Wednesday, September 4, 2013

What's the Best Time to Exercise?

1. When you WILL work out.

Don't allow yourself the excuse of missing it in the morning so its not worth doing. Exercising is better than NOT exercising unless you are sick or recovering from an injury. Schedule your workouts when you have the best chance of getting it done. For me, its early in the morning... before the roosters wake up. But for some its late at night. Do what works for YOU! 

2. When you FEEL the best.

There are times during the day where you feel your best and have the most energy to tackle chores around the house or run errands. That would be a good time to schedule your workouts because that is when you have an abundance of energy. If you schedule allows you to fit your workouts in any time during the day, pay attention to your patterns and see when you have those energy bursts. And then schedule your workouts within that window.  

3. In the morning on an empty stomach.

In the morning, before you've eaten, your body is forced to utilize its fat stores for energy. I typically workout first thing, before I eat. But, I do take E & E which is Team Beachbody's all natural pre-workout supplement to help give me the boost I need to be as effective in my workout as possible. 

 4. At night before bed.

I only recommend this time of day if its the only time that works for you. Working out right before bed can affect your sleep. Most people have a hard time getting to sleep after a workout.
The thing I want you to understand is that everyone responds differently. If you struggle with morning workouts don't do them just because someone told you that you should. Play around and figure out what time of day you are able to put in your best effort. Once you figure it out, schedule that time daily and commit to it.  

Thursday, August 29, 2013

When Opportunity Knocks, Open the Door


Last month I was contacted by someone I had briefly met at the Healthy & Fit Expo last year. Asking if I would be interested in being on the cover of his magazine.

To be honest, when I received that message from him I thought, "Is this guy a creeper?" But after checking out his profile and realizing this was for real and remembering how I had first met him, I jumped at the opportunity.

I was so nervous. I felt completely out of my league and unworthy of such an honor.
I am NOT a fitness model.
I do NOT have a perfect body.
I have stretch marks and loose skin and still some areas I would like to firm up...
and lift....
and suck in.

But what I realized (with the help of some amazing and supportive friends and family) is that I have worked really hard to get to where I am.

I am a work in progress just like everyone else.

But this opportunity might allow for another opportunity to inspire even more people to seek a healthier and more fit version of themselves.

So while I didn't feel the most confident doing it, I pushed passed that self imposed barrier, stepped outside my comfort zone and did it anyway... Because more than anything I want to help other people achieve their goals.



And if I can do it, YOU can do it.

Whatever your goals may be, whatever opportunity you find yourself presented with, if you want it and are willing to work for it, you CAN achieve it!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

What is Your Favorite Cheat Meal?

What is your favorite cheat meal? 90% of the time I stick to a plant based diet, it just works best for me. But on occasion I splurge and one of my favorite things are these Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos from Chili's... OOoooh, they are sooo good!! Now it's your turn to spill the beans!! What is YOUR favorite cheat meal?



Sunday, August 11, 2013

Super Yummy Energy Bites

A friend of mine shared a recipe for Energy Bites on her Facebook page and they looked tasty, but I wanted a little bit cleaner version. This is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy them.

No Bake Energy Bites


1 cup (dry) oatmeal
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup raw honey
1 tsp. pure vanilla
  
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Roll into bite size balls. Refrigerate to set. Enjoy!!


Let me know how you like them or any other recipes you would like to see in the comments!! I look forward to hearing from you!