We're already in the third week our summer fitness challenge! How did the first two weeks go for you?

This week, we're going to switch things up by focusing on tried-and-true traditional strength training (with machines) in the gym, with lower reps, higher weight, and longer recovery times. Get ready to pump some iron!

As we go through life, we're constantly categorizing (whether consciously or subconsciously) everything that crosses our path. He is this. She is that. These are different. That's the same. Yet, where does this lead us? No day is ever the same. And it’s this sense of variety that most of us thrive on and live for. So, why is that when it comes to analyzing our eating habits, we feel the need to categorize them as either “good” or “bad”? Let's dig into this a bit further.

If you walk into any grocery store around this time of year, you are bound to be assaulted by the ginormous, colorful bags of Halloween candy. But instead of dolling out bag after bag of artificial colors and flavors to the trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, how about trying out a few of these healthier alternatives? I'm not suggesting handing out bunches of kale and flaxseeds—after all I don't want your house to get TPed—but there are ways to healthify even this most junky of holiday traditions while still maintaining the festive spirit.

I took my daughter trick-or-treating for the first time when she was only 15 months old. She is now 16, and we still haven't missed a Halloween yet. We all know candy undermines our teeth, waistlines and health goals, but the ritual of selecting, creating and parading around in a Halloween costume, always outweighs the voice of moderation.

I am the room-mom for my fifth-grade daughter, and a few months ago, I organized the class breakfast party the day before winter break. I made my tasty buckwheat waffles for the class. And while I was prepping, one of the parent helpers asked me about my caramel-colored waffle batter.

“It’s all whole-grain,” I said. “Whole-wheat and buckwheat with olive oil, no butter. I make that pretty much every Sunday morning.”

“Well,” she said, “I guess if your kids are used to it, they don’t mind eating it.”

Today, I walked by Girl Scout cookies...and did a quick double take. They were out in the open for anyone to take but after thinking for just a moment, I just kept walking. Are you kidding me? I just walked past one of my favorite cookies.

That wouldn't have happened a year ago. I would have grabbed 2 (at least) and enjoyed them without thinking at all. That is the problem. It’s those little office and car snacks we indulge in without a second thought can really add up.

That’s right—you read that correctly. The Bacon Shake is the newest outrageous creation to greet consumers in the fast food world. To the dismay of some, it doesn’t actually contain any real bacon, but it does offer copious amounts of ice cream, bacon-flavored syrup, and whipped topping with a cherry on top.

Last year, several states tried to ban purchases of “unhealthy” foods using government assistance. They were unsuccessful in their endeavors, but should they have been?

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m graciously liberal at heart. I’m one of those people that enjoy paying taxes, because I honestly feel like I can help contribute to people who may be in a spot worse off than me. We’d never get anywhere in life without getting help from someone (at some point).

People often assume, because I am a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and dance teacher, that I have always been a “model student” where health and exercise are concerned. That assumption sort of makes me collapse into hysterical laughter.