Fuser Sports Nutrition just launched Diesel Energy Stix.

Diesel Energy Stix is an energy supplement comprised of Creatine, Tourine, RNA, and caffeine in a natural orange flavor - That is all!

Diesel gives contractors, business men and women, students, body builders, athletes - anyone that needs a quick pick-me-up during a tiresome or long work day.

Only 8 calories and kicks in ten minutes - Instant Energy & Zeroed-In Focus -- This is so convenient and fast acting just what we all need for those that are on the go and constantly busy!

Please check out our site for more information on Diesel at: fusersports.com

Lisa, as imperfect as we all are, if you worry and stress the need to take care of yourself we are that much more behind in getting started.
Accepting that you have to do something is the first step, next is just do it. You don't have to train for a triathalon or ride a century ride. Just to go out everyday and just walk for 15 minutes, play with your kids (that can be a workout) or make a point of once a month go somewhere and hike small and big places with just you and hubby or the whole family, when six months has pasth you will notice how much more time you have re arranging and didin't event realize it. Breath and tomorrow move.

Lisa, it seems to me that your main problem may be that you'r thinking of taking care of yourself as something that would require a near-overhaul of your daily schedule. It can be very simple, by breaking it down into easy-to-swallow steps.
First, do 15 minutes of vigorous excercise in the morning, and then 15 minutes of vigorous excercise in the afternoon or evening (or more if you have time, but you probably don't). By vigorous, I mean make yourself sweat! Also, be taking a multi-vitamin (if you're not already) to get your daily nutrients. Have fresh fruit and veggies as snacks and meals as often as possible - they're so quick, all you do is peel and eat!
Maybe this will help get you started! Good luck!

Take good care of yourself.

Fix your feet before they get infected. After warm night time shower (close the drain), towel off your feet, apply your favorite goo and then put on sox. Problem solved in two applications usually.

Do whatever you need to do.

Remember it's your job to raise self-sufficient kids, not to do everything for them. Train them to get up in the morning all by themselves. The consequences in real-life can be quite harsh if they don't learn this now. If they can't finish homework, let them NOT do it, esp. when they are in the primary grades, but help them learn now to schedule their own work. Trade off: while I help you with your spelling words or multiplication tables, we can do it together while you sort clean silverware back into the drawer.

I struggled with this question as most moms do. I just had my third and last baby. My body is finally mine again since 2002 and I am fighting to reclaim it through weightloss and exercise. I never buy myself new shoes so my socks are wet in the rain, my hair is always in a bun, my clothes don't follow trends so I don't have to keep up, but my body is all mine and I decided to make time for it. It does mean losing some of my down time during naps or whenever I fit it in, but my husband is supportive(as well as inspired) and takes over so I can go to a weight watchers meeting. More importantly, I realized the other day while my 4 yr old was doing pilates with me that I am passing on an important message about exercise, self esteem, and commitment to my kids. And I tell them that this is MY time and they get it.

You can write, read and think while getting a pedicure, highlights or massage. Don't be mean to yourself. Not only do you deserve it, but it is your obligation to keep your body (and soul) in good working order so it can continue to serve those whom you love.

Late one night about six months ago, I saw a character on a tv show get into bed, sit up, pull out a bottle of hand cream and slather herself before getting back under the covers. Now, I make it a point to do exactly the same thing every night. You could do that to your feet... it takes 3 weeks to make it a habit, so put a bottle near your bed, and go for it. Even something that simple is one way of taking care of you.

Also, and I don't know if this would help you or not, but I put the Tae Bo tape on and let the kids do the workout with me. Maybe that would be helpful for you too.

I feel the pressure more than ever. I'm 36 years old and more than get into shape I want to get healthy. Two years ago my 34-year old husband survived a stroke and in the last two years my two brothers and father have been diagnosed with diabetes. I've learned how important my health is to my husband and children.

Lisa - you only get one body in this lifetime, and if you take care of it, it will let you take care of others. IT only requires a bit of daily care - a little exercise and some quality nutritious foods (fruits/veg/water and all things in moderation). Carve the time out of your day to devote to yourself/your body and you'll have more energy and enthusiasm to share with your family. Good luck. Now get started. One step at a time.

to quote FLYLady, "You can do anything for 15 minutes!" Just take 15 minutes each day to take care of yourself. It doesn't even have to be a full 15 minutes at one time. Take 5 three minute increments to bless yourself, or 3 five minute increments. You must remember that before you were a wife and a mother, there was a woman first. A burned out candle doesn't illuminate a single thing. Likewise a burned out wife and mother doesn't produce anything positive for her family. Your husband will want to dance with you later, not sand your feet for you so they fit into the dancing shoes.

