Sunday, August 26, 2018

Why You’re Sabotaging Your Weight Loss and How to Easily Stop

If you’re reading this, then you want to know why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop. Well, first, let’s start with the ways in which you are self-sabotaging. Do you ever tell yourself that you “deserve” that chocolate milkshake and large fry because you ate a salad for lunch? Have you ever used exercise as a reason to indulge in pizza? What about stress, anxiety, and/or sleeplessness? Do you use unhealthy foods to help you cope with any or all of those things?

If you’re nodding your head yes to any or all of those questions, then you have come to the right place. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. So many women and men alike are struggling with self-sabotaging each and every day. Our goal with this article is to discover why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop it so that you can be as happy and confident as you deserve to be.

Ways in which you self-sabotage

In order to stop this dangerous cycle and get to the bottom of why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop, you need to admit to yourself the ways in which you self-sabotage. You may do so for a variety of reasons, but at the end of the day, almost everyone does because of one common emotion: fear.

When we’re scared, we sometimes resort to food for comfort. Instead of dealing with the emotions built up inside of us, we choose to suppress them with food. The foods we choose, of course, are usually not healthy ones. We usually choose weight loss hindering options, like chocolate.

You may also be self-sabotaging through the fear of not having anything to work toward once you lose the weight. Do you thrive off of the idea of that “after” picture? Are you scared of what you’ll have to thrive off of if that picture becomes your reality? Well, you’re not alone.

However, you should start thinking about your situation in a different light. Think of it this way: once you lose that weight and feel confident in your own skin, you will have a better relationship not just with food, but with yourself and your body. Plus, you can think up a new “after” picture. More progress can always be made!

How to stop self-sabotaging

Now that we’ve addressed the first part of our question of why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop, it’s time to address the second part. Below are some steps on how to stop sabotaging your weight loss.

1. Write down how you imagine yourself once you’ve accomplished your weight loss goals

Just jot down anything and everything that comes to mind when you think of your future as a weight loss success story. Don’t hold back. This is your own, personal therapy session, and you do not have to show anyone what you write down. You’re trying to get to the bottom of why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop.

2. Write down possible opposite outcomes to what you wrote down in step #1

Regardless of what you wrote down in exercise #1, you will be able to come up with a scenario that is the exact opposite for each item. If you wrote down that you see yourself unhappy because you never eat your favorite foods anymore, write down that you see yourself happy, eating all of your favorite foods made healthy underneath it. If you don’t think that you can have your favorite foods and stay on track, then you have to check out some of our amazing SkinnyMs recipes like:

There is always a good outcome that can take the place of whatever bad outcome you think up! Change your reality to that good outcome by working toward your weight loss goals.

3. Write down why you started your weight loss journey

Did your doctor tell you that you could develop some health issues? Were you diagnosed with a health-related disease? Were you just tired of not being able to get around easily? Or were you tired of not feeling healthy?

Write it all down and then use those reasons for why you started that journey to motivate you to finish that journey so that you can fully answer this question of why you’re sabotaging your weight loss and how to easily stop. It truly is easier than you think, and the SkinnyMs team believes in you! We believe that you’re capable of overcoming this self-sabotaging and turning it into self-loving through weight loss.

For more health and fitness tips, healthy recipes, and killer workouts, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, and check out our Facebook page.

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How to Make Slow Roasted Tomatoes

In the summertime, vine-ripened tomatoes are all around us. The grocery store is bursting with heirloom varieties and the farmer’s market stalls are flush with the reds, pinks, and oranges of these beautiful fruits. Any tomato you choose is bound to be juicy and full of sweet-and-savory flavors. It’s absolutely the best time of year to learn how to make slow roasted tomatoes (also called tomato confit). Our recipe is super simple with as few as 6 ingredients. But, you will need a little patience as you wait for the tomatoes to cook. We’ll get to why the long cooking time is important in a minute. Before we do, let’s talk about why you should make slow roasted tomatoes in the first place!

