Snack ideas

I am a big believe in keep your metabolism moving. I prefer 4-5 meals a day. Many people prefer 3 meals and 3 snacks. If you happen to be a snaker, I thought I would post some yummy healthy snack ideas just for you.

1 cup Yogurt with 1 cup of berries (I like to warm up my berries)
1 medium apple or banana with natural peanut butter
6 whole grain crackers with 1 string cheese
1/2 cup cottage cheese with fruit aka peach, apple sauce, etc.
2 rice cakes with 1tbs almond butter
Protein bar
Celery Sticks with Natural Peanut butter
2 tbs almonds, 2 tbs raisins
Smoothie
4 whole wheat crackers and 1/4 cup guacamole
1/4 cup trail mix
Protein shake and sweet potatoe fries
1 cup fat free yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup non cooked oats and 2 oz raisins

I'll be honest, non of these look all that appetizing to me and that is why I eat 4-5 meals a day, but to each their own.

The Clean Eating Challenge

Clean eat this and clean eat that. . . .while it seems like a pretty good option. It really isn't for everyone. Who knows? All this clean eating might just be a fad. I've learned that it is not always easy creating a new lifestyle over night. I am totally addicted to sugar and I seriously fight that nasty habit every day. I ate my last bag of chicks and rabbits and I am ready to mold my body into something lean. :) I need some friends to jump on board. Anyone?? I think the key to changing your lifestyle into something healthier is to start with a meal plan that you are comfortable with and slowly introduce healthy foods, such as lean meats, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. If anyone has advice beside suck it up and show some self control I would appreciate it.

Water water water

WOW! I am on my water soapbox today. My muscles feel extra tight, my head is pounding and I honestly think a lack of water is a big contributor. By this time in the day I usually have drank 3 liters out of the 4 liters of water that I drink in a day. Today only 1/2 liter. I am way feeling it. Water is so so so important for feeling healthy. And well if you are trying to lose weight it is key. Typically I would write a book about how important water is and why you should drink water. . . blah blah blah. . . how to help water taste better (although I love the taste of water) but let's be honest we all know all the many benefits of water and why we should drink it. Taste better. .. . add some lemons and natural sugar. An added benefit to adding lemons it speeds up your metabolism. :) So let's just go drink drink drink water. If you are worried you will be in the bathroom all day. Start small. . .if you usually drink 1 liter a day, add another liter, the next week add another liter, etc, until you are up to 4 liters. Your body will be thanking you. Stay hydrated=Feel healthy!

Motivation

Boy oh boy. . .I have had such a hard time staying motivated to eat clean and exercise regularly this winter. There is always some excuse. . ."I'll start tomorrow." "Six o'clock is so early and COLD!" "I am addicted to sugar I can't eat clean." The list could go on and on. I've decided instead of being a victim to all my excuses. It is time to do something about it. I am going to find a way to motivate myself. I came across this article, "Way to stick to your workout," in Oxygen Magazine April 2008. Love all their suggestions. I'll bold the ones that work best for me.

*Switch things up. Change your workout partner every once in a while. If you get to comfortable sometimes it is easy to slack off or cancel. (I would add also personally add switch up your workouts, if you do the same things every day you are headed directly for burn out.)
*Sign up for a race or competition.
*Join a fitness message board.
*Make a new playlist.
*Plan in advance. Plan your work outs a month in advance and cross them off as you complete them.
*Save the best for last. Start your work outs with your least favorite exercises and work towards your favorite ones.
*Measure up. Oh yeah this is a big motivator for me. I've done this before and let me tell you I ate clean and was a regular at the gym. I love to see my measurements go down and down and down.
*Single set. If you don't feel like working out go and do one set. Changes are you will want to finish your work out. Sometimes the hardest part is the getting to the gym.
*Reward yourself. Let your rewards help and benefit you (ie: new outfit, facial, massage) and not be destructive (ie Junk food).
*Write it down.
*Find a friend or join a class. This was not actually in the article, but I am telling you that if I know I have to meet a friend at the gym and they are counting on me it is awfully hard to cancel.
Remember Swim Suit Season is upon us! Find something that motivates you and let us all know. :) Good luck getting and staying motivated.