Holiday weight gain? Not anymore!

As we all know, during the holidays we tend to dread the possible extra pounds we might put on from all the delicious food. We also know that it’s hard to fit in those trips to the gym with all the rushing around for the Holidays!

Well here’s something you may not have known...you don’t need those trips to the gym to keep the extra pounds away! You can do short bouts of exercise while doing all of your holiday shopping, cooking, and cleaning and help you to feel, and look fabulous!

AT THE MALL 

Park and walk
Instead of conveniently parking in the closest parking spot to where you are going, park at the furthest spot away and speed walk to your location! Bend your elbows and swing your arms to add cardio benefits as well. Besides, you won’t have trouble finding a space by parking that far away! :)

While waiting in line
Make good use of your time while waiting in long shopping lines by working out your butt! Squeeze your glutes and count to five, then release. Keep repeating! This will tighten and strengthen your backside.

While shopping
Turn your mall shopping into an exercise stint by taking a full lap around the mall before starting to shop. Not only will you get some exercising in, but you will get a preview of all the stores so you’ll know where to go and shop more efficiently!

IN THE KITCHEN

While food is cooking
Waiting for something to cook? Grab some cans or light dumb-bells and take a few laps around the kitchen or inside of your house doing bicep curls while you walk. You’ll get your circulation pumping while also working several major muscle groups!

While something is in the oven
While waiting for the pie, turkey, ham, etc. to be done in the oven, work your major muscle groups. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lift arms forward to shoulder heights and lower into a squat. Reach up with arms as you jump straight up, landing in a standing position with knees soft. Repeat.

AFTER DINNER

Help the food digest and relax
To help digest your evening meal and leave the day's stresses behind, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful, snowy landscape. Keeping your stomach drawn in, bring your knees up one by one at a time and swing your arms as if walking through deep snow.



Happy Holidays! xo
~Exercises from Body + Soul Magazine. Original article written by Kate Hanley~

Respect, Replenish, Refresh

From the time we are little we are taught the word RESPECT. My elementary school even had an entire week dedicated to this word. During that week, and throughout life, we are taught to respect others, peers, friends and family members and this is heavily enforced. What isn't as heavily enforced or talked about as much though, is that it's just as important to respect yourself and your body, as it is to respect others!

Photo credit: Getty Images

Respecting your body means treating it responsibly, talking kindly to it, meeting it's needs, listening to it, and taking good care of it. Sadly and not surprisingly, most are more willing to treat their dogs with more respect than themselves; you take them for walks, feed them, bathe them, and talk kind to them. Would you ever imagine telling your dog that they are "fat" or that you "don't like the shape of their arms or legs"? (Paws in this case? You get my point) Of course not so why would you say this to yourself?

Take the time to nourish, replenish, and refresh your body. Exercise, eat healthy, and take time for yourself! Here are a few suggestions to things you can do to take care of yourself and fulfill your "me time" :)

• Exercise (Did you know that when doing any strenuous exercise such as running, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins which can block sensations of pain and produce overall feelings of euphoria?) 

• Take a bubble bath

• Write in a journal

• Meditate

• Eat healthy (Stock your pantry and fridge with healthy meals and snacks that you can look forward to eating!)

• Listen to, or create, a happy playlist filled with songs with motivating and upbeat lyrics

• Read a good book (Sometimes an escape to a different place is just what you may need!)

Whether you choose to do some of these things, all of these things, or none of these things, remember that you are beautiful inside and out and you deserve to be taken care of by yourself and by others!


"Never violate the sacredness of your individual self-respect."  ~Theodore Parker

"Respecting yourself means listening to your body and emotions continuously.  Then acting beyond a linear logic to achieve ones goals."  ~Author Unknown 

Self Esteem - Make A List!

