7 minute read
Health And Fitness
Staying On Track
by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist
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The weather is finally changing. With the cooler temperatures, comes more time inside on the couch and holiday baking and cooking but separation from normal holiday events, which means we have to stay even more focused on our nutritional habits because these things tend to make us less active and more snack prone. A big part of staying on track is simply being disciplined in dayto-day life so that when it comes time for those rare moments when we get to step out and dress up in today’s world, you can enjoy a few of those indulgences the season brings without guilt or fear of it destroying your hard work. Now is the perfect time to really focus on your favorite way to stay active and make sure you stick to it at least 3 to 4 days a week. Have a friend you check in with daily to hold you accountable for exercising and maybe even for some basic aspects of daily nutrition. One of the simplest most disciplined choices you can make when it comes to nutrition is this -- if you don’t have it in your house you can’t eat it! Save the treats for when you are out. For example, don’t make baking the holiday goodies your pastime...make it, have a bite or two, and then give it away to your favorite people. This limits the temptation and keeps your nibbling to a minimum. Also, make your grocery list at home with a good healthy menu for the week; and then when you get to the store, stick to your list. Don’t give in to the seasonal specials that you will inevitably see on every end cap at the store. Even better, use grocery pick-up or delivery. This keeps your exposure low with absolutely no temptations in the store! If you do get to go to any gatherings, stick to small portions of only your most favorite items! Maybe even eat a small, healthy and well-balanced meal prior to going so that you are not as hungry, therefore lessening the temptation to over indulge. When choosing from the amazing food spreads you will be faced with at gatherings, remember the best choice is always the ones where you can clearly distinguish the ingredients. Casseroles and things covered in heavy sauces pack a huge punch you don’t really want, while allnatural whole foods will fill you up and tend to be less detrimental to your body. The last major tip I have for you is to drink at least 84 ounces of water every day. Staying well hydrated each day is another way to battle the cravings and temptations. And finally, choose your beverage wisely at the party. Steer clear of the alcohol and sugary drinks, at least in excessive amounts. Choosing water keeps you not only feeling good, but also helps the body better process the treats you are consuming. Enjoy the season and all the fun, but as the old saying goes, “Do everything in moderation,” even at home. Don’t let the changes of the year destroy your goals and hard work! For more information regarding a personalized general or sports nutrition plan contact me at Prime Performance 423805-0870.
Cover Story Blake Williams Communications: A Local Full-Service PR Consulting Firm
by Ali Elizabeth Turner
sugary drinks, at least continued from page 1 in excessive amounts. Choosing water keeps really wanted to do was you not only feeling public relations. Dr. John good, but also helps the Forde, who was the chair body better process the of the Communication Department at Mississiping. Enjoy the season pi State is the one who and all the fun, but as the helped Blake discover his true calling, and while he erything in moderation,” still loves the weather, even at home. Don’t let what he loves far more is the changes of the year helping local small busidestroy your goals and nesses grow and thrive. Backing up a bit, when Blake was a junior at East garding a personalized Limestone High School, he started interning at the tion plan contact me at Limestone County Commission, helping out with social media and website production. He also helped with East’s annual Veterans’ Day Breakfast, helped at his church, and volunteered for Main Street, Grease Festival, Sippin’ Cider, the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. During his college years, he interned for two summers at WHNT News 19. He was involved in news production and was part of the digital team, worked the SEC Football Media Days in Atlanta and Hoover, and helped give Alabama fans a behind-the-scenes look from the 2018 Orange Bowl in Miami. He went on to finish his bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in public relations, and decided to go into business for himself. Blake Williams Communications was born on August 10, 2020. Blake has worked for the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, and helped with their campaign to strengthen their “two states, four counties, one community” campaign. Blake also spearheaded a committee to organize and put on this year’s Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade. For the first time, the parade featured live streaming coverage of the event for those who did not want to brave the weather or come out during the COVID-19 pandemic, but still desired to participate. That is an example of Blake using media to make events “current.” Blake has a team to help him out, including a graphic designer, photographer, lawyer, accountant, and videographer. That frees him up to build relationships in the community, build a network, and build brands. He is also pursuing additional certification in public relations as well as a travel marketing professional. In 2020, Blake did the public relations work for some local political campaigns, and found he really enjoyed it. He intends to continue to consult for candidates in upcoming seasons. Looking ahead to 2021, Blake will be working with the Limestone County Economic Development Association to promote and develop our local workforce and work to build more beneficial relationships throughout the North Alabama market to help his clients accomplish their goals. In 2017, Blake’s work ethic, skill with social media, and eye for detail actually helped his high school alma mater recover close to $300,000 in band equipment, along with the truck and trailer that had been stolen. East had been at a band competition in Gordo (which they had won, incidentally) and headed to the Birmingham area for the night. The truck and trailer containing the band equipment were stolen out of the parking lot of the hotel where they were staying. Blake
Orange Bowl 2018
heard about the heist, got on it, and made such an “all-points-bulletin” social media blast throughout Alabama that the thieves knew it would be stupid to try and fence any part of their booty. When the stolen trailer and instruments were found, the only thing that was missing was the generator, and the band was able to get back at it basically without missing a step. Being able to be a help is something that Blake enjoys immensely, and doing so for his high school was especially gratifying. One of the things I enjoy about Blake is his kindness toward people like me that have been more than somewhat resistant to social media. He doesn’t just throw stats and analytics at you, he loves to teach how to do it and why it’s important, and I for one most definitely need some help and coaching. Blake told me that he was undaunted by my resistance, and is always down for an opportunity to share his passion for social media. I promised him that if I hired him to help me actually enter the 21st century, I would be a willing pupil. I asked Blake why I should choose his company for a PR consulting firm, and he said the following: “I have proven results.” He also mentioned that he is the only consulting PR firm in Limestone County. In addition, Blake mentioned that he is affordable, and the quality of his work is high. It is clear that he loves his home town and the people in it, and wants to help us grow well. If you are in need of someone with boundless energy, lots of professional experience packed into a bit more than two decades of life, and the true heart of a servant, contact Blake Williams Communications today.
