Well, what do you think about week 3 so far? If you read my Facebook post about our body image topic I promised that it wouldn’t be an easy week but that we would do it TOGETHER.

**I’d love to hear from you so be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts on how you are growing and taking this stress point to the throne of your King, Your Creator.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend and fitness guru, Michelle Myers. Michelle is one cool chick who is super knowledgeable about all things health and exercise. But, most importantly, Michelle loves Jesus. She generously took some time to answer some questions I had for her and I’m excited for you to hear what Michelle has to say…

~Whenever I am living a healthy life style and working out regularly, regardless of what the scale says, I still feel good about my body. Why do you think healthy eating and exercise effects our body image in such a positive way?

Michelle: Because we gain confidence not only in the way our body looks, but what our body can do! Personally, I have way more satisfaction knowing that I can do 50 push-ups without stopping or that I’ve completed a full marathon than I ever do with seeing a number on a scale.

I always encourage people to set performance goals for their workouts instead of pounds they want to lose. Goals are great…but they don’t produce results. Activity produces results.

For example, if you haven’t worked out in a while, don’t say, “I’d like to lose 10 lbs in 5 weeks.” Say, “I’m going to work out 5 times this week and eat clean.”

If you make your workout about becoming an athlete, I have no doubt you’ll start to look like one!

~So many of us are too busy to eat a good breakfast, which is important for our all around health and energy level for the day. Do you have any suggestions for easy, healthy breakfast foods?

Michelle: Simply make sure you get a balance of nutrients in the morning. Your body needs complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fat. Other great power breakfasts are whole wheat toast with natural almond butter, steel cut oats with flaxseeds and a scoop of protein powder, or 2 scrambled eggs and salsa in a whole wheat wrap.

Hydration is a huge part of starting your morning right. For coffee drinkers, make sure you are guzzling water at the same time. Coffee dehydrates your body, which could send you mixed hunger signals. In fact, if you eat breakfast and drink coffee but find yourself “hungry” after just a few hours, it might be your body telling you that you are thirsty…which water is the only thing that will TRULY satisfy your thirst.

Oh, and just stay away from juice. In the words of my son’s pediatrician, “Juice is the nutritional equivalent of soda.” Just because it’s based with fruit, that doesn’t make it healthy. Juice has a ton of added sugar.

~How do you suggest that women maintain a balance of viewing their body in a positive manner with out going overboard and obsessing over how they look?

Michelle: First of all, remember that when you insult your appearance, you are insulting your Creator. God crafted you in such a special way. Don’t belittle His handiwork.

Second, check your motivation. There’s no reason to be ashamed of taking care of our bodies – they are God’s temple. If you want to be in shape to bring God glory, to look hot for your husband or to be healthy and live a long life, rock on, girlfriend. That’s what it’s all about.

BUT if you are obsessing over your appearance because you’re going to a party with your fiancé and his ex-girlfriend will be there…there’s a problem. That type of motivation is rooted in jealousy and vengeance.

It might sound silly, but PRAY about it. God allows us to come to Him with all things…big and small. Praying for a healthy mindset about my body is a part of my daily prayers. I assure you…when you give things over to God, He takes care of it better than you ever could.

Thank you, Michelle for sharing your wisdom. If you’ve read through Stress Point Chapter 3 already you will recognize Michelle as I’ve already tapped into her wisdom in the book! Love this girl!

Don’t miss Michelle’s story of anorexia and redemption as chronicled in her book, “The Look That Kills.”

Michelle is giving away a copy here on LIVE IT OUT! blog. Here’s how you can win:

Share ONE way you will start living more healthy TODAY. It can be something as simple as drinking more water or eating more fruits and veggies. Leave a comment to be entered into the random drawing. I will announce a winner NEXT WEDNESDAY.