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Understand Why You May Be Gaining Weight While on a Low Fat Diet

When it comes to losing weight, most people turn to a low fat diet thinking that is the best route to go. However there really is no reason to go on a low fat diet, or an all meat diet, or any other fad diet that is out there. Losing weight is about eating balanced nutrition. Fad diets will only create weight loss for a short period of time if at all. It typically just leads to yo-yoing, and most gain all their weight back or more.

First thing you want to be doing is paying attention to your nutrition and portion sizes even when you don’t have weight to lose. This helps you maintain your weight and prevention is always better than having to lose the weight. Ultimately you are here because you do have some weight to lose. Here are a few tips that will help you make sure that you have an understanding why you may have put on weight but also information about putting the right nutrition into your body.

Understand Why You May Be Gaining Weight While on a Low Fat Diet

The first thing you want to figure out is exactly why you’re gaining weight. What have you been doing or not been doing that could have led to the weight gain? Are you exercising or exercising less? Are you taking any new medications? Did you start taking birth control? Do you suffer from hypothyroidism? These are all things that can lead to gaining weight. Understanding where you weight gain is coming from will help you establish a path of nutrition that will work best for you.

Dos and Don’ts of Balanced Nutrition

Don’ts

1. Fast Food. Everyone knows that eating fast food is bad for you. Most fast food meals contain more than a thousand calories, which would consist of half or more of your total calorie intake for a day.
2. Fried Foods and Desserts. You need to think about whether you’re the kind of person who tends to splurge on fried foods or sweets. Figure out your weaknesses and you’ll know what you need to avoid most of the time.
3. Late Night Snacking. A good recommendation is to not eat two hours prior to bedtime. Snacking late at night can pack on the pounds.

Dos

1. Keeping a journal. If you’re not entirely sure where you’re going wrong, you can figure this out by keeping a journal of everything you eat.
2. Eat 5-6 Smaller Meals Every 3-4 hours. This will keep your metabolism working properly and keep you from being very hungry, which can lead to unneeded snacking or choosing snacks that may not be healthy.
3. Sleep 7-8 Hours Every Night. This will help to keep your hormone ghrelin at optimal levels. Excess levels may result in weight gain.
4. Utilize a Total Nutrition Shake for a Snack or Meal Replacement. High quality total nutrition shakes can provide you all of your daily nutritional, and make a great snack or meal replacement when used in a recipe to meet your caloric needs. Shakeology is a high quality nutrition shake that has been known to increase your energy, make you feel healthier, as well as improve digestion and regularity. Plus Shakeology comes in six different flavors and tastes amazing.
5. Cut out the unhealthy foods. With that said find replacements for those foods that really do satisfy you. Check out some of these healthy meal and snack ideas.

So no fad diet is needed. You will stop gaining weight and lose weight by creating a healthy balanced nutrition plan that you enjoy.

http://shake.gettingfittogether.com/irongal/101-healthy-shake-recipes/

Workout Routines for Women: Change Focus from Thin to Toned

So the question of the day is, what are the best Workout Routines for Women. Men and women seek out very different routes when looking to get healthy. Most men are look to lift weights, building muscle, and tone their bodies, while most women simply focus on cardio to get thin.

Unfortunately, it should not be focused this way. If you work out with the right program that combines lifting weights and cardio you will create a healthy body that is toned and the proper weight. When that is the focus, that will create the appropriate weight and a healthy toned body. Remember success is not always the number on the scale, but really about how your clothes fit. As you lose weight and gain muscle your weight will fluctuate but it is what your body composition is doing that makes all the difference.

Workout Routines for Women: Change Focus from Thin to Toned

When you’re designing a workout plan, you should make sure that you incorporate weight lifting and other toning exercises. In fact, the most effective plan is to have cardio, resistance training, and a balanced nutrition plan.

Here’s good news, there are plenty of workouts that can be accomplished without the need to buy special workout equipment. If you have comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in and good athletic shoes, you’re already good to go! Using your body weight can be a good way to begin a training routine that will shape and tone your body.

So how do you get started? With a proper warm-up of course. A good warm up with calisthenics and dynamics moves is always the way to go. This means lightly jogging in place for a few minutes; do some jumping jacks; or turn on your favorite music and dance.

