NAKED

GREEN MACHINE.  

MY ABSOLUTE FAVE 

NAKED DRINK.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about 

MY SHAKEOLOGY 

=P

Stressed Much?

Whether it's because of your kids, the rain, your boss or a fight with your significant other, I think everyone should take 8 minutes out of their day to calm themselves from their daily stresses.  No matter who you are, you deserve it.

No one said that the mere act of relaxing oneself had to cost an arm and a leg for some massages and spa treatments (although those are nice every now and then).  There are several ways of lowering your blood pressure naturally and this has been clinically proven to be the most effective relaxing song.

Listen to this track during your lunch hour, when you come home from work or even right before bed.  Close your eyes and begin to release all the tension you've gradually built up. Ease the wrinkles on your forehead, loosen up your tight shoulders, and take a few deep meaningful breaths.



The above video parallels the spiritual effects that this composite song has on one's mind, body and soul with the wondrous effects of freediving.  It's a matter of being alone yet not lonely, of freeing yourself from all that surrounds you and simply being One with the universe. Although this video is less than 5 minutes long, you start to get the idea of what yoga and meditation and the like can do for your mental health.  If interested, below is the full 8-min track.

Namaste, my friends.

Happiness Comes From Happy Thoughts

"The happiest people in life don't have the best in everything

They make the best of everything they have."

Make it a habit to think of at least one thing that made you smile today
before going to sleep and see if that affects your dreams and mood in the morning.

Back to Basics

Sometimes the big picture is a little too big to handle.  

16 oz T-Bone, courtesy of Google pics

Like a 16 oz steak (God forbid you eat that big boy on the daily) it is important to break things down into smaller more digestible pieces.  Such as with any desired goal, it is important to consider the baby steps that will lead you towards accomplishing your dreams.  You can think and wish all you want, but nothing is going to happen until you take action.  Action -->  Results.

So you want to lose weight?  You want to get toned?  You want to fit your favorite dress or your favorite pair of jeans again?  Well, good for you!  But the question is how and when and where you want to start.

First thing's first.  Write down specific goals for yourself so that you know which direction you're going.

Now, what actions are you going to take towards enhancing your nutrition plan?  What actions are you going to take to make your lifestyle more active?

You need to understand that it's not about how much you weigh, it's about how much body fat you have.  It's not about how you look to other people but rather how you feel when you look in the mirror.  It's not just about how much you eat (although portion control is important) but moreso what you eat.

Google Image : 1 lb of fat

Dude. Gross.

1 pound of fat is equivalent to 3500 calories.  This means that if you want to lose 1 pound a week, you're going to have to cut down your daily caloric intake by 500 calories.  That doesn't mean you have to starve yourself, it just means you need to be smart about the types of foods you eat.  You can actually eat more if you choose wisely, and foods with higher nutritional value at that!

For example, compare the following foods ::

2 whole fried eggs = 150-200 calories

2 egg white scramble = 35-50 calories

Egg yolks are high in fat and cholesterol, whereas the white of an egg is low in calories and high in protein.

2 regular oreo cookies =  105-130 calories

1 medium sized gala apple = 100-120 calories

Fruits have lots of vitamins and the natural sugars can satisfy one's sweet tooth cravings.  Plus 2 oreo cookies wouldn't be enough for anyone.

1 string cheese = 70-80 calories

10 raw almonds = 70 calories

Cheese is good in moderation but if you're going to go for a healthier snack then I would suggest eating raw nuts.  They have a lot of good protein and they're quite filling.  A handful of almonds will hold your stomach for a good 30-60 minutes easily.

1 fried chicken drumstick = 350 calories

1 roasted chicken drumstick (without skin) = 180 calories

Well, this is pretty obvious.  Simply try to avoid fried foods in general.

1 can of Coca Cola = 140 calories

1 glass of water = 0 calories

Drink all water all day everyday and you'll be doing yourself a favor inside and out.  If you need bubbles then drink soda water and add some lemon for a citrus kick.

Although the calories I stated are a mere approximation, you get the idea of what is more filling and has more nutritional value for its proper serving size.  With each healthier choice you make you get that much closer to reaching your health goals.  Likewise, with each "cheat" you allow yourself, the further away those goals will seem.  If you can replace all of the above in one day then that would save you about 500 calories right there!  BAM!  Take these steps and you'll surely meet your goals in due time.

Be mindful of all that you eat and drink... imjustsayin! 

Choose Wisely

Just smile

Photo Credit goes to Steve Fabry

Sometimes the key to being happy is to just smile.
Once you smile, good things will naturally follow. 

Monday's Food For Thought

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Joe Lopresto is an incredible Beachbody coach from upstate and he shared this with everyone on Facebook.  I felt it was valuable enough to re-share it with you as this week's food for thought.