Women...Afraid to Lift Weights? Group Power is a Great Alternative!

I just completed a 3-day certification training class in Group Power!  It was the most amazing experience ever!  The instructor pushed me beyond MY limits of what I thought I could do.  In just 3-days, I was lifting heavier than I ever thought I could without a spotter.  Ladies, don't be afraid to pick up the weights.  You will be amazed at how quick your body will respond to burning off that stubborn fat.  Not only is this class FUN, you get results FAST!  Now, don't get me wrong...it's for men and women and anybody at any age.

Live Fit Live Strong!!

Today is the Day...Happy New Year!

Well, today is the day! Some of you have made resolutions to get in the best shape of your life. Some, like myself are just hitting the gym as usual. Whichever, you are...get up and just do it! Make today the day to change your life for the better, I guarantee you won't regret it. Getting started is the most difficult part on this journey to health and fitness for life. Just focus on the first 30 days, get a routine together that you can honestly commit yourself to doing at least 3-4 times per week, stay off the scale and prepare healthy meals ahead of time, so that you don't fall into making unhealthy food choices. For anyone that needs some additional help in getting started, I'm always open to help or give advice. Come on...you can do this! Today is the day!

A Moving Experience

I had the most moving experience today at the gym. I walked into the locker room to change up for my workout and noticed two very heavy set young girls just standing there staring at me. One of the girls finally asked me; "How did you get your body like that?" I responded by telling her...well, I work out a minimum of 5 days a week and I eat what's good for me and stay away from foods that I know are not good for me. I also told her that working out is simply a part of my lifestyle. She proceeded to ask questions of how, and what she should do, which I was more than happy to explain and share with her. In the meantime, the other girl, still just standing there, saying nothing but staring at me...begin to cry. I begin to encourage her and tell her that, just the fact that she's in the gym is a great start. I told her don't quit, but to hang in there and to keep doing what she's doing and in time she'll begin to see results; and don't be discouraged by what other people say or how they look. Everyone is different, never compare yourself to someone else. My Pastor says, "before you begin admiring what someone else has or have accomplished, ask them, what did they sacrifice to get there?". Trust me, I sacrifice everyday to stay on track to be dedicated, consistent and focused, which is the key to any breakthrough that you are trying to accomplish. I admire both girls for just making the effort to walk into the gym and for taking the first steps in changing their lives for the better.

Live Fit Live Strong!

How to Burn Over 30,000 Calories by Just Walking

Did you know that a daily brisk walk of at least 30 minutes or more can burn up to 1500 calories every week?  Let's do the math...

If you walk briskly everyday for at least 30 minutes and burn 215 calories each session; that's 1,505 in one week!  Do this for at least 6 months and you'll have burn off 36,120 calories.  Set your goal to burn off 39,000 calories, because 39,000+/- calories = 11 pounds of fat, give or take a few.

So, no excuses!  Get out there and get your walk on...you'll start seeing results before you know it.

Live Fit Live Strong!

Bone Broth Helps with Wrinkles, Stretch Marks, and Cellulite

Bone broth contains collagen to make your skin supple and radiant. This delicious, mineral-rich broth can be used to make soup to support smooth, strong skin and reduce cellulite.

Drinking bone broth makes skin supple. Cellulite does not arise from carrying excess fat. Haven’t you ever seen a thin person with cellulite? It is common. Most people are taught to choose skinless and boneless meat and to fear animal fats. This is why even those who are slender will not be able to shake cellulite until they change their diet. (5)

• Cellulite comes from a lack of connective tissue.
• The smoothness of skin is from an abundance of connective tissue.
• Collagen-rich bone broth will supply your skin with the tools that it needs to support itself.
• Adding chicken feet, animal joints, and knuckles to a bone broth will increase the amount of collagen available.

Be on the look out for the "Bone Broth" recipe!

Live Fit Live Strong!

Are You Eating After 7:00 PM?

Hey there!  I came across an article that I wanted to share with you about eating after 7:00 pm.  Have you ever heard that eating after 7:00 pm could cause weight gain?  Well, I've heard the same, but after reading this article below, I have a totally different outlook.  Check it out!

