Holiday Coming Up!!!

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you are staying cool and drinking LOTS of water....even I am making sure I drink my fill of water. That is when you KNOW it's hot! Anyway! This week is our beautiful country's 237th birthday I believe. I have to say that I am very proud and blessed to live in such a place. Holidays are ALWAYS accompanied by DELICIOUS FOOD!!!! So I would LOVE to see some of your holiday recipes! Or even a healthier addaption of a holiday recipe or just some healthy tips for us all in how to eat better during holidays If you want to share your favorite recipe or healthy adaption, I'd LOVE to see some pictures of your masterpieces. There may be a prize in it for you....Just sayin.... You can even challenge me to try and create a healther adaptation for a recipe you love. Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Funny Friday

I think we can all agree we need a good laugh today. It's Friday and we all know its been ONE LONG WEEK. Enjoy the little things my friends. Anyone else have a morning like this??? Oversleep much? Haha, this is me.... a lot lol. Happy Friday!

Bad Habit #2

So my first habit was lack of water, my second is late night snacking!!! Does anyone else have this issue???? GAH! See and my problem is I don't eat a lot during the day and by night....I am quite hungry! Which is a big NO NO. I really do need to eat throughout the day. No it's not like I starve myself...that is just not good. I eat, but I don't eat a whole lot during the day. I did the same thing with water lol. I don't drink a whole lot throughout the day and I am THIRSTY by night. HELLO LYSSA, RED FLAG! I need to make a point where I do eat more during the day so I am not eating a friggen meal right before bed...

Who else has this problem?? What are some of your bad habits? OR what are some new good ones you have formed? I would LOVE to hear! I need advice too!

Workout Buddy

We are competitive by nature and we like to stick to our promises or comitments. My boyfriend and I decided to start insanity together and we set goals for ourselves. We have done most of the workouts together. Yes, I said MOST. There have been some days where we just can't configure the time to do it together and will have to do it by ourselves at the time that we set a side. After sweating an ocean doing  Pure Cardio, we began talking. We BOTH admitted to "dogging" it or not being faithful to the regiment when we don't work out. Tonight, we were both pushing each other, we challenged each other. When one of us was getting tired or worn out, we both made sure that those breaks were short. We encouraged each other and tried to motivate each other just by a few simple words, our competitive personalities, and our comitment to get through this journey together. I feel more dedicated, more persistant in my workouts and more faithful to them when we do them together. I think its because I am not sweating and swearing and dying (lol) for just myself, but  I am there to support and motivate and show that I am comitted and that I want to keep up my end of the deal for someone I care for. We both really kept each other from quitting. With a workout buddy, I feel like we become more dedicated in our workouts. We made a promie with someone and you both are relying on each other. You have someone to hold accountable. If you are having a hard time working out and keeping the the faith to it, get a workout buddy! Take your grandma, your significant other, your best friend, sister, brother, mom, dad, cousin, etc. and become accountable to not only yourself but to your workout buddy.

Exercising, And Not Even Knowing It

I know a lot of us are sort of chained down to a desk most of the day or are put in an area from which we can't leave or be very far from for most of the day. A lot of us don't get in enough physical activity because...well... I have seen, heard, and made up a lot of reasons not to workout myself so I am sure the list goes on. But you really can add exercise into your day and not even know it. It's a matter of small decisions that can add up to helping you burn more calories and get more movement in your day. Start parking farther away from the grocery store, your office building or any building you work in, use the bathroom farther from your location, or the printer/ fax machine, take the stairs over the elevator. If there is an escalator walk up them like you would normal stairs. Take a walk on your lunch break, use a stability ball as your chair in the office instead. When you need to ask someone a question or speak with someone, walk to their desk or station instead of calling them or IMing them in your work place. Do jumping jacks or pushup or any exercise while you are waiting for your coffee to brew or the microwave to cook your food. Just a few simple steps added to yoru day counts and helps you add more physical activity. It's not hard to do and all it can do is add to your progress in health. Happy Monday everyone!

