I have arthritis and a slipped disk in my lower back! At first it was a huge excuse not to exercise, but it turned out it hurt because I wasn’t exercising!

So my biggest thing is always: work with a trainer! They will get you going on the right path. But, for cardio, start on the elliptical with minimal resistance. If your back starts to hurt, call it a day and get off to stretch. When I first started, I could only do about 10min with no resistance! Now I can run 2miles at about a 10:30/mile pace. And all my pain is gone!

For favorite recipes, I’m suuuuper obsessed with sandwiches, salads, and wraps. They’re most of what I eat and they’re different every time! Here are my fave combos:

• Make quinoa as a base and throw in raw tofu, tomatoes, red onions, avocado, and balsamic or plum vinegar. Chill and it’s an awesome side. (Or whatever other random leftovers you have!)
• Get a good homemade veggie burger recipe. Make the patties but instead of throwing them on a bun, put ‘em on top of a salad! Way better tasting and way healthier. (Also a good trick for when you eat out.)
• For breakfast, I pre-make salsa and save it. I make an omelette most mornings with 1 egg and 2-3 egg whites, throw in the salsa, and put it on a wrap or taco shells! Healthy and easy.