Tag Archives: Health & Fitness

January 2, 2015 · 9:00 AM

Total Body Fat Burning Workout with Resistance Bands

Total Body Fat Burning workout with resistance bands
Today we are doing total body resistance exercises using a band! If you’ve ever purchased a Beachbody program, you probably have one of these laying around. If you don’t have a set, you can purchase them at Target, Walmart, your local sporting goods store. You can also pick up a door attachment for them at the same retailers.

In this video you will get 7 moves for a total body fat burning workout with resistance bands – you are going to love them, especially because you do 3 sets of them all in about 20 minutes!

 

 

7 Moves for Total Body Fat Burning:

  • Row + Squat
  • Chest Fly + Transverse Twist
  • Lat Pull + Back Lunge
  • Chest Press
  • Single Arm Row + Single Leg Squat
  • Incline Press + Curtsy
  • Sumo Squat + Switch Grip

The intensity of your workout will also depend on which color band your choose, so this workout can definitely grow with you!

I hope you are enjoying these weekly mini-workout videos. They are a great way to change things up and to ensure that you get a workout in despite a hectic schedule. Workouts like this one are also perfect to do while on vacation. The bands can easily fit into your luggage without taking up a lot of room.

Don’t worry if you can’t complete 3 rounds of this yet, you’ll work your way up to it. You could even break these up and do 1.5 rounds in the morning and 1.5 in evening until you are able to complete all 3 at one time.

Fitness is simply about moving more, challenging your body and doing more than you did yesterday.

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December 28, 2014 · 12:50 PM

Workout Fashion: Fabletics

*This is NOT a sponsored post. I did not receive anything at all to write this. I simply saw a commercial and became intrigued.*

Last night Mike and I were watching TV and a commercial came on that caught my attention. It was for fitness clothing called Fabletics which was developed by Kate Hudson.

My phone was about to die and I was too tired to get up and get my laptop, so this morning I hopped on-line to check it out (because I’m a sucker for fitness clothing and a good deal).  When I got to the site, I saw that it is a part of JustFab, which is a shoe/accessory monthly membership program, which I was a part of in the past.

I began browsing around the site and I really liked the outfits they had:

 
These are cute right?!

According to the site, your first outfit is only $25 when you become a VIP member and then you are charged $49.95 a month. However, you can choose to skip a month and not get charged as long as you do it by the 5th of each month, which is how JustFab worked too. As long as you set phone reminders to skip a month there is really no risk in joining, which I really like. (Thank you smartphone for keeping me organized in life!) They also offer free shipping on all orders over $49.95.

Here is a video from the site explaining how it works:

 

 

This appears to run in the same fashion as JustFab, so I began to do some searching on-line for honest, non-sponsored reviews. What I found was that the legging quality is very good and comparable to some of the high-end brands. The shirts had some mixed reviews, but they were mainly good with a lot of mention of soft fabric. The one complaint I found over and over again was that the sizes run small and that exchanging can be difficult, only because they sell out of sizes in certain styles quickly. (I remember having an issue with sizes disappearing quickly when I was a JustFab member too).

I gotta say I am very curious to see the quality of their items, but I haven’t signed up just yet. I’m always very budget conscious when I shop for workout gear, so I’m kinda drawn to the $25 for the first outfit deal.

Are you a member or have you tried Fabletics before? If so, I would love to know your thoughts on it before I take the plunge and join.

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December 19, 2014 · 12:05 PM

Pamper Yourself This Holiday Season

pamper yourself this holiday season
Ever since I wrote the post on stocking stuffer ideas for the fitness lover in your life, I’ve been dreaming of pampering myself with some foot lotion and shea butter infused socks.

Let’s face it, the holidays are a stressful time of year and stress wreaks havoc on the skin. So here are a few quick and simple ways to pamper yourself this holiday season, using some items you probably all ready have on hand.

Cucumber Mask
This mask purifies and cleanses the skin, leaving your face feeling cool and smooth.
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Cut a cucumber into thick slices, place in a blender. Set aside 2 thin slices for the eyes.
• Throw 3 mint or parsley leaves into the blender. Puree to a paste.
• Mix the cucumber puree with the yogurt in the bowl.
• Cover your face with the cucumber mask. Place thin slices of cucumber on the eyes and let sit on the skin for 15 minutes.
• Rinse clean with warm water.