Overburn

I had a discussion with someone the other day about their frustration in not losing weight. They told me what they were doing physically and nutritionally. They were very frustrated as they were very closely following the guidelines one of the calorie calculator apps had advised them in how many calories they were consuming and eating a lot more healthfully. Unfortunately when I had asked to take a look at the app, it was only calculating their caloric consumption based on just a general BMI without calculating their physical activity or exercise. I figured that based on the fact of they were eating a low calorie diet, doing very strenuous exercise sessions they were over burning. When you over burn your caloric intake to an extreme, you tend to have little to no results. You are wearing out your body and its ability to not only burn off excess fat, it cannot properly repair the muscles you have exercised as well. Over burning and under fueling your body makes it think that it is starving and will hold on to any of the foods you consume, making it very difficult to lose the unwanted weight. Health apps are great but they are a generality. Everyone is different! Make sure you find apps that use your individual measurements as well as calculates or activity. May I suggest taking a look at my fit tips section where I discuss the fitbit? I use it religiously and you can download a compatible app that does all that. It also helps you set goals and gives you awards for your achievements! Happy Saturday everyone! Know your numbers!

Since I go on and on about music being my motivation, I love finding other people's playlists for inspiration or to add to my collection. I would like to share a few of my "POWER SONGS". These are the songs I will turn on when I feel like I am sort of giving in or I am feeling out of breath or whatever...I switch one of these babies on!

1. In The End- Black Veil Brides
2. Edge of Glory- Lady Gaga
3. Cuckoo- Adam Lambert
4. Dragula- Rob Zombie
5. Get Through This- Art of Dying
6. Hair- Lady Gaga
7. I'm A Machine- David Guetta ft. Crystal Nicole
8. Super Villain- Powerman 5000
9. Turn All the Lights On- T-Pain
10. We Will Rock You- Queen Vonlichten Version
11. Mirrors- Natalia Kills
12. Troublemaker- Green Day

What are some of YOUR "Go To" songs to give you energy or get pumped????

Continued.....

This post in sort of a to be continued of my prior post. I was talking to my boyfriend yesterday about our INSANITY program and we was venting to me about his frustration in not physically seeing any progress. He told me he hadn't lost weight and that he should be losing it based on his caloric intake and exercise, he figured he should be losing about 2 lbs. a week (not that he needs to honestly) but I support whatever goals he has...and I was thinking to myself....we ALL have that same problem. When we start a new journey to better ourselves and we want immediate and PHYSICAL results. But what people forget, are there are smaller things progressing in order to achieve those bigger goals. I don't think my boyfriend (or myself) realize the progress we HAVE made. We both can survive the workouts and do a little more each time. I think we are both slowly becoming more stronger than we realize. Like I said, I am able to push out a couple more reps than the last workout, I am able to pause less, stop less frequently and go on. A lot of the important results are over looked. The mental results. I don't know about you, but when I workout I feel more confident and alert. I feel more energized and I feel like I can do whatever I set my mind to. Even when that stupid voice chimes in on being "tired, done, over this workout" I refocus. I think of everyone who has ever told me I can't, that didn't believe it me and told me that I fit in a box with labels or that I will never be able to reach the starts...and boy do my feet move faster, my punches and kicks harder, my pushups increase, my jumps higher, etc. I honestly workout harder when I am mad lol. I push harder to prove everyone that told me that I couldn't. And just beacuse my results aren't immediate or aren't physical sometimes, I know that I am stronger, faster, healthier, and happier than someone standing on the sidelines. PERIOD. That is enough for me.

Rough Day

Boy.... what a day yesterday... Like I have said before, Tuesdays hold a bad omen for me. Murphey's Law is in FULL effect on Tuesdays for me, but all you can really do is understand that things go wrong and move on. Don't dwell on it! It gets you NO WHERE. Today I had a really hard time with my workout, and I am getting a little annoyed with myself. I have been doing Insanity for 2 and 1/2 weeks. I am a little better, but I still find myself constantly struggling to barely make it through. This is good because it means I am challenging my body to become stronger in a weaker area. But like every perfectionist....we want to be a master at everything, on the first try. I was constantly pausing, resting a little longer on water breaks and not able to perform up to par of what I want. I was so close to just giving up and quitting 20 min in to the workout. But I didn't and I am so glad I didn't. I know that if I just give up and walk away, I don't earn anything, I don't grow, I don't get stronger..in fact its the complete opposite on all accounts. ANY and I mean ANY effort you give into making yourself a better, healthier, happier you is all apart of building character, strengthening your relationships, making you stronger to face bigger challenges, etc. We ALL (even our beloved athletes and super fit models or slim celebs) have our days where we don't really want to face the challenge, we want to just let thte opportunity go by because it is easier. But is taking the easier road going to help you grow or provide any benefits to you or your loved ones? Just remember when you feel like you are crawling in the trenches and it's real tough, its all for a purpose. The purpose to improve, strengthen, and benefit you and the life you lead

