We all know getting fit and staying fit should be our goal. Unfortunately for many, just getting started on a fitness schedule is a scary thought. With numerous options, and sometimes too many opinions, fitness has become more of a trend and less of a lifestyle. Classes all over the world offer everything from Zumba, Body Pump, Bootcamp, Crossfit, to Pole Fitness! Even indoor surfing is a thing...and let's not forget the ever popular Spinning! Where does one begin? Do you get right on the pole or do you do a WOD? I know...what???? Lol!
Let's get to the basics and find a fitness program that is simple and effective for you! First and foremost, know your limits, get a health evaluation, and remember to have fun! It is not about the hottest trends, or what everyone else is doing. It is about what is going to keep you fit for life!
I often like to ask a simple question, what do you enjoy doing? This one question can get you started on the right track to staying fit long term! The reason so many people fail at fitness is because they are jumping head first into a fitness trend, not ever thinking about what may be fun for some, may be torture for others! How do you know what you like? Here's a easy way to find out using some simple questions:
-do you enjoy being in a group atmosphere or prefer to sweat alone?
-are you one to hit the dance floor and love loud music?
-do you use a road bike?
-when you think of running, do you get excited?
-do you enjoy being outdoors and in the woods?
-does building muscle make you cringe or does it excite you?
-do you prefer working out at home or at a gym?
Once you have answered these questions, it will give you a basic idea of workouts you could try! For
example; if the thought of running or biking makes you cringe, and you hate the idea of dancing, I
would rule out Zumba, Pole Fitness, running and spinning, instead start with a basic strength training
class like Body Pump, Bootcamp, or CrossFit. Personal training may also be a perfect fit for you! One on one training is one of the most efficient ways to get fit. The trainer is only focused on you and your goals, you are the priority! This makes it a very effective way to get in shape! If running outdoors sounds amazing and you love the idea of music and dancing, try Belly Dancing, Zumba, running, Spinning, Hooping, or a cardio based fitness class!
What if classes don't sound appealing to you? Look to Nature first!! Great ways to get fit outside is by taking advantage of your local rental companies! Almost everywhere, you can now rent SUP Boards, skis, Kayaks, and bikes! You don't need to invest in expensive equipment right away. I love to hike, it is free, it is always an adventure and works your body without you even realizing it. It gives you the opportunity to bring you dogs, and just enjoy the amazing surroundings...and let's not forget the breath taking views at the summit! If you prefer the comfort of your living room, check out YouTube for some killer FREE workouts like Body Rock TV. You can also purchase DVDs like
P90X or download Kayla Itsines BBG workout.
Now that you have narrowed it down to what YOU enjoy, make a schedule you feel comfortable sticking to. For example, many do a Monday, Wednesday, Friday fitness schedule and plan to commit to those days and it just becomes habit! It is so much easier to plan ahead and know what days are your training days, this helps you avoid last minute struggles to find a class or plan a workout!
Alright! You have found workouts you think you'll enjoy, and you are on a set schedule! Now all you have to do is START! Remember, it is normal to feel exhausted or overwhelmed at first, this does not mean it is time to quit or give up! It means you are doing exactly the right thing, pushing your body a little more than it is comfortable with. If you are taking classes, I highly recommend talking to the instructor and getting right up front in class. You want to be able to see exactly what the instructor is
doing and be able to signal her if you are struggling.
Don't forget to check out your local running groups, Meetups, races, or discounted classes at community centers! I recently joined a few groups on Meetup to help me find others who enjoy hiking and running, I also joined a local running group so I can stay up to date on all the local running events! Use these resources to help keep you motivated and surround yourself with a fit community!!
Fitness doesn't have to be complicated, a simple trail run or a 30 minutes body weight workout is all you need. But if you prefer to get into a class, there are so many available! Remember, fitness isn't about hopping on to the next trend, it is about finding what works for you! If you love hiking, do that, if you love running, do that! Don't get caught up in what every one else is doing, because when you are doing what YOU love and what works for YOU, you will be successful!
Naturally Vegan Health & FitnessⓋ
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
High carb living! Never diet again!
I call it the high life! Truly the most amazing lifestyle on the planet...and for the planet, hehe! High carbers would all agree there is no diet that compares, better energy, greater focus, clear headedness, slim, lean, and full of life!
What is high carb living? It is a vegan lifestyle consisting of high carb, healthy whole foods like fruit, veggies, and starches, with the avoidence of meat, dairy, and high fat foods like oil. What makes this lifestyle so appealing to many is the ability to eat as many calories as you wish, and most high carb coaches encourage you to eat MORE than ever! Why high calories? The body runs on fuel, without it, it does not function properly. It will begin to crave junk food, the body will feel tired and run down, coffee/caffiene cravings begin, you will start gaining weight, your metabolism will suffer and so will your mental state! Eating enough calories is extremely important. For most starting out on this lifestyle, learning to eat is the real challenge! Most come from a calorie restricting diet and a fear of weight gain, and understanding not to fear carbs and calories is not always so easy.