Slow roasted tomatoes are the perfect way to preserve summer’s bounty so you can have sweet and juicy tomatoes all year long. One of the best reasons to learn how to make slow roasted tomatoes is because you can use them in so many different kinds of dishes. One of our favorites is with pasta – and it works with whole-grain noodles or you can go carb-free with zucchini zoodles. Keep things simple by mixing these slow roasted tomatoes with pasta before topping the dish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Buonissima! Or, turn them into bruschetta by placing them on toast with fresh cheese, like mozzarella or ricotta.

Once you’ve made the slow roasted tomatoes, you’ll love using them in salads, appetizers, and entrees. But first, you have to find a few hours to make them. It’s totally worth it, though – and we’ll tell you why!

Perfect Roasted Tomatoes Take a Little Patience

After you halve the tomatoes and toss them with the rest of the ingredients, you’ll have to roast them in the oven for three hours. That sounds like a long time! But, keep in mind that the oven is only set to 275 degrees F. What we’re doing is going low-and-slow. The process coaxes out extra liquid in the tomatoes to really concentrate its flavors.

You could try to roast them for only two hours, but the end result would be a tomato with a juicer residue. That extra hour in the oven is really crucial to drying up the tomato, removing as much moisture as possible. The result is a perfectly caramelized, sweet tomato that tastes like candy. You’ll totally understand the need for a long roast time as soon as you pop one of those tomatoes into your mouth!

One more piece of advice before we leave you to get roasting: grab the sweetest tomatoes that you can get your hands on. In Italy, that would be the small Datterini tomatoes. These are the smallest tomatoes available – even smaller than cherry tomatoes and much sweeter. You may not be able to find those tomatoes here, so taste the cherry tomatoes you can find and select the sweetest variety before roasting.

Now that you know how to make slow roasted tomatoes, the possibilities are endless. They’ll be in the fridge just waiting to create a fun, new dish. You can also pair these tomatoes with wine, too, depending on what kind of dish you add them too. In general, we recommend a full-bodied rosé or a white wine with a long finish and a good acidity, like Riesling.

How to Make Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

How to Make Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Yield: about 2 cups | Serving Size: 1/2 cup | Calories: 103 | Total Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 8 g | Protein: 1 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 300 mg | SmartPoints (Freestyle): 3

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 pound cherry or Datterini tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, salt and oregano. Set aside.
  3. In a baking pan, spread the tomatoes then coat them with the sugar and salt mixture. Mix in the capers then coat everything with the extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Bake the tomatoes for 3 hours and leave them as is until cooked.
  5. When cooked, the slow roasted tomatoes can be used for so many dishes. To keep well, store in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days.
https://skinnyms.com/how-to-make-slow-roasted-tomatoes/

Skip the store-bought bottles and make your condiments from-scratch, the SkinnyMs way! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to get access to all of our the latest guilt-free recipes.

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10k Training Plan for Beginners

Chances are that if you’re looking to train for a 10k, you’ve already competed in a shorter race. If this is the case for you, then you’re probably at least somewhat familiar with how a race training plan works. This 10k training plan for beginners will properly prepare your body for a longer race, even if it’s your very first one!

If you’re new to running, you may find the following articles helpful:

It’s important to understand that it takes time to build endurance. If you’re a running newbie, you’re not going to be able to run a 10k overnight. This 10k training plan for beginners will help you build endurance over a 12-week period. A slow progression is the safest, and most effective way, to train your body to run long distances.

Using proper running form will help you conserve energy, increase your speed and distance, and avoid injury. You should always warm-up before and cool-down after your workouts, whether you’re walking, running, cross training, or strength training. It’s also important to point out that you must properly fuel your body before a workout, feed your muscles after the workout, and drink lots of water throughout the day.

