Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Pre-Workout Smoothie!

I wanted a little treat for myself before my workout today, so I decided to make myself a smoothie! Instead of using a bunch of sugar and unwanted calories, I decided to replace them with healthier alternatives! Here's how I made my pre-workout smoothie.

First I wanted a healthy base for my smoothie and I didn't want to use milk, because that would be too much fat for me. So I decided to go with good old almond milk. It's loaded with protein and vitamin D! Did you know that almond milk is actually healthier than soy milk? Amazing huh?! :) 


Next for the fruit. I wanted something fresh and yummy for my taste buds, so I chose an apple and a pear.


You can't have a refreshing smoothie without some ice!


If you're like me and have a sweet tooth, go on and ad a tablespoon of peanut butter to your smoothie for that protein kick!


This was the outcome of my smoothie, I probably should have presented it better to you guys, but boy did it taste good! :)


Procedure:
Add the chopped apple and pear, the tablespoon of peanut butter, 1/2 a cup of ice, 1 cup of almond milk, and 1 sachet of splenda (optional) into the blender. Pulse for 5 times and then set it on low for about a minute. When the big chunks seem to be all broken down, go ahead and put it on high for another 30 seconds. Pour the smoothie into your favorite glass and enjoy! :)

xoxo
STEF

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Small Changes That Can Help You Lose Weight


Hi everyone! I have a bunch of pointers a tips that can help all of you, including me, on our journey to a new and improved healthy and sexy body! :) Enjoy!














xoxo
stef


Jojo's Knockout-Legs Moves


Hello my loves! I have a workout video for everyone today! I will be trying this out today so leave me a comment if you do too! :)



Hope you enjoyed it!

xoxo
Stef

Friday, September 21, 2012

Thin Thighs in 30 Days!

    I don't know about you, but one of my problem areas is my thighs. Not to mention those stubborn cellulite! Think nothing can be done? Think again! Here is a 30 day program to banish saddlebags and cellulite for good! You're going to need a ton of patience, and a lot of hard work., but trust me it will be worth it. I'm here with you. :)

Okay first things first.. What is cellulite???
Well according to www.medicalnewstoday.com, Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It generally appears on skin in the abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvic region, and it usually occurs after pubertyCellulite occurs in both men and women, but it is much more common in women because they are more likely to have particular types of fat and connective tissue.

What causes cellulite?
The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

Hormonal factors - hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.
    Genetics - certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.

    Diet - people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.

    Lifestyle factors - cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

    Clothing - underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.

    Okay, now that we know what cellulite is.. Lets get rid of it!

    STEP 1
    Walk it Out!


    One of the very best ways to slim your thighs and improve your general health and well-being is to get out and walk. That means briskly, and regularly.
    It doesn’t sound ­innovative, but did you know that with the right pace and route, walking can burn off more than 300 calories an hour? 
    And when you use the correct technique, walking regularly really can tone your bottom and thigh muscles incredibly quickly. In fact, just recently my mom lost a total of 20lbs in 3 months by just walking alone! It can start with just a few loops around your neighborhood, to walking a whole 10k! So I say get those rubber shoes out and get going! :)

    STEP 2 
    Work it Out!




    1. THIGH RAISELying face down, raise your legs from just above your knees, so your feet are a 
    few inches off the ground (above top). Bend your knees, keeping them off the ground, and hold that position (above bottom). Start with five ­seconds and gradually work up to 15 seconds. Slowly unbend your knees and, with control, lower your straight legs to the ground, then repeat on the other side.




    2. BYE BYE TO YOUR INNER THIGHS: Sit on the floor with your back straight, knees bent and legs wide apart. Place your left arm directly over your left knee, using your right hand to support yourself by your hip ­(pictured left). While sitting straight, move your right foot to your left hand and hold for five seconds to start. Begin with five reps, then repeat on the other side.



    3. KICK SOME BUTT: Sit straight, on the floor, with your right knee bent and left leg straight out (above, top). Lift up your left leg so that your foot is at least 6in off the ground (above, bottom). Hold for five seconds to start, then, with control, lower leg. Repeat on the other side.



