There is nothing like a good, sweaty workout. For me, it’s not about a number on a scale, but how I feel when I’m done. I unload my stress. Feed my soul as I listen to a podcast. Burn off those snacks – my weakness. Being fit is only a portion of why my gym membership remains. Now, I ain’t gonna sit and lie; at five-feet-tall, I try to maintain fitting into my favorite jeggings. Yet, I know appearance isn’t everything.

Because if you don’t have confidence, no matter how much you work out, it’s not enough.

You’ll never be cut enough.

Your stomach won’t be flat enough.

Your booty won’t be round enough.

The lists of “enough” could go on.

While we should try to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes weight management and nutrition to lessen our risk of certain disease, what’s going on in our heads matters, too. Which is why I love today’s guest. She just doesn’t focus on the body; she promotes our overall well-being, including body confidence.

Meet Rita Ballew aka “Bodied By Rita!”

Rita is a fitness coach who approaches wellness from a holistic perspective. If you check out her videos, you will literally start sweating! She gets it in but makes it a priority to tackle the mental obstacles that hinder us from making better choices that impact our bodies and health. Rita embraces the idea that if you change your mind, your body will follow.

Rita offers one-on-one and group training, boot camp and her free program, “10 Days Rita’s Way”. (Yes, sis. It’s free. She spills the tea on it during our chat!) She has an apparel line, B. Beautiful and other products that will help you achieve your fitness goals. And look cute while you do it. (Chile, I struggle with cute gym looks. Rita hyping me up to change my ways, though!)

Listen in as we discuss her journey, why it’s crucial to have support system, learning to love your body, why you need to eat -- one of my favorite things to do -- and more!