The Structure

Sunday & Tuesday

These two days will be your cross-training (CT) and strength-training days. Cross-training refers to performing different exercises. It’s up to you to decide what you do, but you can choose from walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, skating, etc. Typically, weight lifting is included in cross-training, but we have designated a specific workout for you to complete on each of these days.

You can choose one of the cardio exercises to perform along with your strength-training. The duration of your cross-training exercise is also up to you, but it is recommended that you don’t exceed 30 minutes. For instance, perform the Runner’s Strength-Training Workout and then swim laps for 20 minutes. The strength-training portion will condition your muscles to make you a better runner, while the cross-training exercises will continue to improve stamina and endurance.

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday

These 3 days are the bread and butter of this training plan. You will notice that as each week goes by, you will walk a little less and run a little more. Every few weeks, the duration of your workouts will also increase. This will slowly (and safely) train your body to run faster and more often.

Friday

Fridays are your rest day. Rest day is just as important as your training days; you must not skip it. Rest is essential to muscle repair and recovery. Skipping rest days will lead to injury and exhaustion. We’ve designated Friday as your rest day as it is the day before your distance run, however, if you need to swap your rest day for another you may do so.

Saturday

Saturday is your distance run. While all of the weekday workouts are time-based, this workout is mileage-based. You will see a designated distance for each Saturday. You will begin at 1 mile and end at 7 miles (during peak weak). While you may be driven to complete this as fast as possible, it’s crucial that you pace yourself. Practice your intervals, find your pace.

Peak Week (Week 10)

Week 10 is peak weak. This is where you’re training is at its most challenging. You will notice that your running time is much longer than your walking time and the distances are farther. After week 10, you’ll back it down slightly until race day.

You can do this! Let’s get started!

12-Week 10K Training Plan for Beginners

Week 1

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 9 Minutes / Run 1 Minute (Repeat 4 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 9 Minutes / Run 1 Minute (Repeat 4 times)

Thursday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 9 Minutes / Run 1 Minute (Repeat 4 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 1 Mile

Week 2

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Thursday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 2 Miles

Week 3

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Thursday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 8 Minutes / Run 2 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 3 Miles

Week 4

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Thursday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 3 Miles

Week 5

10-Minute Kettlebell Arm Workout - A quick and effective arm workout

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Thursday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 7 Minutes / Run 3 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 4 Miles

Week 6

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Thursday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 4 Miles

Week 7

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Thursday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 6 Minutes / Run 4 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 5 Miles

Week 8

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Thursday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 5 Miles

Week 9

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 6 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 6 times)

Thursday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 6 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 6 Miles

Week 10

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 4 Minutes / Run 6 Minute (Repeat 6 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 4 Minutes / Run 6 Minutes (Repeat 6 times)

Thursday: 60 Minute Workout – Walk 4 Minutes / Run 6 Minutes (Repeat 6 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 7 Miles (longest distance)

Week 11

Sunday: CT & Runner’s Strength Training Workout

Monday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Tuesday: CT & The Essential Workout for Runners

Wednesday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minute (Repeat 5 times)

Thursday: 50 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 5 times)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 4 Miles

Week 12

Sunday: CT & Leaner Legs Workout

Monday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Tuesday: CT & Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

Wednesday: 40 Minute Workout – Walk 5 Minutes / Run 5 Minutes (Repeat 4 times)

Thursday: REST (extra rest day)

Friday: REST

Saturday:  10k (6.2 Miles) Race Day!


Becoming a runner can seem impossible, but by following this 10k training plan for beginners, you’ll realize that you’re capable of completing anything you set your mind to. This program may test and challenge you, but if you can stick with it and stay consistent, you’ll successfully complete your first 10k!