Lisa, I'll hang out with you any time! You have a great sense of humor. Don't *work* on your body, *play* with it. That way, your daily activity becomes a de-stressor. As does playing with makeup (you look great in the photos).

Lisa, I'll hang out with you any time! You have a great sense of humor. Don't *work* on your body, *play* with it. That way, your daily activity becomes a de-stressor. As does playing with makeup (you look great in the photos).

Lisa,
It was so wonderful to "meet" another mom of 4! I have the exact opposite of you and approx. the same ages. I'll tell you that I found your interview while sitting in a waiting room and couldn't help but laugh at the wonderful responses! I had crayons and tempers flying and your real simple answers to simple questions were a great relief.

I thought the Jacuzzi input was fabulous and totally agree. We just moved into a house that has one in it's master bath and it has been a total joy.

The exercise question I answer totally differently. I hate my husband seeing me exercise! I get very embarrassed and would rather do it while he's at work or late at night if it gets done at all. I would rather him think (even if wrong) that I still have this great body than to actually show off that I don't! Really, I do things like tightening butt/thighs while driving and working on my stomach muscles too. A few plies when I think about it for leg lengthening and that's about all unless I get really motivated to go on the treadmill and do crunches. Lately, I'm getting motivated!

Well, my one question to you is about your work. The article only mentioned that you write. What exactly do you write? Articles, a book, what? I don't work but instead homeschool two of the four kids. Believe me, that feels like work! I do love having them home more and able to interact with all of the other siblings.

That's all for now! It would be great to hear back from you if that is an option with your time restraints!

Sincerely,
Tori Wilson

My advice to Lisa is, try working out in the morning. Also, think of working out as a way of getting healthy instead of losing weight. I work out five times a day at 6am before my three year old gets up, which is usually between 6:30am and 6:45am. I absolutely dread waking up to work out and quite frankly, am one of the laziest people I know when it comes to getting in shape...I have every excuse in the world. I've had high cholesterol for years and when my Dad had major surgery a couple of years ago, it was a red flag for me and knew I had to do something about it. Anyway, after my last physical I found out that I now have normal cholesterol and my doctor said it was because I did cardio in the morning and that working out three times a week has the same results as taking medication to lower cholesterol. I now have a different reason to work out, to keep me healthy and ensure I'm here to enjoy as much as life has to offer. The great thing about waking up early is you get the work-out over with and it starts your day off right, I find I will eat better if I've worked out. Anyway, hope this helps and my hat goes off to you for raising four children...you must be a saint!

Hi Lisa, you look great in your pictures and I'm sure your family views you as the goddess you are. However, the best thing you can do for your children is to set an example of self-care. They can play near you and you can still be with them and do things for yourself. Perhaps, wash your face and moisturize, brush your teeth, put some heel cream (try Jessica's Zen Pedicure Heel Cream, every night with some cotton socks) and put on your comfiest PJs...BEFORE your nightly mommy duties. Let your kids see you caring for yourself--don't wait 'til they're in bed--and they'll see how important it is. Let your husband see you treat yourself like gold and he'll follow your lead. You don't need to go on a huge campaign. Just make a commitment to do something each day to to take care of yourself...the effects are cumulative. More on your heels: a foot file is great. Keep it near the the shower and file the rough spots while you're dry, then do it again while wet if time (the dry filling will make the most impact).

Hi Lisa,
We often get into the habit of thinking that whatever makes us stressed out is out of our control, that we are helpless in the face of demands - but it is not so. It is in our power to change, if not our commitments, then our attitude towards them. Being too busy, all too often makes us stressed and ill.
Balance isn't just a buzzword, it's a human essential. You need to organize your time and priorities in ways that work for you, and not give in to imposing external influences.
You ask if it's worth the added stress. I can assure you from my personal experience, that if you don't make the time now to take care of your body, the stress will come when the damage is already done. I only wish I had the wherewithal at your age to even ask this question. Don't wait for a major crisis before stepping
back and assessing your
priorities.
I wish you the best and trust you will make the right decision.