*Perfect while soaking in the milk bath that is featured below

Avocado Mask
To soothe or heal skin irritated from sun or wind exposure, try this avocado mask.
• Mash one whole avocado.
• Add 1 tsp. flaxseed oil and 1 tsp. honey.
• Mix together until smooth and creamy.
• Apply to face and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse clean with warm water.

Oatmeal/Egg White Mask
This mask exfoliates and removes dead skin and blemishes, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
• Mix 3 to 4 egg whites and 1/3 cup oatmeal together.
• Apply and rub mixture onto skin.
•Allow for mixture to sit for 5 minutes and let egg whites dry.
• Rinse clean with warm water.

Lemon Sugar Foot/Body Scrub
This scrub exfoliates and removes dead skin from you feet and body, leaving you feeling soft and rejuvenated.
• You’ll need: 2 cups granulated white sugar, 1/3 to 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 3-4 drops of lemon essential oil
• Slowly add oil to sugar (you want it soft, not oily), then add essential oil.
• Apply and rub mixture onto skin.
• Rinse clean with warm water.
• Store remaining scrub in a jar.

Powdered Milk Bath
This bath will leave your skin feeling soft, soothed and moisturized.
• You’ll need: 1 cup powdered milk (the higher fat the better – coconut is a great smelling option), 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup corn starch.
• Mix ingredients together. Feel free to add an essential oil if you’d like to (about 5-10 drops).
• Pour 1 cup of the mixture into your hot bath and relax.
• Store remaining mixture in a jar.

So carve out a little time this weekend between baking, shopping, planning and of course working out & meal prepping, to pamper yourself with a little at-home spa day. Your body and your mind will thank you for the TLC!

Have any DIY pampering treatments that you enjoy? Share them in the comments section below!

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December 16, 2014 · 11:40 AM

10 Stocking Stuffers for Fitness Lovers

10 Stocking Stuffers for the Fitness Lover.jpg

Can you believe we are only 9 days away from Christmas?! I feel like we were just carving the Turkey and discussing Black Friday sales. Time needs to slow down just a little so I can catch up.

If you are anything like me, the majority of your shopping is done and you started to wrap, but the one thing you forgot about were the stockings! Dammit!  Well, I put together a list of 10 stocking stuffers for fitness lovers, that just might help you out!

Bonus: Each item is at or under $20 and many can be found locally without shipping! Score!

1. Skullcandy Ink’d 2.0 Mic’d Headphones:

skullcandy ink'd 2.0
These feature multi-sized silicone gel tips to deliver the perfect fit. You can also manage device and tunes with the single-button mic and remote. (Find them at Target or Walmart $20)

2. Stylish Beanies:

beanies.jpg

Perfect for outdoor winter runs as well as trips to the gym or the store. Beanies are stylish, functional and completely affordable. Give the gift of warm this year! (Starting at $6 at Target, Forever 21 and Kohl’s)

Apt. 9 ® lurex leopard ribbed beanie • Apt. 9 • $11.99
Merona® Jeweled Solid Beanie Hat – Black • Merona • $14.99
Merona Women’s Microfleece Beanie Hat • Merona • $6.00
Xhilaration® Reversible Star Beanie Hat – Black/Green • Xhilaration • $12.99
Xhilaration® Beanie Hat – Blue • Xhilaration • $6.98
FOREVER 21+ Multi-Tone Knit Beanie • Forever 21 • $6.23

3. Smart Gloves

Touchscreen gloves

In today’s tech world, your gloves MUST be able to work with the touch screen on your phone. Whether you’re running outside and activating your favorite run tracking app, or driving to the gym, these are a must-have for the social-media-driven fitness folks in your life. (Starting at $5 at retailers like Five Below, Target, TJ Maxx & Marshall’s)

4. Degree’s by 180’s Headphones:

Ear Warmer Headphone

Not a fan of beanies but want to keep your ears warm during your outdoor winter workout? Keep your ears warm and your tunes jamming with these ear warmer headphones! They are listed in the men’s section but I don’t see why us ladies can’t use them too! (Find them at Target.com and Kohls $19.99 or click here to purchase them via Target.com)

BONUS: Use the code JOY30 for 30% off these!

