Category Archives: Fitness Tips

How to Choose the Best Personal Trainer for You

Posted in Fitness Tips by

wpid-img_4834.jpg 

Hello everybody!

I am back with you again after a long brake. I wrote an article about some little guiding points which can help you to choose the best personal trainer for you.

If you want to lose weight, get healthy and/or build muscle, hiring a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction. A good trainer can help you set up a program that meets your goals and teach you the best way to exercise. 

Personal trainers are not just for Hollywood stars and the “rich and famous” anymore! Your personal trainer will motivate you, keep you on track and make sure your workouts are safe, enjoyable and effective.
Finding and choosing a trainer can be a little confusing or difficult for some people so here are some guiding points that you should consider when choosing your trainer!
1. May sound a little superficial but your personal trainers physical appearence is one of the moust important things about his knowledge, motivation and hard work. If he or she is not able to do it for him/herself why whould he do it for you?
2. Education! A personal trainer should be certified through a reputable personal training organization. The more education your trainer has, the better your workouts will be.
3. Experience. Make sure your trainer has experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you’re a bodybuilder, you want someone knowledgeable in that exact area.
4. Nutrition. Your trainer must have a knowlegde about nutrition. We all know exercise without a healthy diet will not do the work. They are strongly linked together.
5. A good listener. A good trainer will listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals.
6. Tracking progress: A good trainer will regularly assess your progress and change things if necessary.training styles
7. A good trainer should respect his/her job, should be informed about the new fitness trends, training styles machines etc.
8. Needs to be a good motivator! Most of the clients needs that little push from the trainer, when they feel a little lazy or without motivation.

So these are my thouths on this subject, I hope you enjoyed it (I know I made a few personal trainers very “happy” with this article)

See you very soon! :*

Foods Highest in Carbohydrates (that you should avoid)

Posted in Fitness Tips, Nutrition Tips by

wpid-photogrid_1405676669108.jpg Hello my dear readers! 🙂

I have something for you today, an article about some carbs you should avoid especially if you try to maintain your 6 pack in the summer :))

Carbohydrates are found in almost all living things and play a very important role in the proper functioning of the immune system, pathogenesis, blood clotting, and human development. A deficiency of carbohydrates can lead impaired functioning of all these systems. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates like sugar or corn syrup, can lead to obesity, type II diabetes, and cancer. Below you can read a list of foods highest in carbohydrates, almost all these foods should be avoided.

#1: Fructose and Granulated Sugar

Fructose and granulated sugar represent a pure refined carbohydrate and are indeed 99.999% carbohydrate with practically no fats, proteins, minerals or vitamins. These refined sugars should be avoided, they are nothing but  empty calories.

#2: Sugary Cereals

Most cereals which come in a box are packed with sugar, this is even true for those that claim to be “whole grain”. Read the label on the back of the box, some of these foods are 90-93% carbohydrate. In contrast, the cereals which you prepare at home like oatmeal and rye can contain 10-12% carbohydrate, with far more vitamins and complex carbohydrates that are better for your body.

#3: Dried Fruits (Apples, Prunes, Dates)

Lot of persons being on a diet are not aware of the fact that dried fruits like apples, prunes(plums), bananas, and dates are all high in carbohydrates and calories. These foods are high in dietary fiber and several vitamins. It is ok to consume them in moderation to help satisfy sugar cravings. BUT, for the long term, it would be best to limit these foods. Dehydrated apple, prunes, and bananas are 88-90% carbs, dried peaches and apricots are 83%, raisins are 79%, and dates are around 75% carbohydrate.

#4: Low fat Crackers, Rice Cakes, and Potato Chips

The large majority of low fat products and snacks on the market have high carb levels to keep items tasty. Low fat crackers, rice cakes, and potato chips are 81-83% carbohydrate. For purposes of comparison honey is 82% carbs. Be sure to consult labels on any low fat products before consuming.

#5: Flour, Cakes, and Cookies

Flour and it is derivative products, usually cakes, cookies, waffles, corn tortillas and breads are all high carb foods. Also pasta is included in this category. Cookies and cakes can get up to 84% carbohydrate, and most flours will be 70-78% carbohydrate.

#6. Starchy Vegetables

Peas, potatoes, corn squash, and corn can contain up to 30 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Choose green leafy vegetables or broccoli instead.

#7. Pizzas

The amount of carbohydrate in pizza depends on the thickness of the crust, and people often create ultra-thin-crust pizzas in order to cut back on the carbs. Depending on the toppings and thickness of the crust, pizzas tend to be 22-30% carbs.

#8. Fruit juices

If you drink your fruit instead of drinking it, you miss out the fiber, that lowes the glycemic impact of the food. Most of the time people donàt just drink a half cup of juice (that equals one serving of fruits). Pay attention on your portions!

#9. Salad dressings, hot sauces

Dressings and sauces can be as much as 35% carbs, and low fat dressings are often sweetened to 32% carbs or more. Try to avoid them as much as possible!

#10 Sweetend, flavoured yogurts

For example, a 250 ml (8 ounce) serving of low-fat fruit-flavored and sweetened yogurt can contain as much as 47 grams of sugars. This amount of sugar is equivalent to almost 12 teaspoons of sugar. Mixing plain yogurt with berries is the best way to enjoy fruit-flavored yogurts without overdosing on sugar.

I hope you enjoyed, see you soon! :*

What you need to know about carb cycling

Posted in Fitness Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips by

carb cycling picHey everybody!

I have some informations for you today, about a diet plan called carb cycling, which is one of the most effective diets used by body builders and fitness personalities. This article may be a little longer than other articles I used to write, but trust me it worth your time.

Carb Cycling is a low/no-carbohydrate diet with intermittent periods of high or moderate carbohydrate consumption.

Most people have the misconception that consuming low carbs on a daily basis for long periods of time is good for them. You cannot eat that way forever. Your body needs carbs for its daily functions. They deplete your energy and strength and are not the best method when attempting to lose body fat and retain muscle.

There are also those individuals who preach high carb diets. While high carb diets help to speed your metabolism, they are not ideal for weight-loss or reduction of body fat as we know, for weight loss the body needs to be in a  calorie deficit.

This is where carb-cycling comes in. Carb cycling is an in between type method that will give you the benefits of both a low and high carb diet which allows you to hold on to the muscle you already have and shed body fat.

This type of diet will also help you maintain your sanity, strength, and energy.

So let’s see how this diet works

Carb cycling works by giving your body the fuel it needs to increase your metabolism and create a calorie deficit to increase fat loss.

There are typically three types of days when carb cycling:
high-carb days
low-carb days
no-carb days.
These days are rotating between them.

Generally the most common carb cycling approach used is where you will place higher carbohydrate days on your heaviest training days and then lower carb days on off/low-intensity training days. This plan is usually based on eating 5 smaller meals per day, 3 meals and 2 snacks (healthy ones)

In order to lose weight, our bodies need the right combination of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats.

Here’s why:

  • Protein builds and maintains muscles and these muscles burn calories like. Protein also breaks down more slowly than carbs and fat, which burns even more calories and helps you feel fuller longer.
  • Carbs are the preferred fuel source for your muscles and organs, and they come in healthy versions (vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes), and not-so-healthy versions (cakes, cookies, soda, doughnuts, candy, and many processed foods).  Healthy carbs are also very important for burning calories, and since they break down more slowly than those not-so-healthy carbs, they keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady
  • Healthy fats (unsaturated fats) eaten in moderation help the development and function of your eyes and brain and help prevent heart disease, stroke, depression, and arthritis. Healthy fats also help keep your energy levels steady and keep you from feeling hungry.

So why do we alternate high-carb and low-carb days in carb cycling?

On high-carb days you’re stocking your calorie-burning furnace so that on low-carb days your furnace burns fat, and lots of it! So it tricks your metabolism into burning a lot of calories, even on those low-carb days. It’s an amazing and well-proven process.