Now it is time to move on to an exercise routine that focuses on toning and cardio, or toning one day and cardio the next. The more you mix it up, the more likely you are to have results. A couple of options for fast results include the 21 Day Fix, which is designed to get you toned and back into shape fast. There is also Beachbody On-Demand which gives you access to a vast library of programs that allows you to find a workout that best suits your goals. Beachbody On-Demandallows you to change things up whenever you get bored. This will help keep you moving and motivate you to achieve your goals.

Finish it out with a Cool down. Once you’ve completed your worked out you don’t want to just stop. Instead, take a few minutes to stretch, relieving the tension in muscles that you’ve just worked hard.

Utilizing these program suggestions will help shift your focus from simply weight loss to toning. This shift will help you reach your goals and gain greater results.

Eating Healthy On A Budget – Yes, It is Possible!

Eating healthy on a budget may often feel like an impossible challenge when you start walking through the grocery store. You look at the cost of healthy food, and start to wonder whether or not it’s really worth it. It is worth it, and YOU can eat healthy on a budget. You can fill your shopping cart with food that will fuel your mind and body without breaking the bank. The trick is to know how to do it.

Eating Healthy On A Budget – Yes, It is Possible!

Here are a couple tips to get you headed in the right direction.

1. Have vegetarian days. Reduce the amount of meat you’re eating. When you reduce your meat consumption, you also reduce the amount of money that you’re spending, which in turn frees up funds in your budget for other healthy choices.

2. Don’t buy pre-packaged food if you can avoid it. The healthiest nutrition is one that consists of natural, whole foods that have been acquired in their original state. That “fat free” or “low fat” packaged foods might be tempting, but they are packed full of artificial colors and flavors, not to mention being high in sodium and high in chemical compositions that you cannot even pronounce. You will be surprised by the budget difference when you pick up the individual ingredients for your favorite healthy treats instead of buying them ready-made for you. A good example is a container of hummus that costs around $4 can be made from a can of low-sodium beans ($1) and a handful of other ingredients that you may already have sitting around your home. Ready-to-serve oatmeal packets cost twice as much per serving than if you buy a big canister of oatmeal and sweeten it with honey. Plus it is just flat out healthier for you.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The high fiber content of most fruits and vegetables will actually help you feel full longer, which means that you’ll be less likely to come back and snack later. By adding fruits and vegetables to your nutrition, you not only decrease the amount that you’re eating, you also substantially increase your consumption of healthy nutrients that your body needs to function at its optimal level.

4. Explore alternative sources of protein. Try out nut butters, beans, and Tempeh for healthier alternatives to eating large amounts of meat. Beans and Tempeh, in particular, are much less expensive but still have great nutritional benefits.

There are plenty of ways to stay within your budge and eat healthy. These are just a few strategies you can use to reduce your total at the grocery store.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

When you start on your weight loss journey, one of the greatest challenges you may face is learning how to create and find Healthy Snacks that will help you with your Weight Loss. While you can alter your existing nutrition by removing unhealthy food you still need to some of those voids with other foods. Creating and purchasing healthy snacks doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it have to require a lot of time and preparation.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a fast and portable solutions to healthy snacking you definitely want to check out these health snacks. Here are examples of 10 great snacks, but check out the complete list of Healthy Snacks.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

1. Mini tostada

Spread ¼ cup of nonfat refried beans on a small tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese.

2. Frozen grapes

Freeze 1 cup of grapes and enjoy them as if they’re sorbet.

3. Greek yogurt with honey

Mix one teaspoon of honey into half a cup of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt.

4. Cinnamon apple

Sprinkle an apple with cinnamon for a treat that tastes more decadent than it is.

5. Strawberries and chocolate

Dip 4 or 5 (depending on their size) strawberries into 2 squares of melted dark chocolate.

6. Almost apple pie

Try 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce with a hint of cinnamon.

7. Jicama Chop

one and a half cups of jicama and add a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a tangy, refreshing treat.

8. Café Au Lait

Enjoy 8 ounces of skim milk with a shot of espresso.

9. Carrots with hummus

Crunch on 9 or 10 baby carrots with a side of 2 tablespoons of hummus.

10. Nuts

A handful of 25 pistachios, 14 almonds, or 16 peanuts makes for a nice “good” fat and protein snack.

Another superior snack that can help keep you on track and aid in weight loss and muscle gain is Shakeology. The great thing about Shakeology it is designed with the perfect balance of all your nutritional needs. You don’t have to worry about designing that perfect balance, and you get all vitamins and minerals as well. Plus it can fulfill that sweet tooth craving and in general will help curb your other cravings, and give you more energy. There are hundred different healthy shake recipes, so you will never get bored.

