By the Optimal Nutrition Team/Team Nutritionist Evelyn Hallford

Today, it feels like we face so many challenges everyday. Whether it’s the uncertainty of the economic crisis, healthcare and even war, I feel as though I’m being hit from every direction with situations I can’t control. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that as women we keep our attitudes positive. I’ve always believed that to be strong on the outside means to be strong on the inside.

What can I control everyday? How can I stay strong both physically and mentally during these challenging times? I can control what I think, what I eat, and how I condition or treat my body. It’s important to stay positive, feed your mind with uplifting and powerful thoughts, and eliminate negativity from your life.

For example, I recently was beating myself up during a swim workout because I’d let the everyday woes of a busy life keep me from my favorite thing in the whole entire world…the water. As I was berating my lack of conditioning and comparing myself to Dara Torres (big mistake), I rested my hands on my thighs. To my utter astonishment, they felt so strong and powerful.

This "aha moment" resulted in quite a revelation for me. Instead of berating myself, I was saying, "Good job, girl; not bad for a 30-year-old." Needless to say, my workout rocked and so did my entire week. I’d turned the tide and stopped a possible spiral of negative events. It’s so important that as you condition your body during these times, you also condition your mind.

In addition to my fitness, I can control what I put into my mouth and take responsibility through nutrition to not only affect my physical health today, but also my health in the future. I can take ownership to eat clean, eat smart, take supplements, and refuse to allow disease to become part of my destiny.

Michelle Weinstein, owner of Optimal Nutrition, uses her expertise as a businesswoman and a health enthusiast to expand her company exponentially. Michelle is deeply rooted in her community and truly believes the path to living well begins with proper nutrition and exercise. Learn more at www.optimalnutritioninc.com.