Health And Fitness

Mindset Is Everything

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

We tend to focus on things such as the number on the scale, what size our clothes are, our job title, our physical abilities, our various possessions, and so the list goes on...but the controlling factor of all this is often overlooked. The mind is the key to ANYTHING you decide to do and the success or failure which follows. If the mind is not in a good state, there is a trickle effect which cannot be stopped. Your mindset is everything; it is the control center of the rest. The real key to living a healthy life is maintaining a healthy and positive mindset. You can still attempt and even accomplish what you set out to do, but there will always be something that happens which affects the process or outcome in a negative way. When you decide on a clean, all-natural, whole food-based approach to life, you have to adjust your mind, not just what you are putting in your mouth. Yes, there is an education side to this when it comes to the actual food, but that is not what I am speaking of -- I am talking about your emotions about food. You cannot be successful in changing your eating lifestyle if you feel like it is torture. If you cringe at the thought of the healthy foods you need to be eating, and feel like you are being punished by not eating the junk, then you will ultimately fail. No one will live in perpetual “torture” by choice, not to mention that for the time you do stick to it, you will be miserable and in a constant bad mood. The goal of weight loss may be achieved, but more than likely will not last and have some other negative cost in your life. Your mindset has to be thoughts of, “I am fueling my body so I can achieve my goals of feeling good and looking my best, not treating myself like a trash can, thereby feeling and looking like one too.” Does this mean that you will always be excited to eat your greens…absolutely not! But because you have your mind set on the ultimate goal, it

is worth it and therefore becomes a habit that rewards you far more than the moments of tasting cake and candy bars. The “cheat” no longer feels good because your mind knows you do not want to pay the consequences. The confidence and energy that eating well brings becomes far more valuable and therefore the mind is in a much more positive state which allows you to stay the course. I also just have to say that all this applies to exercise as well! You cannot think of it as punishment and expect to make it a lasting part of your life. The mind has to know it is a positive part of living the life you desire. The holidays are here and the new year is approaching; this is usually the time most all of us fall off the healthy-eating wagon, at least some. Sure, don’t stress over a few extras here and there, life should be enjoyed; but remember your goals and remember what that healthy eating feels like. Maintain a positive mindset about food. Focus on the energy and confidence you have if you keep things under control, not to mention the wonderful feeling in mid-January when all your clothes still fit and just thinking of the scale doesn’t fill you with immediate anxiety! Keep all this in mind and you will have a fantastic start to a brand-new decade focused on positive mindset and an overall healthy lifestyle.

For more information regarding a personalized general/sports nutrition plan or personal training contact me at

Prime Performance 423-805-0870.

Cover Story Old Mill Iron: Where Quality Products Are Made By Quality People

by Libby McGaw

think of it as punishment continued from page 1 and expect to make it a lasting part of your life. ma with expertly crafted The mind has to know it ornamental iron work which can be seen all around the region, and The holidays are here most recently on the north side of the Limesproaching; this is usually the time most all of us tone County Courthouse square. We were all grateful to see that there ing wagon, at least some. Sure, don’t stress over a few extras here and there, life should be enjoyed; but remember your goals and remember what that healthy eating feels like. Maintain a positive was extra outdoor eating space beautifully cordoned off with custom iron work, which made it possible to "beat COVID in style." Eating space even went beyond the confines of restaurants and came close to cus on the energy and confidence you have if you keep things under control, not to mention the wonderful feeling in mid-January when all your clothes still fit and just thinking of the scale doesn’t fill you with immediate anxiety! Keep all this in mind and you will have a fantastic start to a brand-new decade the doors of several adjacent businesses, with the result being that Athens was weathering the "shutdown storm" just fine. Patrons could happily dine or do curb-side pick up, and still safely maintain social distancing. Subsequently, surrounding businesses had visitors come in their shops as soon as lunch was finished. focused on positive Old Mill Iron has a long mindset and an overall history of working with customers in the North

For more information Alabama area, and was co-founded by Jeff and Glennis Witmuss. Jeff has extensive experience in tool and die as well as engineering in the automotive manufacturing industry. Reading blueprints, working on designs, and helping to find solutions are everyday occurrences for Old Mill Iron. Jeff's background in the automotive industry has helped greatly to meet the fabrication needs of several area plants, businesses, and builders. Jeff expressed, "We are pleased to be able to help the local suppliers with their requests for fabrication and powder coating, and to help them move forward with their projects. Watching Limestone County become a growing, successful area has been great for us to be a part of." In addition to commercial work, Old Mill Iron also creates unique ornamental ironwork for many of the local custom home builders; everything from fencing to handrails and driveway gates…they do it all. As local small business

owners know, success does not happen without its struggles. Five years ago, Old Mill was almost shut down for a period of time after an unfortunate event happened. The company moved from their Madison, AL, location onto their own property and were overwhelmed with friends and family that helped them fulfill their contracts. “We had every intention of closing the business after fulfilling the contracts, but it just kept growing,” said Glennis. For many years they worked out of the barn on their own property, and ran the business office out of their home. “Slow and steady wins the race,” and after a period of time, Old Mill Iron was able to expand the business to a currently expanding team of 14 outstanding employees. “We are thrilled about our next steps, and the team of experienced employees that are now driving us forward,” she added. Glennis grinned as she said, “They are all over-qualified, and have become like family.”

Business is growing, and with giving back in mind, Old Mill Iron began to look for a new locale in Limestone County. They are pleased to announce that in December they are moving to a new site in Elkmont, which will be located at 25423 Elkton Road, and will be in the feed store next to the old BP station. Speaking for the entire Old Mill Iron team, Gaines Smith, who heads up their sales department, said, "Five years ago Old Mill Iron made the decision to bring everything to Limestone County because it is what we call home. We all share a love for the Athens area and want to express to our readers that we are happy we are moving to Elkmont soon. By being able to relocate to a larger building in Elkmont, we will be able to help keep our community growing and flourishing. Our drive and focus is and always will be the great folks that make up Limestone County and surrounding areas.” What is Old Mill Iron able to provide for you? Residential ornamental work, fencing, and gates. They fabricate handrails, stair rails, driveway gates and fencing. Their work ranges from highly ornate to commercial and structural. In 2017, the powder-coating service was added, and they are able to powder-coat fencing, outdoor furniture, auto parts, farm equipment, and much more. Some of their recent powder-coating projects have been for the City of Madison, Athens Public Schools, and H&R