Monday, April 4, 2011

Stress Busting 101

There is nothing better for fighting stress than getting out in the sun, breathing in fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature.

Do your cardio outside if possible. Make a conscious effort to leave those ear buds at home. If you live in a rural area, near a park or by the water take a run or a walk and absorb the sounds nature provides. Soak up energy from the trees, the water, and the sky and release all negativity.

Let your mind clear and your shoulders relax as you start out. Be aware of the area of your own body which is holding your stress and begin to let go. For most of us, it’s the neck and shoulder area, for others it might be the lower back. Be conscious of what your body is telling you!

Keep your cell with you in case of an emergency, but on vibrate. Letting go for 15-30 minutes is a healthy way to combat stress and as we all know, stress is a leading contributor to death and disease in this country.

Friday, April 1, 2011

It's Spring!!

With spring finally here it’s time to get back to basics and begin that journey to the “bikini” body and more importantly a healthier you!

Every morning I see folks sitting in their cars, even though there may be ten cars ahead of them and no one waiting inside. Again, I want to stress that everyone needs to get out of their cars and walk!! Sitting in your car for 15 minutes at the local Starbucks drive thru won’t do much for getting your metabolism burning! Park your car, get out and walk….while you are on your way inside think about what you will order and think “SKINNY”! Think before ordering that Latte or Frap with whipped cream. Adding empty sugary calories is a surefire way to add or hold on to the pounds you are trying to shed.

We have become a society of “easy fixes”. We want that close parking spot at the supermarket. Notice how many cars are driving around and waiting for that close spot rather than taking an open space farther away. Park your car and walk, you will not only feel refreshed, but will burn a more calories.

We also take the elevator, even though we may have to wait a few minutes rather than walk up the stairs. And I’m not talking to those of you who work on the 60th or 70th floor of a building in the city, but the people who work on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floor. Take the stairs; a great way to burn calories as well as a leg and butt firmer!

Now is the time to rethink your lifestyle. And here are a few simple tips to get you started.

1. Eat a healthy breakfast…..

Oatmeal with fruit (fresh or frozen blueberries)…try not to add sugar.

Ezekiel Bread with natural peanut butter.

Yogurt with Kashi GoLean Cereal.

Protein shake with almond or soy milk. Add your choice of fruit.

2. For those six pack abs – eat a low fat, low carb, high protein diet. 1,000 crunches won’t do it!

3. Find that special pair of skinny jeans or the “wow” bikini and put one out where you can see it everyday! It’s about motivation, motivation!!

4. Try not to backslide! If you do, don’t dwell or beat yourself up about it; move forward and get back on track! Keep your focus!