Fit For Life: “Why Can’t You Be Normal?”
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Saturday, November 30, 2013
Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health + Lifestyle Contributor
I have been asked this question numerous times in my life and usually just shrugged the question off but I want to give you real life situations that I have experienced recently.
Stats on obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are rising at alarming rates, so I am doing all I can to uphold a healthy lifestyle, and promote health to others by giving tips and information, so people can be informed enough to make wise choices. However it seems like I am a minority in this country, with fewer people think like me, than the ones that don't.
I recently posted on my social media channels a way to combat hangovers, and one of my followers jokingly commented that ‘you need to be drunk’ to eat the way I do. I eat quality organic food throughout the day and try to avoid processed manmade junk, so why am I considered abnormal to some? This comment came from someone with a freezer full of brightly colored boxes loaded with chemicals and preservatives, and because I won't eat this I am an oddity. This is what I deal with on a daily basis.
I visited an acquaintance last week, and he had just finished his food shopping. He had unpacked his groceries then made a comment about how well he shops by holding up a half gallon of almond milk as if it were the Lombardi trophy. I took that as my cue to examine the rest of his purchases, and give my opinion, which he encouraged. Imagine how shocked he was when I pointed out that 95% of his food is processed, boxed, frozen, and loaded with preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, chemicals, and artificial ingredients. His response was "we can't all be crazy and obsessed about how we eat, like you”.
So I am crazy and obsessed because I eat well? Another friend called me a drill sergeant uncle because I choose to feed my nephew fruit and cheese over mini muffins and sugar cereal, and encourage him to play outside over watching TV. This is the mentality that we face each and every day. So if eating a quality diet, choosing not to be fooled by big food and their huge marketing campaign, by consuming processed manmade junk food, exercising on a regular basis, looking and feeling great are signs of being an outcast, weirdo, oddity, then I'm ok with that! If that’s what happens to you, too, then you should be ok with it, too! You’re in good company!
Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt: [email protected], check out his website at www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.
Related Slideshow: The 8 Most Eligible Bachelorettes in Central MA 2013
Take a look at these eight eliigible bachelorettes in Central Massachusetts, and read what they have to say about themselves.
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Carol Claros
Age: 31
Occupation: Nursing
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Speak softly and carry a big stick." -President Theodore Roosevelt
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
I’m looking for someone who is honest, driven and funny! Nothing is sexier than a man with a good sense of humor...and nice shoes! Haha
List 3 words to describe you.
Honest, playful, and spicy.
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Carol Claros
What is your 5 year plan?
My 5 year plan would include going back to school to further my nursing education, opening the door for better employment opportunities, traveling abroad with my daughter, and possibly another run for public office.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
I don't go anywhere in particular to meet people. I try to involve myself in community projects such as volunteer work with Centro de Las Americas, singing at the Karaoke for a Cure event (which was a ton of fun!), and involving myself in local politics. I'm pretty much over the bar/club scene.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
If Worcester had a good dating scene I wouldn't still be single now would I?
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Susan Ann Smith
Age: 45
Occupation: Food Service
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Strength is a Matter of a Made Up Mind." -John Beecher
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
I’m looking for someone who is driven, focused, funny, laid back, grounded, and stable with money, life and business.
List 3 words to describe you.
Easy-going, driven, inspirational.
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Susan Ann Smith
What is your 5 year plan?
To be living in Chicago as a successful writer and entrepreneur helping others live their truth by maximizing their potential for the fullest human experience possible!
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
I go to The Boynton, Peppercorns, Mezcal, Prezo, Via and the Chophouse111. Honestly, I meet so many fantastic people just by being out in the world.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
It seems to be getting better. Surrounding areas seem to be attracted to Worcester. So much positive focus is being shed on the city lately.
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Leah Dipilato
Age: 32
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Industry
Favorite inspirational quotes:
"Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who love you no matter what." -Unknown
"Do one thing every day that scares you." -Eleanor Roosevelt
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
I am looking for someone that can be my friend, shares my interests, and be my partner in world travel. Someone who will make me laugh and will laugh at the silly things that I do. Someone that is honest, dependable, and most importantly family oriented. I would want a guy that enjoys going out, but also doesn't mind staying in and watching a movie. He must also love my dogs.
List 3 words to describe you.
Outgoing, creative, and charismatic
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Leah Dipilato
What is your 5 year plan?
To travel as much as possible and maybe find someone that enjoys it as much as I do. I also want to finish writing and editing at least one of my books. If I met someone that fit the qualities above, maybe I’ll be married with kids.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
Usually I am with friends when I go out in Central MA. Sometimes we go to Shrewsbury Street or to the Melting Pot in Framingham. I also love meeting up with friends at O'Connors or British Beer Company. As far as meeting people, I find it tough in Central MA. I'm not much of a bar scene type of person, but when I do go out with my friends I have no problem striking up a conversation with someone I don't necessarily know.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
Honestly, I'm not really sure. Maybe if I was in my 20s it would be a little different, but now that I am in my 30s, the bar scene is not always where I would want to go. We have a lot of great restaurants in Worcester, Shrewsbury Street being one of my favorites with a lot variety.
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Elizabeth E. Kwiatkowski
Age: 25
Occupation: Reporter
Favorite inspirational quote:
"You ain't cool unless you pee your pants." -Billy Madison (Just kidding)
"Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
The man I am looking for is loyal and respectful, funny and outgoing, smart and motivated in his career, well spoken, optimistic, and romantic. He'll have a quiet confidence about him, love dogs and seek an adventure every now and then. I also look for a class act who is a family and spiritual guy. He'll appreciate a girl with a big appetite and won't be needy or controlling. Because I never want to settle in a relationship, he'll also refuse to settle for anything average in love or life. I have been fortunate to date a couple of men who possess such qualities, but that unique lasting chemistry necessary between two people is hard to find.