Like us, you’ve probably met people who say, “as soon as I stopped eating after 7 p.m. I lost weight.” However, don't let them talk you into skipping late dinners--this is mostly fiction! Eating after 7 p.m. itself does not cause weight gain.

Although your body does have some sense of whether it is day or night, it will handle calories virtually the same no matter what time of day you eat. This means you don’t have to forgo dinner if you get home after 7 p.m.  At the same time, we're not exactly giving you the green light to chow down all hours of the night. 

Typically when people eat at night they aren’t reaching for healthy foods like veggies and fruits. When most people eat at 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., they’re grabbing cookies, chips, ice cream, or other snack- or dessert-like items while they watch TV or relax. So when those people decide to stop eating after after 7 or 8 p.m., they are just cutting out a lot of extra calories from junk food. It doesn’t matter what time you eat the junk food, cut back on it and you’ll lose weight (what a novel idea--we love it!).

Although, we don’t recommend having a heavy meal before bedtime. If you get home from work and haven’t eaten dinner, we suggest having a light meal or a healthy snack. We find that if you haven’t eaten since lunch and you go to bed hungry, you’ll still be hungry when you wake up and you’ll inevitably end up overeating. For a light, quick, dinner, try having a veggie egg white omelet or a nonfat Greek Yogurt with fruit or a bowl of oatmeal with a hard-boiled egg.  Although these may sound like breakfast ideas, they are quick and healthy at any time of day.

—Tammy Lakatos Shames and Elysse “Lyssie” Lakatos—otherwise known as the Nutrition Twins—are registered dietitians, certified personal trainers and authors of The Secret To Skinny: How Salt Makes You Fat. They will be blogging about healthy eating and weight loss for Fitbie every week.

Live Fit Live Strong!

Eat Clean and Train Dirty!

You can't out train a poor diet!  If you are training in the gym everyday, but still eating crap, you're wasting your time.  You will never reach your ultimate goal of fitness, if you don't change your eating habits.  Take time and dedicate it to preparing healthy meals at home that you can take with you.  By preparing your food ahead a time, will help you in a huge way; so that when you're in a crunch, you don't just grab whatever is available.  Eat clean, because the only thing that you should be doing dirty...is training hard!

Live Fit Live Strong!

Look Your Best with Imported Luxury Hair Extensions!

Introducing this amazing company offering the most luxurious hair that I've ever seen!  If you wear extensions, this is where you should be making your investment that will last for up to 12 months!  Luxe Virgin Hair extensions are imported from the source and 100% virgin hair, unprocessed, no dye and not chemically treated in any way.  Unlike the processed hair found in your local shops that only last for a few weeks before it begins to tangle and shed and  is full of synthetics and mixed with animal hairs.  Finally, Luxe Virgin Hair www.luxevirginhair.com provides a solution for ALL women, not only available just for top models and celebrities anymore who get to enjoy this luxury of 100% imported real human hair!  Now you can too! 

LUXE VIRGIN HAIR is located in Atlanta, Georgia and was created to provide ALL women access to exclusive, luxury hair extensions at an affordable price.  We have women all across the world experiencing this NOW affordable luxury!

 LUXE VIRGIN HAIR, a internet based hair boutique, offering women all over the world a quality option for hair extensions, other than their local shops that only offer hair that has been processed and chemically treated.  Ever wonder why hair bought from your local shop only last a few weeks?  Well, our 100% Virgin Human Hair is Grade A++ quality human hair, no synthetics, not processed, dyed or chemically treated in any way.  We provide high quality, highly discounted hair from the source.  We import and only purchase temple hairs from India, Brazil and Europe that were collected in a responsible manner.

