Often times I hear people talk about not wanting to weight train for various reasons one of the main reasons is because they don’t want to become bulky. I have also heard other things like they don’t know how to use weights and machines or they are intimidated by the weight rack and the people who are over there. I am here to tell you why you definitely SHOULD weight train!

Muscle burns more calories. Adding muscle to your body increases your resting metabolic rate which means you burn more calories just sitting on the couch. You also burn more calories after a weight lifting session than you do after cardio. This is because after lifting weights your body uses energy to repair your muscles which burns calories. So even after you are done working out you are still burning calories for several hours.

Lifting weights help keep you young! Building muscle helps prevent sagging that comes with age. Whether that is in your glutes or your arms, if you want to...

In this day and age everything is online, I mean EVERYTHING! You can even buy your groceries online and have them delivered if you want. So why do people still feel the need to train in person? Online training has never been easier and it has so many perks, let me tell you a few of them;

• You can train on your own time. Being a mom is a tough job and everyday is something different. Unfortunately this makes it really hard to plan things for the same time each week. Having an online trainer means they send you a workout and meal plan via email. This means you can workout whenever it’s convenient for you! No more trying to find a sitter for the kids or trying to rush and get dinner done so you can make your training appointment. Just go to the gym when it’s most convenient for you.

• You can workout anywhere! Yes I mean anywhere! Online trainers understand that you may not be able to get to the gym everyday and can tailor your...

You may have noticed that there are still some areas that have my old business name (i.e., my Facebook business page). But rest assured that Allison Jackson Fitness is officially my new business name.

Same great service and products with a name that more accurately reflects the image and branding I want to represent.

Here are four ways to share the love with your Valentine without busting your waistline:

1. Go for a walk or a hike. Spend some quality one-on-one time getting some fresh air and really connecting and talking.
2. Send or buy flowers. Who doesn’t love beautiful flowers? And you’d be surprised by how many men would appreciate getting a bouquet of flowers.
3. Make a cute Valentine’s card for that special someone. Include a coupon for a massage or breakfast in bed. Writing something thoughtful is much more valuable and precious than a box of chocolates.
4. Get a gift certificate for an experience. Whether it’s a manicure, a massage or some much-needed babysitting time, many busy moms would appreciate some quiet time and self-care over candy or a fancy dinner.

What’s your favorite non-food Valentine’s Day gift?

I have to confess that I hate protein shakes. I hate drinking my calories in general so I just won’t make a shake. I’d rather eat my protein powder. If you’re struggling to get your daily intake of protein, here are some easy ways to get’er done. 

Not sure which protein powder to use? I also included some of my go-to favorites to get you started…

My Favorite Protein Powders

• Quest Banana Cream
• Quest Cinnamon Crunch
• Quest Strawberry
• Beverly International Ultimate Muscle Protein (UMP) Graham Cracker
• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Chocolate
• Modus Nutrition Chocolate

Mix It Up

You’d be surprised how versatile today’s protein powders are and many can easily be used for baking. Here are some very simple ways to add protein to common foods.

1. Mix 1 scoop with 1 tbsp powdered peanut butter + some zero-calorie sweetener and some water until you get the consistency of cake batter. Eat it like pudding or freeze it like fro-yo.
2. Mix it with...

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Following a proper diet accounts for 90% of your results, but it can be easy to have your diet derailed. That’s why preparing meals ahead of time is so important! Here are the tools you need to get started:

1. Food Scale -- portion control is easy when you can physically measure your food.
2. Containers -- grab and go containers make storage easy, whether in the fridge or in your lunch bag
3. Lunch bag -- not only will you save money, you’ll know exactly what you’re eating and how it was prepared.
4. Measuring spoons -- helpful for measuring spices and other smaller quantities
5. Storage bags -- multiple sizes for those items that don’t need a container, like nuts or dried fruit

Be sure to check out my meal-prep-made-easy recipes.

How many times have you heard “There’s an app for that?” Gotta love technology. It’s simplified our lives in so many ways, including when it comes to staying in shape. With that, I’d like to share my top five favorite apps. These are the ones that I use every.single.day.

1. MyFitnessPal
   As a macro-tracking ninja, this app is my go-to for logging all of my food. Plus, I’m on a 1,050-day streak that I don’t want to break any time soon. The free version is perfect for most people, while I opted for the premium version at $49 per year. The paid version enables me to customize my macros, which makes my life soooo much easier. You can also customize and load your own recipes, save your favorite meals and so much more!
   
   
2. Fit Bit
   I’m currently on my third Fit Bit device. I am seriously addicted to it. In addition to having an app on your phone, I have the Fit Bit HR, which allows you to track your heart rate, see your total calories burned, steps...

Dealing with Diet Disruptors: Your Fixes for February

You start the New Year off strong, full of resolve and armed with a healthy eating plan. But by the time February hits, you are faced with a new month of eating temptations and your willpower wanes. No matter what your weakness – sweet, salty, or savory – you are bound to experience some temptations. And the best way to keep those edible impulses in check is with a little preemptive planning. Here are four common scenarios that can mess with your quest for success this month and some strategies to help you stay the course on the road to fit.

The Big Game

Whether you are hosting or just a party goer, make sure you keep healthy options on hand. For mealtime, think tailgate-style Instapot teriyaki chicken and tangy roasted veggies. For snacking, opt for crudité with hummus or guacamole, and check out Hacked Snacks protein popcorn, available in a variety of fun flavors. Nacho-lovers are also in...

If you’re a sports fan, you no doubt have Super Bowl plans. Or perhaps you’re even hosting the big event at your house. Regardless, you need to have a plan in place to ensure that Super Bowl party doesn’t destroy all of your hard work when it comes to diet and workouts.

Here are three strategies you can use when it comes time for the big game. It’s important to have a plan of action going in.

1. Keep your hands and mouth occupied. 

I have an entire post about how to manage eating at parties, which includes tips on keeping yourself occupied. This makes eating more difficult.

2. Be mindful. 

Do not eat as you watch the game and do not eat as you are talking to people. When you eat, focus on eating. Whether you’re munching on appetizers or sitting down to a meal, the easiest way to go crazy and lose track is to not be aware of when and what you’re eating.

3. Bring a healthy option and eat before you go. 

Never go to a social event...

4 Tips to Overcoming Intimidation at the Gym 

Going to the gym can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re unsure where to start. But getting into a regular gym regime is a key component to a healthy lifestyle. So how do you overcome your unfounded fear? Here are 5 tips to conquer your gym-phobia:

1. Take a tour.
   Half the battle is not knowing where anything is located. Get a thorough tour to look at all the equipment, class offerings, locker room and any other areas that you think you’ll be using. This could be the pool, steam room, sauna, spin class area, yoga room, etc.
   
   
2. Sign up with a friend or get a few training sessions.
   Isn’t everything easier to do with a buddy? If you can’t get a friend or significant other to join with you, sign up for some onsite training. After one or two sessions, you’ll get comfortable with the layout of the gym and get into a routine.
   
   
3. Find the right time for you.
   You may be intimidated when you first walk in. I...