healthy-living

How To Speed Up Your Metabolism / Paris Marathon!!

09.17.2013

If you’ve been following the Facebook page, you’ve probably already heard my big news…but I am more than excited to tell you guys that I will be running the 2014 Paris Marathon in April!! This has been on my bucket list ever since I can remember and I am so excited to visit Paris for the first time, AND run my 2nd full marathon!! Have any of you been to Paris? If so, your recommendations for restaurants, shopping or any place to visit would be much appreciated! Can’t wait!!

(photo sources: unknown)

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“How do you eat so much and manage to stay fit?” “How is your metabolism off the charts?!” Aside from a hearty workout regime, building your metabolism takes time, but in turn allows you to constantly eat and burn fat while at rest. Sure, a teeny percent has to do with age and genetics, but it is in your control to increase metabolism and shed the extra weight that you’ve been dying to get rid of! Here’s how to speed up your metabolism:

Build muscle. Get in the weight room and lift those weights ladies and gents! The more muscle you gain, the faster your resting metabolic rate. Burn calories while sitting? Umm, count me in!
Eat every 3 hours. If you eat more often, the faster your metabolism. Strange, but true. Make breakfast your most important meal and add protein! If you want a faster metabolism think protein. Here’s why. Your body burns twice as many calories digesting proteins than it does carbs. Think eggs or greek yogurt for breakfast and chicken or fish for lunch or dinner.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. (and no not with alcohol). Dehydration leads to a slow metabolism! Studies have shown that cold water does the trick. Cold drinks force your body to work to warm up, which builds more energy.
Use spices. Think cayenne, chillis, red pepper. Anything that makes you sweat means your metabolism has increased.
Green tea, full of antioxidants and contains a plant compound called ECGC which promotes fat burning.
Coffee. Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and increases heart rate. Gotta love your cup o’ joe.

It’s important to remember that you can grab control of your future! Stop the I can’t and go with I can do this! Even when it comes to your metabolism, take control of it. Try these tips and don’t use your age, weight or genetics as an excuse. Speed up that metabolism, get moving and get healthy. MUAH!

Dream BIG and start NOW!

08.23.2013

I know I talk about sets, super-sets, to failure and all these terms I’m sure you haven’t heard of, right? Thing is, I just learned what they are myself, so I hope you’re not reading this feeling discouraged because you don’t know what a tricep extension super-set with a bench tricep kickback is. Everyone starts as a beginner, including myself about a year or so ago. Heck, I still don’t know a lot of different terms or the perfect way to do this or that. Its been a long process for me and I wish that I had more time to study and get certified. The more you read, research and practice the more it will make sense, I promise!

I remember the first time I stepped foot in the weight room, I was terrified! Had no idea what to do, didn’t want to look like a total nerd for bringing in a notebook full of exercises and hated the fact that every boy stares at the girl in the weight room. As time went on, you kind of get used to it. Gain confidence in your workouts, get ideas from watching other people do exercises and get comfortable with it. I assure you, if you are feeling like I did in the beginning, it gets better! Keep at it, get in there and lift with the boys! You will be kicking major a$$ in no time! 🙂

Since we’re talking about different levels of fitness, another thing I mention a lot is 100% clean eating and exercising 6 days a week. I know this is not a normal routine for the average person, so make if fit into your lifestyle. For those starting out, try exercising 3-4 days a week and see how you feel. Take baby steps. No need to start off full force. If you are on the quest to eating healthier, try eating 2-3 sweets a week or cutting back your favorite junk food. If that seems like a lot, try to limit to once a day. Work your way towards the 100% clean eating. Make that your goal. I have slowly progressed to the stage I am at now and would have never imagined I would be running the full marathon (literally). Your metabolism will speed up with time and nutrition will become a cinch the more you practice. My biggest advice is to research. Use google, use the internet, there are tons of millions of articles out there about fitness and nutrition. Even magazines have helped me learn a new exercise or what or what not to eat when. No matter what fitness level you’re at, do your research! (bodybuilding.com has been my go-to resource)

Bottom line, all fitness levels welcome here!! We all start somewhere. Don’t get discouraged by your level of commitment or knowledge. Every expert was once a beginner! Make fitness FIT into your lifestyle. Set small goals and work towards the larger ones. Start NOW, so you can look back and see how far you’ve come. 🙂