It is not about keeping yourself deprived, it is about choosing foods that will properly fuel your body, provide nutrients, taste good, and satisfy you. Also keep in mind that eating every 3-4 hours is also important in helping you stay on track and choosing wisely. Most tend to not choose healthy foods when they over hungry. Keep in mind that you never want to deny yourself a meal and it is also important to eat something small following an intense workout. Again Shakeology is always a good suggestion for post workout. It provides the right amount of proteins and nutrients for great post workout recovery.

Keep it simple. Just be prepared and never leave home without the snacks and packets of Shakeology. Making sure that you snack have your snacks and that you are eating every 3-4 hours will keep your mind and body happy and healthy. Healthy snacking is part of any good nutrition plan because it keeps you in tune with your body’s needs and demands. Don’t feel guilty about your snacks, just choose for your health.

Healthy Snacks For Work: FIVE You’re Going to Love!

My mom has always called me a SNACKER. She says you eat all day long. Its true. I eat and then count down the minutes until I can eat again...... So here are some GREAT snack ideas for those of you who aren't sure what to snack on to keep it healthy! I am PARTIAL to #5 as most of you know. That's one snack that I have daily and sometimes multiple times a day. 

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/healthy-snacks-for-work-five-youre-going-to-love/#!12

Most of us tend to think that if we eat three balanced meals everyday, our diet is taken care of.  However, it’s easy for unhealthy foods to creep in while you’re snacking.  Let’s say you eat breakfast before you leave home at about eight o’clock.  You’re not going to have lunch until at least one, maybe even two if you get caught up in work.  That’s nearly five or six hours during which your body will need some sustenance.  Most of us just end up taking a trip to the vending machine but how long are you going to feed yourself chips and candy before your body starts to rebel, in terms of digestive problems as well as gaining weight?  Instead, it’s a good idea to pack two healthy snacks per day, one for that mid-morning meal and another for the mid-afternoon.  Here are Five Healthy Snacks For Work that won’t be difficult to carry:

Healthy Snacks For Work: FIVE You’re Going to Love!

1. An Apple and a Tablespoon of Almond Butter.  You can store a jar of almond butter at work and carry an apple with you.  Make sure you also keep a knife at work so that you can slice the apple and spread the almond butter when you feel hungry.  And store the almond butter in a dry area.  An apple contains 116 calories and one tablespoon of almond butter contains 102 calories.  So this is a pretty low-calorie snack containing approximately 200 calories.
2. Whole Wheat Pita Bread and Hummus.  If you’re in the mood for more carbs and less fruits or vegetables, you can go with whole wheat pita bread and hummus.  Whole Livingrecommends this as one of the best snacks to take to work, as it comes up to about 187 calories per serving.  If you like cooking, you can even make up a batch of hummus and then eat it for 3-4 days.  Store both items in your work refrigerator and enjoy whenever you need a boost.
3. Whole Grain Cereal with Berries.  This is another thing it would be easy to store at work.  Just pick up a box of whole grain cereal, a box of berries and some skim milk on your way to work.  Store the perishables in your work refrigerator and the whole grain cereal in a dry place.  This gives you a lot of fiber and a little bit of sugar for a much needed pick me up.
4. Energy Bar.  This is one you have to really be careful with… You can use store bought energy bars, but as always you would be better off creating your own. Here is a quick and easy Homemade Energy Bar Recipe. If you don’t have time to make homemade bars, then here is what to look for when purchasing store bought bars. It is suggested that you look for bars that have more than 8 grams of protein per serving.  You also want to look for bars that have 3-4 grams of fiber per serving, 10 grams or less sugar, and stay away from artificial sweeteners like Sucralose, or maltodextrin.  The advantage of nutrition bars is that they are easy to transport.  However if you are using nutritional bars you do not want to rely solely on them as your snacks. You want to make sure that at least one of your daily snacks contains fruits or veggies.
5. Meal Replacement Shake.  For an easy snack which requires no preparation, you can try a meal replacement shake such as Shakeology.  Store these at work and grab one mid-morning for a filling, nutritious, tasty snack.  You’ll end up feeling energized all day long.  Or if you opt to drink one in the afternoon instead, it’ll help you shake off that afternoon lethargy.  There are many delicious shake recipes as well, that are easy-to-make.  Surveysshow that shakes such as Shakeology make people feel healthier, improve their regularity and increase their energy levels.