List 3 words to describe you.
Animated, compassionate, and dedicated
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Elizabeth E. Kwiatkowski
What is your 5 year plan?
Surprisingly, it doesn't exist because I don't want to have to complete a checklist. I love just going with the flow. I simply hope to be happy and excelling in the journalism industry. I leave my door open for new opportunities and welcome change. I like to live each day for what it's worth, enjoying what I have without necessarily always hoping for the next best thing.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
Working most week nights in addition to regular 9 to 5 days, I don't really go out with the intention of meeting new people. I try to make time for the wonderful friends I already have, and that usually involves Worcester nightlife or heading into the Boston area to visit my sister and college friends.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
I'm not really aware of the dating scene. I tend to be a regular at certain places in Worcester, so I'm used to seeing the same familiar faces all the time. I'm often out with my guy friends, which probably makes me unapproachable to single men, and when I hang out with just my girlfriends, I'm not scouting for potential boyfriends haha. I'm also perfectly content with my independence until the right guy comes along, as I feel I'm likely find love when I least expect it.
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Erin Power
Age: 28
Occupation: Social Worker
Favorite inspirational quote:
"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
Honesty, humility, kindness, humor, fit/active, loving/passionate, loyal. Tall, dark, and handsome too much to ask for?
List three words that describe you.
Loving, silly, outgoing.
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Erin Power
What is your 5 year plan?
To obtain my MA Teaching Certification, start my Master’s degree, and continue being healthy, active and happy.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
Where does anyone go? I just walk up to people if I'm interested and introduce myself. Weird/bold? Eh who cares? I meet a lot of people waitressing, and at the gym and at races.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
I don't know what the dating scene is. Though meeting a "good guy" is tricky. I think they're in hiding 
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Tina Aubin
Age: 45
Occupation: Employee Benefits Account Manager
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." -Joshua J. Marine
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
I look for a guy that is attractive, physically fit, has a great sense of humor, is spontaneous, likes to travel and is adventurous and a little old-fashioned.
List three words that describe you.
Friends describe me as caring, pretty, and thoughtful.
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Tina Aubin
What is your 5 year plan?
In the next five years, I would like to travel and work on my photography. I would also like to earn my Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification and maybe take classes toward my master's degree in business management.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
I sometimes go to local spots on Shrewsbury Street such as VIA, The Sole Proprietor and 111 Chop House.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
I find it difficult to meet men that are successful and cultured in Worcester. I have signed up on a dating website to meet men that are outside of the Worcester area toward Boston and out-of-state that have similar interests. I prefer to meet men outside Worcester toward the Boston area and out-of-state. I feel there are more men with similar interests.
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Lindsey Keegan
Age: 27
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Follow your curiosity. Perseverance is priceless. Focus on the present. The imagination is powerful. Make mistakes. Live in the moment. Create value. Don't expect different results by doing the same thing twice. Knowledge comes from experience. Learn the rules and then play better." -Albert Einstein
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
Intelligent, witty, hard-working, handy, confident, loyal, adventurous, family oriented...and he must love dogs.
List three words that describe you.
Strong, independent, genuine.
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Lindsey Keegan
What is your 5 year plan?
Tough question. I don't like mapping out my life because I've done it before and never ended up where I thought I was going. I do hope, however; that in five years I will have met someone I can call my best friend and companion. I'd like to compete in a few more shows before I start a family. Career wise, I hope to continue my education and pursue my nursing specialty in labor and delivery.
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
It's been a challenge to meet people recently. I'm usually in the gym before work, so once I am out my friends and I will grab a few drinks typically somewhere on Shrewsbury St. Finding a good spot where there is an older crowd but the music is still good has been hard. I've been going out in Worcester all of my life, so it's a breath of fresh air when there is a new bar or restaurant to go to.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
Yes and no. There are tons of low-key places to go to, good restaurants and bars. However, if a guy were to ask me on a date, I'd really hope it wasn't cliché like dinner and drinks. I think first dates should be more thoughtful and creative, a new experience for both people to share together. It's hard to meet people when you're on the go so much, which also means it's hard to find someone you'd like to go on a date with.
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Roasalyn Rodriguez
Age: 28
Occupation: Workforce Analyst- inVentiv Health
Favorite inspirational quote:
"Very few of us are what we seem." -A. Christie
What qualities are you looking for in a significant other?
I’m interested in a man who can cook, clean, dance (especially, salsa) and can give an oil change. Someone cultured, secure (career, home, emotional, etc.), supportive and patient. Sexual chemistry is a must. Oh and last but definitely not least, someone very open-minded (because I believe in some weird stuff).
List 3 words to describe you.
Sassy, edgy, lover!
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Roasalyn Rodriguez
What is your 5 year plan?
I love Woosta for the amazing opportunities it's availed to me but I want out. I am looking to move somewhere warmer, happier with a much relaxed way of life (lol, I really just want to garden).
I also recognize to move my career forward I will need to begin managing people not just processes/programs. Just the thought makes me nauseas but I got to do what I got to do!
Where do you go in Central MA to meet people?
Oh man, tough one! I am busy woman who wants love but isn't out there chasing/searching for it. I've done the bar scene, blind dates, match.com, etc. All that said, I don't really go anywhere with the expectation of meeting people.
Does Worcester have a good dating scene?
Eh, I don’t know. I haven’t had any success but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have a good dating scene. The Woo is filled with great restaurants, community events/ activities, colleges, business, bars, etc. Those all sound like great ingredients for a good dating scene to me!
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