Try This Anti-Bloat Smoothie

I've had to almost stop using Whey Protein in my morning shakes because for some reason, its allowing me to either put on weight that I don't want or giving me a bloated feeling for most of the day.  So, I am experimenting with not using Whey Protein to see if I can feel a difference and see a difference in my body.  Since I don't eat breakfast as soon as I awake in the morning, I need to have something before I do eat breakfast, which is usually about an hour and a half after I get up.  So here is an alternative that I have found to work really great!  It's call the "Anti-Bloat Smoothie", from Brett Hoebel's 30 day flat belly plan.

Start your day off with this smoothie.  It's high in fiber, which prevents constipation, and additionally it contains natural enzymes that help to breakdown hard-to digest foods that can cause bloating.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup papaya

3/4 cup pineapple

1/2 pear, sliced

1 tsp. ginger, fresh

1 tbsp. flaxseed, ground

2 mint leaves (garnish)

1 cup of water

1/2 cup ice

Blend all the ingredients and enjoy!

Live Fit Live Strong!

Have You Ever Heard of the 100 Workout?

This is a great idea when you can't get to the gym.  You can also add in lunges, push-ups and burpees too!

Give this workout a try and let me know what you think!

The 100 Workout

Perform...

100 Jumping Jacks
90 Crunches
80 Squats
70 Leg Lifts
60 Jumping Jacks
50 Crunches
40 Squats
30 Leg Lifts
20 Jumping Jacks
Run in Place for 10 Minutes

*Rest for no more than 60 seconds between sets and repeat workout

Live Fit Live Strong!

Want Ripped Abs? Cut the Carbs!

Now, I'm not telling you to stop eating carbs altogether, but by reducing your carb intake (especially those carbs found in grains, cereals, and potatoes) will have a major impact on you seeing your abs...eventually. Remember you can eat carbs, however, eat more in the morning, and eat much less as your day goes on. When you do eat carbs, make sure your eating whole grains only.  I've listed below some whole grain options that you can add to your diet.

Photo Credit bread image by Bube from Fotolia.com

Popcorn, oatmeal, wild rice, bread, pasta and crackers made with whole-wheat or whole grain flour; brown rice, bulgar (cracked wheat), whole cornmeal, quinoa, muesli, spelt, sorghum, millet, amaranth and hulled barley.  

Whew!...Just to name a few  :-)  So, everyone; today is the day to start cutting the carbs!

Live Fit Live Strong!

No Weights Workout! Body Weight Exercises That Work!

Let’s face it, everyone can’t either make it to the gym or it’s just not in the budget right now.  However, there are several body weight exercises that you can do, that are simple and very effective.  These body weight exercises will improve your flexibility, strength and your balance without the use of machines or weights.  Let’s start off with strengthening and working on your upper body, legs and most importantly….your booty!  I mean seriously; who doesn’t want a sexy rear?

Shoulders & Arms

1. Triceps Dip: Get seated near a step or bench. Sit on the floor with knees slightly bent, and grab the edge of the surface and straighten your arms. Bend arms to a 90-degree angle, and straighten again while the heels push towards the floor.

2. Diamond Push-Up:  These push-ups get a little more difficult with a diamond-shaped hand position throughout the move (situate them so that the thumbs and index fingers touch). This hand readjustment will burn your triceps like never before! 

3. Boxer: Start with feet hip-width apart and knees bent, keep the elbows in and extend one arm forward, keeping the other arm back. Begin swinging and alternating your arms while punching the air.

4. Arm Circles: Stand with arms extended by the sides, perpendicular to the torso.  Slowly begin making arm circles for about twenty to thirty seconds (about a foot in diameter). Then reverse the movement, going counter-clockwise for another twenty to thirty seconds.

Legs

1. Wall Sit: These may seem easy in the beginning, but just hang in there, you’ll see exactly what I mean.  Slowly slide your back down and up against a wall until the thighs are parallel to the ground. Make sure your knees are directly above the ankles and keep your back straight. Go for 60 seconds per set (or however long it takes to turn those legs start to burn). Add some bicep curls for a little extra intensity to this move.

2. Lunge: Stand with your hands on the hips and feet hip-width apart. Step your right foot forward and slowly lower your body until your left knee is close to or touching the floor and bent to at least a 90 degree angle. Return to the starting position and repeat/alternate with the left leg.

