Meet Cara Steinmann

May's "mom next door" is a personal trainer, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine; she has a Psychology degree from UC Davis, her own business, website (MzFitt.com) and blog, too. Cara is the picture of health and happiness, and she loves doing what she does. Donna Morello, the friend who nominated Cara, summed it up: “She’s pretty amazing." Even more amazing is how hard (and how smart!) she's worked to become the confident, exuberant woman she is today.

“I struggled for so long—especially after having Parker,” says Cara of her battle with the baby weight. “I was about 200 pounds then, a size 16, and just so unhappy. I tried every fad diet and quick-fix available on the planet until one day I guess I just ‘got real’ about it.” Inspired by Tosca Reno and her line of Eat-Clean books, Cara started exercising, cleaning up her diet, and—most importantly—believing in herself. “Believing I could actually get fit and healthy was the biggest accomplishment for me,” says Cara, whose mottos include, “You are what you think.”

“I started making small changes that I knew I could accomplish,” Cara recalls. “At first I was proud if I walked on the treadmill for ten minutes without quitting. Seriously. But you have to start somewhere.” Each small victory bolstered her confidence for the next, slightly bigger challenge, Cara says, until all those little changes added up to one great, big transformation.

“I wear a lot of hats throughout the day. We all do,” says Cara. “I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, trainer, chef, housekeeper, accountant, mediator, student, tickle monster and designated tear wiper. As women we tend to take care of people around us, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that we need care, too. So exercise is the gift I give myself every day. When I’m healthy and happy and strong, I’m a much better wife and mother. Just ask my husband and son.”

This month, Cara and her husband, Jeremy, will celebrate six years of marriage. They live in Auburn, with their son, Parker, who turns 5 in July.

My favorite part of being a parent is…
the cuddles. There’s something really pure and honest about the way a 4-year-old gives hugs and kisses.

If I could choose any superpower, I’d pick…
the ability not to need sleep. Imagine how much you could accomplish if you didn’t get tired!

When I need to relieve stress, I head straight for…
the racquetball court. I can hit that ball as hard as I want and it just keeps coming back for more.

Nothing makes me laugh like…
playing racquetball with my friend Donna. We don’t take it seriously at all, so we are constantly goofing around.

I am currently addicted to…
fresh spring rolls from Auburn Thai Garden. It’s sad. As soon as I start giving my order over the phone, they say, “Is this Cara?”

When it comes to quality time with my family, I love…
barbecuing—just taking time out on a nice summer evening to play in the backyard and relax.

One of my proudest moments was…
on New Year’s Eve 2001. Over a glass of champagne, my dad told me he was proud of me and that he’d pay for my college expenses so I could focus on learning. This was after I had flunked out from partying too much. I worked two jobs and took way too many classes to catch up and to prove to him that I was serious. I was incredibly relieved and grateful. [Editor’s note: Cara has a Psychology degree from UC Davis.]

A day with plenty of “me-time” would involve…
the gym, a pedicure, lunch with a girlfriend, and a nap.

I like living in the Sacramento region because…
of all the really great people. But the climate and all the amazing agriculture is a close second. It’s easy to find good, fresh food from sustainable sources all year-round.

The best decision I ever made was…
following my heart to my husband. I’m extremely lucky to be married to my best friend.

Life has taught me…
to stay alert. You never know what good will come from a seemingly bad situation.