Keep It Interesting

Now we have all heard those horror stories of people getting sick of the repetitive and mundane tasks that can (NOT ALWAYS) accompany a more health conscious lifestyle. Whether it be repetative intake of the same foods, same boring workouts, etc. Well, then its an easy fix, try something new. If you're tired of running, go biking or swimming or take an aerobics class. Try incorporating weight lifting or interval training. If you LOVE your workout but you can tell it's getting too easy or needs some pep, ad intervals. I love run on my elliptical, but it can get mundane after the billionth time or less challenging and so I incorporate short and intense drills in different spurts and lengths to shock my body. Tired of salads and water with the occasional card board tasting rice cake? Well, make it a goal to try one new food every week. I will tell you I used to religiously eat broccoli and carrots. Especially carrots! I loved those veggies and I'd dip them in salsa and eat them with every meal. Sadly, I ate them so much that I probably will never be able to eat look at carrots & broccoli for a very long time. Try a new veggie, fruit, protein, or whole grain food item every week. Tired of wheat bread? Switch it up with rye break or a sprouted grain bread. Go hiking or skiing, or snowboarding for a workout! Make it fun! Turn an activity into something that benefits your body as well as challenges you and is fun! It's not hard people, you are not chained to any routine or type of food or tool in your healthy living lifestyle. Play with it, make it fun and enjoyable, make it challenging, make it for you!

Motivational Monday!!!

Hello my beautiful peeps! I hope you all had a WONDERFUL weekend celebrating our amazing fathers! They truly are the best! I know that I am EXTREMELY blessed and grateful for my father. He does SO much for my family and sacrafices soooo very much to make sure that we are all happy, healthy, and loved. I am so very very lucky to have such an amazing man as my father!

Today, I know it's a little tougher to get back from the celebrations, the bbq's, the breaks and all that jazz. But get yourself pumped for your workout today by making it exciting. I find myself on days like today needing some musical motivation! What is your favorite song that gets you MOVING!?

Today for me, its Timomatic's Set it Off (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLack_YOTwA)  I heard this song off So You Think You Can Dance? and I just fell in love with it! It's got a good beat to it and makes me wanna dance!!

Oatmeal Fruit Delight

This is a really nutritious, quick, and hassle free recipe. I learned it when I was watching a nutritional show when I was younger...I think it was Zonya's Health bites? But I adapted it a bit and made it my own to fit more of my own nutritional needs and what I prefer! This is super easy! You make a big batch and then you just deplete it by eating a serving each day. Just think! You only have to make it once and it could feed you for a couple days! WOOT WOOT!

This recipe makes for 4 servings.

2 Cups of Steel Cut Oats

2 1/2-3 cups of whatever fruit you want! Fresh or frozen!

1 2/3 of almond milk

1-2 Tbl of cinnamon (depending on your taste buds)

1/2 a scoop of chocolate shakeology

(Yes you can add stevia or honey to put a little sweetness in it, but I don't really think it needs it)

Stir it all together and let it sit over night. BAM! Breakfast for for days!

Be Proud Of Who You Are

Don't ever compare yourself to other people, it gets you nowhere and gives you no progress. They aren't you, and you aren't them. They don't have your abilities, characteristics, dreams, and unique qualities. Everyone has something new and refreshing they offer to the world. That is their own and you should be proud of what you have and what you earn with your own strengths and trials as well as your weaknesses and flaws. OWN up to them, be proud of them...be proud of you. Comparing yourself to others all day only makes you focus on what you don't have. Last time I checked, seeing what you don't have doesn't get you any closer to achieving your own goals. Be proud of who you are and don't beat yourself up for being different or not being someone other than you.