How to Get Fit Fast: Yes It Is Possible!

This is an interesting article...... I definitely agree with lifting weights, but I think that weights, cardio and nutrition combined is the way to go to get FIT and make it last. What are your thoughts?

If you are looking for help with nutrition and fitness and aren't sure where to start or are stuck in a RUT, email me at kristi.lynn.curtis@gmail.com and we can talk goals.

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/how-to-get-fit-fast-yes-it-is-possible/#!12

All of us want to get fit but many of us don’t want to wait six months or a year to see results. We want know, How To Get Fit Fast. When you start seeing results in a couple of weeks and your body starts shaping up within a month or so, you feel more motivated to keep going. At the same time, you need to make sure that you’re not overdoing things. Your body can only take so much, in terms of exercise and diet. You don’t want to develop an eating disorder or gymnorexia. So keep in mind that you’re treading a fine line when you follow these tips:

• Cardio, Cardio, Cardio. If you’re overweight, cardio is the way to go in order to lose weight. Doing weights will help you shed calories in the long run because muscle at rest burns more calories than fat at rest. However, you’re not going to see immediate results when it comes to weights. You’re only going to see them by incorporating cardio. You need to do the kind of cardio activity that makes you sweat a lot. If you’re going for home-based workouts, just pick one that keeps you working all the time, without any rest. The more you jump, jog and kick, the more you’re going to lose weight.

• Eat More Protein. If you want your muscles to heal faster so that you can put more effort into your workouts, you’ll need to give your body more protein. Most of us get a certain amount of protein everyday but you’ll probably need to up this number in order to build more lean muscle. Good sources of protein include egg whites, chicken and fish. Additionally, you could add a meal replacement shake like Shakeology to get about 16 grams of protein. Make sure you have one source of protein at every meal and you’ll see your body toning up faster.

How to Get Fit Fast: Yes It Is Possible!

• Lift More. If your aim is not to lose weight but to develop muscle tone, you’ll do so faster by lifting more weight. Many times, women are under the mistaken impression that if they lift heavier weights, they’ll end up looking more masculine. However, a woman’s body is just built differently. So it’s not possible for them to develop the type of muscle tone that men have unless they’re really lifting very heavy weights. If you’ve been using three pound weights and you want to see more results, it’s not going to hurt you to move to five pound weights. If you’re at five pounds, you can easily move to seven.

• Eat Fruits and Veggies. We all know that fruits and veggies are important if you want to have a balanced diet. But more than that, eating fruits and vegetables will give you the energy you need to keep going and will help you maintain your health. You don’t want to have the kind of weight loss which results in your looking pale and becoming weak. In order to avoid this, try to get as many bright colors as you can on your plate. You can also consult your fitness coach about whether you should start taking vitamins.

• Do Something You Enjoy. You can get immediate results by doing a number of different workouts. However, many of us get a little bored when we keep going for a full hour on a treadmill or elliptical trainer.  An incredible option is that you can subscribe to Beachbody On Demand where you get access to over 150 different streaming workout videos and you can pick and choose one that interests you. If you get bored of one video, you can always switch to another. Beachbody On Demand also gives you an incredible variety of on-line tools like meal planners, shopping list, as well as support from a Beachbody Coach at no additional cost to help you stay on track!  Plus, you have the option of doing something that is in tune with your fitness goals which may include weight loss, toning or advanced body sculpting.

3 Benefits of Eating Breakfast Backed By Science

EAT MORE and LOSE WEIGHT, that is my kind of awesome!!! Who doesn't want to eat more? Am I right or is it just me? I LOVE FOOD!!! 

Do you want to eat more but lose weight at the same time? Impossible? What if study after study after study proved you can?

In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to lose weight. It requires no dieting, no exercise, and no magic pill. All you have to do is not skip your breakfast. You’ll drop the pounds without having to starve. 

Indeed, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It improves your memory, keeps you energized, and reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, people who regularly eat breakfast tend to be skinnier, more productive, and generally healthier.

Need more reasons to make your morning meal a daily ritual? Well, here are 3 benefits for eating breakfast proven by research and scientifically backed.

Lose Weight

You might think skipping breakfast will help stave off calories and keep your figure slim, but studies prove the opposite. People who regularly eat breakfast are more successful at losing weight and keeping it off than people who skip their morning meal.