     4. PONY KICK: Get down on your elbows and knees (above, top). Keeping your back flat, slowly raise your left thigh to about 45 degrees, with your knee bent and pointing your heel up to the ­ceiling (above, bottom). Hold for

    five seconds. Lower leg and repeat five times or more — before repeating ­exercise and same number of repetitions with your right leg.



    5. BALLET THIGHHolding on to a railing or the back of a chair, stand with both feet facing forward. With your chin up, move your right leg back with the toe touching the floor (left). Then raise your right leg back at an angle (not straight back) — lead with your heel, until your heel is 12in off the ground (right). Hold for five seconds, then lower leg and repeat. Start with five repetitions and work up to 20 or more. Repeat on the other side.



    6. THIGH CHAIRStand about a foot away from a wall with your feet straight ahead. Slide your body down the wall, until you are sitting with your thighs perpendicular to the surface (pictured). Hold this position for between 30 seconds and two minutes.

    STEP 3
    The Weight Off


    The diet part of the Thin Thighs In 30 Days is incredibly simple: you need to count calories. 


    That’s right, straight-forward calorie counting. No eating only a single food group, no crash diets or weird recipes to follow.


    According to a 2009 study by Frank Sachs, Harvard School of Public Health professor of cardiovascular disease ­prevention: "Weight loss depends on cutting calories rather than any specific diet. ­People can lose weight eating the food they like to eat just by eating less." 
    So despite what other diets would have you believe, it really is that simple. Eat the right number of ­calories and you will lose weight.
    So how many calories should you be eating?





    If you are fit and your muscles are toned, you’ll be burning substantially more energy than an unfit, inactive person — even if you’re just sitting on the settee.
    It’s easy to keep track of the amount of calories you are eating each day. All you have to do is total up the number of ­calories on the nutrition labels of the foods you are eating. 
    But do remember that though a ­calorie is a calorie, whether it is in ice cream or vegetables, foods that are packed with lean protein (such as grilled chicken, nuts, fish, low-fat dairy products and lean red meat) and low in fat, added sugar and rich in fibre (such as ­vegetables, fruit and wholegrain carbohydrates) will fill you up for longer.
    And they will help to keep you healthier than a diet of cakes, crisps and chocolate.

    I hope this helped you get an idea of what we are going to be doing for the next 30 days. I will be doing constant updates here to help you guys get motivated and stay on track!

    xoxo
    Stef

Project Runway Goodies! :)


Was so excited when I looked in my mailbox this morning, and found a package from Project Runway! :) They sent me super cute goodies! I can't wait to wear them!

The goodies they sent me!

 How to contact them:


I put a pick on Instagram to thank them! :)

Fitness Challenge Friday 9/21/2012 Day 1

    I don't know about you, but I just recently got into the whole "workout, get fit, exercise regularly" thing, and boy oh boy was it not easy! That's why I've decided to give you daily fitness challenges that will take minimal time out of your busy schedules to get some fitness into your life. Trust me, the hardest part is starting. I know, I know.. It is hard when you feel like you have already tried a bunch of times before. So you're asking me, "What's New?". You workout, and give it all you've got, don't see any results and think to yourself, "What's the point, I give up". That is exactly the point! DON'T GIVE UP! I'm going to be here with you every step of the way, giving you tips and pointers, and even throwing in some motivation for the both of us along the way. It's not going to be easy, but remember we got this.. :)

    Anyways, here is fitness challenge for day 1. Leave me a comment on how you did with this workout, and I'll keep you posted on mine. :) Enjoy!



xoxo
Stef

At Home Beauty Remedies :)

     Here are a bunch of Home remedies to solve your beauty problems! Simple and easy on the pocket! Just how we love it! :)

HOMEMADE DRY SHAMPOO
For those oily moments when you don't have time to dry your hair. (Perfect for my oily hair!)




COCONUT OIL DEEP CONDITIONER AND DETANGLER
Perfect for when you have dry hair that just seems to tangle even when you use conditioner regularly. Also great to use on kids when regular conditioner may be too harsh. :)




TREAT DRY AND CRACKED FEET
With only these two ingredients, say goodbye to those cracked heels, and hello to pretty feet to show off in those cute flip flops and sandals that are so in!



HOMEMADE FACIAL MASK
An at home facial mask to open up and clean out your pores, leaving you fresh and glowing! Who says you need to spend to get beautiful skin? :)



The wonderful websites I got these ideas from: