Plans For Summer: Goals & How To Achieve Them

Summer is finally here (WOOO!!), well after my one exam Tuesday I will officially be done for the semester. This summer will be dedicated to getting healthy and fit. I will try and post every week or month what workouts I am doing and what I’m eating. This will also help me stay on track for the summer because I really want to see a change.

 

Summer gives me more time to focus on my fitness goals

Summer gives me more time to focus on my fitness goals

 

I don’t think I’m fat or anything like that but it’s just time for me to be the best I can be. I do want to try to lose 5-10 pounds though. I feel like that will boost my energy significantly while I’m on the tennis court or running or doing anything! I play tennis and will be transferring in the Fall to a new university and I definitely want to show I deserve to be there. Being on a diet is different than trying to be healthy. I love my sweets but I need to cut back on these and eat a lot more of what’s good for my body.

This is so true

This is so true

This past semester I developed a different outlook on eating. I don’t eat the healthiest but I DO EAT. I realized I was still starving my body. Starving it of nutrients and vitamins. If you don’t eat foods that your body will use and just eat empty calories (like cake, cookies, chips, soda,etc.) your body is still starving. You want to feed your body with vitamin-rich foods that will help you live a better and healthier life.

Eat Clean

Eat Clean

You can write to me with questions or ask me for  workout advice. I will try and post more regularly on health topics, workouts, and motivation to keep you moving forward towards whatever goals you have set for yourself.

Best Thing Ever!

Best Thing Ever!

Set goals:

Main Goal:  I want to get in top shape for tennis. I’m going to try and play 6 times a week. I want to improve my game to feel confident that I have what it takes to be a top player.

To achieve this:

1. Run a little bit every day. I want to get into the habit of running at least a 2 – 3 mile cool down after every time I play tennis.

2.  Eat clean and eat smart.

3. Lift 3 times a week. Do some free weight workouts.

4. Jump rope and do footwork drills to improve my speed on the court.

5. Standup paddle board more. I finally went yesterday after a 2 month break and I need to do it more. It’s a great workout. It makes every large muscle group work.

Everyone should write their goals down and include a plan on how to achieve them. This is the first step to making it happen.

 

SUPER Exclusive Sneak Peek. Plus GIVEAWAY details!

You are a runner. You are always on the move. You work hard. You live life with no dull moment. Therefore, Injinji socks are perfect for you. You may have had your fair share of blisters, dirt and grime and any other hazardous things you can think of that make your socks get pushed to their limits. And socks often go unnoticed. Many people put all of their thought and focus into their shoes. But what about your little piggly wiggly’s? They need more then just a shoe.

Save those piggies people. 

All the way from San Diego, Injinji is a company with a unique approach: a 5-toe sleeve design. Performance 2.0 will be unleashed on Wednesday, January 23rd, when Injinji’s new website goes live.

But wait! There’s more! 

Injinji plans to unveil their new website on Jan 23rd and you dear reader, get an exclusive sneak peek of what you can expect from this fabulous brand!  Visit my blog on January 23rd for details on how to win a GRIP of these fancy new socks! More details to come about this special giveaway for my followers. Follow FitBodyNow if you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Friends don’t let friends wear crappy socks.

 

 

 

Just For My Followers: A Free Gift For You!

Here is a special holiday gift for all my followers. If you are looking for a little something that will help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution to get healthy and fit, here is a gift for you!

All you have to do is pay shipping to receive a box of goodies of your favorite items! It will contain anything from a protein bar to athletic gear to an organic beverage.  Each box is different so I can’t give exact items, but it will have 8-12 items and over $100 in value. This is great for men AND women so everyone can enjoy!

This is a FREE code to help you start the New Year off with a kick! Go to this link:

http://www.klutchclub.com/best-of-box/

And enter:

FITBODY

Choose Men or Women’s and press add to cart. Then, enter the code. It will remove the price of the box and just leave the price of the shipping. It’s as simple as that!

HAPPY HOLIDAY’S EVERYONE!

KLUTCHclub

 

Healthy: Beyond Diet And Exercise

Many people forget that being healthy is a lifestyle and it is more complex then just exercising and eating right. I made a list of some things we may forget to do everyday. We are all busy and sometimes forget the simplest tasks.

Hygiene: Hygiene is a big category when it comes to being healthy.