In fact, research suggests that what we eat is just as important as when we eat. One study found that people who made breakfast their largest meal lost an average of 17.8 pounds over 3 months.  And people who made dinner their largest meal? They lost only 7.3 pounds over the same time period.

3 Benefits of Eating Breakfast Backed By Science 

It might have to do with ghrelin, notoriously known as the ‘hunger hormone‘. Located in our stomach, ghrelin sends signals to our brain and  makes us want to eat, especially foods loaded with fat. It also makes us feel good, really good. In fact, ghrelin and cocaine activate the same regions in the brain, highly motivating us to indulge our cravings – even if we’re full.

So if you skip your breakfast, you’ll increase your ghrelin levels, causing you to crave high-carb snacks that are just too good to pass up! On the other hand, starting your day with breakfast 30 to 90 minutes after waking up may quicken our metabolism, regulate your blood sugar, and reduce your ghrelin levels (and subsequently, your cravings). 

Enhance Your Cognitive Performance

If you’re between the ages of 6 and 16, good news – breakfast makes you smarter.

One study looked at test results of over 1386 kids and found that eating breakfast gave them superior cognitive performance, especially when it came to memory and attention span. Now you’re probably long out of grade school, but the benefits are likely to carry across all age groups. Ask yourself, don’t you feel better, more alert and full of energy after a bowl of cereal? Imagine how you’d feel adding some low-carb, high-fiber and protein foods to the mix.

While you might not be able to say no to Honey Nut Cheerios, definitely say yes to top brain foods like walnuts, spinach, berries and avocados. Even dark chocolate, coffee, and sardines are cognitive enhancers and optimal breakfast choices. Not only will these super foods improve brain function, they’ll protect against age-caused cognitive decline and encourage focus and clarity.  You can even find a solution for your healthiest meal of the day in a nutrition dense protein shake, like Shakeology! 

Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

If skipping breakfast increases your risk of heart disease, than not skipping breakfast lowers it. At least, that’s what one monumental 16 year study following 26,902 male professionals between the ages of 45-82 claims.

Those who reported they frequently skipped breakfast had a “higher risk of a heart attack or fatal coronary heart disease … even after accounting for modest differences in diet, physical activity, smoking and other lifestyle factors.” The men who did eat their breakfast were 27 percent less likely to have a heart attack or die from coronary heart disease than the men who skipped this incredibly important meal.

The study also found that men who did not eat breakfast tended to be young, unmarried smokers who worked full time. Now that doesn’t mean skipping breakfast will lower the chances of finding your significant other nor will eating breakfast decrease your job opportunities. Rather, it shows that the lifestyles of these young men included not eating breakfast, which in turn leads to a greater risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

So there you have it; eating breakfast will help you lose weight, make you smarter, improve your health, and possibly just save your life. The question is now, what do you eat?

Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition

Not all of us have the time to prepare a gourmet meal for breakfast. Some of us barely have time to find our keys, let alone brew a cup of coffee before we’re out the door and on our way to work.

But if you’re looking for a way to lose weight with a delicious, why not try a protein packed and nutrient-rich shake? They’re fast, easy to make, and their taste is only limited by your creativity. That’s why there’s Shakeology from Beachbody. 

Not only can you whip up one of these delicious shakes in LESS THAN ONE MINUTE, Shakeology’s Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition that’s packed with incredible amounts of protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, prebiotics, enzymes, and many rare superfoods from around the world that your body desperately needs and craves.* Plus, Shakeology helps to significantly increase your energy levels, as well as reduce junk food cravings. 

And because Shakeology’s key ingredients are derived from whole food sources, your body will be able to easily absorb and utilize the nutrients you’re feeding it immediately.

Balanced Workout Routines for Women

Women often look for solutions for the best balance in their workout routines. At the gym you will generally see the majority of women on cardio equipment, while men are lifting weights. What is the real reason that men and women view exercise so differently even though a balance is really the best solution?

Since most women are typically nervous about using weights, but comfortable with cardio they tend to gravitate toward the cardio section most of the time. Most men have been trained to view an extremely muscular body as the ideal, and feel the only way to obtain this is by slinging weights around the weight room while ignoring cardio exercise. Unfortunately this is not good for either men or women, and a lot of times this comes with bad form in both the cardio and weight areas of the gym.

Balanced Workout Routines for Women 

The truth is if you want to lose weight, you will need to create a balance between cardio at the right intensity level and weight training that provides the appropriate repetitions and sets. The same goes for the desire to build muscle. It is always good to have some flexibility and balance training to round out a balanced routine, and it will enhance both your cardio and weight training regimens.

Here are some tips for a balanced workout routine for women:

Assess Your Goals

Determine what you are aiming to obtain through health and fitness. For example if you’re overweight, your overall goal may be to lose weight. Now you need to create smaller goals to work toward the overall goal. The first thing you will want to do is determine your body composition which is the percentage of body fat you are currently carrying on your body. To figure this out you can either go to a gym to have it measured or you can create a FREE account at Team Beachbody and use the body fat calculator that is found under Fitness Tools. This will provide you with your current percentage so you can set up realistic, safe, and progressive goals each month to get your body fat to normal levels.

Combine Cardio and Weights

To have a balanced weight loss workout regimen, you must combine cardio and weight training. The key here, is to be sure you are working at an intensity that will provide results. To know this you should know your target heart rate. Again you can use the tools on Team Beachbody to figure your target heart rate. A good daily balance of cardio and weights would be to alternate cardio and full-body resistance training. You can also do a combination of cardio and weights on your weight training days if you so choose.

Some examples of balanced workout regimens would be the P90X program which consists of 12 workouts that include resistance training, cardio training, plyometric training, abdominal training and yoga. Of course if 90 days sounds like too much you can always start with the 21 Day Fix Extreme. This program still provides you with that amazing combination of cardio and weights, but in quick 30 minute workouts that you do for 21 days.

If you are interested in a program that has a greater amount of cardio but still provides resistance training, TurboFire is a 90 day program that would work. You always want to choose a program that best aligns what you like and your goals. Of course if you prefer to do something different every day, you can always create a hybrid of multiple programs as long as you create a good combination of weights and cardio, and still allow for appropriate muscle recovery. A great options for creating a hybrid is Beachbody On-Demand. Beachbody On-Demand gives you access to over 150 workout programs plus a coach. With an online coach and Beachbody On-Demand you can definitely get the right mix of strength-training and cardio to reach your goals.

The Importance of Flexibility and Balance 

Flexibility and balance is an important part of any routine, and most of us don’t do it enough or do it at all. The more you stretch and work on flexibility and balance the quicker you will recover. This means less aches and pains, and greater results with your workouts. You will also be less likely to skip a workout because your entire body is stiff and sore.

Some strength and cardio programs already have flexibility and balance training as a part of the program. Even if they are a part of the overall program, it is still a good idea to take an extra 5-10 minutes after each workout to stretch the entire body. As you utilize flexibility and balance training you will see your overall performance improve, and that your body will truly feel better.

Get Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition

Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. I know you have heard that before, and we all know that not everyone feels they have the time to prepare breakfast. Some of us barely have time to find our keys, let alone brew a cup of coffee before we’re out the door and on our way to work. 

You do need to remember that if you’re looking to lose weight you have to have breakfast. If time is an issue then why not try a protein packed and nutrient-dense shake? They’re fast, easy to make, and your breakfast options becomes endless with your creativity. Make breakfast a priority and get total nutrition with Shakeology from Beachbody. 

It is great when you can whip up breakfast with one of these delicious shakes in LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. Shakeology is truly YOUR Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition. It is packed with incredible amounts of high quality protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and superfoods that your body desperately needs and craves.*

Plus, Shakeology can help to increase your energy levels, and reduce junk food cravings. Because Shakeology’s key ingredients are derived from whole food sources, your body will be able to easily absorb and utilize the nutrients immediately.

You now have everything you need to be successful!

A Rocking Low Fat Diet Plan for You!

Let’s face it:  diets are boring, and the phrase, “Rocking Low Fat Diet Plan“, it just doesn’t sound right, does it…

It doesn’t take long before you’re missing your favorite foods, wishing that you had never started this stupid plan anyway, and wondering just how many “cheat days” are acceptable before it’s considered giving up completely.  Low fat diet plans can feel particularly difficult to live with–especially if your favorite foods are bacon, chocolate, and cake (not necessarily in that order).  Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can put together a low fat diet plan that you can live with–and one that will work for you.

Don’t eliminate your favorite foods.  

Instead of denying yourself all of your favorite foods, which often leads you to splurge when you finally get the chance to eat whatever you want, consider looking for lower-fat alternatives.  For example, if your favorite meal is a big, greasy cheeseburger, check out a turkey burger instead.  Don’t think any junk food meal is complete without a heaping plate of fries?  Try this healthy sweet potato fries recipe, and you might just discover a new favorite.  You’ll be surprised by how many healthy alternatives to your favorite treats there really are out there–and before you know it, you may even discover that you like the healthy alternatives better.  

