Sunday, May 4, 2014

5 Days to Incredible Arms



A nice set of arms does a body good, but most women tend to neglect their upper bodies while focusing too much on the lower bodies. Great arms can add spice to any simple tank top or strapless dress while making your overall appearance look sleek; however, building them up can take some time. Here is a 5 day workout plan to transform your arms from mediocre to incredible!

Monday
  • 20 Tricep Dips
  • 30 Push Ups
  • 40 Second Plank
  • 30 Arm Circles
  • 20 Burpees

Tuesday
  • 20 Tricep Kickbacks
  • 30 Lateral Raises
  • 40 Bicep Curls
  • 30 Reverse Flies
  • 20 Arm Swings

Wednesday
  • 20 Second Plank
  • 30 Arm Circles
  • 40 Burpees
  • 30 Lateral Raises
  • 20 Reverse Flies

Thursday
  • 20 Bicep Curls
  • 30 Push Ups
  • 40 Arm Swings
  • 30 Tricep Kickbacks
  • 20 Tricep Dips

 Friday
  • 20 Arm Circles
  • 30 Burpees
  • 40 Second Plank
  • 30 Reverse Flies
  • 20 Push Ups

Demos

Tricep Dips:
  • Position your hands shoulder-width apart on a secured bench or stable chair.
  • Slide your butt off the front of the bench with your legs extended out in front of you.
  • Straighten your arms, keeping a little bend in your elbows to keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints.
  • Slowly bend your elbows to lower your body toward the floor until your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle. Be sure to keep your back close to the bench.
  • Once you reach the bottom of the movement, press down into the bench to straighten your elbows, returning to the starting position. This completes one rep.
Push-Ups:
  • Get into a plank position with hands planted directly under the shoulders (slightly wider than shoulder width apart). Ground the toes into the floor to stabilize the bottom half of the body. Engage the abs and back so the body is neutral. In other words, flat as a… plank (ah, now we get it!)
  • Begin to lower the body—back flat, eyes focused about three feet in front of you to keep a neutral neck—until the chest nearly touches the floor. (Note: Some experts say a push-up isn’t a push-up unless the chest actually grazes the ground). Don’t let the butt dip or stick out at any point during the move; the body should remain flat from head to toe all the way through the movement. Draw the shoulder blades back and down, while keeping the elbows tucked close to the body, so the upper arms form a 45-degree angle at the bottom of the push-up position.
  • Keeping the core engaged, exhale as you push back to the start position as explosively as possible without leaving the ground.
Plank:
  • Start off on a yoga mat in the pushup position. Starting with the pushup position is the easiest way to get into the plank.
  • Lower both your forearms to the ground so that both your elbows and fists are flat to the ground. Your palms should be balled up, and directly underneath your shoulders.
  • Curl your toes under and engage your abs by tilting your pelvis and pulling your belly button toward your spine.
  • Straighten your body but keep your neck and spine neutral. Imagine that you’re a plank of wood, and that you’re straight as an arrow.
  • Flex your abdominals and squeeze your glutes. These are the two major muscle groups you’ll be working out in this exercise.
  • Hold this position, also known as the plank, until after the burning begins. Keep your eyes on the floor in front of you. Avoid raising your behind. Your body should make a straight line from your heels to the back of your head.
Arm Circles:
  • Start by standing straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Your arms should be straight out to the sides, so that your body forms a T.
  • Slowly start by making small circular motions with both arms on either side. After a few repetitions of small circles, enlarge your circles and do the same amount of reps.
  • Your end position should look the same as the start position. Breathe in and out, and release arms to the side of the body.
Burpees:
  • Begin in a standing position. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Now, lower your body into a squatting position, placing your hands on the floor in front of you.
  • Kick your feet back so that you are in push-up position. Keep your hands firmly on the ground to support your body.
  • Lower your chest to do a push-up. Bring your chest back up.
  • Kick your feet back to their original position. Stand up, and then jump into the air while clapping your arms overhead.
  • Repeat.

