I have had such a variety of workouts these days. I do interval training about 2-3 times a week with treadmill or elliptical for some cardio. I usually get in a 1-2 mile run/power walk/skip cardio session outdoors, and train each muscle group in the weight room with weights such as back, biceps, triceps, calves, legs, abs, shoulders and what not. I also take body pump class that is like a weight based lifting class, pilates or yoga one time a week and a boxing class. The classes are great because they often workout your entire body. I have been going about 6 days a week and one rest like when I was doing INSANITY. On my rest day though if I am up to it I want to start trying to do yoga or just a leisurely walk outdoors and with the weather getting better I know that can be possible! It is so funny how much I have changed my mind set when it comes to making healthier choices with eating and working out consistently. I think I am at a point when I can say this is truly my new lifestyle. Which is a great thing. Yes I have days when I'm tired and I don't want to workout but when I get to the gym I get into it more even if I am tired. I absolutely love boxing though. Trying another boxing gym tomorrow and I can't wait.
Today I just wanted to write about a few things I have learned along the way that could be beneficial to you or anyone who is wondering a few things about the road to being healthier and fit....
- Be Patient (with yourself, with the changes...it is a big transition especially if you don't usually eat foods that are better for you or work out. Can't just eat right you do have to work out and work that body, work your heart..all those things. Eating is a huge part of it but they go hand in hand.
- Keep variety in your workout for fun and so your body doesn't get used to the exercises. You will enter a plateau and not burn as many calories so SHOCK THAT BODY!
- Have 5 to 6 small meals a day which includes SNACKS don't skip them. Healthy snacks though :)
- Don't go insane...treat yourself! Great advice from my bro. Now don't overindulge but a nice meal, glass of wine or small dessert won't kill ya, even just a few bites of a dessert and step away lol!
- When you know you are going out or have a celebration, try to plan ahead and work out harder that week and eat as clean as you can...even look at menu ahead and plan a decent meal (unless it is your treat meal). Set boundaries for yourself and if you go over then you should add an extra workout or something.
- Use spices. Chili power, tumeric, sage, cumin, rosemary etc in some of your dishes. If you do use salt, use sea salt. I use sea salt and tastes just fine!
- Greek Yogurt is a great choice for yogurt because it is high in protein. It is beneficial to your muscles and belly fat. I use plain greek yogurt as sour cream and it tastes just fine. I don't particulary like plain greek yogurt with fruit and nuts I get the flavored ones but the sugar is high so I am tring to work on that and make the full transition. My friend told me to try adding stevia too it to help give it a little more sweetness.
- Use a smaller plate to eat out of...it will make you feel like you are eating your old regular size portions because it fills up the plate.
- Watch your portions! Lean protein should be about size of palm of hand, Greens/Veggies should be half of the plate, and carbs (whole grains) should be about size of a cupped hand.
- Watch your portions even with healthy food. Just because it's healthy doesn't mean over eat it.
- Don't skip meals! In order to lose weight and be healthy you can't skip meals. Your body holds on to fat and thinks your starving if you are not eating. Also breakfast is very important to get your metabolism going. That helps you burn the food you eat and lose calories.
- Eliminate processed foods. Atleast things like white flour based product and all that. I made my own whole wheat pita bread, not even hard either! Have complex carbs like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat cereals and breads to name a few. Also, I like to find ways to make things I love healthier like tacos and pizza. Recipes are on the RECIPE section of my blog or you can find it on the labels at the bottom of this page.
- Buy quality items! Good meats, grass fed beef like Bison but if not in the budget and you must have beef get leaner cuts.
- Broth based soups are better than cream based. More calories and fats in creamier.
- Plan ahead! It is important to plan your meals and grocery shop during the weekend so you are ready to cook during the week and have snacks prepared. Cut carrots, broccoli and place in storage containers for easy to get snacks and what not! PLANNING leads to SUCCESS (well most of the time) and if you don't you could be asking for a slip up.
- Find something fun to do outdoors or a sports activity with friends like walking, running, swimming, tennis or even a workout class! That is just a few ideas.
- Eating clean is a LIFESTYLE.......not a diet.
- Once again I will repeat, BE PATIENT! It takes time. If you fall, get back up. Just don't go back to the bad habits you have been fixing.
What else do you think can go on this list?????????????....please share!!!!
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