit to a permanent sustainable lifestyle, fasting or depriving your body of vital nutrients will only backfire. 

Lessons I have learned and rules to live by:

1. You cannot out exercise a bad diet, your body is built in the kitchen.

2. Train smarter, not longer. You can use 40 minutes, or even 20, well or waste 90...leave the magazine at home.

3. Feed your body clean, whole foods, nothing processed or artificial! (please ditch the splenda and the diet coke) Carbs are not the enemy and your body needs fat ( the good ones) to burn fat efficiently.

4. Don't obsess about counting calories. If you are eating whole foods you will feel more satisfied and feel less need to binge on junk.

5. What works for me, will not always work for you and vice versa. We are  all made differently, So STOP comparing yourself to others and just be the best version of YOU that you can be!

There is the saying that 80% of achieving your ideal body is due to diet and only 20% is exercise. Well, If you only focus 80% on diet and 20% on exercise you will be skinny, sure, but you'll be "skinny fat". If you focus 20% on diet and 80% on exercise, you may be strong, but you will still be fat. The one thing these two have in common is FAT.

You need to take responsibility for what you want from your life, and if that is to feel great, look great and live a long life to enjoy this playground that surrounds us..then you need to focus 100% on taking care of yourself. Just commit to you.

Personally, If I don't feel good then everything else in my life suffers. Especially relationships and my own mental state of mind. It becomes a downward spiral and a cycle that repeats itself over and over again. I have had enough day ones... I have started over way too many times. When I feel good, life is good. I want to live my life to its fullest potential and that starts with one of the only things in life that can be controlled....what I put in my body.

We all need balance (however you want to define that..) and we all need a treat every once and a while, but why would you put a chemically processed shit storm in your body as a reward? Why not try something totally indulgent that is made of wholesome food to power your body? I am on the quest to make these things... I will find recipes and experiment with them to make the most powerful, delicious creations to share with you.

I look up to many fitness professionals, friends or trainers I have worked with throughout the years; Dave Brett, Garth Prouse, Barb Morrisson,J-Me Hannay, Lauren Bilon,Shayne Jensen,Steve Vanderpoel...to name a few, have in some way pushed me, inspired me or given me motivation along the way.  As well as big time fitness industry professionals/icons such as Jillian Michaels, Jamie Eason or Tosca Reno who promote clean healthy lifestyles with a tough love approach to work hard for what you have. I have subscribed to all fitness magazines since I was 13, I was raised to make healthy choices and these things luckily come naturally to me.  My amazing Mom, to who I owe not knowing what a donut even was until I was 13 signed me up for boxing and karate/ kickboxing when I was 3, not ballet..so I was raised to be a tough chick.

A lot of the information or tips I pass along will be coming from highly reputable sources such as these women or other resources such as Oxygen magazine, Women's Health, Livestrong.com or otherwise...and from my years of reading, obsessing and practicing-through trial and error. I have been a gym junkie since I can remember and making healthy options for baking or comfort food has been a hobby for a long time.

I have recently completed my AFLCA certification for group fitness and am working on my Crossfit Level 1 certification this fall. I am taking business in school, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, but fitness and nutrition is where my passions lie.

Little bits and pieces I have collected along the way have led me to this point and I would like to share whatever I can with you!

Exercise should be a gift to your body, not punishment for being over indulgent. 

Remember, food is fuel.

So stop by my blog and enjoy some recipes, weekly challenges, daily workouts or inspiration when you need a kick in the butt..we all do sometimes.

Mandy