In order to stay up to date on all of our future running tips and challenges, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

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Saturday, August 25, 2018

21 Easy Dinner Recipes That Are Heart-Healthy

It doesn’t matter which diet or wellness plan you’re following: eating heart-healthy foods is beneficial to your overall health. In addition to reducing your risk of heart disease, these foods help lower your blood pressure and keep your cholesterol in check. All you need to do is incorporate a few fiber-filled foods into your diet, eat fish at least once a week, and limit your unhealthy fats. Easy, right? Actually, it is, especially when you have a collection of easy dinner recipes that are heart-healthy. I’ll let you in on a little secret: these recipes all taste delicious, too!

The best way to incorporate more heart-healthy ingredients into your diet is to plan a few easy dinners. It’s a fool-proof way to eat more omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. We love this list of easy dinner recipes that are heart-healthy because they’re filled with tasty ingredients that also happen to be great for your overall health. When planning a heart-healthy meal, look for the following foods:

  • Omega-3 rich proteins (like salmon, grass-fed beef, oysters, and anchovies)
  • Nuts (like walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and cashews)
  • Seeds (like quinoa, flaxseed, and chia seed)
  • Berries (like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries)
  • Legumes (like chickpeas and lentils)
  • Whole grains (like oatmeal and barley)
  • Healthy fats found in avocados and olive oil
  • Fiber-filled fruits and vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts)

We also wanted to find recipes that had minimal prep and didn’t take too long to cook. We love slow-cooker recipes and using the Instant Pot for this very reason, but we also have some great one-pot meals on the list. So, without further ado, here are our favorite easy dinner recipes that are heart-healthy.

1. Baked Lemon Salmon and Asparagus Foil Pack

Foil packs are my favorite way to turn a complicated recipe into an easy-to-execute dinner. You just pop everything inside the aluminum foil, seal it up, and dinner is ready 30 minutes later. Clean-up is a breeze, too!

2. Easy Vegetarian Quinoa Chili With Lentils Recipe

Enjoy this tasty vegetarian chili filled with protein-rich quinoa and lentils. These heart-healthy ingredients come together to create a tasty, belly-warming chili that’s filled with fiber and nutrient-dense vegetables.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pistachio Pesto

This zoodles recipe is my favorite way to fill up on heart-healthy pistachios. It’s filling and packed full of protein, but feel free to add some omega-3 fatty acids by topping the dish with broiled salmon.

4. 5 Ingredient Spinach & Pasta Alfredo

Any recipe that has less than 10-ingredients is a winner in my book! This simple but delicious dish features heart-healthy whole wheat spaghetti, so you won’t have to feel guilty about eating those carbs.

5. Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mexican Quinoa

Skip the rice, which doesn’t do much for your heart, and swap in quinoa to create a zesty Mexican dish. It’s bursting with flavor from the fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and spicy chili powder. Your heart (and your belly) will thank you!

6. One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs, Tomatoes, and Chickpeas

It doesn’t get easier than a one-pan meal! This dish is filled with protein-rich chickpeas, which happen to be one of my favorite legumes. It’s saucy, textured, and savory – perfect for any night of the week!

7. Perfect Avocado and Poached Egg Quinoa Bowl

Eggs don’t have to be for breakfast! This poached egg quinoa bowl is the perfect way to celebrate protein-rich eggs for dinner. You’ll love the way the healthy-fat-filled avocado comes together with the crunchy quinoa and juicy tomatoes.

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7 Clean Eating Weight Loss Recipes to Add to Your Weekly Meal Plan

Do you think you’re doing everything right? Are you exercising 5-6 times a week, eating clean foods, and getting enough sleep every night? Well, then perhaps you’re not losing the weight you wanted to lose because of something else: meal planning. Planning out your meals can be essential to losing weight if you’re having trouble eating the correct portion sizes. That’s where these 7 clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan come into play.

If you’re already meal planning, but still not losing the weight, perhaps your meal planning needs a few adjustments. Now, don’t be embarrassed. This is a common problem. I, myself, had this problem when I first started my health and fitness journey years ago. I found myself in a funk–a plateau, if you will. The thought that I was doing everything right was in my mind. Turns out, though, I wasn’t doing everything right. My issue was in my food.