5. Quest Bars:

Quest Bars.jpg

Give the gift of the #CleanCheat this holiday season with some Quest Bars. They comes in a large variety of flavors and are heavenly when popped into the microwave for a few seconds to soften up. They are also gluten-free, have no added sugar and come in around 160 calories + 20 grams of protein per bar (depending on the flavor) My personal favorites are Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. There is also a brand new Smore’s flavor, but it’s not in stores yet. (Find these at your local GNC or Vitamin Shop around $3 per bar)

6. Gymboss Interval Timer:

Gymboss timer

The Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch is a small, easy-to-use, dual interval timer. This multi-use timer has many versatile functions that make it beneficial to virtually any type of exercise program and helps keep your workout on track. You can program your work/rest times and not worry about starting and stopping a stopwatch. This little gizmo does it all for you. (Find it on Amazon $19.99)

7. Sparkly Soul Headband

sparkly soul

“I don’t sweat, I sparkle.” Kick your sparkle game up a notch with these non-slip, no-headache headbands that REALLY work. They come tons of different colors with two widths to choose from. Perfect for kids too (think cheerleaders, track stars and tumblers). (Find these on SparklySoul.com or Amazon. Starting at $15.00)

8. iTunes Gift Cards

itunes.png

Do I really need to explain why this is a great gift? From music to apps, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to find one of these in their stocking on Christmas morning! (Find at grocery stores, Apple, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS…etc. Starting at $10)

9. Burt’s Bees Lip Balm:

Burts Bees Lip Balm

Winter leaves our lips chapped and raw, especially if you workout outdoors. Give the gift of relief. Beeswax conditions skin, while antioxidant Vitamin E moisturizes. A final hint of Peppermint Oil provides that one-of-a-kind refreshing tingle. The result? Smooth, supple lips everyone will be buzzing about. (Find it many local retailers like Target, Walmart, Walgreens & CVS for around $3-$4)

10. Pampered Feet:

Pampered Feet.jpg

If you have a runner in your life, their feet take a beating! Give them a treat with a pair of Shea Infused Slipper Socks ($8.50) and some True Blue Foot Cream ($15.00) from Bath & Body Works.

I hope this list sparks some ideas for you as you wrap up your holiday shopping. If I missed a favorite of yours, please share it with me below!

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November 30, 2014 · 6:44 PM

Tips For Clean Eating During the Holidays

detail of a rustic, traditonal table setting on wooden background
The holidays are a time of year that are filled with family, dinners, parties, cocktails, cookies, shopping and of course the stress of trying to get it all done. Don’t let the holidays derail you from your fitness goals. It takes a little effort, but you can avoid the weight gain that is oh so commonly associated with this time of year. Check out my tips for clean eating during the holidays and start your new year off ahead of everyone else.

1. Eat Breakfast: Eating a healthy breakfast everyday sets the tone for your day. If you try to skip it and opt for a trip to the local coffee shop for a sugary mega-super-ginormous latte, you’re setting yourself up for overeating later in the day. Having breakfast and eating small, clean meals through out the day is also going to be your key to success on the days you have parties or events to attend. You’ll keep your energy high and your blood sugar stable, which will result in less cravings for caffeine, sugar and fatty foods.

Bonus Tip: If you skip breakfast because you are always short on time in the morning, consider making these Healthy Egg Muffins or adding a nutrient dense smoothie to your morning routine.

2. Be Prepared: On days when you’ll be running around shopping, make sure that you carry healthy snack options with you so you can avoid becoming hangry. A piece of fruit, some homemade trail mix, a nutrition bar or some raw nuts are all great, portable options to keep on hand. Long lines and crowds can be energy draining, so it’s important to have healthy energy boosts on hand. The last thing you want is to be tempted by the candy options while on line to check out.

Bonus Tip: Slow cookers can be a life saver during this time of year. You can find lots of Clean Eating Slow Cooker Recipes on my Pinterest board.

3. Manage Portion Sizes: When attending cocktail parties or buffets, opt for the smallest plate option available. Doing so will keep your portion sizes in check and it will reduce your chances of  over stuffing yourself. Having a smaller plate will also force you to get up to refill it. This will give you time to truly think if you want more and if you do, you’ll at least get a little bit of activity in the process.

Bonus Tip: Carry sugar-free mints or gum with you to holiday parties. The minty flavor will keep you from picking on foods.