Tricep Kickbacks:
  • Kneel over bench with arm supporting body.
  • Grasp dumbbell.
  • Position upper arm parallel to floor.
  • Extend arm until it is straight.
  • Return and repeat. Continue with opposite arm.

Lateral Raises:
  • Stand with feet slightly apart, back straight, arms hanging at your sides.
  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing inward.
  • Raise the dumbbells at your sides to shoulder level, keeping elbows slightly bent. 
  • Lower slowly with control to the starting position to complete one rep. 

Bicep Curls:
  • Position two dumbbells to sides, palms facing in, arms straight.
  • With elbows to sides, raise one dumbbell and rotate forearm until forearm is vertical and palm faces shoulder.
  • Lower to original position and repeat with opposite arm. Continue to alternate between sides.

Reverse Flies: 
  • Grasp dumbbells, place feet shoulderwidth apart, flex knees and hips to lean forward.
  • Keep back straight.
  • Hold dumbbells below chest and keep arms slightly flexed.
  • Raise arms to sides until elbows are slightly higher than shoulders.
  • Keep upper arms perpendicular to body and elbows pointing up. Return and repeat.


Arm Swings:
  • Stand up straight with abs tight, shoulders back, feet hip width apart, and knees slightly bent.
  • Bend your elbows at a 90 degree angle, upper arms down by your sides, and face your palms towards each other. 
  • Keeping your body stable (no torso rotation), alternate moving your arms forward and back as fast as you can as if you were running. 
  • Focus on form, and you can hold very light dumbbells or weight plates in each hand (2.5 to 5lbs) to increase difficulty.


Saturday, May 3, 2014

Blueberry Oatmeal Protein Muffins


Muffins are my favorite thing to grab when I am headed out the door on a busy morning. They are very convenient, versatile, and you can make a ton of them at one time!  Here is my recipe for blueberry oatmeal protein muffins that I bake for my family at least once a week. Great thing about them? No added sugar or flour!

Blueberry Oatmeal Protein Muffins

Ingredients
  • 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 3 cups of rolled oats
  • 2 table spoons of melted coconut oil
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In large bowl mix together the applesauce, vanilla, and protein powder.
  3. Once all mixed fold in the blueberries,  rolled oats, & melted coconut oil.
  4. Place mixture in muffin tin and bake for 30-35min or until golden brown.
  5. Let cool and serve!


Friday, May 2, 2014

Smooth 8 Cleansing Water Drops Review




Hi ladies, I would like to introduce you to a company called Smooth 8. This company offers a variety of water cleansing drops that deeply cleanses your body systems.



I had the chance to review the Cleansing Water Drops. These simple little drops neutralize body acidity, eliminate toxins, boost your energy level, and get clear healthy skin. hese alkaline water drops are chemical, additive and preservative-free and can be added to any beverage, hot or cold to boost the alkaline level to a pH between 8 and 10, while also giving you your daily dose of antioxidants and the essential minerals you need to bring your body back into balance. Using Smooth 8 alkaline water drops is a cinch. Simply add 10-20 drops to any beverage (hot or cold) to transform it into a soothing alkaline antioxidant tonic. You can go through up to 60 drops per day to alkalize your beverages and still have plenty left over for the weeks ahead.

Overall, I loved the way the drops made my water taste. It definitely boosted my energy levels very subtly, yet surely. 


To learn more about Smooth 8, visit their:

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10 Lactogenic Foods for Breastfeeding Mamas


When it comes to the topic of  breastfeeding, many women want to know how to keep up a healthy milk supply and to avoid going dry. We have already busted the myth that exercising does not decrease your milk supply and how you can keep your supply up while trying to lose weight and working out. It is also important that you calculate the amount of calories that your body needs to keep producing milk. There are certain foods have been proven to help many women from going dry by their lactogenic properties; you may even have a few of them in your kitchen already!

Here are 10 foods that have been proven to give your supply a little boost!