3. Curtsy Lunge: Start off in the lunge position, step the left leg back behind the right leg bending the knees and lowering the hips until the right thigh is almost parallel to the floor. Always keep your torso upright and the hips square.

4. Squat: These are my all time favorite!  Stand with the feet parallel or turned out 15 degrees — whatever stance is most comfortable. Slowly squat down by bending the hips and knees until the thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure your heels do not rise off the floor. Press through the heels and return to a standing position.  Repeat 3 more sets of 15 reps.

5. Squat Reach and Jump: Perform a regular squat, but jump up and reach your arms straight over your head. Aim for 15 reps. Take a brief rest before the next set.

6. Step-Up: Find a step or get a bench.  Start off with the right food by stepping up onto the step or bench; standing straight up onto the step or bench, then return to start. Repeat for 10-12 reps on each side.

7. Calf Raise: This exercise is best done on the edge of a step.  From a standing position, rise up on your toes, keeping your knees straight and heels off the floor.  Hold this position, then come back down. Repeat for 12-15 reps on each side.

In my next post we’ll be focusing on working your Core, Chest and Back!  So give these very effective exercises a try and let me know what you think, or if you have questions.

Val

Live Fit Live Strong!

Top 3 Myths About Aging

There are a lot of myths about aging out there. Here are three of the most common ones:

1. Disease is inevitable as you get older.

While it's true that older people have a higher risk of developing certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, than younger people, it's not true that the primary cause of these diseases is age. For many older people, the primary cause of disease is an unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise.

It's been proven over and over again by multiple studies that healthy eating and regular exercise help prevent many of the common diseases that plague so many older people. And even if someone already suffers from one of these diseases, healthy eating and regular exercise can help alleviate the disease.

2. Muscle loss and weakness are inevitable as you get older.

Muscle loss and loss of strength are not the normal result of aging, they're primarily the result of a sedentary lifestyle. You have to use your muscles or they will waste away. Once the average sedentary person reaches age 65, they will have lost up to 40% of their muscle mass compared to when they were young adults.

Multiple studies have shown that older people respond very well to strength training and are able to increase lean muscle mass and strength very effectively. Even older people in nursing homes have been able to increase lean muscle mass and strength when put on an appropriate strength training program.

Strength training also helps keep bones strong, and it can sometimes even reverse bone loss. Weight bearing exercises like walking and running also help keep bones strong.

3. Increased body fat is inevitable as you get older.

Just like with muscle loss and loss of strength, increased body fat is not the normal result of getting older, it's primarily the result of a sedentary lifestyle, as well as unhealthy eating.

Many people are able to eat an unhealthy diet when they're younger and not get fat because of how active they are when they're younger. But once they get older and start leading a sedentary lifestyle, the pounds and the body fat start piling on. Regular exercise and healthy eating will keep body fat off at any age, but especially once someone gets older.

In conclusion, don't buy in to these three common myths about aging like so many people mistakenly do. You can be fit and healthy and look and feel good at any age!

Today is the day!  Make a decision to change your life and your future.  As I always say...

Live Fit Live Strong!

Busy Traveler? You Can Fit Exercise into your Trips.

Hopping in and out of planes is exercise enough, you say.  But that’s not the kind of exercise that will condition your heart, make your reflexes and joints more fluid, keep your sugar levels in check or stop mood swings.

 

Nor is it the kind of exercise that will make you euphoric after a good cardiovascular session.  You need to counteract the effects of jet lag, artificial air in pressurized aircraft cabins and sky fatigue. 

“Sometimes your travels help you recognize how humdrum your workout routine has become.  At home, it’s easy to fall into a rut – to use the same weight machines in the same order, week after week, month after month, simply out of habit.  But a trip may take the routine out of your routine.  You may have no choice but to try new strength exercises or jog in the pool instead of swim laps.  And you might find these new pursuits so enjoyable that you add them to your fitness repertoire at home.