4. Indulge Wisely: Don’t overdue it on foods you can have anytime of year. Save the splurges for foods that you only have access to during the holiday season, like grandma’s pecan pie or the first batch of cookies for the season that your children helped to make. By doing so, you won’t feel cheated or like you can’t enjoy the foods that may be linked to childhood memories. When you head into the holidays knowing that these special foods are okay, you’ll reduce the risk of feeling like a failure which can result in binge eating. Strive for balance, not perfection!

Bonus Tip: Make a list of the foods that you only have around the holidays and make sure you balance them out with healthier options. Remember, just because you give yourself permission to have these special foods doesn’t meant it’s okay in gorge yourself on them. 

5. Make It Yourself: If you’re invited to a dinner party, don’t be afraid to call the host or hostess and ask if you could bring a dish. Many times this is very appreciated and it will give you an opportunity to ensure there is a healthy option at the gathering.

Bonus Tip: On days you know you have a special event revolving around food, make sure you get some exercise in. From a 30 minute walk to a short yoga season to help you stay calm and collected. Exercise can help you make wiser food choices.

The holidays don’t have to undo all of the hard work you’ve put into health this year. Just look ahead at your week and make a plan! You may even inspire someone else in the process.

For some more holiday tips, be sure to check out this past post: Here Comes the Holidays

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November 4, 2014 · 9:46 AM

Goal Crushing Holidays – Don’t Fall Into The Trap

goal crushing holidays

Halloween is the kick off to the holiday season. It is the start the of the goal crushing holidays and the “treat” temptations that will become a everyday struggle from now until New Years Day.

Right now, many of us have homes full of “fun sized” candy and I’m sure we’ve all dipped into it. Those fun size treats then get us feeling down about ourselves and instead of saying “I can turn this around” we end up making more poor choices, this time with our meals or we’ll skip our workouts because we’re having a sugar crash and lack the energy to due them. Where exactly is the fun in this?

Next we begin to use Thanksgiving as an excuse and say “We’ll, I’m not going to re-start now, I’ll be eating and over indulging on Thanksgiving, so the Monday after will be my start date.” Thanksgiving dinner turns into leftovers the next day, followed by hours of shopping and more poor food choices because you’re on the go. (Do you really know how many calories are in the sugary, blended frappe topped with whip?! It’s scary!) By the time Monday rolls around you’re too tired to workout, so you decide “I’ll just start on January 1st.”

The problem with this is that we let “being busy” stand in the way of our goals. (You do have your goal written down where you can see it, right?! If not, you should read yesterday’s post.) From holiday parties, to cookie swaps, to drinks with friends, and crazy nights of shopping & wrapping, we allow each and every one of these events to become more important than our goals…and that shouldn’t be the case.

Every time you allow everything else to be more important than your goals, or you allow a slip up to get the better of you, it gets easier and easier to slip back into old habits. The same old habits that took you months to change can come back in a weekend if you allow them to. (Crazy right?!) Before you know it, all of the progress you’ve made is gone and it’s even tougher to start over.

This holiday season, I don’t want to see that happen to myself or any of you! Don’t be the average and allow those 7-10 holiday pounds to creep onto you. I know the holidays are hectic, but I also know that we can all carve out 30 minutes a day to get our workout done and we can all make smart food choices 80% of the time (I know you all have time to check Facebook and scroll Instagram so decide what’s more important). These small decisions can be a goal saver during the holidays and they still allow you to have your favorite food and treats during the season…just in moderation.

What I am asking of you right now is for complete and total honesty…not with me, but with YOURSELF. Where do you want to be come January 1st? Restarting and losing the weight you had already lost again, or feeling a sense of confidence and pride because this is the first year you didn’t let the holidays bully you into hating the way you look and feel?

I know this is not an easy time of year and I’m not asking you to do this on your own. As a Health & Fitness Accountability Coach, I can help you find a program that will fit your lifestyle & goals and I can also provide you with a private group of like-minded people to help you stay accountable, share you struggles and celebrate your achievements, as we conquer the holidays together!

My next group will be starting on November 17th and I would love to have you join me. For more information, please comment or message me on Facebook.

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November 3, 2014 · 5:59 PM

Staying Committed to Your Fitness Goals

goals
Halloween has passed, Thanksgiving feasts will be served shortly, Christmas is already everywhere you look and before you know it everyone will be shouting Happy New Year! It’s during this whirlwind time of year that people tend to pack on some extra pounds and then make the resolution to get back into fitness on January 1st.