Hi Lisa,
I'm on the other end of parenting now as my children are now 18 and 20 and I remember well the days when my children were younger. My friends would all tell you that I always championed taking time for yourself.
I would not worry so much about your "body" but rather taking time for yourself to stay healthy. Time for exercise is time for you in many ways. It is time for you to rejuvinate. You need rejuvination, take care of self time to be the best parent you can be. Exercise is also an investment in your future and your children's future. Health is not something you can put off until later, it is something that needs to be banked now.
Lastly, exercise will decrease your stress. It takes time to build it into your schedule however it is worth every minute you give it!
Best of luck!
Clare

I can relate to you, LIsa. I know exercise is important but I also know getting to it is a stress point and doesn't stress add to belly fat anyway! So, I try to run up my stairs when I need something instead of dragging myself up them. I try to play with my kids for a few minutes - it makes them happy. To exercise like most of the people who responded is not a reality for me. There is always someone else who needs one more thing from me. I want to look well - I too am a mom to 4. Mine are a bit older than yours but they don't get less demanding with age. Their activities have increased requiring more of my time. Plus, 3 of mine are girls and I don't want them to get the "Hollywood" message that only a size 2 or 4 is worthy of being alive. I want them to know that the goal is to be healthy and balanced. I hope when all mine are finally in school for the day I can schedule me time on a regular basis. Until then, I exercise when I can, I try to get exercise in the housework that always needs done and try not to stress out about it. My priority is my family - even my husband counts. My children will only be at home with us for a short while and I want them to look back and remember a home filled with fondness for each other and time together. I don't think they will look back and regret the fun we had together and wish for a more svelte mom. For the record - my girls think I look good for a 40+ mom. It is my recollection of being a size 8 that makes me want to exercise for an hour and lose weight. So, I'm still struggling to be content with my 40+ body, knowing I don't have the time it would take to get it back to it's 25 year old shape.

who cares...i just want to meet her to tell her how much i laughed at her answers and that she just made me crack up and smile...i think she has to be a wonderful person and i wished in october when i was in lancaster ohio i could have found lisa and met her and had coffee or tiried to have coffee and chased her kids around asking them to be quiet "just for a second..."
lisa i wish i could give you the time and the inspiration - it will come to you when there is the opportunity...you get your exercise chasing the kids and doing the housework - it just is not in the conformist way...thank you thank you for making me smile this morning and laugh...and call me for coffee when you have a moment...

The comments below seem insensitive to the finances of most of the families I know. I certainly can't afford an elliptical trainer, a personal trainer or a gym with a sitter. All that stuff sounds anti-fun anyway. I wouldn't have the energy for elliptical nothin', even if my day in the real world was easy.

I like the idea of exercising with the kids. Maybe there is an outdoor sport you could pick up together, like cycling or hiking/orienteering. You could start with backpack picnics in the country roads near Medina. Hit the Cuyahoga for countless adventures on the weekends! Teach your kids outdoor rec, and you will definitely be the cool mom. Experiencing nature also would be more educational than a lot of school stuff and more engaging than obnoxious pee wee sports.

If your kids are too little to manage on outings, maybe you can find a buddy to help you stick to some other goal you can be proud of, like a half-marathon or something. It's fun to watch yourself get better and better at something.

Whatever exercise you can choose, make it fun for yourself. That way you can see it as an indulgence or a chance to impress YOURSELF -- and not just a wifely duty. It definitely should not be stressful or burdensome. Meanwhile, insist your husband is doing his fair share of household work if he's going to criticize your feet. Also, don't let him call the shots for your project. If you start taking the kids to the Cuyahoga on weekends, he's gonna want to pick the trail, decide who carries what, hold the compass and drive there. Let him come along if he wants, but make sure he understands it's YOUR thing.

I thought you looked very pretty in the pictures in the magazine.

To Lisa, re. getting in shape. Lisa, think of it as giving yourself something and taking care of your heath. You're still young (32). I'm 54 and look good and feel good. EXERCISE and MOISTURIZE (spf on face). No kidding. Take care of yourself, no one else will. Join a gym with a childcare center or get a sitter or whatever. You're smart, you'll figure it out. I read while I'm on the Elliptical Trainer. No cell phone, no interruptions.
Best of luck, Susan

Your dilemma touches me. I too have found myself struggling to make time to take care of myself firs, as a newly married, forty-ish woman without no children. I'm sure you're having a challenge since you are married and have children to raise. I believe that as women we are conditioned somehow to care for everything concerning our families and homes before we care for ourselves. It seems backwards in that if we allow ourselves to get run down or burnt out or ill, who then takes care of our family? I've observed that many women who are happiest with ourselves find ways to care for our own health and well-being and pamper ourselves when possible. I am disciplining myself now to get out of the house and into the gym and work on my personal health and fitness goals, regardless of any household turmoil. I feel good when I do it because I'm honoring a commitment to myself, and both I and my husband like the physical and mental results.
For you I'd say to please remember that you only get one body -- you (and your family) only get one you. It is crucial for you to get your body fit while youth and time are on your side because your longterm health and quality of life depend on it. Do you want to dance at your children's weddings? Play with your grandchildren? Would you want to spend valuable time and money being treated for high blood pressure or heart disease when you could be traveling with your husband in ten years? Those are the questions that you should think about, and the answers will show you your priorities. Presenting your best self to your family will most likely help them be at their best and teach your children to value their own health, and good health is a blessing that we cannot afford to take for granted. Many wealthy people who are ill would give their wealth away to only be healthy and strong again. I only wish that my own mother would have valued her health more than she did twenty years ago, and that she would have made time to excercise and reduce her stress level. She is now a recovering stroke victim in nursing care at 76 years old, taking physical therapy and medications to treat her long term high blood pressure. I don't know when or if she'll be strong enough to travel the miles to visit me in my home or let me take her on a trip.
Perhaps your husband can help you set and stick to some personal care and fitness goals. He could give you personal training sessions as a gift, and stay home with the children while you go out and use the gift. He might also do the same for spa pedicures, massages, and beauty salon sessions for you. Perhaps if you take the initiative to do these things for yourself he'll be an enthusiastic supporter and do all that he can to help you manage your time. That way you and your family would have a better you to count on.

Lisa,

I've never responded to one of these~ this is cool!

First, your family is gorgeous! Second, your dilema is all to familiar to any mom/wife. I have 3 teenage daughters, ages 18, 16 adn 16(twins!) and I still wrestle with the "where do I make time for me?" question. We too own our own business, which I think makes it even harder! But one thing I know for sure is(isn't that an Oprah thing?) is that when I do carve out a little time for me-whether it's to walk the dogs, go to yoga, paint my toes or lunch with a dear friend- I am a BETTER mom and wife than the days I don't take time out. When our kids were younger, like yours are now, my husband I traded off so that we each got a little "me" time every day~ I'd go for a run in the am, before the kids were up and he'd go before dinner. We rarely got to exercise together, but we gave each the the break to do it alone.One of the happiest days was when our oldest daughter was of legal age(12 in our state) to babysit, because that meant we could both go for a run together, while she was in charge for an hour! And believe me that day will be there in a blink.

So, I guess my advice is carve out whatever time you can each day to do something meaningful for yourself......one day it might be a walk, another giving yourself that pedicure(nothing is better than looking down at pretty, painted toes!) another a bubble bath. Try not to put the focus on exercise, because some days you might need emional/spiritual nurturing more than the physical. Balance it out adn listen to your inner needs.

I always joke with my husband that "a happy wife is a good wife". But there's some truth to that. I can't be the best to anyone else unless I am giving that to myself first. And that's NOT selfish!

I wish you well in your journey and hope something in my babble helps.

Blessings,
Lisbeth LaBellarte

I had the exact same epiphany minus the children but owned a small PR firm that was growing quickly and so was my waistline. My body was a mess, hair cut? Just throw my hair into a bun, makeup was a quick 5 minutes in the car and my weight skyrocketed, 20 pounds turned into 40 pounds very very quickly! After speaking to my husband candidly about everything…even my self esteem I decided it was my turn. Sold my company and applied for my dream job and I am now working for an amazing non-profit. Hired a personal trainer, a housekeeper and I now take weekends off exploring Colorado with my husband and our two dogs. It took me over four months and I am still struggling to leave the office or housework and do something for me. I have scheduled in ‘me’ time three times a week on my physical schedule. So far I have learned to knit and swim underwater without holding my nose! My advice is just breathe and you are worth it…we all are!