However, some nice hotels have spa facilities that you can enjoy while on a business trip or even vacation.  Don’t let your going on vacation spoil your routine of keeping fit and in shape.  Reward yourself with a facial or a massage after a session on the treadmill or 10 laps in the pool.  This is a great way to unwind for the evening, and can be an added bonus for the individual on the go for business or just taking a much needed vacation.

 Don’t let some of these common obstacles stop you from working out while away from home.  Such as, being too stressed out or tired; you don’t feel comfortable about working out in unfamiliar surroundings or that you may not have access to a hotel gym.  Always, make the effort to change this sort of thinking; if you did, you’d be on the road to fitness sooner.

Live Fit Live Strong!

Is Cardio A Waste of Time?

I have been away from blogging for a few weeks with traveling and am now finally just getting back into the groove of things.  I've been in New Orleans on business and totally was thrown out of my routine, especially with my diet.  I actually put on 5 pounds!  Well now, its back to the grind!  I focused on something that would keep me motivated and I stuck to it.  At times you have to focus on something to keep yourself motivated not only physically, but visually and mentally as well.  My motivation was watching the Olympics, specifically the women's track and field USA team.  Need I say more?  These women are amazing!

So, for the last week I've been hitting the Step Mill everyday for about 20 minutes a day, really seeing very little results.  I'm not saying that this doesn't work for everyone, but I'm shooting a fitness video next weekend and I needed to get back to my leaner physique ASAP!  I started re-thinking this thing...Val, go back to what you know works and what you know works faster...HIIT training.  Yes, High Intensity Interval Training is definitely the way to go to burn more fat, calories and get lean real quick.  Once I switched up and resumed my clean eating, which included drinking my Body by VI Shake with fresh fruit (www.90days2slim.com) in the morning and eating 4 balanced meals throughout the rest of the day, I was back on track and down 3 1/2 pounds in 4 days!

This is what I'm saying, if your constantly running on the treadmill, or working it out on the elliptical or step mill, and seeing very minimal results; change it up and take on the challenge of HIIT training.  It works!

Live Fit Live Strong!

The Advantages of Animals and Stress Relief

There are many experts who tout the advantages of animals and stress relief. According to science, did you know that the very act of petting a dog or a cat can actually lower your blood pressure?  I have had cats my whole life and I have to say that I agree!  Though my cat is quite moody from time to time, I think the only time I get stressed is when I call her to come to me and she totally ignores me.  So choose your pet wisely.

Aside from the occasional annoyance, animals and stress relief really do go hand in hand.

If you already have a pet you probably already know this. If you have a pet that is increasing your blood pressure because they misbehave, do yourself a favor and take them to a qualified professional and work on their behavior problems.

Don't think that you can't train cats or help them act better either, you can. My cat is living proof!  This type of "intervention" is not just for our canine friends, but for our feline friend as well.

Don't short yourself on the opportunity to have a healthy, loving and peaceful relationship with your pet just because of some bad habits. Don’t be so quick to ship them off; they may just need a little extra attention from you.  If you are willing to invest the time you can train your pet to overcome their bad habits and become a stress free and fun companion. Animals really just want you to love them and with some training most animals will turn into civilized and gentle loving companions for you.

Be certain to take some time to realistically consider your lifestyle and how much time you have to spend with a pet.  Too many would be pet owners do not take these things into consideration and they get a pet that is not a good fit for them or their lifestyle. You do not want to do that. It will make your life and that of your pets very uncomfortable.

Once you adopt a pet they become part of your life, it isn't fair to just get rid of them because it is no longer convenient for you; that would be totally selfish on your part.

Here are some things to consider:

1. If you are a really neat person and can't stand a mess you might be better off with a cat or at least a non-shedding dog breed. But remember, every animal that has hair, including humans, will shed a little it's just a matter of degree.

You may even want to get fish since they obviously won't shed on the carpet or have to have their litter box cleaned though you will need to clean the tank weekly.

2. If you like peace and quiet a cat or a fish may be a good option as well. If you want a dog find a breed that is not overly nervous or "yappy".

3. Consider how much time you spend at home. Animals, especially dogs, are social and they like companionship.

Sometimes getting two dogs may work since they can provide companionship for each other but at the end of the day, your pets want to spend time with you.  Are you up for it?

4. If you are active and like the idea of having an active companion you can take with you on your adventures consider a bigger breed of dog. A golden retriever can be a great companion to take on your hikes or walks. They are also mild mannered and good natured. But, they like to be around you a lot and they do shed.

All in all, if you want to have a pet, make sure that you take your time, ask questions and find the best fit for you. All pets can provide companionship but just like with your human companions you will be more compatible with some than with others.   Remember, you are not only looking for companionship, but a way to relieve stress on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Live Fit Live Strong!

The Facts...Body By Vi vs. Herballife

In today’s face-paced world, who has time to sit down and eat a balanced meal full of all the good things that make a body healthy? Today people hurry around living life and are not consuming the right nutrition their bodies need to grow fit and trim. Missing in their diets are good quality nutritious meals that have the right balance of protein, moderate carbs, low in fat, and all the essential vitamins and minerals. A good quality, complete meal replacement like Body by Vi Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake is the answer to get into a healthy diet to move around in this face-paced world.

What is a Meal Replacement Shake?

Meal replacement shakes are made by combining pre-packaged nutrient-rich powders with water, juice or milk to make a satisfying drinkable meal that fills a person up and helps bring weight down. There are many varieties of shakes on the market that claim to be meal replacements alternatives providing the best nutrition, but how do they do on factors like ingredients, taste, and in today’s budget—cost.

ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake beats them all hands down and even outpaces one of the so-called big guys, Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake, in head-to-head competition. The tale of tape says it all when looking at good quality ingredients.

Both Herbalife and Vi-Shape shakes have 90 calories and 1 gram of total fat, but Vi-Shape comes out on top by comparison.

Herbalife Formula 1:
Sodium: 140 mg
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 9 g
Protein: 9 g

Vi-Shape Shake:
Sodium: 75 mg
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Sugars: <1 g
Protein: 12 g

Side by side, ViSalus Vi-Shape has more protein and less carbs, sugar and sodium than Herbalife. With more vitamins and minerals, pre-biotics, aminogen and a few other ingredients to help burn fat, ViSalus Vi-Shape’s slimmed down essential ingredient list easily knocks down Herbalife’s bloated 60-plus ingredients.

Join the 90 Day Fitness Challenge today and lose weight; pick your Challenge Kit and get started today!

Just saying....

Live Fit Live Strong!

90 Days 2 Slim Fitness Challenge

I just found out about an amazing 90 day weight-loss fitness challenge that I am promoting!  Look at these amazing results in just 90 days!  You must check this out; go to my site www.90days2slim.com.  This fitness challenge is for anyone looking to lose weight and be healthy.  No matter what part of the world you live in….I can help you get fit!  Come on and take the challenge with me!

Live Fit Live Strong!
Val

Eat Right and Lose Those Extra Pounds This Summer

This summer you can look and feel slimmer and more attractive in shorts or swimwear without going on those hard to follow crash diets. The safe method of losing weight lies in selecting health benefiting food and lessening your caloric intake, compared to those you use up. It’s a fact that in summer you shouldn’t get attracted to heavy foods brimming with calories. In summertime, to cut down your weight; go for light foods that are fresh and raw.

Summer is one of the best times to eat foods that cut calories. During this time gorgeous fresh fruits and vegetables are at its highest at the farmers’ market and the local supermarkets are overflowing with these goodies. To top it all, these food items are filled with nutrient rich minerals, fibers, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and carry far less calories than regular fare.

Try to consume fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as they are at their tastiest and best in the summer, and will make your favorite cooking dishes a delight to eat. They’ll keep you trim and slim and provide all the energy you need this summer. Patronize your local farmers’ markets to aid in their efforts to bring you fresh fruits and vegetables year after year, and you’ll save loads of money. Always choose to eat fresh, because fresh is healthy.  Another good time saver in your kitchen is to go for ready made prepared foods, especially greens and sliced ready fruits to keep that belly fat to a bare minimum this summer.  Here are some top foods to add to your summer diet:

· The watermelon surely ranks as the best thirst quencher, and the taste is simply great, especially the organically produced types.  Apart from other nutrients, they are a rich source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure.