Milestone in Insanity Journey

Hey Yall! This is week #2 on my insanity journey. Today's workout was Plyometric Cardio Circut, and if you know me....I HATE plyometrics...but that's because it is my weak spot and its more difficult for me to do power movements with my lower body. Lot's of jumping and and power strikes and jump lunges, etc. However, it may only be week #2 but I can ALREADY see improvement. Why? Because I didn't just give up because it's hard. Last week, I was constantly pausing my workout to keep up. Today I didn't start taking an extra pause until the second round, I was about 3/4 done with my workout before I started pausing. YES it is tough, YES there is that voice saying "can we just stop and do something easier??? This is dumb, I am tired" and so on. SO WHAT if it's hard. Life is hard, there are people out there that have it worse than I and they aren't complaining. I am just so grateful that I am lucky enough to be healthy enough to do this every day, to use my legs and arms and all the many other functions my body can do or perform that some others may not. Take advantage of your blessings and utilize them. Life doesn't get easier, you just get stronger AS LONG AS YOU KEEP AT IT.

New Find!!!

Hey guys! Sorry about going MIA yesterday! Made me very sad that I didn't get the chance to post! I love sharing this information because it's something I truely enjoy! Anywho! I have a new find I'd like to share with everyone! It's a bit more difficult to find a decent one because they either taste like chalk/cardboard or have been caked with sugar and sweeteners for taste, but defeats the purpose of being healthy. Protein bars!!! My sister in California had asked me about Quest Protein Bars and I had never heard of them before. So I went to check them out and I really liked what I saw. They are low in carbs and they aren't from sugar, only 1-2g of sugar (HOLY CROW), 20g of protein (HECK YES), fewer and more natrual ingredients, and they aren't ridiculous on the calorie side. I purchased my first batch in apple pie and I must say, they are pretty dang good! They have SO MANY falvors! They have chocolate and peanut butter, strawberry cheesecake, cinnamon roll, lemon cream, chocolate brownie, and much more. I can get a 12 pack on amazon for about $24-$25. They have saved my life so far when I am running around and don't have time to make food and I DON'T want fast food. I think it's a good fit! I was amazed at the low sugar and carb content, I really thought they'd taste like cardboard, but they surprised me! I would reccomend this one if you are in the market to get more protein or find a quick healthy food. I'll post a link below for more info and where you can find it on amazon!

http://www.questproteinbar.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_5?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=quest+bar&sprefix=quest%2Caps%2C264

Disney Princess Belle :)

Hey guys! Me and a few other talented and gorgeous gals got together to do this Disney Princess post as a collective blog hop. Since I am more of a fitness and health blog, I thought I would do something more fitness oriented. Besides! How many fitness AND fashion blogs are out there? Maybe I just live under a rock but I don't see a lot of blogs on how to dress fashionably with workout clothes. Anyways...my princess is Belle! Now, it was kind of hard to be a "princess" in more aggressive and athletic clothing. But this is how I took a belle theme and turned it into a more athletic or fitness-y belle. The yellow and white were the colors I chose to resonate with my princess since she wears a huge yellow/gold gown and what she is most seen in. I think this is a fun workout outfit. It's very comfortable and it doesn't stick to you when you are working up a sweat. The capris are the Nike legends. They DON'T ride up or fall down and they are very flattering and hold everything together nicely. The shoes are my Nike Lunars are my favorite Nike shoes, they are super supportive and comfort my feet, even when I abuse them as much as I do. The white top is a Nike Dri-Fit tank, it's very light weight and comfortable. It doesn't stick to you and is very breathable. The yellow sports bra is a Nike printed pro bra. I don't have to double up on bras with Nike usually; one is enough which is VERY nice. Lastly, the 'Just Do It' Nike hoodie I got a while back and it is no longer on the Nike website or in the store, but I am sure you can find a great hoodie selection there. They are thick and warm and comfortable! Perfect for any occasion! You can find the links to these items below. ALSO!!! Want to see the other princesses??? Here are their links! Please! Go check them out! These girls are amazingly talented, beautiful and creative!