Occasionally, you may feel hungry on your Low Carb days. This is because you’re avoiding starchy carbohydrates which fill you up fast and contain a lot of calories.

In these cases you can add more protein and vegetables to your meal. There’s no harm in eating an extra chicken breast or more salad.

Here is the list of the approved carbohydrates:

  • Brown rice
  • Oats (Slow Cooked Preferred)
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Spelt whole grain
  • Starchy Veggies (corn, peas, etc.)
  • Beans/Legumes

Approved Yet Limited Carbohydrates

  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Whole grain breads, pitas, etc.

Approved Lean Protein Sources (A)

  • Chicken (white meat)
  • Turkey (white meat)
  • Tuna Fish (can), natural, no oil
  • Fish (flounder, tuna, salmon, shark)
  • Shellfish (all types)
  • Protein (preferably whey post workout, and casein before bed; must be low-carb)
  • Lean beef (including lean cuts of steak)
  • Cottage Cheese (0 or 1% fat)
  • Egg whites (egg beaters)

Approved Higher-Fat Protein Sources (B)

  • Chicken (dark meat)
  • Turkey (dark meat)
  • Eggs (half whites, half whole eggs)
  • Steak and other meats
  • Cottage Cheese (Whole Milk)

Fat Sources

  • Almonds, wallnuts, nuts, peanuts (or nuts natural butter)
  • Flax Oil
  • Cod Liver Oil
  • Hemp Seed Oil
  • Olive Oil

Water Consumption
In short, you can never have enough. The ten 8-ounce glasses per day recommendation is the minimum. You should drink at least a gallon (3.5-4 liter) per day

Here is a weekly cycle that should work nicely for most:

Monday = No Carb
Tuesday = Low Carb
Wednesday = High Carb
Thursday = No Carb
Friday = Low carb
Saturday = High Carb
Sunday = Low Carb

The carb cycling diet is easy to maintain, and because you cycle on and off carbs, the body does not plateau like it would on a prolonged low carbohydrate diet.

Carb cycling speeds up metabolism and gets your body to efficiently use up fuel while sustaining muscle and burning off body fat! Use a carb cycling diet along with a consistent workout plan!

Hope you enjoyed it! Have a beutiful day! 🙂

Top 10 tips for loosing fat

Posted in Fitness Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips by

fatloss720pxHello everybody! 

One of the most common questions I get from my clients, is how to lose overall body fat, especially belly fat.So here are my best tips for YOU!

  1. Switch to single ingredient foods

This tip will help you improve the quality of your diet. Why? Because eating what nature gave us (vegetables, legumes, meat, nuts and fruits) you will cut out all the processed, unhealthy foods that can quickly put a stop to weight loss! Single ingredient foods in their most natural state will contain the most nutrition to help keep your body healthy throughout the weight-loss process.

  1. Increase your protein intake

A higher protein intake is the next step to seeing results in loosing fat. For every one of your daily meals make sure you include foods that contain high quality proteins (poultry, eggs, protein powders, red meat, fish). Protein-rich foods not only will calm your hunger, but they also have a higher thermogenic effect as well. So, for every 100 calories you eat, your body will burn about 20-30 % of those calories off simply breaking down the food. This means you net fewer calories overall. Protein also helps reduce the chance of muscle mass loss, which is so important in maintaining a fast metabolism long-term.

  1. Eat carbohydrates with a low glycemic index!

Glycemic Index (GI) is the rate at which a carbohydrate contained in a food is converted into glucose (simple sugar) and enters into the bloodstream.

So, the higher the GI of a carbohydrate the faster it enters the bloodstream, the lower its GI the slower it enters the bloodstream. So, the lower the glycemic index of a food, the lower the insulin secretion and the less likely the tendency of a carbohydrate to be converted into fats. High glycemic index foods (e.g.: white bread, white pasta, white rice, puffed rice cakes, corn, carrots, etc.) are responsible for a shorter satiety feeling and excessive food intake on the following meal. Consume instead low GI foods like: barley, quinoa, rolled oats, lentils, beans, chickpeas, berries, apples.

  1. Perform HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training

When most people think of cardio, they think of long, boring jogs, or endless hours on the treadmill or elliptical. I’ve got good news for you: there’s a method of cardio that takes much less time and is far superior to jogging to help you burn fat. It’s called High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This involves alternating between very intense bouts of exercise and low intensity exercise. For example, sprinting for 30 seconds, then walking for 60 seconds is high intensity interval training. HIIT can be used both anaerobically (in the gym with weights) and aerobically with cardio. At higher intensities, you are burning far more fat, there’s also an after burn effect known as EPOC (excess-post exercise oxygen consumption). You increase your metabolism and burn more calories for up to 24 hours after interval training, whereas going for a jog burns almost NO calories after.

  1. Drink one glass of water before each meal

A great technique to try if you struggle to cut back on your food intake is to simply drink one glass of water before each meal.

This serves multiple purposes:

Staying well-hydrated makes sure your metabolism runs at top speeds.

The water will fill you up, therefore prompting you to take in fewer calories during the meal.

It’s refreshing and can help combat food cravings, making it easier to choose healthier foods for your meal.

Add a slice of lemon to your water glass and you’ll often find that the taste you had for whichever food you desired has passed.

  1. Go grilled, steamed, or baked.

Do you eat a lot of fried foods?  If so, start grilling, baking or steaming your food instead.  It may take a little getting used to, but eventually you’ll come to enjoy how much lighter and tastier the food is when it’s not loaded with fat.

  1. Clean your house of junk food, sweets, cadies, chocolate bars

If food you shouldn’t be eating exists in your fridge, cupboards, or freezers, you will give in at some point or another. You may think you have willpower of steel, but believe me we all have those crashes, and we are very tempted to give in. So if those foods are not in your house, you have more chances not too eat them at all!

  1. Supplement your diet with calcium

Scientific research found that calcium intake increases fat loss! In detail, researchers found that supplemental calcium (800mg/day) or high dietary intake of calcium (1200mg/day) promoted a greater fat loss (38-64%) compared to subjects on a low calcium diet (500mg/day).

  1. Eat Fat

Yes, you heard me! It takes fat to burn fat. Like I said in previous articles, it’s sugar that gets you fat, not fat. Good fats include foods rich in Omega 3′s, like salmon, avocados & nuts. These foods are full of nutrients that help keep you satiated throughout the day.

      10. Sleep

If you want to work late at night, think again. When your biorhythms are off, you end up eating more. When you’re tired you produce more ghrelin, which triggers cravings for sugar and other fat-building foods. Losing sleep can also alter your hormone production, affecting your cortisol levels that cause insulin sensitivity, prime reasons for belly fat! Getting about 7 hours of sleep a night is one of the best things you can do for your body shaping goals.

So here they are, my best tips for loosing fat! Hope you enjoyed! See you soon! :*

 

Tips on how to stay fit and avoid weight gain while traveling

Posted in Fitness Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips by

mushroomsHey everybody, how are u today?

Lately I was travelling a little, so I wasn’t able to write…but now I am back with a very useful topic. What should we eat when we are travelling? It doesn’t matter if it’s a road trip or by plane, the point is we cannot eat our usual healthy cooked meals. People tend to crave junk food while travelling, so to avoid this I have some tips for you about what you should pack with you, to not to be tempted to eat those crackers, croissants, chocolate bars and sugary juices.

Traveling nowadays means waiting and waiting, and unfortunately this means we eat and drink. The reason we crave more those junk foods in the first place because of the stress that goes with travelling. The stress hormones fires up your body to crave those sugary high calorie foods. Just one Starbucks blueberry crumb cake and a coke (“just” 800 calories) and you are not even satisfied.

So here is your solution!