A Rocking Low Fat Diet Plan for You!

Can’t find a healthy alternative to your favorite treat, or think that the “real” version tastes about a hundred times better?  Allow yourself to continue to enjoy it both regularly and in moderation.  A small taste of your favorite treat on a regular basis will help keep you from splurging when you finally do get your hands on it, and knowing that you have your favorite treat to look forward to will help keep the rest of your eating habits under control. 

Shake it up!  

Consider a meal replacement shake or smoothie option that will let you have a fantastic treat without piling on the calories.  Meal replacement shakes can be made to taste just as good as a milkshake.  Need a little help getting started with a recipe that you’ll love?  Check out our collection of 101 Healthy Shake Recipes, which will allow you to try out a new shake recipe every day if that’s what you want.  

Don’t forget your healthy fats.  

When you’re on a low-fat diet, you may be wary of consuming any fats at all.  There’s a difference, however, between “healthy fats” and “unhealthy fats,” and you should be careful to remember the difference in your diet.  Avocados and coconut oil are two examples of healthy fats that certainly shouldn’t disappear from your diet; just remember to use them in moderation.

Remember portion control.  

Restaurant meals have gotten steadily larger, as has the American idea of an acceptably-sized meal.  It’s no coincidence, either, that the average American waistline has increased along with portion size.  The linked article has some great tips on keeping your portion sizes reasonable and your waistline slimmer.  

Don’t forget to exercise.  

While the weight loss battle is ultimately won or lost in the kitchen, your activity level will have a great deal to do with your final results.  The Beachbody On Demand library has a fantastic selection of 150 streaming workout videos that you can choose at your discretion, working out at home or on the road when it’s convenient for you.  

No matter what your low fat diet plans, remember:  you’re beautiful!  While losing weight and getting in shape is a great goal, it’s important to remember that your body is beautiful just as it is, and that you are fantastic the way you are.  As you go down the road of your weight loss journey, there will be peaks and valleys, successes and failures–and all of them are part of what makes you who you are.

7 Tips for Busy Moms: How to Exercise at Home

When it comes to stay-at-home or work-at-home moms, knowing how to exercise at home is often not just a matter of timing, but setting your environment, arranging something for your children while you are exercising, and planning out both warm-up and recovery routines. With so much thought required for home exercise, many moms do not take the time to exercise, even though they know the health benefits: physical, emotional and mental. 

With the issues faced by moms in mind, these 7 tips will help you take the time to exercise without undue stress:

1. Schedule – There is a reason the best classrooms have regular periods every day, predictable activities and more. There is also a reason kids complain any time a new teacher or substitute messes with the plan. Schedules are comforting and predictable, and ensure that life will have some structure to work around. When you are beginning a home exercise routine, it is important that it becomes a part of your regular schedule. If you have school age children, fit it in in the morning after they have gotten out to school. With younger children, exercise during nap times or quiet time. 

2. Set the Environment – In the busy living spaces we call home, there is rarely space to set up a complete exercise room. But, moms can set the environment by putting exercise materials out by some open floor space. Pick space which will not interfere with other family activities when you do your regular exercising. 

3. Set Your Goals – Exercise is an important part of healthy living, but the vague goal of “being healthy” is rarely enough to overcome the challenges to a regular home exercise routine. What motivates you to workout needs to be measurable (lose 30 pounds, run a marathon) and have a time frame. Without the motivation from a great goal, you will not overcome your natural inertia.

7 Tips for Busy Moms: How to Exercise at Home

4. Involve Others – As a parent, there are two groups of people who can help you exercise, free of charge. Friends and your family. Some moms don’t have enough time with their children, some don’t have enough time with their friends. Let that desire for fellowship push your daily activity. Whether it is planning that parent/child run your teenager has been begging you for, or taking a morning jog with a friend, the companion will inspire you to continue exercising, and vice-versa. With modern technology, you can not only connect with friends and family through home-based exercise routines, but also connect with nutrition and fitness coach on mobile computing devices. 