1. Oats. Many moms have noticed that they had pumped more milk on the days they had oatmeal for breakfast than on days that they hadn’t. Though there is no proven scientific explanation, oatmeal is thought to be a calming food that helps you to release more oxytocin which boosts milk production. Oats are also a great source of iron; studies have shown that a low iron supply can decrease your lactation greatly! Oats are thought of so highly when it comes to breastfeeding that there are even “lactation cookie” recipes floating around with the prime ingredient being oats!
2. Flax Seeds. Flax seeds are thought to have lactogenic properties because of the Omega 3’s that it contains. As mothers breastfeed, their fatty acid stores are depleted within the milk that is being pumped or consumed by baby. Try adding some flax seeds to your morning oatmeal or to a smoothie for a quick boost!
3. Brewer’s Yeast. This nutrient supplement is packed with vitamins & nutrients that are not only beneficial for breastfeeding, but also aids in postpartum depression and balances the immune system. It is specifically high in Choline which helps transport fat throughout the body and helps replenish the body’s cells to aid in new tissue development. You can cook with this nutritional yeast, add it to a drink mixture, or take it as a supplement in a tablet form.
4. Water. Although water is not technically a food, it is vital to breastfeeding moms because as you nurse, your body becomes depleted of fluids. The more hydrated you are, the more milk you are likely to produce when breastfeeding. Aim for at least 8 glasses or 64 ounces of water daily.
5. Spinach. This leafy green is packed with tons of vital nutrients and phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are believed to promote healthy breast tissue & lactation since this plant based chemical is similar to estrogen. Try adding spinach to your nightly dinners by making a side salad or to a green smoothie in the morning for breakfast.
6. Garlic. Though garlic is not the most popular choice of lactation friendly foods, it has been shown to aid in breastfeeding as well as helping your baby to latch on and nurse. Some babies will acquire a taste for garlic while others may not enjoy it. Try cooking with garlic or adding it to a side dish. Garlic comes in the form of capsules to those who cannot stomach the taste.
7. Fennel. Fennel is a wonderful addition to any breastfeeding diet. This herb may actually benefit baby more than mom since it does pass through the breast milk as it eases digestion and helps to prevent colic. It contains estrogen like properties which aid in boosting milk supply. You may drink fennel as a tea or add fresh fennel to a salad or soup.
8. Oils/Fats. Healthy oils and fats are vital to a breastfeeding diet and should never be avoided. Babies not only need these fats to thrive, but breastfeeding mothers as well to produce a well-balanced milk supply. After all, breast milk is made up of primarily fats to nourish your baby’s growth. Try adding olive oil to your salad or eating salmon for dinner to boost your healthy fats for the day.
9. Carrots. Carrots contain phytoestrogens & beta carotenes; two nutrients that lactating mothers need. This vegetable also helps regulate hormones as well. Try drinking a glass of carrot juice in the morning with your breakfast or steaming a side of carrots with your dinner.
10. Ginger Root. This root is known to boost milk supply by contributing to milk letdown and allowing the milk to flow freely. Some mothers benefit from simply drinking Ginger Ale. Another way to use Ginger in your diet is to boil the root and make an herbal tea. Some mothers may also find it beneficial to add fresh grated ginger to salads or salad dressings. If you cannot stomach the taste of ginger root, you may take ginger in the form of a capsule.





Healthier Copycat Orange Julius Smoothie


Smoothies are supposed to be yummy and refreshing, but most of all, smoothies are supposed to be somewhat healthy, right? At least that is what I think of when I hear the term "smoothie." However, not all smoothie drinks are created equal! Did you know that a small sized Orange Julius smoothie packs around 400 calories-not to mention 54 grams of SUGAR. How about a healthier option that you can enjoy without jeopardizing your waistline?

Here is my recipe for a healthier copycat version of this popular summer drink:

Ingredients
  • 1/2 an orange, peeled
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • ⅓ cup vanilla almond milk
  • 2 tbsp vanilla greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1½ cups ice cubes


Directions
  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  2. Sip the sweetness!


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