Detox Time!

It has been a while since I've shared a post with my readers. Life has been a bit on the hectic side with lots of exciting experiences and adventures coming. I want to continue to inspire my readers and motivate my readers in all aspects of life. 

A beautiful full circle rainbow around the sun while at the lake

But I will be honest here, the past month or so has been filled with crappy food, little to no exercising and I can thank pneumonia for that. I am only now starting to feel better after a month of struggling to get out of bed, wanting to eat healthy food ( but could only stomach unhealthy food), and enjoy the warmer months! With all that being said, my body is feeling a bit neglected and let down. 

First "meal" since getting sick

Its time to detox!

There are detoxes you can buy, juice cleanses and so on. I am looking towards a lifestyle detox instead. As I stated, the past month I couldn't do much so at this point a lifestyle detox is much needed. I have a very active lifestyle, I workout about 4-5 days a week, sometimes 6 if I can squeeze it into my very busy lifestyle. 

So what am I up to?

- Little to no alcohol

- Little to no refined sugars

- Vegetarian / vegan meals

- Raw foods

- Increase in fruits and vegetables

- Increased workout intensity

- Lots of sleep (when possible)

These things already fit my lifestyle for the most part, if anything its going to be more controlled, with less fries (unless they are zucchini fries... I'll post the recipe after). I will also be jotting down my exercises, and daily food intake to track my progress and help keep me on track! 

Now here is my new workout plan that I intend to use in the short term. 


Day 1: Arms and Abs - Day 2: Legs - Day 3: Off or Cardio - Day 4: Back & Abs - Day 5: Cardio - Day 6: Legs - Day 7: Chest, Shoulders & Abs - Day 8: Off 
For Cardio I am mostly using the elliptical ( it is the one machine I am in love with at the moment), however I like to switch things up, between the elliptical - treadmill - and stationary bike. I am also looking into joining yoga classes, start up kickboxing again, and now that summer is here and the weather is nicer, tennis lessons.

Every morning when I wake up, I'm going to motivate myself to do a quick non strenuous workout as well to boost my energy and get the day started. 

20 Jumping Jacks
10 Crunches
5 Push ups
10 Calf raises
25 Russian twists
10 Squats
20 high knees
10 reverse crunches
30 sec plank (maybe up it to a minute once I've gotten comfortable at 30)
15 sec side plank

If you sit down and just take some time to work on new goals, you will find yourself motivated and ready to kick some butt.

As Summer has started, I am slightly adjusting my diet, trying to make the healthiest choices possible. I am ready to give my metabolism a boost, never skip a workout (even if I can't hit the gym, there are home workouts that can be done!). I can even pull out my rollerblades and check out the scenery! So, really there is no excuse for me to be lazy with all the activities and planning around me.

I hope my readers feel motivated, especially if you are like me and  had a set back due to sickness, never give up and keep going after what you want!

- XO

Beat the winter blues

 With Holidays coming full speed toward us, it tends to leave us feeling lethargic. I unfortunately feel this way during the holidays and tend to dislike the winter months because of it. I have taken it upon myself to snap out of it and get into a routine of eating right and exercise. This not only makes me feel and look good but it takes me away from the feeling like it is hard to make accomplishments with the cold. With the new year quickly approaching I suggest getting excited by trying something new and fun. Try working off all that stuffing and turkey from the comfort of your home as a start!


Some steps in fighting that winter blues:

• Plan a vacation get away - could be a few hour drive or if the budget allows, plan somewhere hot with a group of friends or that special someone

• Plan a night in with some friends to do crafts and baking. Or if you you aren't into either, get together with friends to find something new and unique in your city that you can try as a group.

• Continuously create goals for yourself - Whether they are small goals or big goals, make them. If you create short term goals for yourself, it allows you to consistently work towards something to keep you busy. It can be something as simple as writing in a journal everyday, or planning your meals the night before. Anything to help make you feel accomplished. Perhaps creating a dream board will work best for you.

• Exercise - This one is huge (for me anyways). When we exercise we release endorphins that make us happy and feel more relaxed. A quick workout at the gym or home can be a great stress reliever. Not to mention this is a great way to help you feel better about your appearance ( a great workout is better than make up anyway). Best part of all, exercise boosts your energy level. What better way to kick start your day or week?

       Here I have some great exercises that are easy to do at home

Abs:

• 30 sit ups
• 50 reverse crunches 
• 30 air bikes
• 50 leg lifts
• 100 oblique crunchers per side 
• 100 toe touches

Repeat 2x

Booty workout 

• 30 jumping jacks
• 20 lunges
• 10 squats
• 10 plie squats 
• 20 side lunges
• 20 glute kickbacks
• 15 short bridges
• 10 side leg circles - each leg
• 20 glute kickbacks
• 15 squats 
• 10 plie squats 
• 20 jumping jacks

Repeat 2x

These are just some ways you can incorporate some fun activity into your life without getting dragged down by the winter blues.