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Archives for August 2014

How to Pick the Right Workout Clothes

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Working out is great. Working out in the right workout clothes is even greater. There is a definite extra umph I put in when I’m feeling sassy in a workout outfit. The difference I feel may even be a little bit silly. However, when you catch yourself in the mirror wearing a rockin’ workout outfit you can’t help but push a little harder, work a little deeper, and hold a little longer. When you’re swimming in baggy t-shirts and loose Nike shorts, it just isn’t as motivating.

When I know that my body is actually showing, I work to push my belly in further when doing ab circuits, and hold the tummy in with every little move. Sometimes when I really want to challenge myself I wear my dreaded, yet encouraging, slightly sheer, white workout top. It shows every, I mean every, possible curve. If that’s not motivation, than I don’t know what is!

So simply to prove my point, I was forced to buy some new workout gear. You forced me! 😉

Alo

Athleta

Things I look for when purchasing workout clothes…

The Fit
Sure workout clothes are typically stretchy, but it’s really important to get a good fit. You don’t want it to be too tight in the underarms so that it’s causing chafing in the arm area when running, you don’t want it too loose in the tummy so that it’s falling off you while in downward dog, or you don’t want it hanging limp on your body, leaving you unmotivated. The clothing should fit well and cause you to involuntarily want to shimmy and shake.

The Materials
Materials are super important in workout gear. Workout fabrics have been made into a science. No more sweat pants and t-shirts, ladies. They have great options now that can help create air flow, which is needed when you’re kicking booty and sweating buckets! I look for Lycra products to keep the fit right and not lose shape. Nylon, or other moisture-wicking fabrics are great if you’re a runner. Cotton is a major no-go if your planning to sweat, which you are. In addition, compression products allow better circulation throughout your workout and quicken muscle recovery. Find the best materials that work for you and your workout style.

The Cuteness
Of course, the style and look. I want my workout clothes to be cute and easy to transition from gym to errands. If a workout outfit works to run to the store in, it’s a win win! Even some workout tops are possible, and acceptable, to pair with a maxi and heels (I’m not lying.) Check out this adorable workout top.  Perfect for a girl’s happy hour! If I could wear workout clothes all day, every day, I’d be a different person.

My Favorite Workout Brands:

Athleta
LuLu Lemon
Alo Yoga
Zella Activewear
Splits 59
Nike

Athleta and Alo are conveniently having great sales right now too, so check it out!

What’s your favorite workout outfit look?

30 Minutes to an Impressive Lemon Orange Roughy Dish

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Fish is super delicious and healthy for you! It’s a great alternative to other meats while still getting the necessary protein for your body. Fish is high in protein, low in fat and has a large range of benefits for your body!

White fish (like orange roughy) is lower fat than any other protein from any animal.  Eating fish provides your body with the essential omega 3s. Your body can’t make enough of this particular essential nutrient by itself so…let’s eat more fish!

This recipe is super simple and delicious! The fancy look will fool any dinner guests that you were in the kitchen sweating for hours! But between you and me, it’s complete and on the table in about 30 minutes.  You could make this in a complete daze and it will still taste heavenly.

But be careful, watch the fish! Nothing ruins fish like overcooking. If the fish cooks too long the texture becomes too rubbery. You want to have a flakey texture.

Serve hot! Be sure that everyone is actually ready to eat before you serve. Or you could end up with some very cold fish which is never good.

This dish is a lot about your preference. I have added cilantro as a special fun taste to the fish. But I love cilantro, so it makes sense! If you don’t, skip it and it will still be delish!

Ingredients::
1 Pd Orange Roughy
2 Tsp Olive Oil
1 Lemon
Sprinkle of Scallions
Grape Tomatoes
Sprinkle of Salt
Cilantro*

Directions: 
Place orange roughy in pan and drizzle the olive oil over it
Chop the scallions, tomatoes, lemon and cilantro*
Cook orange roughee at 375 degrees for around 30 minutes

1 Obvious Tip to Live Life Unfrazzled

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It is way too easy to say yes to everything until your a lunatic rather then just saying no. If you’re like me, you hate the idea of disappointing anyone. It’s easy to be pulled in so many directions that you wind up a scary monster stressed to its max. Slightly defeats the purpose of helping in the first place.

Every once in awhile I feel this way, and then do not like who I have become or why I have become that way.

But! We are free from having to live that way and should be seeking to please The Lord not others.

Listen to this excerpt from Jesus Calling.

“Find Freedom through seeking to please me above all else. You can have only one Master. When you let other’s expectations drive you, you scatter your energy to the winds. Your own desire to look good can also drain your energy. I am your Master, and I do not drive you to be what you are not. Your pretense displeases me. Concentrate on staying close to Me at all times.”

Yup, that about covers it. Focus on doing what you’re called to do and shake off those other responsibilities that have made you so frazzled and uncentered. Easier said then done, I know. But try! You never know where it may lead you!

Getting to enjoy the beauty of Oklahoma today and take in some sunshine.

Have a good week!

1 Month Without Gluten and Results

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Check out my findings!

Let’s face it, when you are desperately wanting to lose some fat or simply tone up, you’ll try anything and everything! The latest craze has been going gluten free, never mind if you have celiac disease or not. People who aren’t gluten intolerant have been trying this in masses as a new form of a diet.

Now, I understand wanting to eat healthy by limiting sugar, carb, fat intake… but is completely swearing off gluten truly a viable option for you? And does it truly make you feel better in your body?

So I decided to test this whole gluten free thing out for an entire month to see, and then, share my results with you.

Initial Thoughts

I’m proud to say it really wasn’t as challenging as I had thought. Especially with all of those “gluten free” alternative products that have been fully stocked onto shelves in the last couple months. My grocery store has an entire row dedicated to gluten free options now. Sounds like the food brands have caught on to this trend.

So what did I eat?

I ate a lot of quinoa, veggies, fruit, chicken, eggs, beans, nuts, salmon and a whole ton of nut butters. Too much nut butters. The most challenging time was definitely when my month fell on Fourth of July weekend. Meaning, no beer, hamburger buns, tortilla chips, cookies, pastas… basically everything you would want to eat that day. But I did it! I didn’t want to jeopardize giving you the accurate results.

So did I feel different? 
The first two weeks passed, and I legitimately didn’t feel any better or different than usual, hence, I’m not gluten intolerant. There was no noticeable change in my energy levels or weight. Then, the second week, something strange occurred. Abdominal. Pain. YOW! It was unreal. If you remember my post on the importance of your health, you’ll remember me describing going to the hospital and the pain. Well, after some research and chatting with my brilliant in-training nurse roomie, I have come to the conclusion that my strange stomach pain was from completely cutting gluten out of my diet, cold turkey.

This sure shows how incredible your body is, it notices after 2 and a half weeks if you have changed something up! Me completely cutting out gluten with no warning really confused my body and must of really hurt my stomach’s feelings, resulting in it showing me terrible cramping pain. After about 5 days the pain subsided (I continued with no gluten and fought through so I could give results.)

My Personal Results 

The next two weeks passed and here we are, August 1. A full month. Let me tell you, I really don’t see and don’t feel different. So, in conclusion to my own “study” I state again my motto, it’s all about moderation. If you’re not gluten intolerant I really do not think it’s necessary to completely cut out gluten from your diet. It’s obviously not the most healthy thing for you, but it’s not this terrible never eat again thing either. You’re still indulging in fries, candy, pop, etc every once in awhile aren’t you? I will personally be treating gluten like that too. I will guiltily admit to you that the first things I had were my mother’s homemade chocolate chip cookies, and a slice (or 3) of pizza.

I cant say goodbye to these forever…TREAT YOURSELF! 🙂

 
Plus, “gluten free” products are typically higher caloric, higher fat, and 2x higher cost. Brands have took note on people’s recent gluten free craze and are largely profiting. Don’t let them get you!

Of course, if you have celiac disease, proud of you for resisting gluten, and sorry you can’t have it! But like I said, I didn’t find it unmanageable.

What are your thoughts on gluten free if you’re not gluten intolerant?