Thursday, August 12, 2010
I am a Horrible Blogger!
Wow! It has been awhile, I apologize! But I am back at it with a new enthusiasm! Again, I am sorry for the 4 month delay, but I am going to be back with a vengeance beginning next week. Look out world...here I come :) LOL!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
No Postings Until Monday 5/17
Hi Everyone,
My mom is in town and I want to spend as much time with her as possible...and since this is a hobby it is going to be postponed until she leaves! So sorry for any inconvenience (if anyone out there reads it :) Talk to you Monday!
My mom is in town and I want to spend as much time with her as possible...and since this is a hobby it is going to be postponed until she leaves! So sorry for any inconvenience (if anyone out there reads it :) Talk to you Monday!
Monday, May 10, 2010
TOTD
Nutrition Tip of the Day
Try Something New
I get in to such a nutrition rut! One thing that a couple of our friends do is find a new fruit/vegetable and look for a recipe on how to use it. It keeps the kitchen and fresh foods fun! For example, if you've never used eggplant try it! I always find that some new things work for us and some don't...but you never know until you try :)
Exercise Tip of the Day
Rest is Good!
I have talked about before it is imperative to give your body rest. Do not feel guilty for taking a few days off during the week. For example, if your goal is 3 days a week of cardio and 2 days of strength training, make sure that you are taking 2 full days off! Or if you want to up your cardio to 4 days and strength to 3 days, make sure that you do cardio and strength together one day so you can have a day of rest! Even bodybuilders take at least one day off during the week to allow their bodies to heal and rejuvenate!
Try Something New
I get in to such a nutrition rut! One thing that a couple of our friends do is find a new fruit/vegetable and look for a recipe on how to use it. It keeps the kitchen and fresh foods fun! For example, if you've never used eggplant try it! I always find that some new things work for us and some don't...but you never know until you try :)
Exercise Tip of the Day
Rest is Good!
I have talked about before it is imperative to give your body rest. Do not feel guilty for taking a few days off during the week. For example, if your goal is 3 days a week of cardio and 2 days of strength training, make sure that you are taking 2 full days off! Or if you want to up your cardio to 4 days and strength to 3 days, make sure that you do cardio and strength together one day so you can have a day of rest! Even bodybuilders take at least one day off during the week to allow their bodies to heal and rejuvenate!
My Progress
Well, it has officially been 4 weeks since this journey began! I can say that my clothes are fitting better (even though the number on the scale is not going too far down!), and I have a lot more energy! As I stated on Friday, I know that I need to increase my cardiovascular workouts. Coach K and I are working out on a regular basis and we are progressing wonderfully!
My eating has always been a stumbling block for me, and it still continues to be! It is all those little "extras." For instance, the Starbucks coffee here and there, or the piece of chocolate here and there. I know it is okay to have a treat once in a while, but I tend to it more than once in a while! Especially on Mother's Day! I need to continue to be more diligent in sticking to my free days.
My eating has always been a stumbling block for me, and it still continues to be! It is all those little "extras." For instance, the Starbucks coffee here and there, or the piece of chocolate here and there. I know it is okay to have a treat once in a while, but I tend to it more than once in a while! Especially on Mother's Day! I need to continue to be more diligent in sticking to my free days.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Out of Town for the Day
My wonderful husband is whisking me away to the coast for the day...I'll be back on Monday!
Friday, May 7, 2010
TOTD
Nutrition Tip of the Day
Need Something Sweet? Try Nutella...
I suppose I have been in a substitution mood the past few days :) Have you ever tried Nutella? If you are in the mood for something sweet, Nutella is a great substitute for chocolate, cookies, cake, etc! Try it on a whole wheat piece of toast or dipping apple into it, and you have a snack that is great at curbing your sweet tooth and much healthier than eating traditional sweet treats.
Exercise Tip of the Day
Stay Hydrated
I debated about whether or not to put this as a nutrition tip, but decided it is definitely an exercise tip! If you do not stay hydrated while working out, you not only run the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke, but you also will not be as energized. Water constitutes about 80% of your body, and is an important solvent and "carrier" of various molecules; especially oxygen! Your blood (which carries oxygen!) is primarily made of water, and our muscles need water to function properly while exercising. So, stay hydrated, especially as the weather heats up! One rule of thumb is CP (clear pee!), if you're getting enough water your pee should be pretty clear (of course taking vitamins may make it more yellow), but if your pee is not pretty clear you may not be getting enough fluids! Drink up!
Need Something Sweet? Try Nutella...
I suppose I have been in a substitution mood the past few days :) Have you ever tried Nutella? If you are in the mood for something sweet, Nutella is a great substitute for chocolate, cookies, cake, etc! Try it on a whole wheat piece of toast or dipping apple into it, and you have a snack that is great at curbing your sweet tooth and much healthier than eating traditional sweet treats.
Exercise Tip of the Day
Stay Hydrated
I debated about whether or not to put this as a nutrition tip, but decided it is definitely an exercise tip! If you do not stay hydrated while working out, you not only run the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke, but you also will not be as energized. Water constitutes about 80% of your body, and is an important solvent and "carrier" of various molecules; especially oxygen! Your blood (which carries oxygen!) is primarily made of water, and our muscles need water to function properly while exercising. So, stay hydrated, especially as the weather heats up! One rule of thumb is CP (clear pee!), if you're getting enough water your pee should be pretty clear (of course taking vitamins may make it more yellow), but if your pee is not pretty clear you may not be getting enough fluids! Drink up!
How to Lose Weight: Thinking of Time
So, this next "mini-series" is partly selfish...these are all things that I need to remember as I am on this quest :) I have mentioned MHR (maximum heart rate) in a previous post, and I am going to reiterate it again today! In order to lose weight we have to dig in to our fat stores. When I first started learning about exercise, I always assumed that fat was automatically used during physical activity, but I was wrong! Just like I mentioned in "How to Read a Food Label: Carbohydrates," carbohydrates are our immediate energy source, so if you don't work out long enough to burn the carbohydrates you won't get to the fat stores!
In order to start burning fat, time (and intensity) are key. You must keep your heart rate in the "fat burning zone" (it is 65-80% of your MHR) for at least 20 minutes. You can work out as long as you want, but if you never work out hard enough, you won't get into the fat stores!
Right now, I know that I need to add more cardio to my routine! My workouts with Coach K keep my heart rate up, but it's only 2-3 days a week...I need to get in gear with more cardio :)
In order to start burning fat, time (and intensity) are key. You must keep your heart rate in the "fat burning zone" (it is 65-80% of your MHR) for at least 20 minutes. You can work out as long as you want, but if you never work out hard enough, you won't get into the fat stores!
Right now, I know that I need to add more cardio to my routine! My workouts with Coach K keep my heart rate up, but it's only 2-3 days a week...I need to get in gear with more cardio :)
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