Tag Archives: fitness tips

Beginners guide to the gym

Posted in Fitness Tips by

wpid-img_20150220_205558.jpgHello everybody!

When I say new to the gym, I refer to the people who want to be consistent in a gym, who want to make fitness a part of their lives and most important to make it a habit.

In my opinion before you get your gym membership you have to do a couple of things.

Here they are:

  1. Have a plan! The best option is to hire a personal trainer to make a personalized workout plan for you. You should have that plan printed out, and you should know how to do those exercises correctly.
  2. Get an outfit in which you feel comfortable. It doesn’t has to be super stylish. If you are a girl your sports bra should fit perfectly, not to tight or too loose. You should wear some leggings, and be shore they are not see-through and they fit well. And some comfortable shoes.
  3. 3. Headphones are super important. You go to the gym to work out and mind your own business. You should not care what other people think about you, or look at you. If it bothers you, get also a cool cap, I used to do that, so you will feel even more comfortable
  4. You need an arm band or waist band to put your phone in. Be super careful I see broken phones in the weight sections all the time!
  5. 5. Decide your muscle group split. The traditional way is: Back and biceps, chest and triceps, legs and shoulders, abs and cardio. You can split your workouts in other ways too, depending on your goals and the body parts you want to focus more.
  6. How many sets and reps you should do? Well for beginners I would suggest 4 exercise per muscle group so it’s like 4 exercises for biceps, 4 exercises for triceps…and so on. I would suggest 3 sets of 12-15 reps.
  7. Check your form! There are a lot of mirrors in every gym. Check yourself if you are doing them correctly and also to feel it in the body part you are training. If you train shoulders you should feel it in your shoulders and not in your biceps or something.
  8. Exercising should never hurt! You can feel the burn or that you are sore, but it is not ok to feel pain in your joints!
  9. Do not forget to Stretch! Stretching is super important especially after your workout. It helps lengthening your muscles, and helps your blood flow in those muscles, helping them to recover.
  10. Get a great playlist on your phone. Music can make such a big difference! Your favorite music will push you through your workout. If you don’t have a playlist you can find any kind of music on Spotify or what I like is Fit radio, they have a lot of playlists, different kind of music, so you can choose something you like for sure.

That’s it guys I hope I could help with these tips. Now go and get ready for a great workout!

Have a great day! :*

My interview with Musclemunch.net

Posted in Fitness Tips, Personal stuff by

wpid-img_20150121_232249.jpgHello my dears!

If you are interested to see a short interview with me, check out, musclemunch.net. There are some questions and answers with me.

Hope you like it, see you soon! :*

Here is the link: http://www.musclemunch.net/622/female-interviews/aspiring-fitness-model-bea-talks-with-musclemunch

Top reasons why your workout is NOT working

Posted in Fitness Tips by

bea_blHello everybody!

We all went through these little mistakes in our fitness journey, wanting to see results after the first day in the gym or having to big expectations. No matter how much we hope, workout results will never appear overnight. But there are a few things in your routine that you can change to speed up the time it takes to reach your goals. Read these tips below to find out why your work out is not working.

  1. You are not paying attention on your nutrition

Exercise is necessary, but if you’re not eating a healthy and nutritious diet, you could be setting yourself back. Even if you’re doing all the right exercise routines, nothing can out train a poor diet. Remember weight/fat-loss is 80% diet, and 20% exercise. So the next time you walk out of the gym, think twice of what you going to eat after!

  1. Miscounting Calories

We all love to watch the number under “Calories Burned” increase on the exercise machine at the gym, but you can’t rely on that number too much. Fitness machines are only estimating how many calories you have burned. This is because people burn calories and fat at different rates. When we see on the machines that we burned lots of calories, somehow we allow to ourselves to eat more, or eat not so healthy food, because already “burned” those calories.  So pay attention and don’t let your mind trick you!

  1. Not drinking enough water!

One of the most essential things you can do during your workout is hydrate! When you work out, your body is depleting nutrients while you sweat, so it is extremely important to replenish those nutrients by hydrating. Even though sports drinks may taste better, they are also filled with sugars. Water is always the best way to go!

  1. Doing The Same Fitness Routine

Try to change your workout routines! Not only does it give certain areas of your body a rest, but it also makes your work outs more fun and exciting. Try exercising with a partner or friend, so have someone to push you through your workout. Fitness classes are always a nice challenge. Try out something new like dance classes, jump classes or yoga, when you get tired from the weights room!

  1. Focusing On One Area

We all know about those girls who are doing just cardio, running/ walking on the treadmill, or guys with big upper body and slim legs, this is because they focus only on the same body parts. For best results, focus on exercises that target multiple parts of your body at once, like lunges or squats! If you are going to focus on one area per day, make sure you switch it up next time.

  1. You are doing too much cardio

Cardio is great for getting the blood flowing and burning calories, but TOO MUCH cardio won’t help you gain any definition. A good workout routine consists of a combination between strength, resistance, cardio, and flexibility training. Incorporating workout routines that involve weights, and using your own body weight, can help tone muscles and give definition. This is how you achieve a lean and sculpted body.

  1. Not Getting Enough Sleep

One of the most important things to remember is your body needs rest. Even if you can’t sleep 8 hours per night, try to get as much as possible. Resting is especially important after a hard workout, to ensure your muscles have enough time to repair, and for your body to replenish energy. Recovery also speeds up your metabolism, and is absolutely essential for great results!

Hope you will pay more attention next time you work out.

Have a great weekend! :*

Moderation is the key!

Posted in Nutrition Tips by

IMG_20141010_170335Hello everybody!

I have a little tip for you today. do you see this wonderful, delicious dessert on the picture? Well I ate it all…. and no I don’t eat things like this every day! Now maybe you ask yourselves now, but is this kind of food allowed in a diet? My answer is, yes BUT moderation is the key!

Everything in moderation! It’s important to have balance and have treat like this every now and then if you crave it. Otherwise you will go totally crazy, you will get out of control,  and eat the whole fridge :))

One thing I’ll say though, after I eat things like this heavenly dessert, the next day I eat extra healthy and clean!

Enjoy your life! Live it, and don’t restrict yourself too much!

Have a wonderful weekend! :*

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! 🙂

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! :*

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! :*

Which one is worse?

Posted in Lifestyle Tips, Nutrition Tips by

Fotor0324161844Hey everybody!

How are you today? I’m totally in a summer mood, finally it’s officially spring. The weather is amazing, the summer holiday is close and closer…

Today I have an unusual post for you, I was thinking when we are on the beach or in a club with our friends, where everybody is drinking, we do not have a lot of healthy options (besides water).

So between two “bad” options which one is the write one?

You are on your way to find out 🙂

So which drink is better or should I ask worse? A delicious margarita’s cocktail or a classy glass of wine?

Both drinks are loaded with calories,drinking a cooling margarita is like having a  lunch. Having 2 glasses of wine equals to a cheeseburger … so think about it, you just drink your lunch!

So try to stick on one measurable drink, be aware that a traditional margarita has 33% of alcohol, and we know that you will not stop at drinking just one!

So the verdict is, try to stick with just one glass of wine, or if you really want a cocktail kinda drink, try tequila over fresh lime juice, soda water and lots of ice 🙂

Have a great day everybody! :*