Healthy Living

I've always been some what of a "health nut." I love to learn new tips and recipes on how to be healthier all around. I'm working on creating more balance in my health life, because sometimes I can get a little obsessive on my work outs or think too much about what I eat. Here are some ways on how to be healthier and creating an overall balance from the inside out!

1.) Juicing: You are what you eat. Being healthy starts from the inside, so it is CRUCIAL to eat healthy. Juicing is a great way to get essential vitamins from fruits and vegetables in its purest form. A Great Site For Juicing Recipes: one of my goals for this year- juice 5-7 days a week!

2.) Eat Organically & Buy Locally! (especially fruits & veggies)

3.) Eat Mindfully-Think Small Portions! DO eat slowly, DON'T eat in front of the TV, DO think about what you're eating, DON'T eat the whole plate, DO stop when you are satisfied NOT full, DO treat yourself, DONT indulge (aka 1 cookie vs. 3). Think: 4-6 mini meals a day

My new plan:

Meatless Monday

Tiny Tuesday- think small portions

Weighless Wednesday- weigh myself

Thirsty Thursday- drink 8 glasses of h20…no soda, coffee, tea, or anything else!

Fruity Fridays- 7-8 servings

Treat myself one time on the weekend!

4.) Cardio: In order to lose weight and/or stay in shape, it is essential to get your heart rate up. The last thing you want is to build muscle, but then have layers of fat hiding it because you aren't moving! My biggest tip is to change up your work-outs. My favorite way to engage in cardio is to do intervals. Intervals can be used on the treadmill or the elliptical. Personally, I think this helps make working out more interesting and it keeps me motivated and focused. The rowing machine is great for cardio and it tones your arms. Sometimes I'll just do it for 5 minutes and I can feel it. Cycling is the most challenging for me, but it is so rewarding once its over. Kickboxing is also part of my work out about once a week, I love the feeling of throwing punches & kicking ass!

Stairmaster: Hello Wonder Butt!

This machine does wonders for your gluteus. It is definitely a hard work out, but it is so worth it. Start small and work your way up. I started at 5 minutes, and now I can stay on the stairs for 30 minutes...it's an amazing machine. Work out- at 8.0-10.0 speed for 2 minutes, 6.0-8.0 for 1 minute but move on your right side then repeat for another minute on your left side, then for 1 minute go to speed 5.0 and do leg lifts for a minute. Repeat 5-30 minutes.

Intervals

• Walk/run: walk at a 4.0 for 1 minute then run at a 6.5 for 1 minute...repeat for 20-30 minutes
• Incline/walk/run: for 2 minutes walk on incline 15.0 and speed between 3.2-4.0, the next 2 minutes run between 5.5-7.0 on incline 0.0, then rest 1 minute on no incline at about 3.2-4.0. Then repeat this cycle for 20-30 minutes. Intensity all depends on where you are at physically. Then after 2 weeks, up your intensity!

5.) Strength Training/pilates: Strength training is important for your overall health. It doesn't have to be with weights either! Using your own body mass can make you toned and feeling fit. I highly recommend pilates (on mats or reformers) because it strengthens your spine and it is a mind and body experience.

6.) Yoga:

7.) Meditation: This is something I am still learning, but I know how important meditation is to our quality of life. If we practice meditating every day, we can clear away stress and tension that occurs each day. So far, I just take a few minutes each day to visualize myself at a place that makes me happy. I usually picture myself in a yoga posture on a beach in California! :)

8.) Massages: Not only do massages feel amazing, but it helps with stress and loosens your muscles. I go at least every month, and this is one of the best life changes I have made! So go get your massage today! :)