  • Near your things you should pack a banana, which is full of fiber, potassium, vitamins and it satisfies your hunger and your sugar craving. Other option could be an apple or any kind of fresh fruit.
  • Another good snack to pack with you are natural unsalted unroasted almonds. A pack of 40 gr is enough for you to not to feel hungry. Almonds are rich in proteins and healthy fats, so I can say it is a perfect snack.
  • My third option is a protein bar, but please look for one that provides a minimum of 20 grams of protein and nor more than 20 gr. of carbs. My favorite is the Quest bar, is one of the less processed and contains the fewest ingredients on the market.
  • The forth option in actually 30 gr of whey protein powder. You just buy a bottle of water and you shake it. Perfect if you feel hungry and thirsty as well.
  • Other option could be a trail mix containing natural unsweetened nuts and dried fruits, but pay attention, those are really high in calories, so do not eat more than a handful.
  • And the last but not the least on my list is water. Very important to drink a lot of water, especially when you are travelling by plane, and the air is so dry. Skip the diet drinks and sugar free “healthy” juices, water is your best friend 🙂

So these are my tips, hope I was helpful and hope you have a nice travel!

See you soon! :*

The only vitamins I take

Posted in Fitness Tips, Nutrition Tips by

PhotoGrid_1397047738714Hello my dears!
You know I love to eat healthy food, I think it’s the best thing you can do to your body. The best way to get all the nutrients is to eat as natural as possible, without processed foods and chemicals. Sometimes even if we eat all the good things we still need a little boost, and this is the time when vitamins and supplements come in our help. The only vitamins I take are the cod liver oil soft capsules which are a high quality source of Omega 3 and its active fatty acids http://tidd.ly/24fa01a2
Another great supplement is the green tea extract which is a highly effective antioxidant that has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years http://tidd.ly/f773429f
And some multivitamin http://tidd.ly/26023e1f for more energy!
These all are from the company Myvitamins.com, check them out they are very effective and high quality products.

Have a beautiful day!

 

Why is protein so important in our diet?

Posted in Fitness Tips, Nutrition Tips by

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHello my dear readers!

I have something to share with you about  a question I’ve been asked a lot. My diet and supplementation. So here you go a little story about our best friend the Proteins! 🙂

Protein builds, maintains, and replaces the tissues in our body. Our muscles, organs, and our immune system are made up mostly of protein.

So protein is the building block for muscle and, since the body can’t store excess protein for later as with carbohydrates and fat, consistent intake throughout the day is needed in order to keep muscles strong and healthy. Consuming a higher protein diet can help you lose weight. Protein helps regulate appetite and cravings by enhancing the feeling of fullness for longer after a meal or snack.

Because it is recommended to eat protein frequently throughout the day, you might think this means you have to eat beef several times a day, but that’s not the case. Here is a short list of plant and animal protein sources:

Animal Protein

  • Fish (anchovies, calamari, cod, flounder, salmon, sardines, swordfish, tuna canned in water, tuna steak, sushi)
  • Shellfish (crab, lobster, oysters, shrimp/prawn)
  • Poultry and other meat (chicken, turkey, buffalo, filet mignon, flank steak, lean ground beef, fat-free ham, lean pork loin, top and bottom round of beef)
  • Dairy (milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese)
  • Eggs
  • Supplements (whey, casein)

Plant Protein

  • Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soybeans)
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Cereals
  • Nuts & seeds

Supplements

Whey protein contains many essential amino acids that boost the immune system and promote overall good health. You can find it in dairy foods, but also as a supplement in powdered form. The flavored powder tastes great sprinkled on oatmeal or mixed with milk, water or juice.

Whey is quickly digested, which makes it great for eating around workouts. Many protein shakes combine whey protein with another type of slow-releasing protein, casein. This mixture provides a combination of fast and slow releasing proteins, which allows for complete coverage over two-and-a-half to three hour window between meals.

Protein shakes with some additional carbohydrate accelerate workout recovery. You can easily make them yourself by mixing water with a scoop or packet of powder, so they’re a quick and easy snack that’s rich in protein but low in of bad fats.

10530911-1395068394-711095My choice:

As you know some time ago I got a package from a brand called MYPROTEIN, UK’s nr. 1 sports nutrition brand. They sent me some products to try them out, and I have to tell you I love their products.

I am a very busy girl, so I like the quick and healthy snacks throughout the day.

Immediately after a full night of sleep or a tiring workout, the body has little to no protein available to rebuild tissue. So if I have to run in the morning I just drink a tasty shake from MYprotein, my personal favorite is the Impact Whey Protein in strawberry cream flavor – you can purchase it here http://tidd.ly/ad8d69fe

Sometimes I like my protein shake denser, in this case I add some Protein Crispies – http://tidd.ly/4824e202 – they are so so tasty and they fill you up for hours.

Another very important thing in my diet is the presence of greens and antioxidants.

I put a scoop into my smoothies from this delicious Total Nutri- Greens in Tropical flavor which is a blend of 22 different super foods – http://tidd.ly/83adc24b.

Hope you enjoyed this little presentation about the supplements from my diet, I really think you need good supplementation if you are working out on a daily basis.

 Have a nice day guys! :*

What’s in my gym bag

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stuffxgymHey guys!

There’s a Tag going around the internet about “gym bag essentials” or by the tag name “what’s in my gym bag”, so today I’m going to share with you what’s in my gym bag, and some tips, on what should be in your gym bag! 🙂

First of all you need a good quality and spacey gym bag with lot’s of pockets, to put your jewelries, watch, phone, headset, ipod, shoe etc.

So let’s see what should be inside.

1. First of all you need your sports bra or sport top. It is important to have some nice, comfortable top, from some good material, so you can feel free to move. I’m obsessed with bright, happy colors, they are so cute.  When I work out I like to wear some tank top, I don’t really care about the brand, just to be soft and comfortable, after all I go to the gym to work out, not to a fashion show or something.

2. Next important thing is you water bottle, or shaker. I got mine from BiotechUSA, and it can be used as a water bottle or as a shaker. Very important to drink water before, during and after your workout!!! Lots of it!

3. Make up wipes, are so important. If you go to the gym strait from work, with a full make up, these wipes can help you to get rid of the majority of it. It is so not good for your skin to work out and sweat with make up, it can clog your pores, and you end up with all kind of skin problems.

4. Snacks! After your workout, it is very important to snack on something till u get home. So some raw unsalted almonds, a banana or a protein shake or a protein bar are the best options.

5. A good cotton towel! Actually I have with me 3 of them, yes 3! One little one to wipe of the sweat, another one to put on the machines from the gym, and a big one that I use after shower! So cotton towels are a must!

6. Hair refresher! For me this is so important also. If I don’t have time to wash my hair, or if I washed before, I like to refresh my hair with this great little spray. You just spray it in your hair, comb it out and dry it. Smells like heaven. Sometimes I also use dry shampoo, that’s a good and fast alternative for liquid shampoo.

7. Argan oil (Moroccan oil) is the best beauty ingredient! You can use it on your hair, face or body. I usually apply this on my whole body after the shower when my skin is still a little wet. It makes my skin so soft and hydrated.

8. Deodorant! It is so important, but please girls, do not use some heavy smelling deodorant or perfume at the gym! Maybe other people don’t like it, especially if you are going to a group class, please stay away from strong heavy perfumes! I use this deodorant from Burjois Paris, smells so so good but discreet and helps prevent sweating.

9. Shower cream/gel. Usually gyms have their own shower gel, but it is better for you to bring one of your own, especially if you have sensitive skin, or if you don’t like certain smells. I use this Burjois shower gel, smells like heaven!

10. Hair ties are a must if you have long hair, like I do. You can’t work out with your hair in your face or on your neck, so bring with you some hair ties, hair slide and bobby pins.