Be sure to check out my new video on self esteem! :) Let me know what you think and don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more videos! xoxo

Whole Wheat Veggie Tostada Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• Whole wheat tortillas
• Baby green lettuce
• (For faster preparation time) Package of pre-cooked veggies (Zucchini, Squash, Carrots, etc)
• Black beans
• Red onion
• Brown rice
• Avocado
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Low-fat sour cream OR guacamole

HOW TO COOK:

1. Cook brown rice and saute the veggies and onions to your desired liking. 
2. Place 1 whole wheat tortilla in the oven directly on the rack and cook at 350º until browned and crispy
3. Slice the avocado
4. When tortilla is crispy, take out and place on plate
5. Put cooked brown rice, baby greens, black beans, sliced avocado, and sauteed veggies onto tortilla, in whichever order you want (I suggest putting brown rice and lettuce on first)
6. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and add a spoonful of low-fat sour cream or guacamole on top and enjoy! 

Credit for this recipe goes to my fabulous mother! <3 

4th Annual Fitness Magazine Healthy Food Awards: Snacks

It's that time again when Fitness Magazine publishes their "Annual Fitness Healthy Food Awards"! Here are the winners in the snack category:

1) 365 Everyday Value Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix
Peanuts, cherries and chocolate made this trail mix a favorite. Calories per 1/4 cup: 150 

2) Michael Season's Baked Cheddar Cheese Curls
Low in fat but full of cheesy goodness.
Calories per cup: 130 

 3) Food Should Taste Good Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
High in whole grains, these chips are dangerously addictive.
Calories per ounce: 140

4) Dove Silky Smooth Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Singles Bar
Peanut butter cocooned in a chocolate shell. Bliss!
Calories per 5 pieces: 220

 5) Nestle Cherry Raisinets
Plump, tart cherries nestled in dark chocolate.
Calories per 1/4 cup: 200

6) York Pieces Candies
York Peppermint Pattie meets M&M's.
Calories per 50 pieces: 170

   7) Pepperidge Farm Ginerman Homestyle Cookies
The right amount of ginger without being overpowering.
Calories per 4 cookies: 130

 8) Sun-Maid Mixed Fruit
A delicious blend of dried apples, pears, apricots and plums.
Calories per 1/4 cup: 100

9) Luna White Chocolate Macadamia bar
With nine grams of protein, this energy bar will give you the pick-me-up you need.
Calories per bar: 190

10) Chocolate 70% Strong Dark
A truly dark dark chocolate.
Calories per 1/3 bar: 170

11) Late July Organic Dark Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
"My new favorite way to get a chocolate fix," one tester said.
Calories per 3 cookies: 150

12) Nature's Path Organic Mmmaple Pecan Granola Bars
A drizzle of maple syrup makes this bar a sweet treat anytime.
Calories per bar: 150

13) Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds 100 Calorie Pack
Sprinkled with cocoa powder, these nuts can pass for dessert.
Calories per pack: 100

14) Cape Cod 40% Reduced Fat Potato Chips
These are so good, you won't believe they're not full of fat.
Calories per ounce: 130

15) Athenos Whole Wheat Pita Chips
Delish with hummus, great on their own.
Calories per 11 chips: 120         

   

5 Minute Workouts Throughout The Day

Honestly, now that it's Summer your ready to hang out with friends, go to the beach, relax, etc. and don't put working out at the top of your "To Do List"...am I right? "Did you know that short bouts of exercise can add up to the same benefit as if you had done it continuously?" Instead of having to free up your fun schedule to find a time to workout, take 5 minutes throughout your day, to do these short workouts and be fit, energized, and ready to continue on with your rockin' summer body!

Note: Doing every single one of these is not absolutely necessary, but try to fit in as many as you can! Also note, that depending on your age, etc. adjust - For example, if you don't have a job, then the exercise "after meeting" can be done after anything else you are doing during your day. Adjust for what you are doing each day!

START YOUR DAY:

• AS YOU ROLL OUT OF BED

 Get out of bed, roll out your mat, and use this to release accumulated back tension and work your abs. Sit with your knees bent and soles of feet touching. Holding ankles, roll onto your back, then roll back up to sitting. Keep chin tucked into chest. Repeat.

