Fitness Friday Fact #76

Recently I decided to subscribe to Barre3 so that I could do my Barre workouts at times that were convenient for my schedule.  Of the classes that I have streamed thus far, I have been incredibly impressed by the variety of workouts and the physical outcomes that I have experienced.

Today, at the end of my 60 minute sweat session, I learned about a modification to one of my most favorite yoga poses; pigeon.  The instructor called the move seated half pigeon and it had my hips feeling equally as opened as if I had performed the tradition pose.  

If you are not yet a Barre3 subscriber, check out these four variations to pigeon pose.  Your tight hips will certainly thank you!

((Photo Source:  http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/four-pigeon-variations-to-stretch-tight-hips/))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #75

Across the board, Registered Dietitians agree that one of the BIGGEST weight lost mistakes that an individual can make is "steering clear of healthy fats."  Since the 1970's, people have missed out on this macronutrient because it was deemed "unhealthy."  Rather than indulging in a handful of nuts or a slicing into an avocado, those who lived their life by the "false fat claim" made a habit of munching on sugar-rich, refined-grain products, simply because they were labeled as "low in fat", aka "HEALTHY."  

Knowing now that moderate amounts of fat in a diet aid in satiety, raise good HDL cholesterol, prevent belly fat build up and boost brain function, the FDA "re-evaluated its definition of what counts as a healthy food."  Stemming from a complaint made by the maker of KIND bars, the new definition includes healthful fats, like those found in nuts, as part of a good diet.  

With fats "fine tuned", the FDA has recently moved onto another vittle villain, SALT.  The verdict is still out, but stay tuned to hopefully see another HEALTHY victory!  

((Photo Source:  http://www.justsimplyhealth.com/nuts-benefits/))

Wednesday What Not #75

It is an understatement to say that the current forecast of 90 degrees and sunny has me ecstatic.  For the past few weeks, because of the unseasonable temperatures, I have battled chilled bones, runny noses and bouts of S.A.D.  As I prepare for welcomed beads of sweat, ocean filled breaths of air and increased Vitamin D supplies, I want to make sure that my skin is safe from the sun.  

Looking for safe, non-toxic options, this article published by Whole Foods helped my beach bag ready itself for the start of the sunny season!

((Photo Source:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/28/how-to-buy-sunglasses_n_3826859.html))

Tasty Tuesday Treat #75

In this fast paced world, it is no surprise that quick, few ingredient recipes are all the rage!  As a victim of that lifestyle, I appreciate the plethora of ideas that circulate around 3 ingredient snacks and 5 ingredient dinners, especially when those recipes are as sweet as this weekend's whip up!

Having found myself with 5 extra minutes on Sunday, I decided to make mini cheesecakes - minimalist style!  I began by baking 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies that would act as the crust for each individual cake.  Once those cookies cooled, I placed them into cupcake liners, topped them with a 4 ingredient filling, and baked them for 20 minutes.  

As hard as it was, I let the mini cheesecakes set in the fridge for 3 additional hours before taking 3 tiny bites ;)

((Photo Source:  http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/philadelphia-3-step-mini-cheesecakes-55102.aspx))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #75

Fitness Friday Fact #75

Happy "Seis de Mayo"!

If yesterday was spent downing margaritas, why not make today a fitness fiesta by finding an activity (and a corresponding time frame) that will help you burn off the 540 calories found in just one 12 ounce glass of "cinco de mayo" goodness :)

*If yoga or SPIN are your work out "go to's", feel free to use these custom calculators for your fitness fiesta*

((Photo Source:  http://wisefitnesscentre.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-much-exercise-does-it-take-to-burn.html))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #74

For me, no morning is complete without my green smoothie!  Like clockwork, at 6:30a after my workout, I put a frozen banana, cashew milk, PB2, cacao powder, kale and spinach into my Nutri-Bullet.  The delicious drink (which might also include a protein powder, pending the nature of my workout) fills me up and readies me for the day to come!

With my morning routine set, I was quite devastated to hear that "a disease known as Panama Disease has spread from Asia to parts of Australia, Africa and the Middle East.  It specifically affects the Cavendish banana, which is the fruit that consumers in the West are accustomed to eating." At this point Western sales of bananas have not been impacted, nor has pricing increased, but there is a chance that in the future the bananas that we have come to love will no longer be available as a morning staple.

Rather than buying all of the bananas stocked at my supermarket, I decided to swap my banana for a different creamy ingredient in my smoothie this morning, an avocado.  The combination, inspired by this recipe, included an avocado, coconut sugar, cacao powder, maple syrup, kale, spinach and cashew milk.  

Let's just say that I may have found my Plan B (Plan "B"anana-less)!

((Photo Source:  http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35131751))