If this is your annual resolution, you know that committing to your health is not easy. There will be times when you won’t want to wake up early to get your workout done, you’ll be sore, you’ll be tired, and that ugly little voice in your head will start telling you that you suck and the workout you’re doing isn’t going to make a difference anyway. (Don’t listen to that voice…it’s just fear speaking.)

There may be times when you wait in line at the coffee shop and feel like ordering that fattening blended coffee drink, even though you know sticking with your unsweetened (preferably black) regular coffee, or you’re driving home and pass a fast food restaurant and think to yourself “One meal from here won’t hurt.”. You may be scared to use a heavier weight than you did last week, because you are afraid you won’t be able to complete your reps. We all struggle with healthy eating. We all get late night cravings (trust me, I’ve written about Pop-tarts calling to me from the cabinet, in the middle of the night), and us woman all crave chocolate and salt simultaneously during a specific week each month. We’re human!

It’s in these moments of weakness, that your commitment to the goals you set are tested. This is why as an accountability coach, I always talk to my clients about why they decided to start a health and fitness program. The stronger the connection they feel to that WHY, the easier it will be to resist the temptations and the feeling of saying “Screw this, I want to sleep in!” When you stick to the commitment you’ve made to yourself, you’ll begin to stand more confidently, feel a renewed sense of pride and you’ll even feel sexier. Staying committed to your goals will help you to discover a true sense of well-being, purpose, and personal worth. You’ll feel even feel energized and happier!

Here are three ways that can help you stay committed to achieving your goals:

1. Post your goals on the mirror.
Posting your goals in a place where you are guaranteed to see them each day will help you to stay focused, motivated, and committed. Your bathroom mirror is the perfect place because you’ll see your goals first thing in the morning and right before you go to sleep at night.(We are brushing our teeth twice a day, right?!) Placing them here will also give you a chance to look at your goals and then yourself, which can be a very powerful thing. For maximum results, include why you started your fitness routine (to have more energy to play with your kids, to feel comfortable in your own skin, to feel more confident, to wow people at your class reunion.).

2. Prepare for the unexpected.
Each morning, or better yet, each night before you go to bed, ask yourself if there are any challenges that may interfere with your daily routine for the next day. Examples of this could be: Are there any lunch meetings or special events at work? How will you handle things if your child wants you to play during your scheduled workout time? What if you’re going out to celebrate a friend’s birthday at a restaurant? For each unexpected event, make a plan to address the challenge, while still staying committed to your fitness and nutrition goals. Of course, there are plenty of uncontrollable circumstances that could happen, but developing a plan to deal with your most common challenges will set you up to succeed with anything that could happen during your day.

3. Keep a daily journal.
There is no doubt that tracking your daily fitness and nutrition effort helps to improve your chance of achieving your goals. However, it is also important to track how much effort you put into each day, as well as how you felt during the that day. When creating your journal entry, ask yourself: “Did I exert every possible ounce of effort to achieving my goals today?” If your answer is yes, great! If your answer is no, write down one thing you can do tomorrow to be better than you were today. Another great question to ask yourself is “How did I feel mentally and physically today?” We all have good days and bad days and you can often see a pattern when you begin to a keep a journal. Spotting the pattern as well as the common denominator can help you to make small changes, which can help you to stay on track and achieve your goals.

Following these three tips can help your level of commitment for fitness and nutrition skyrocket! So as the New Year creeps up and you begin making your resolutions, I want you to really think about incorporating these three tips into your daily routine. They will not only help you to achieve your goals, but they can help you get results that will last!

What are your tips and tricks to staying committed to reaching your goals?

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October 21, 2014 · 8:54 AM

Quick & Easy Lettuce Roll-Ups

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Looking for a low-carb snack or light lunch/snack? Try these Quick & Easy Lettuce Roll-Ups.

I don’t know about you, but time seems to get away from me during the day. I thought working from home would make staying on track with my nutrition easier, but it really doesn’t. I find that I have a harder time focusing on the task at hand and wherever I look, there is something to be done. From answering e-mails to doing laundry, every moment of my day is filled with something that needs my attention. As a result, time tends to slip away from me and I end up looking for lunch at an odd time, so what I planned on having for lunch doesn’t always work.