• BEFORE YOU GET IN THE SHOWER

Before you get in the shower, work up a quick sweat by jogging in place. You'll rev your heart rate and increase circulation. A simple jog will do the trick, but to boost intensity, try bending your elbows and pumping your arms, or bring your heels to your buttocks.

• WHILE YOUR COFFEE IS BREWING/BREAKFAST IS COOKING

Waiting for your coffee to brew? Breakfast to cook? Grab some cans or light dumb-bells and take a few laps around the inside of your house, doing bicep curls as you walk. You'll work several major muscle groups as you get your circulation pumping.

• AFTER BREAKFAST

To build and circulate energy, stand in one place with knees soft and bounce for a minute. As you build your momentum, gently shake your wrists, arms, and head, keeping your knees and elbows soft. After a few minutes, slowly come back to a bounce and, eventually, a full stop.

MIDMORNING:

• PARK AND WALK

You've heard this before, but now it's the time to do it: Park several blocks away from where you are going and speed walk there. Or run an errand on foot. Either way, bend your elbows and swing your arms straight back and fourth to boost cardio benefits.

• WHILE YOU'RE ON THE PHONE

Tone legs and buttocks while you are on the phone. Stand with feet wide, toes turned out, hands on hips. Inhale and bend knees, lowering as far as possible; exhale and squeeze inner thighs and glutes as you come back to standing.

• BEFORE A MEETING

Get energized before a meeting with a jump-rope simulation. Stand with your weight on the balls of your feet, heels slightly lifted, knees softly bent. Take small hops, rotating your clenched hands by your hips as if jumping rope.

•  AFTER MEETING

Stand against a wall. Keeping your back on the wall, bend knees to a 19-degree angle (walk out a few steps). Raise arms against the wall until elbows are shoulder height; arms form a 90-degree angle, fingertips pointing up. Hold 1 minute, rest 10 seconds, and repeat.


NOON:

• ON THE WAY TO PICK UP LUNCH

On your way to pick up lunch, hit the nearest staircase and climb to flights, taking the stairs two at a time to maximize the cardio workout while also building leg strength. Head back down the stairs with quick, light steps, then repeat until five minutes are up.

•  BEFORE LUNCH

Boost energy while working your legs, obliques, and back with side crunches. Stand with arms straight above your head. Lift your right knee out to your right side as you bring the elbow to meet it. Return to the starting position, then repeat on the left. Keep alternating.

• BEFORE YOU EAT

Before you dig into lunch, take some time to tone the lower body and raise your heart rate. With hands on hips, step your right foot out 2 feet and bend both knees into a squat. Return to start, then step and squat to the left. Repeat.

• AFTER LUNCH

Don't settle in for the afternoon just yet. Stand a foot away from a wall, arms outstretched and palms on the wall a bit wider than your shoulders. Inhale and bend your elbows, lowering yourself to the wall; exhale, draw your navel in, and push the wall away. Repeat.

• WHILE SHOPPING AT THE MALL

Turn your mall shopping into an exercise stint by taking a full lap around the mall before starting to shop. You will not only add another five-minute interval to your day, but also get a preview of all the stores-so you'll know where to go and shop more efficiently!

• WHILE WAITING IN LINE

Make good use of your time you spend waiting in long shopping lines by working your butt. Squeeze your glutes for a count of five, then release. Keep repeating. This action tightens and strengthens your backside.

MIDAFTERNOON:

• BEFORE EXCITING MIDAFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

Focus and energize before what ever your afternoon holds. Hope feet out and raise arms to shoulder height; pause. Jump feet together and lift arms above head; pause. Hope feet out and lower arms to shoulder height; pause. Bring feet together, and arms down to sides. Repeat.

• AFTERNOON SLUMP?

When that afternoon slump hits, boost your circulation and release shoulder stress. Standing or sitting tall, extend your arms out to your sides and start making large circles, working down to small circles. Reverse direction. Repeat with arms to the front and above the head.