11. After my shower when I’m dressed up, I like to use this wonderful smelling Victoria’s Secret body mist. Mine is called Pure Seduction….so do I have to tell you more about it? 🙂 I love this smell! Sometimes people tell me I always smell like candy and flowers, I don’t know if this is bad or good, but I like it J

12. Lip balm is also good to have with you. After your work out you can have your lips dried out, so use some good quality as natural as possible lip balm. Mine is in bloody orange… the best I ever used.

13. Bubble bath gel/ shower gel. When I go straight home from the gym, sometimes I like a relaxing bubble bath. This bubble bath gel I got from my girls from the gym, and I adore it. It is from Sefora and it smells like real chocolate! Do I have to say more? I don’t think so  🙂

14. The most important thing from a gym bag, are the shoes. I change my shoes often, but today I have my Adidas very comfortable shoes with me. A gym shoe has to be light, comfortable, good material, and of course in your favorite colour.

15. I always have with me my cell phone with head phones, so I can listen to the music when I’m working out, but also to prevent all stranger guys talking to you while you work out. This way you show them you are busy with your music, so probably they will go away….or not hahah.

16. I always have with me hand sanitizer. I know they have their own sanitizers but I always wash my hand and pure some of my own stuff.

17. For bottoms sometimes I wear running shorts, sometimes leggings, it depends on what kind of exercises I’m doing or what kind of class I teach. I don’t like to overheat, so I try to wear as minimal amount of close I can without revealing anything 🙂

So that’s it, these were my essentials; I hope you enjoyed it, and I could help you with some ideas if you are a beginner or new to the gym.

Have a wonderful day, see you very soon! :*

 

 

7 things that slow down your metabolism

Posted in Fitness Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips by

sittingAccording to the dictionary, metabolism is a chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that is necessary for the maintenance of life.

We all know people who can eat all day and not gain a single pound. These people have good — or fast — metabolisms. Then there are the people that have one unhealthy meal and have to run for a week straight to burn it all off. These are people that tend to have a slower metabolic rate.

The faster your metabolism, the more calories you burn. And just like there are ways to speed it up—by working out, for instance—certain habits can also slow it down.

Metabolic rate is also affected by several factors including age, weight, and genetics.

If losing weight is your goal, avoid these metabolism-slowing mistakes:

1. Eating too late in the morning

Skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for weight loss since it causes your metabolism to slow down. When you don’t eat, the brain sends a message to the rest of the body to conserve energy, signaling it to hold onto the stored fat that you’re trying to get rid of. Eating within an hour of waking sparks the metabolic process called thermo genesis that turns the food you eat into energy. So choose a high-protein breakfast. Make sure to eat throughout the day to maintain blood sugar levels since any drops can cause the body to burn muscle for fuel.

2. Not eating enough

It is important to snack often and never miss a main meal. As stated before, getting your body in a proper eating schedule is critical for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Also, when you skip out on meals, your body puts itself into “starvation mode”, which slows your metabolic rate to conserve any of the energy it has. This is why people who try to lose weight by not eating don’t have very much success.

3. Not exercising

Research shows that you continue burning calories up to 24 hours after working out, and studies also show that morning exercises burn more calories than those who work out during other times of the day. If you’re planning on exercising anyway, for maximum calorie burn, your best bet is to get it done in the a.m. Include high intensity cardio intervals

4. Sitting Too Long

It takes only 20 minutes in any fixed position to inhibit your metabolism, according to Carrie Schmitz, an ergonomic research manager. A new study has discovered that sitting for long periods increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and death regardless of physical activity.

5. Dehydration

All of your body’s cellular processes, including metabolism, depend on water. If you’re dehydrated, you could burn up to 2 percent fewer calories, according to researchers.

6. A Weird Eating Schedule

Researchers suspect that eating at the same times every day trains the body to burn more calories between meals. So eat frequent, consistently sized meals.

7. Not getting enough sleep

People who sleep less move less the next day, which means they burn fewer calories. Sleep deprivation actually reduces the amount of energy your body uses at rest. Stay away from alcohol, fatty foods, coffee and chocolate at least 2 hours before bedtime.