Life on high calories and carbs is...how can I explain it...AMAZING! Really, though some think giving up meat, dairy and high fat foods may be difficult, it seriously isn't when you replace it with foods your body LOVES! Foods like rice, pasta, whole grains, fruit, soups, stews, cereal, oatmeal veggie pizza, veggie rolls, taco, burritos, I could go on and on...two words: BANANA ICECREAM!! Need I say more!?!?! I mean really, you can wake up and start your day with sweet and delicious banana icecream, or nicecream as we like to call it.
What are the benefits? Like I mentioned above, there are many perks of this lifestyle. The results are not a quick fix, I won't promise you will lose 30 pounds in 30 days...what I will promise you is results LONG TERM, which is what you should be looking for! Weight loss is the ultimate result, you will lose weight, some lose faster than others, but it will come off. You may also enjoy these other benefits:
-clear skin
-better energy
-improved digestion
-clear, bright eyes
-no more head fog
-improved fitness
-no junk food cravings
-better sleep
-improved overall health: lower cholesterol, prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes, prevent or reverse heart disease, prevent certain cancers
-improve the health of the PLANET
-prevent the slaughter and mistreatment of millions of animals
What does a day of a high carber look like?
Wake up feeling great! No need for coffee, we reach for our favorite fruits or lowfat cooked carbs...pancakes anyone?
If you don't exercise right now, that quickly changes, due to the natural high carbohydrates provide! Most of us will go walking, running, hiking, hit the gym, or just get out and play.
Snacks are always a must! Grab those blueberries, grapes, whole grain cereals, or make some potato crisps, and enjoy! No one should ever go hungry!!
Lunches and dinners are always the best! Huge salads full of your favorite veggies, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, rice and beans, burritos, tacos...are you drooling yet? How about some cauliflower buffalo wings? There are so many options, but I find that you will have a handful of favorites and stick to those. This lifestyle has a magic way of cleaning up your taste buds. All of a sudden foods that you once though were bland, taste amazing!
Dessert? The strange thing is, you will no longer desire sweets after dinner! Once you are 'carbed up' and properly fueled with the right amount of calories, you will no longer desire sweets after dinner! Just like that!
So why are you still sitting there?? Get in your kitchen, rid your cabinets and fridge of toxic foods like meats, dairy, eggs, and junk, and start your new life! You won't regret it!
What is high carb living? It is a vegan lifestyle consisting of high carb, healthy whole foods like fruit, veggies, and starches, with the avoidence of meat, dairy, and high fat foods like oil. What makes this lifestyle so appealing to many is the ability to eat as many calories as you wish, and most high carb coaches encourage you to eat MORE than ever! Why high calories? The body runs on fuel, without it, it does not function properly. It will begin to crave junk food, the body will feel tired and run down, coffee/caffiene cravings begin, you will start gaining weight, your metabolism will suffer and so will your mental state! Eating enough calories is extremely important. For most starting out on this lifestyle, learning to eat is the real challenge! Most come from a calorie restricting diet and a fear of weight gain, and understanding not to fear carbs and calories is not always so easy.
Life on high calories and carbs is...how can I explain it...AMAZING! Really, though some think giving up meat, dairy and high fat foods may be difficult, it seriously isn't when you replace it with foods your body LOVES! Foods like rice, pasta, whole grains, fruit, soups, stews, cereal, oatmeal veggie pizza, veggie rolls, taco, burritos, I could go on and on...two words: BANANA ICECREAM!! Need I say more!?!?! I mean really, you can wake up and start your day with sweet and delicious banana icecream, or nicecream as we like to call it.
What are the benefits? Like I mentioned above, there are many perks of this lifestyle. The results are not a quick fix, I won't promise you will lose 30 pounds in 30 days...what I will promise you is results LONG TERM, which is what you should be looking for! Weight loss is the ultimate result, you will lose weight, some lose faster than others, but it will come off. You may also enjoy these other benefits:
-clear skin
-better energy
-improved digestion
-clear, bright eyes
-no more head fog
-improved fitness
-no junk food cravings
-better sleep
-improved overall health: lower cholesterol, prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes, prevent or reverse heart disease, prevent certain cancers
-improve the health of the PLANET
-prevent the slaughter and mistreatment of millions of animals
What does a day of a high carber look like?
Wake up feeling great! No need for coffee, we reach for our favorite fruits or lowfat cooked carbs...pancakes anyone?
If you don't exercise right now, that quickly changes, due to the natural high carbohydrates provide! Most of us will go walking, running, hiking, hit the gym, or just get out and play.
Snacks are always a must! Grab those blueberries, grapes, whole grain cereals, or make some potato crisps, and enjoy! No one should ever go hungry!!
Lunches and dinners are always the best! Huge salads full of your favorite veggies, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, rice and beans, burritos, tacos...are you drooling yet? How about some cauliflower buffalo wings? There are so many options, but I find that you will have a handful of favorites and stick to those. This lifestyle has a magic way of cleaning up your taste buds. All of a sudden foods that you once though were bland, taste amazing!
Dessert? The strange thing is, you will no longer desire sweets after dinner! Once you are 'carbed up' and properly fueled with the right amount of calories, you will no longer desire sweets after dinner! Just like that!
So why are you still sitting there?? Get in your kitchen, rid your cabinets and fridge of toxic foods like meats, dairy, eggs, and junk, and start your new life! You won't regret it!
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