Refresh your mind and body with a fast walk around the office, outside, or up and down hallways. Walk quickly, pump your arms, and resist temptation to stop and chat until your five minutes are up.

EVENING:

• WAITING FOR DINNER TO BE READY

While waiting for dinner to be done (or while it's cooking if you're the one making it), work your major muscle groups. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lift arms forward to shoulder heights and lower into a squat. Reach up with arms as you jump straight up, landing in a standing position with knees soft. Repeat.

• AFTER DINNER

To help digest your evening meal and leave the day's stresses behind, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful, snowy landscape. Keeping your stomach drawn in, bring your knees up one by one at a time and swing your arms as if walking through deep snow.

• SHAKE IT

Release tension as you bump up your heart rate by putting on a favorite five minute song and dancing however the mood strikes!

~Exercises and quotes from Body + Soul Magazine. Original article written by Kate Hanley~

Feel good & look good in your swimsuit!

Summer is here and it's important to feel awesome in your swimsuit!! It's no fun not going to the beach or pool all summer and missing out just because of how you think you look in a bikini. Here's some ways you can get ready for a fantastic summer in your fantastic swimsuit!

Put it on and go!
Don't obsess over how you look in your swimsuit in the mirror. Put it on and go! Don't think twice! If you bought it, then that means you thought it looked good enough then, nothing has changed!

Fun and colorful
Buy a swimsuit with a fun print! If your swimsuit is fun and colorful, then more people will be paying attention to your suit, not your body!

Have fun
Play beach volleyball, or a game like marco polo in the pool, anything that is fun! When your having fun you will be less worried and not thinking about what you look like as much. Besides, most of the time the people that look the most beautiful are the ones who are having fun, smiling, and laughing, not the ones sitting on the beach because they are worried about how they look.

Work out
Starting now, do a light work out regularly. You might not see a difference right away, but you will feel good about yourself and over time you will start getting more toned!
(Seventeen Magaize online has great workout videos that are perfect for summer. Check it out here: http://www.seventeen.com/fun-stuff/video-hub/?c=HealthandFitness#v24938882001)

Salty Foods
Try and stay away from a lot of salty foods, they cause you to bloat and absorb water more, and that extra bloating won't make you feel any better about yourself! When you get that craving for something salty, try an alternate with less salt that still satisfies your taste buds :)












Follow these tips and your in for an awesome fantastically fun feel good summer!!

Article about self esteem

Today I ran across this great article on body image and self esteem. It explains what influences bad self esteem, how to boost your own, and other great tips! Check it out here: http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/problems/body_image.html

Peace,
Dani California

Awesome meals for an Awesome You

In a past issue of Seventeen Magazine, I found this awesome chart that had ideas for meals to eat each day of the week that are healthy. Most of the time when we think "healthy meals" you think tofu and spinach right? Well this chart is the opposite of that! It even has you eating out at one meal a day, but eating healthy! Since this was not available online, I re-created the chart using the same foods and ideas. Enjoy!
(Click to make larger)

If you have allergies, are vegetarian, or are picky there are some easy substitutes that you can use instead!
Instead of Peanut Butter use Almond Butter
Instead of Shrimp you can use pieces of Fried Egg or tofu
Instead of turkey or turkey bacon you can use a soy imitation of either (for the vegetarians)

Your eat healthy checklist according to seventeen magazine:
"Build meals around fruits and veggies, then add the lean protien (like chicken, fish, and low-fat cheese) and a healthy carb (like whole wheat bread or pasta"

"Have two to three snacks a day (midmorning, afternoon, and after dinner) and grab a slice of fruit whenever your hungry. If you wait to eat until your starving, it just sets of cravings for sugary, greasy foods."

"If your an athlete, you may need more food for peak performance. Add an egg for protien at breakfast or an extra piece of fruit or yogurt between each meal."

"Aim for three or four servings of low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese each day to get enough calcium. (It also helps with muscle tone)"

~All information from Seventeen Magazine. www.seventeen.com ~