Really Good Article from CNN Health

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/28/fastest.fat.burners/index.html

It wouldn't let me create the link but copy and paste it

Round 2

So here we are again, it is about the time it was last year when I started this blog so I think it is about the time to pick it up and on these dreary snowy days remind ourselves of Operacion Verano. I do admit I have been pretty committed to working out since last year ( with a few breaks here and there obviously...) but with spring time hopefully around the corner I decided to start this up again.

I am facing some different challenges than I was at this time last year in Spain, it is no longer difficult to find those healthy foods, and I am no longer tempted by euro bottles of wine and beer that is cheaper than water, but having a full time job and being stranded inside due to snow on a regular basis brings up some new issues.

The first topic I want to address is how to ease those cravings for those savory, fattening items on days like today when we are trapped inside with nothing to do but open and close the fridge and going to the gym literally requires a dog sleigh. First of all I think it is really important to set some goals for spring and summer, and whenever you want to go take that bite remind yourself that you may be wearing bulky sweats now but in a few short months you will be on the beach, or at the wedding or whatever it may be.

Second I think it is totally possible to find healthy options that fill you up and satisfy your cravings, for example I try to incorporate more hearty meals like those based in grains like Quinoa and Buck Wheat. Personally I will cook up some mushrooms onions spinach or whatever other veggies I have around, add some spices and cook up some turkey or chicken sausage ( I really like the ones from Trader Joes) mix that all in with your grain and you will be surprised how full and satisfied you are.

More recipes coming soon :)

work/work out balance

I recently started a new job and have found it extremely hard to find time to fit in a work out, two weeks without working out and I feel such a difference! I tried waking up early and working out on the elliptical...it worked about once a week. I tried going after work and as soon as I sat down I was out of luck. I knew I needed a new strategy, especially if I want to fit into my work clothes. After some trial and error and a little tightness in my skirt I made a plan, and it has been working. Instead of going home to change for work I started bring my gym clothes with me. On the way home from work I eat a Kashi bar and am given enough fuel for a good 1.5 hour work out. I come home and although I am tiers I am very very happy and feel so accomplished.

great summer snack

My friend Lauren introduced me to the yummy summer recipe. Peel and cut up a cucumber into slices, soak it in white vinegar and a little bit of sugar and done! It is yummy and refreshing basically instant pickles. NOM NOM NOM.

Cottage Cheese- how I missed you

This is dedicated to John Tang- I hope I can inspire you

A lot of people think Cottage Cheese is gross, and to that I say you have not found your perfect cottage cheese. If you like yogurt you should like cottage cheese. I too was initially scared off a bit by the chunky texture but then I discovered Friendship cottage cheese which is not chunky at all but actually whipped and it has become one of my favorite snacks.

Health Benefits:
Nutrition wise cottage cheese is low in calories and fat and high in protein! Because it is high in protein it makes you feel fuller longer. Because a great snack or way to start off the day :)

How to eat it:
I personally like my cottage cheese with honey, it is also great to add in some raisins/craisins, almonds or even fresh fruit. You can also just add some jam. I also have grown to like the chunkier cottage cheese with chives and onion or pineapple.

I hope you give it a try :)

Lentils-the superfood!

Lentils- the Superfood


Lentils are a greatly under-consumed and valued food at least in my diet and those of my friends. After reading in a health magazine that lentils are a great tummy flattening food I decided to do some research, and this is what I found:

Lentils
-easy to prepare and cheap
-good source of cholesterol lowering fiber
-Low in calories but really fill you up ( 230 calories, .4 grams of fat and 0 cholesterol for a cup of cooked lentils)
-lots of protein!
-greatly reduces risk of heart disease
-good source of calcium, vitamin B and Iron

Basically a super food. Since I did my research I have been trying to incorporate lentils into my daily diet, and it is really easy to do so. You can simply cook lentils themselves and eat them as a soup, throw them into a salad or eat them as a side dish. Usually I feel like I need meat in my meal to feel fully satisfied, but when I eat lentils I get them same feeling of fullness.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

THe magic of Spinning

Since joining the gym in Spain I have gone way out of my comfort zone, aka trying things like step ( when I have zero coordination) and even scarier Spinning. Spinning had always seemed like the other scary very intense universe, and after being a spinner for 3 months I can pretty much say that my first impression was right, but with the addition of it is actually really fun.

Obviously the first class was terrifying, but very quickly you forget the intensity of the class and get lost in the music. Spin classes are known for having super loud popular music ( with a little bit of scary rock mixed in...)which help you to "get in the zone." When my first class was over I was drenched in sweat, and hooked. One by one my gym buddies have braved their first class and just like me become addicted; now our friends alone take up at least one row of bikes at any given class.

What you can expect:
Most classes start with some light stretching on the bike and a warm up with no resistance. The music quickly pics up so do you, as the class goes on you will vary the resistance from none to high and vary your pace of spinning. How many breaks you get depends on the teacher, in some of the classes we have a good 30 seconds between each song while other teachers don't let us stop the entire class. The teacher will instruct you to do a variety of positions from sitting to standing, as well as standing up and being vertical working your abdominal muscles. Not only does the teacher yell out instructions but throughout the class they yell for you to keep going and remind of things such as looking good in a Bikini..it actually makes you work harder. Just when you feel like you are going to pass out the music slows down and you begin the cool down, which is followed by stretching. I promise the hour will fly by and you will feel accomplished and inspired.

Benefits:
Amazing cardio
A one hour class can burn 500+ calories per class
You can control your level of resistance so if your looking for a more intense work out you can increase it or if you are just starting keep it at a low level and no one will judge you
Doesn't do as much damage to your joints as exercise like running