As a result of this time management issue, I had to get become proactive. I remembered these lettuce roll-ups that I made a few times over the summer to take to the pool with me. They are light, refreshing and low-carb, which is perfect for those late afternoon lunches. They are also super quick & easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients, which is always a plus!

[yumprint-recipe id=’5′]

If you are having these as your lunch, I would include a fruit with it to round things out. You could also change these up by using nitrate-free ham instead of turkey, roasted red pepper hummus in place of the avocado and/or add some sliced yellow or red bell pepper for some added crunch! Play with this…it’s just a simple foundation recipe and the possibilities are endless.

For those of you doing 21 Day Fix, this is a very “fix-friendly” recipe. It’s perfect for when you have lots of errands to run during the day or if you’re a busy mom who spends a lot of time at the ball field, for your kids practices. Just roll them up, put them in an insulated cooler bag with your water (we never forget our water when we’re out and about, right?!) and some fruit, for an easy & balance meal on the go.

Lunch and snack don’t have to be complicated! Keep these quick, clean and simple foods in the house, and you’ll always have a healthy meal on hand…even when you need to run out last minute!

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September 30, 2014 · 3:05 PM

Staying on Track While on Vacation

Universal Disney Vacation
Healthy habits are typically not a first thought while planning a vacation, let alone while you’re actually on vacation. Many people view their vacation as a break from life… a chance to relax, have fun and not worry about anything. This is something we all deserve, but why undo all of your workouts and healthy eating? You worked hard to fit into the bathing suit for vacation…why sabotage it and have to start over when you return? With a little bit of pre-planning and research, you can have lots of fun and accomplish staying on track while on vacation!

We are super excited to be heading to Orlando in November for a family vacation. We will be splitting our time between Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, (I plan on doing a series about eating clean while in both parks, so stay tuned!) and my health and fitness has definitely been on my mind for this trip. Here are some tips and tricks that can keep you on track while on vacation…

Healthy Eating While on Vacation…

  • Always call ahead to see if your hotel has a refrigerator.  Even if it does not, for a small fee, you can often request one to be brought to your room.
  • Bring along healthy breakfast items and snacks. By doing this, you can make sure you start your day off with a healthy meal, instead of gorging yourself on pancakes at the hotel buffet.
  • Enjoy alcohol and other high calorie beverages in moderation.  It’s vacation! You want to relax! …I get it! Just don’t drink your daily calories away. It’s very easy to do so and alcohol calories add up fast. So if you plan on drinking, be sure order a large glass of water along with your drink.  By alternating one alcoholic beverage for one glass of water, you’ll save calories and most likely skip the hangover by staying hydrated.
  • Plan your cheat meal ahead of time.  If you are visiting a favorite destination and you have a favorite restaurant, pre-plan it into your daily food. If this is your first time at the destination, do some research and pick a restaurant you really want to try while there. Make that your cheat meal for the vacation and just enjoy yourself.
  • Don’t go too long between meals or starve yourself all day so you can eat/drink more that night. Doing this causes your blood sugar to dip too low. As a result you can become tired, cranky and short-tempered (also known as hangry). Combat this be carrying healthy snacks with you, like nuts, protein bars or fruit.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water during the day and especially before you go out to eat. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and feeling fuller, so you won’t cave on all the temptations that can be around while on vacation.

Dining Out 101…

  • Look at the menu online and choose something healthy BEFORE you arrive.  Doing this helps to cut down on the temptation that can occur as you read through the menu, while smelling all of the amazing food around you. You don’t want to make an impulse order that you will end up regretting, so go into the restaurant with a plan in place!
  • Don’t be afraid to request what you want, even if it’s not on the menu.  Chances are if the ingredients are on the menu, the chef can accommodate your request. It doesn’t hurt to ask, but have a back up plan just in case they say no, or call ahead to see if they can help you before you arrive.
  • Cut calories with simple changes!  Skip the bun with your burger and ask for a lettuce wrap instead, have chicken or fish grilled instead of fried, request sauces, dressings and gravy to be served on the side, have steamed veggies or a sweet potato instead of fries.
  • If you decide to splurge because it’s vacation, be smart and go easy on the portion size.  Eat half of your meal right then and there and save half for lunch the next day (this is where the fridge comes in handy!).  Another great option is to split it with a friend or family member. You’ll save calories and some money!
  • Beware of the appetizer trap!  Between the complimentary bread basket (which you may want to consider skipping) to the over-sized portions we are typically served in restaurants, do you really NEED an appetizer? If the answer is “Omg, yes! I love _____”, then consider getting just one order for the entire table. This way you can satisfy your taste for that item, without stuffing yourself before your entree arrives.
  • Many menus will have icons next to meals indicating that they are a healthy or lower calorie.  Look for these first, but remember gluten-free (GF) or vegetarian (V) doesn’t always mean that something is healthy!

