I don’t know about you, but I feel as if all of my fat goes directly to my tummy! It is so annoying…I know I have strong abs somewhere in there, but all the carbs I’m eating are covering them up! I have been doing some heavy research here trying to put together a list of food that will give me a flat stomach and allow my six-pack to shine through. 😉 This is what is on my next shopping list:

+Rasberries, strawberries and blueberries: packed with fiber, and keeps you full for longer. (Also contain Vitamin C= great skin)

+Kale: anti-inflammatory, reduces bloat and revs metabolism

+Oatmeal: maintains blood sugar levels so you don’t crash and binge

+Non-fat Greek Yogurt: higher in filling protein than regular yogurt and also contains good bacteria (probiotic) that reduces bad bacteria, responsible for belly bloating

+Almonds, nuts and nut butters: packed with healthy fats and reduce craving while building muscle (these are the best snacks!)

+Salmon: full of omega-3 fatty acids, which rev metabolism so your body burns more fat, faster

+Watermelon: full of water, flushes water from your system and reduces puffiness

+Garlic: reduces fat in the liver, detoxifies and lessons bloating (amazing)

+Avocado: loaded with healthy fats while giving you tons of energy

+Quinoa: whole grain, full of protein and fiber which keeps you fuller longer

Alright, time to head to Trader Joe’s…At the top of my list, it’s a tie between the berries and avocado.

{credits: Self Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Fitness Magazine}

{image credit: LaurenConrad.com}

Why do you work out? Here are a few of my reasons…

On Monday’s I usually like to plan out my workouts  for the week as best I can. Sometimes my schedule can change and things come up, but here is what I am thinking:

Monday: Legs, Shoulders, Abs

Tuesday: Biceps, Back, Abs

Wednesday: 30 minute eliptical during my lunch break (have plans after work)

Thursday: Triceps, Chest, Abs

Friday: run to the bridge and back (4+miles)

Saturday/Sunday: Rest

So here’s the scoop: When I get to the gym I usually start out with 20-30 minutes of cardio. Usually I stick to the treadmill or elliptical. Then weight training, and end with an ab exercise. When I know that I am unable to workout after work I try to get a quick cardio session in at the closest gym on my lunch break. My friday plans, as you can imagine, usually change by the second and sometimes happy hour sounds a bit more appealing than a workout. If so, I try to get a workout in on the weekend.

Planning my workouts ahead of time help me to stick to my routine and make sure they get done. My tip to you is to do the same and think ahead about how you can squeeze a workout into your busy schedule!

{image credit: reasons to be fit}

Sundays are the best nights for a home cooked meal and a glass of vino or two. Today we brunched at a Blackwood, a brand new American Thai Fusion restaurant on Chestnut. I’m not going to lie, I treated myself to a delicious cheat meal and I think I found my new favorite place for breakfast. The pancakes are to die for! There are healthy alternatives there,  but Sundays are my days to have one not so healthy meal. That said, we decided to eat clean tonight and make Turkey Tacos. They are so easy and super tasty.

Ingredients

+lean ground turkey (ours already has the taco seasoning mixed in)

+tomato

+onions

+lettuce

+greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)

+I chose to add a dash of cheese because I am a cheese fanatic, but you can choose to go without any of these ingredients

Recipe

+cook the ground turkey at a medium-high heat

+ chop the onions, tomatoes and other fresh veggies you choose to include (my honey chose to add a habanero pepper, as I am too much of a baby)

+add all ingredients into a bed of lettuce instead of a taco shell

+Enjoy!

 

TGIF! It has been quite the work week and I cannot be more happy that the weekend is in sight. At the end of the day you need to remind yourself once in a while that you need to do more of what makes you happy!

This week I…

+Hit the most beautiful tennis courts in SF, Alice Marble. I mean, it feels like you are playing tennis on top of the world. Where else in the city can you stand in one spot and see the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill and FiDi? Also, you know the scene in the Princess Diaries where she falls off he bleachers, the place where the main character comes after school? Yeah…that’s the place. My favorite spot in the world to play tennis and get some exercise. Although, I could use a lesson or two…

+Was finally able to take a lunch break and head to the gym for a quick 30 minute workout. Typically, I hop on the elliptical and feel a million times better when heading back to the office. When you have this little time, crank up the intensity and make it count! I usually try to plan my workouts ahead of time throughout the week and knew I wouldn’t be able to do anything after work, simply because I had a very important happy hour to attend. After a long week, a martini is essential. Cheers!

+Ran 4+ miles from my apartment to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. The whether in the city has been phenomenal this week and there is nothing better than taking a run with views to die for. I love this route and can’t wait for the next.

+Purchased this super cute race bib hanger! My previous bibs have been hanging on my fridge forever and looking like a clutter fest. I found this cute little hanger on Etsy to show off the races. Why didn’t I think of this genius, yet simple idea?!

Have a great weekend everyone! Looking forward to chasing the sun in San Francisco and being active outdoors!

xoJ

{image credit: Unraveled Design}

Whether running a marathon or an afternoon jog, it’s so important to fuel your body in order to maximize energy and avoid cramps or dizziness. Here is an awesome list I found of what to eat (and not to eat) before a run.

2 Hours before: 300-400 calorie meal containing carbs, proteins and healthy fats

• cooked quinoa and grilled chicken
• whole wheat pasta with cheese and veggies
• peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• greek yogurt with blueberries and almonds
• wrap filled with grilled fish, avocado and mango

Avoid:

• Tons of fibrous veggies (broccoli, onions, beans)
• High fat foods that are hard to digest (burgers, fries, ice cream)

1 hour before: 150 calories snack containing easily digestible carbs and a little protein

• whole wheat toast with nut butter
• whole grain crackers and humus
• small bowl of cereal
• half a fruit and nut bar
• cheese stick and carrots

Avoid: gas-producing fruits (pear, apple, melon)

15-30 minutes before: Small serving of easily digestible carbs

• banana
• applesauce
• a few saltine crackers
• raisins

Avoid: Large serving of protein and carbs, and high saturated fat and high-fiber foods (pasta, bagels, fried chicken, granola bar)

{credits: fitsugar.com }