1. Brush/Floss Teeth: I know this has been drilled into your heads… but I will admit that even I ONLY occasionally floss(this post is for me too). You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and don’t skimp out on the toothpaste. Also, if you have a manual brush and not electric, that is when flossing becomes even more important. Flossing once a day, before bed preferable, will make a difference in your teeth. With my mom being a dentist, I get this lecture all the time. Flossing will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease such as gingivitis. Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it breaks up and removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. My dentist tells me that I’m starting to get gingivitis because I don’t floss regularly so that made me want to warn everyone else what may come, I NEED TO START FLOSSING!! It takes 21 days to make a habit so let’s start today!

2. Clip Your Nails: Your nails tell a lot about your health. Their texture, their shape, their color are all key factors. I was going to tell you about it but this video says it all. And don’t find it weird if you are looking at your nails the whole video or trying the tests afterwards… that’s what I did. Your nails can tell you if you have an iron deficiency, melanoma, and problems in your glands. Determining how often to cut your fingernails and toenails is different for everyone. It is recommended to do so regularly, such as once a week. Also, when you trim them, make sure not to leave jagged edges that could catch on clothing and tear the nail. I find it easiest to trim my nails after a shower or bath. The nails become softer after they have been soaking in water and therefore are easier to trim. Furthermore, fingernails grow faster than toenails, and the nails on your middle and ring fingers grow faster than the others. Nails on your dominant hand might also grow faster than those on your other hand so watch for that!

3. Wash Your Hands: I don’t think I have to explain this too deeply but washing your hands regularly is something that NEEDS TO BE DONE! It’s healthy for you and others. No one likes being sick, there’s no time for that, so please wash them. Use warm water and lots of soap. Make sure to scrub for about 20 seconds. Washing your hands is probably one of the healthiest things you can do.

4. Athlete’s Foot: It is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the foot. Wearing shoes without socks increases your chances of contracting the infection. If you are playing sports, I suggest bringing extra socks, extra socks are good to have. That way if you go out afterwards you aren’t stuck wearing your wet, dirty socks.

5. Washing Your Body: This is a VERY GOOD habit to have. Taking showers or baths regularly is a necessity to personal hygiene. Everyday you come in contact with so many germs and bacteria that you should want to shower to get it all off. Also, not showering leaves your skin and hair oily and greasy. This is not a good look or feeling. You will become more susceptible to pimples, zits and other skin problems. Overall, showering leaves you feeling fresh, who doesn’t want that?

Sun Protection: The sun has many harmful rays that damage our skin and eyes.

Hobie Polarized Sunglasses are great for not only style but for water sports as well

1. Wear Sunglasses: It doesn’t have to be summertime for the sun to cause damage, even on a cloudy day the sun can do harm. Harmful UV rays bounce off of the ground, water, and snow straight into your eyes. Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. It doesn’t matter if it is artificial light either because the same risk applies when using tanning beds. Be sure to protect your eyes in any situation, indoor and out. Here are some quick tips when buying a pair of sunglasses:

  • Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Choose wraparound styles. This prevents sunlight coming in on the sides.
  • Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.

 2. Wear Sunscreen: I see so many of my friends skip out on the sunscreen when we are out at the beach. I don’t understand why though. They always get the same after effect of burning and peeling. This is not smart. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn). I like to wear a sunscreen that is sweat proof and at least 30 spf. I don’t like spray sunblock because I feel like a lot is wasted when spraying on and it is easy to miss spots. Sunblock is expensive but that doesn’t mean skimp out on it, I definitely don’t want skin cancer and I think that would result in more expenses then just buying some sunblock now. Don’t forget to reapply too. When you are outside from 10 am-4 pm make sure to be reapplying at least every 2 hours. Especially to your face and neck.

3. Wear Chapstick: Seems easy enough but get some chapstick that contains a spf of at least 15. The lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body so you want to keep them moisturized and protected. Cancer of the lip can occur from over exposure to sunlight. This usual occurs in the bottom lip so always keep some chapstick nearby. But it is good to know that cancer of the lip can be adequately treated but still you want to prevent it.

Sleep: I know the amount of sleep needed is different for everyone, but still make sure to give yourself enough time to get the sleep you need.

I need 8 hours for me to be in a good mood and to be at the top of my game. Sleep can effect your body all around. It effects your daily performance, your mood, everything. It’s all connected. Make sure you have a good mattress and pillow that will help you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Stay Positive: Things will always get better.

Don’t be down about not having the body you want, or not getting the grades you want. Keep working at it. Great things take time. So stay happy, relax, don’t stress over anything for too long because before you know it, everything will be how you want it. You just have to remain positive. Keep reminding yourself to smile… even if you don’t want to. It can drastically change your mood, which influences the outcome of everyday. Most likely if you are in a better mood, you will do more things in less time and do a better job. :)

9 Healthy Snacks That Won’t Spoil Your Dinner

Smart snacking is the goal for many of us. We want foods to keep us on track but foods that will also satisfy that craving. The gap between lunch and dinner can be tough. And instead of overeating at dinner, we should eat snacks that help control our hunger. The best snacks contain fiber and protein. Here are a few snack options that will satisfy your hunger until dinner.

1. Peanut Butter and Apples. Apples contain Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Also, peanut butter contains protein, fiber, Vitamin E and other nutrients. Be careful on what peanut butter you buy though, some are better for you then others. Some variations to this snack are apples and cheese or bananas and peanut butter.

2. Trail Mix: Almonds, pretzels, chocolate (just a little), dried fruit, raisins. You can mix these items however you like. Make it your perfect mix. Or you could opt for a trail mix bar. Make sure your dried fruits don’t add any unnecessary sugars. I also prefer dark chocolate. Having just a little bit of dark chocolate a day can actually be healthy since it contains antioxidants. Remember to eat in moderation because nuts like almonds or walnuts contain many calories. Just eat enough to give your body the energy it needs.

3. Pretzels/Crackers with Hummus. There are a lot of different foods you can eat with hummus, veggies like carrots or cucumbers, go great too. Hummus is made of chickpeas. Chickpeas have no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and they are high in protein. Hummus is a great healthy snack to go to.

4. Fruit Salad. Making a great mix of a variety of fruits is a great meal. Pick your favorites and make a bowl. You cannot go wrong with fruit.

5. Popcorn. It is quick and easy. Also, a 100-calorie pack will keep you track. Just make sure it’s not covered in butter and salt. But popcorn kernels are actually whole grain and contain fiber so it will help you feel full longer. Also, there is more popcorn then you think in 100 calories.

6. Smoothies. These can be very low in calories and very delicious. You can throw in all your favorite fruits. I like to include orange juice and sometimes fat-free yogurt. Smoothies are fun because there is no wrong way to make one. You can use what you want and make it your own. Just if you don’t want to spoil dinner, don’t use too many ingredients because then your smoothie will big and filling.

7. Cereal with Skim Milk. Pick a cereal high in fiber and low in sugar, there are plenty of great tasting cereals that do this. They are whole grain and keep you full. And just have a little bowl. This isn’t a meal… remember it’s just a snack.

8. Toast. If you use the right kind of bread and butter this is a great choice. I love having whole wheat bread with just a little bit of butter and I finish it off by sprinkling a little bit of cinnamon sugar. But toasted bread with peanut butter is also a good choice. Just don’t douse the bread in butter and make sure to eat whole wheat bread. Another option scrambling one egg and making a quick egg sandwich using one slice of bread.

9. Fruit S’mores. Take graham crackers and replace the marshmallows with yogurt and thechocolate with fruit. So maybe slice up some strawberries and put them with vanilla yogurt in between two graham crackers. I think it would be really good to try this: Melt some chocolate morsels and make a spread to put on one graham cracker. Use a very thin layer, this will be way less chocolate then you put on a regular s’more and then use a banana slice as the marshmallow and place that between two graham crackers. You can get creative. You don’t even have to use graham crackers, maybe you would want to try vanilla wafers or a type of biscuit cracker instead of graham cracker.

Snacks can have many varieties to them. I like to find new foods that taste great together. These snacks are some of my favorites. If you have any of your own, please share them in a comment!

What Are Friends For?

We all have heard the saying, “What are friends for?” Especially right after our friend/s have done or will do something nice for us. Am I right? Friends can be a great help when you are trying to accomplish anything. Having their support can get you through almost everything. When it comes to wanting to lose weight or getting stronger, friends are truly the best.

How to get your friends to be all that you need to succeed:

1. If you are trying to eat healthy, tell your friends because they can influence you tremendously. I have seen it happen where a group of girls are going out to get ice cream, McDonalds, or anything that is not good for you, especially when you are trying to lose weight. And they are able to talk you into coming and drag you with them. You tell yourself, “I will just go and not order anything.” (haha yeah right!). That’s not going to happen. When it comes time to order and it gets to you, “Oh, I’m not getting anything.” Everyone will flip out and demand you order something. The peer pressure is horrific. By simply explaining to your friends that you are trying to stay away from fast food, desserts, oversized portions, etc. they will try to avoid putting you in those situations. If they are true friends they will understand and help you stay on the right path.

2. Ask your friends to go to the gym with you. Having someone come with you to the gym, gives you that extra boost. However, going together doesn’t mean talk that whole time. If that’s all they want to do, I suggest telling them you are working out too hard to talk (Works every time). Going with friends to the gym is great because they help you get that first step out the door toward the gym, which is the toughest part for a lot of people. Also, set up times to meet to workout. What kind of a friend are you if you cancel or don’t show up. Setting up a time to exercise with someone will get you moving.

3. If they are around, and they know you are trying to eat right, give them permission to take away that bag of chips you are about to binge on.You must do this. The process of giving up some of your favorite foods is tough. We all have those days we want to break down and give in. At the beginning of your weight loss plan, give permission to anyone that you hangout with a lot, to snatch that bag of chips or pint of ice cream out of your hands. Now you can’t get mad at them because in the end, you will be so

All you need to succeed!

thankful they controlled your emotions on days you wanted to throw in the towel.

4. Get your friends to share the same goal. Finding someone who wants what you want is the best. You can work as a team to accomplish your goals. Sign up for a 5K, 10K, triathlon, half marathon, marathon, etc. I don’t know your level of fitness so depending on where you want to take yourself, pick an event right for you. Sign up at the very beginning of your decision that you are going to change! Also, pick and event a few months out to give you plenty of time to prepare, if anything over prepare! Signing up will give you motviation throughout your weight loss and get fit plan because you have something you are working towards and always keep that goal in mind.

5. Be supportive in return. Don’t lose a friendship because you and your friend are trying to lose weight and one of you is losing weight/seeing results quicker then the other one. Be supportive to each other. Compliments rock! Who doesn’t like hearing they look good in their jeans?! Keep each other focused and moving. Do it for yourself too. Don’t get jealous! It’s silly. Use them as motivation. By looking at them you see it’s possible and you want to be next. You have to be fully committed. Keep working hard and results will follow.

Now, it’s time to get off the computer and get moving! Feel free to comment if you have ideas on how to work together to succeed.

Keep Going… and DON’T LOOK BACK

I just signed up for a 5k! Woo! I’m excited. My goal is to just beat my last 5k time of 22:40. In order to do this I must start training. The race is on March 30, 2012. So I was surfing the web, hoping to find doable training schedules and I came across this awesome website!  It has different races you are training for(5k, half marathon, etc.), what level you are at(novice, Intermediate, advance, etc) and it tells you what to do every day. It’s perfect! If you plane on signing up for a race and are new to running I suggest looking at this website. Running is great. I feel like I am getting into the best shape of my life. I feel more energetic. And I feel just overall healthier.

Running has changed my life. It’s new to me, which I love. I feel like I needed a change up. I control everything while running and all I have to tell myself is KEEP GOING. Thats all the motivation I need. You need to keep moving in order to get anywhere in life. It’s simple to. And I like simple. There’s no need to make things complicated. Also, here’s the 5k I’m running if you want to check it out. It’s through trails on a nature preserve. And what I like most is its at dusk. For some reason I have a hard time running in the mornings. It takes my body awhile to wake up… so 8 am – 9 am start times really kill me before the race even begins.

Inspiration, Motivation and Vision to keep you moving

It is true. Sometimes I feel that if I had someone motivating me or if I surrounded myself with quotes and motivation, I would never want to give up. I believe in order to accomplish anything, we have to be motivated. Motivation keeps us moving. Keeps us wanting more. And keeps us believing in ourselves. When I’m running… I get tired just like everyone, however, when my body is telling me “no” and my legs are about to quit, I make myself think, “I’m lapping everyone on the couch” or I tell myself to “think of the benefits”(and I have a picture of what I want to look like in my head). This makes me keep going and going. Seriously. It works. It’s all in your head, you choose what is going to happen. Here are so quotes that will hopefully make you think and make you want to keep going!

“No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively do have the power to change.” — Bill PhillipsNever think failure

“To feel ‘fit as a fiddle’, you must tone down your middle.” — Author Unknown

“Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don’t think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made.” — Patti Sue Plumer

“Don’t ask me why I run, ask yourself why you don’t.”- Unknown

“What fits your busy schedule better, exercising one hour a day or being dead 24 hours a day?” — Randy Glasbergen

“Commit to be fit.” — Author Unknown

“Health is like money, we never have a true intent of its value until we lose it.” — Josh Billings

“The only bad workout, is the one that never happened.” – Unknown

“It’s hard to beat a person that never gives up” – Babe Ruth

Be strong

“You don’t always get what you wish for, you get what you work for.” – Unknown

“The minute you think about giving up, think about what held you back for so long.” – Unknown

“I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done.” – Unknown

I hope that you write some of these quotes down or make them your screensaver. Put them places you will see. The bedroom or bathroom mirror is a great place because that’s when you see yourself and that’s what you want to get motivated to change. Inspire yourself to get fit and healthy.