Snacking on the Go…

Pack as many portable snacks with you as you can.  If you are currently following a fitness program, consult the nutrition guide to see which ones work best for you, or refer back to your past meal plans to see which snacks you typical consume, and which will work well in your bag during traveling.  Typically nuts, whole grain crackers, protein bars, individual sized oatmeal packets, fruit, cut veggies, mozzarella sticks and Shakeology packets are great things to bring with you. Don’t forget to pack water too!  Freezing it prior to heading out (another reason why getting a fridge in your room comes in handy) will help keep other things cool.

Stay Active…

  • Pack your workout DVD’s and play them in your laptop, either in the room or in the hotel gym.
  • Do your best to fit in some physical activity if you are at a relaxation resort destination. Maybe a nice walk along the beach after dinner or some laps in the pool. If you are heading to a theme park like we are soon, you’ll be doing a lot of walking so things won’t be as bad, as long as you can avoid all the popcorn, ice-cream and treats!
  • Stay active in fun ways – look up running/hiking trails with amazing views, look into bike or kayak rentals and even walking tours. Be creative! vacation doesn’t have mean laying poolside with a drink all day.
  • If you are a part of a fitness accountability group (like the ones I run for programs on Facebook), be sure you still check-in daily while you’re away. It will subconsciously help you to make better decisions and your group will help you with meal choices on the go and just keep you motivated!

Don’t forget to take into consideration time spent in the airport or in the car to get to and from your destination! When flying, you can’t take liquid through security, but you can take snacks. Make sure you are prepared with healthy snacks that you can enjoy while waiting at the gate. By doing this, you will only subject your wallet to the inflated price of either a cup of coffee or a bottle of water, instead of a $20 salad too! If you are driving, be sure to stock the car with snacks, water bottles and cooler filled with sandwiches, veggies, hummus and cheese sticks. By doing this, you’ll save yourself the temptation of rest stop fast food….cause who wants to spend $10 on a greasy cheeseburger that will just make you feel gross?

If you have any healthy travel tips, please share them in the comments below!

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September 21, 2014 · 12:11 PM

Quick and Easy Egg Muffins

Quick and Easy Egg MuffinsMornings can be hectic and drive-thru lines can be long! (Let’s not forget they also work against what our health and fitness goals are, for the most part.)

If you are reading this, you are trying to be healthier and stating your day off on the right foot is so important to how the rest of your day plays out. One of the best things I ever started making, were these Quick and Easy Egg Muffins. These egg muffins not only quick and easy, but they are so versatile and can easily be customized to make everyone’s taste buds happy. Thanks to the versatility of them, you won’t get tired of eating them, because you can change the flavor profiles each time you make them.

[yumprint-recipe id=’4′] We like to balance them out, especially while doing the 21 Day Fix, by adding a fruit (purple container) or turning them into a wrap with some salsa or avocado (yellow and blue containers). Balancing your breakfast out also helps to keep you fuller longer, while giving your body the fuel it needs to get you through the beginning of your day.

I typically make these egg muffins on a Sunday, divide them into servings (4 muffins per container) and pop them into the fridge, so we always have breakfast (or lunch) on hand in a pinch.

The other great thing about these, are that they are inexpensive, which is PERFECT for those who want to eat clean, but are on a budget or for those who have a lot of mouths to feed every morning. Even if you get organic, free range, brown eggs at $4 a carton, each serving of eggs is only around .66 cents! The other money saver is since they are packed with veggies, I never have produce going to waste. I just chop up whatever is on hand, add some seasoning and turn it into a quick and easy egg muffin! You can’t wait in line at your local drive-thru and get a nutritious breakfast that cheap! 

Do you already use egg muffins in your meal plan? What are you favorite flavor combinations?

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