5. Regular Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines – Often a big obstacle to in home workouts is the mental energy it takes to decide what to do. With regular stretching and warm-up routines at the beginning of your exercise, you will have time to calm down and focus on what your exercise goals are. With a regular cool-down routine, you will be able to take time to plan how to do the rest of your day, without stressing about how to cool down. Don’t forget that your cool-down and recovery program needs to include quick nutrition like a quality shake.

6. Plan Nutrition – From the cool-down recovery program to your regular meals and snacks, nutrition is a key part of any exercise planning system. Get rid of the sugary and fatty snacks: yogurt, nuts and fruit, and cheese are all healthy, easy alternatives to the candy and bagged goods (chips, pretzels, etc) which moms so often use. Our “101 Healthy Shake Recipes” is a great free resource for building your nutrition. 

7. Plan on Failing – Whether you are just starting home based exercise or are a pro, the secret to a great program is it makes you stretch. The important thing about stretch goals is you often don’t hit them. This is a positive thing: you can learn how to better plan, set more appropriate goals and gain better health. Do not beat yourself up when you do not hit your goals, when your exercise takes too much out of you or when family gets in the way. Rest, recuperate, learn, and get back in the saddle. 

An exercise at home routine is only one decision away, so why not start your work outs today?

10 Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

Is there such a thing as healthy snacks for weight loss? That is the million dollar question. Because let’s face it, we all snack. It’s just the way we’re put together. A little something can provide a much-needed afternoon energy boost. Unfortunately, snacking can also pack on the pounds. For this reason, most dieters avoid snacking. What if we told you that there are a number of good-for-you snack foods that won’t sabotage your healthy weight loss plan?

In the interest of slim snacking, we are pleased to present ten guilt-free snacks that won’t sabotage your weight loss plan. Each of these light and healthy snacks for weight loss offers taste and nutrition and no more than 200 calories:

Greek yogurt and berries

Dump the contents of a single-serving cup of plain, Greek-style yogurt into a pretty bowl. Top with one cup of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or sliced strawberries. Drizzle with one-half tablespoon of honey and enjoy an indulgent treat that won’t weigh you down.

Hummus and pita plate

Slice one pita pocket bread into eight triangles. Scoop ¼ cup Mediterranean-style hummus onto a plate with twelve cherry tomatoes, six kalamata olives and one sliced cucumber for a light snack that provides flavor and fiber.

Apple slices with peanut butter

Slice a crisp red apple into six wedges. Smear each wedge with a dollop of creamy or chunky no-sugar-added peanut butter for a nutritious mid-day snack that will hold you over ’til dinnertime.

Avocado with cottage cheese

Cut a ripe avocado in half and fill with 4 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese for a smooth snack that will take the edge off your hunger without ruining your diet. Save the other avocado half in a zip bag in the refrigerator for tomorrow.

Tuna and whole wheat crackers

Dress a half-can of water-packed tuna with thinly sliced shallots and minced celery and serve with six whole-wheat crackers for a protein-packed snack that provides a healthful dose of omega oils.

Air-popped popcorn

Not only is popcorn light and tasty, it’s also a lot of fun to eat. When popped without oil, popcorn is guilt-free and delicious. Enjoy three cups of unbuttered popcorn for a mid-day or midnight snack that won’t sink your diet plan.

Baked zucchini chips

Wash a whole zucchini and slice it into paper-thin disks. Toss with extra-virgin olive oil. Spread disks in a single layer on a non-stick cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt, coarse black pepper and a generous dash of paprika. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes to make a yummy crisp snack that may offer significant health benefits.

Cottage cheese with cinnamon

Scoop a half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a bowl and top with several generous shakes of ground cinnamon. The cottage cheese will give you a nice serving of protein, while the cinnamon helps to process glucose in your system and prevent fat accumulation.

Black beans and salsa

One-half cup of cooked black beans offers a whopping eight grams of fiber that can keep you from feeling hunger pangs for several hours. Top with tomato salsa and wrap in a raw corn tortilla for a tasty treat that will give you a boost of energy without ruining your diet.

Turkey-avocado wrap

Super-thin slices of roast turkey provide protein your body can use. Wrap avocado wedges with turkey meat and dab with your favorite mustard for a wholesome snack that delivers a boost of energy without a lot of calories

There’s no good reason to starve yourself while trying to lose weight. In fact, in less than 30 seconds, an ultra quick healthy nutrition dense protein shake can stave off feelings of deprivation and keep your metabolism revved up. An active metabolism speeds weight loss, so moderate snacking can absolutely work with your diet and help you achieve your weight loss goals.

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