Ariel: http://www.nightchayde.blogspot.com
Jasmine: http://www.kalinowliving.blogspot.com
Repunzal: http://meundeniably.blogspot.com
Pocahontas: http://blog.stylemenikki.com/
Snow White: http://www.Immersedinglitter.blogspot.com
Cinderella: www.loverofclothes.com
Mulan: http://www.cupofting.com
Aurora: http://www.lovemedanimarie.com

Legends:http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/dri-fit-slim-fit-legend-2-training-capris/pid-686159/pgid-778834
Lunars: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/n/1j7?sl=nike%20lunar%20womens
Tank: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/racer-tank-top/pid-653884/pgid-653885
Bra: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/pro-printed-sports-bra/pid-686106/pgid-808787

Insanity Update...Ouch lol

Sorry about the absense the other day. I know my posting has been sparatic lately, but I will get a system down eventually. I just got a new job and it's a bit of a later in the day shift so a lot of what I need to get done has to get done before work lol. Anyway today is day three of insanity (since I started on Tues) and oh boy....I am SORE!!! It mostly consists of the interval training mentality by getting yor heart rate to sky rocket, then a short rest after each circuit. It has a lot of athletic, sporty, and power move exercises. My least favorite are the suicides, power jumps...and pushups. I have never been very good at pushups, but it's time that's changed!!! It is very intense, but its something very new to my body and I am excited to become stronger. The workout is tough, I have definately had trouble with some of the movements and exercises, but guess what? That is what is going to keep me going! I just started, of course I won't master it the first time. This gives me something to work towards to and achieve! You really do need to switch up your routine every so often because your body will plateau. Don't stay in your comfort zone! Try something new, add intervals in your workout, run an extra mile, add resistance, etc. Just change it up and keep challenging yourself!

Starting

Who says you can only start a journey on Mondays?????? HA! I prefer to mix it up lol. Today I am starting INSANITY. I am actually quite excited. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Turbo Fire program and I love running but my body is pretty much yawing through those workouts now and needs something brand new to break my plateau and shock my body a little bit so that it can continue to progress. You need to change things up every so often. Once your body becomes accustomed to a workout, you don't burn as much nor do you progress. You do still burn calories and you don't fall in progress doing the same workouts, but it doesn't push you either. Don't be afraid to try something new! Boy, if I don't post tomorrow its because I died from my first day lol. It looks pretty intense but we will see! Good luck everyone! GO GET YOUR SWEAT ON!

You Are...

AND DON'T LET ANYONE OR ANYTHING TELL YOU OTHERWISE!

A little bugged...

On Friday morning as I was scurrying to get ready for work I had my tv on and the Dr. Oz show came on. Their big topic was "Wheat is what is making Americans fat" with the information from a newly published book and the author was his guest. When the announcer was just previewing what was going to be on today's show, just the summary alone sort of bugged me. The way the information was presented was that wheat is causing everyone to be obese and it's unhealthy and it makes you crave other fatty foods everyone should stop eating it all together. Now I get that there are people out there that have food allergies or sensitivities to wheat that could either cause harm to their health or yes it may assist in their weight gain or cause inflamation. But how the information was presented was so dramatic and taken out of context that I feel like it was to scare everyone out of eating wheat. I agree with the author that wheat is not the same today as it was back then...but not all wheat is created equally. Genetically modified and processed wheat does not provide the same nutrients or what not as pure or whole wheat can. I felt their information was very misleading. Let's set this record straight. Genetically modified or processed wheat has had all the nutrients stripped out of it and artificial crap put into it to make it look more appealing, change the taste and shelf life. It also doesn't make you crave only fatty foods after consumption. What happens is the artificial products put into it probably spike your blood sugar (high glycemic index like in sugary sweets) then you crash and crave foods that give you that surge of energy. The fact that wheat alone was blamed for obesity was quite hysterical. There are so many other factors that go towards weight gain. I must say...this is why I am not much of a fan of Dr. Oz...I feel as if a lot of that information is misleading, and dramatic to try and shock viewers into watching...those are my own and if you enjoy watching it, great! Keep watching it, but stay educated and don't always believe everything you hear, see, read. Happy Monday everyone! Go get it!