· Keep grilled vegetables handy; they are ideal to boost your fat burn program.  Grilled vegetables come in a variety of cooking options like grilled carrots, onions, zucchini, garlic, peppers, eggplant, and asparagus among others. And they make a lip smacking healthy snack.

· Salads are one the top quick fix diet snacks around, but don’t toss in a ton of mayonnaise.   Try this - wash out the salad leaves thoroughly and chop them up, then add grill chicken or beef. Next, throw in the cut vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts add greens, lettuce, cucumber, carrots and few drops of lemon juice to give it a tang and top it off with olive oil. Don’t add any fatty salad dressings if you want maintain the fat cutting benefits of salad.  Add herbs to give it a natural flavor. Also, you can try adding a can of tuna fish or cold cut meat; giving you a full and satisfying meal.

Finally, use only herbal sweetening and avoid sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks. Your safest bet is….Water! Use fruits as a base for all your deserts.  Remember, have fun, eat healthy and keep trim this summer.

Live Fit Live Strong!

Val

A Healthy Diet Plan for the Summer

Summer is one season when everyone wants to keep fit and free from any diseases. Definitely, most of us would like to lose some weight so that we look healthy and feel good. But, how would you get there? What would you do to remain healthy and fit throughout the summer? Here are few tips that may help you to lose some weight and make your skin glow even in this hot summer. To begin with, you ought to have a summer diet plan.

                                               

*Photo Credits for People on the Beach by Klaus C. Dietrich

Try to be a smart eater: The best way to follow a healthy plan is to eat smart with plenty of vegetables and fruits. You may need to change your eating habits, unlike what you would eat say in winter. Different seasons require different diets to maintain the body. You would need to alter and organize your eating habit in summer, which should focus on your health and not on your weight. Eat at regular intervals during the day, maintaining to eat plenty of vegetable salads and fruits or fruit juices. These will only burn off the calories and strengthen the vitamin contents in your body.

Increase protein and decrease the carbohydrates: The important thing is to know what constitutes your food intake. Does it contain carbohydrates or is your intake protein based food.  In any case, one should avoid all kinds of fatty foods, especially when you are trying to lose weight. While having small meals always keep in mind that you should not take any kind of carbohydrates or fat related food, but instead take protein rich food. This would keep your body hydrated and healthy with a glowing skin, in spite of summer temperature.

Exercise, exercise and exercise: Exercise forms an integral part of a healthy diet plan. And one can feel the effects of exercise, which burn out excessive calories. Taking a walk, jogging or some gym workouts would rather help your healthy diet plan to enhance your body. It is always advisable to participate in some form of physical activity for fifteen minutes daily to burn excess calories.

Don't dehydrate during your workouts or exercise: Drink a lot of water or carrot or fruit juices during your workout and even throughout the day. This would not only quench your thirst, but would also cool your system. You may also try a few health drinks. These would regain your electrolytes, which are lost through sweating. Once you get dehydrated you will lose all your energy and your body won’t respond to the normal functions. Having a lot of fruit juices would keep your body hydrated.

Take some tips from fashion magazines: Whenever you go through fashion magazines, it would invoke in you the desire to have a body just like those models. Take them as your models, clip their pictures and paste them at a place where you can see them. A good place could be your wardrobe or bathroom mirror. There are chances that the picture will motivate you every day to reach your fit and healthy goal.

Maintain a record: If you can maintain or keep track of your summer health diet plans, you would definitely lose weight and remain healthy. You could note down whatever you eat and drink to estimate the accumulation of calories in the body daily.

So beat the summer, by eating plenty of vegetable salads and having lots of fruits and fruit juices to fine tune your body to look fresh with a skin glow, even during the summer.   Don’t forget to wear cool summer apparel.

Live Fit Live Strong!

Val