So here are 7 things that you should avoid, if you want to loose weight, or if you just want to maintain your healthy weight.

Everybody can fall out of the wagon once or twice, by not sleeping enough or, sitting to much at the office because of work. So just try to compensate it, if you are sitting all day, you really need to work out after the office hours. I really think I am blessed with a great metabolism, I can eat a lot 🙂 BUT I also work out 5 times a week, and I try to eat healthy!

 Have a nice day my dears! :*

How to get back in shape after the winter holidays

Posted in Fitness Tips, Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips, Workout video by

Hello my dear readers!

I want to wish you again a very Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true, I really can’t wish you more than this! 🙂

I hope everybody is ok, in a good health full of positivity and energy!

Christmas and New Years are by far the best holidays of the year! You eat and drink lots, you get gifts, and you have tons of fun. For most, the last thing on our minds is putting on weight. Once all the festivities are over however, getting back physically to where you were before the holiday period can be a difficult task.

So, please!!!! Don’t feel guilty about the over indulging- you have to let your self go some time. If you’ve put a little weight on, don’t worry! Be positive and go hard!

I was on vacation for 2 weeks, so for me today is the first work day of the year! I really love the holidays, staying all days with friends, sleeping till noon, travelling, but somehow I’m glad to be back on track!

Today I am going to write about a very common subject that you guys and my clients and friends ask me all the time. How to get back in shape after the Christmas holiday?

Here are some tips that will help you get that little excess fat off you in no time. 🙂

Drink lots of water!

Drinking large quantities of alcohol is bad for your health. Alcohol contains many calories and also causes dehydration. To make up for your holiday alcohol consumption, drink plenty of water. Your skin, kidneys and many others organs will benefit. What’s more, drinking water makes you feel fuller:  if you drink more, you will eat less!

Drinking more water flushes out excess sodium to help you quickly de-bloat, and it get things moving in your digestive system. Aim for 2 to 2.5 litres a day (about 8 to 10 cups).

Start Eating on Schedule

Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up and eat again every 3 to 5 hours. Starting your day with a healthy meal and enjoying evenly spaced meals will maximize your metabolism; regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels. Please DON’T starve yourself because it won’t get you anywhere! Eating too little forces your body to switch into conservation mode and burn fewer calories. Under eating can cause your body to break down muscle mass for fuel, which also causes a metabolic slow down. Eating enough and at regular times is key.

Cut back on carbs, but DON’T cut them out completely!

Eliminating carbs completely can force your body to burn protein for fuel instead of using it to support and maintain your calorie-burning muscle. So instead of cutting carbs out, just cut back.

So replace the refined carbs with veggies and complex carbs! Refined carbs like white rice, white bread, sugar, pasta) will get stored in your body as fat if you do not use them as energy right away! For example instead of eating beef with white rice you should choose broccoli instead of rice.

Get plenty of sleep, relax, and don’t forget to exercise

It’s time to get back on track. Treat yourself to a good night’s sleep. You’ll feel rested and have more energy to take on the new challenges of the New Year. Avoid unnecessary stress and find ways to relax (yoga, meditation or just going out to the movies!). Gradually start to exercise again. Physical activity will bring balance and energy back into your life.

Do some cardio!

Running, bicycling, walking, swimming…anything that gets your heart rate up for an extended period of time is what will really start melting away at those extra pounds. Circuit training and high intensity training is also great because it can involve lighter weights but keeps you constantly moving.

Be consistent!

If physical fitness is a lifestyle it has to be just as important as brushing your teeth every morning.  You will have days where you are tired, worked late at the office but these are not reasons to stop with your program.  It’s all about mindset; do not give yourself a way out.

Never Quit!

It’s just that simple.  Never, ever, under any circumstance quit.  It’s not an option!!!  Success is your only possible outcome.

 So these are my 7 simple tips to get back in shape! Hope you enjoyed it, now let’s get started!!!

 Have a great day everybody! :*