What I Ate Wednesday

06.12.2013

Super excited to participate in my first “What I ate Wednesday” or “WIAW” link up, hosted by the fab Jenn at Peas and Crayons! Loving this idea to give you guys a bit of background on what I eat throughout my day, but also keep a diary, notice my slip ups, successes and patterns. May give you some ideas, may put a disgusting look on your face, may inspire you to try something new…you decide. 🙂

“WIAW is about food and fun! It’s about making new friends, breaking out of a food rut, noting changes in your diet/lifestyle, inspiring yourself & others, embracing fruit & vegetables, nourishing your body with the foods that work for you, finding new ways to eat your favorite foods, and so. much. more. ” –Jenn from Peas and Crayons

Celebrate Food. Celebrate blogging. Celebrate Individuality.

So here is what I ate:

I know this looks pretty gross, but so yummy! I seriously look forward to this every weekday morning. Fage Nonfat greek yogurt with berries is THE best! Only yogurt I buy on a weekly basis. Then I add some oats..weird but delicious.

Mid Morning snack: Ezekiel bread with almond butter and some berries.

Lunch: broccoli, chicken and sweet potato. Looks a little boring, but believe it or not I haven’t gotten sick of it yet. I prepped on Sunday and made this same lunch for the whole week. Only takes about 20 mins and just grab and go on your way to work. Keeps me on track and accountable!

Sensible snacking! I bring these two items in my purse everywhere! Perfect for on-the-go.

Zucchini pizza. Oh boy. This is the first time making this and it exceeded expectations! Here’s what I did: Cut the zucchini in half then again on the bottom to create a flat surface. Brush with olive oil. Add toppings such as garlic, cheese, tomatoes and basil. Cook for 20-30 mins at 375. This is a MUST try! You will thank me later. 🙂

Apologize for the not-so-good photos. They were all taken with my iPhone.

Thanks for reading!!

What’s the craze behind NatureBox?

04.23.2013

Ever heard of the simple, yet brilliant concept called NatureBox? If, you haven’t I feel sorry for you. But really, this is the most amazing business concept ever!

What is NatureBox? It is a monthly membership package that delivers 5 healthy snacks to your house each month. These aren’t just any snacks, but nutritionist approved. They contain NO artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, no trans fats and no high fructose corn syrup.

Why sign up? Because its only $19.99/ month and delivers straight to your door. BUT, the best reason….these snacks are SO good! I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing they each taste. It is almost impossible to walk into a grocery store and pick up a snack in a bag that is all natural and healthy.

Suggestion to NatureBox: Please sell your snacks by the bags! We want more! 🙂

This post is NOT sponsored by Naturebox. I am simply sharing this information because I truly believe in their mission and love their products: “NatureBox helps you eat healthier without needing to change your eating habits. We focus on snacks because that’s the easiest habit to change. Do you know that the average American eats almost 25% of their calories from snacking? In fact, snacking is the leading cause of childhood obesity. NatureBox helps you get more out of your day without wasting calories on the bad stuff.”

Enough said. Get your box here. 🙂

Have a great week!!

pomegranate benefits

02.25.2013

Lately I’ve had a newfound obsession with pomegranates! Although they are messy and tedious to eat, you can also buy just the seeds in a convenient container. I have been finding myself going back for more every time I am at the market, so I decided to do a little research in lieu of my fascination. Here’s some interesting findings:

Pomegranate is the most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits
Lowers risk of cancer, especially prostate and breast
Lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease
Lowers blood pressure
Helps control your weight
May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis

As an original native of Persia, Persians believed Eve actually ate a pomegranate instead of an apple in the Garden of Eden. Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with pomegranates because they believed it offered eternal life. It is also believed to be a symbol of good luck according to Greeks and Chinese. Sorry to get “historical” on you, but I find all of this so interesting!

Many studies show that pomegranate is one of the most powerful, nutrient dense foods for overall good health. These findings clearly show a correlation between pomegranates and their positive effect on both human and animal cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal health. This is one fruit that you can’t afford to exclude from your diet! Eat up peeps!

Try this nutritious smoothie and let me know what you think:

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

(sources: drfuhrman.com, Global Healing Center)

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