I thought I was eating healthy food, but I could’ve been eating a lot healthier and a lot less. If you’re in the same boat, then these clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan are right up your alley!

Whether you’re new to the health and fitness tool of meal planning or feel that you may not be using it correctly, our Guide to Healthy Meal Planning is a good place to go before reading this article. After learning the basics, you’re ready to get cookin’!

1. Coconut Pineapple Pancakes

Why don’t we start off this list of clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan with the first meal of the day? Breakfast! It is, after all, the most important meal of the day.

Yes, you can have pancakes and stick to your weight loss goals, too! Our Coconut Pineapple Pancakes are made with only healthy ingredients. Plus, they’ll send your taste buds to heaven and will leave you feeling full until lunch time, too! Add them to your weekly meal plan, make sure to eat just one serving at a time, and feel fantastic about how you’re fueling your body!

2. Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

After breakfast, comes lunch! Our Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a perfect lunch recipe to incorporate into your weekly meal plan. You can make it for lunch one day when you’re home, or whip it up for dinner and take it to work for lunch the next day. It’s delicious reheated, so you won’t be disappointed!

Shrimp is a great weight loss food because it’s high in protein, but low in calories and fat. It’ll fill you up and keep you satisfied. This recipe, along with the rest of these clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan, will have you coming back for more (but not more than one serving in one sitting, of course!).

3. Skinny Turkey Meatloaf

This recipe is another great lunch and/or dinner recipe that will aid in weight loss. It’s a perfect weeknight meal to include in your meal plan because it’s super easy and super quick to make. We have made meatloaf healthier by replacing ground beef with ground turkey. Ground turkey is always the healthier option because it’s just as yummy as ground beef, but has far less fat and grease.

4. Cheesy Spinach Vegetable Bake

You didn’t think I forgot about all of you vegetarians with this list, did you? Of course I didn’t! This recipe is super easy, super cheesy, super quick to make, AND vegetarian! Filling up on veggies is a great way to lose weight and since this recipe allows you to do just that, it’s a great weight loss recipe.

5. Creamsicle Chia Seed Pudding

Let’s swing back to breakfast, shall we? We can’t have just one breakfast recipe in this list of clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan. So, here’s breakfast recipe #2. Our Creamsicle Chia Seed Pudding is so sweet and delicious that it’ll have you feeling like you’re eating dessert for breakfast. The best part? You can actually eat this as a healthy dessert during the week, too! It’s cold, refreshing, and great any time of the day–especially during the summer!

6. Slow Cooker Fried Chicken

This SkinnyMs recipe is great for meal planning because you can actually make it one day and use the chicken multiple days in one week. I love putting some on top of Connie and Ted’s Celebrity Salad for lunch and/or pairing some with our Easy Garlic Lemon Green Beans for dinner. It’s a meal planning win-win!

7. Stuffed Bell Pepper Pizzas

Let’s end this list of clean eating weight loss recipes to add to your weekly meal plan with a healthier take on a fan favorite: pizza. No, this is not a joke. You really can make pizza healthy. How? By making our Stuffed Bell Pepper Pizzas, of course!

Bell peppers are great for weight loss because they are full of vitamins and antioxidants, they’re great for eye health, and they help prevent anemia. So, by adding this recipe into your weekly meal plan, you can get all of those benefits and fill your mind, body, and heart with the unbeatable flavors of pizza.

All of these clean eating weight loss recipes are full of deliciousness. Now, it’s your job to make them, add them into your meal plan, and enjoy every last bite!

For more clean eating recipes, amazing work outs, and healthy living tips, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. 

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Fit for Fall: September Cardio Challenge

As the air begins to cool and summer comes to an end, many of us develop a tendency to put exercise on the back-burner. It’s important to keep your health a priority, no matter what time of the year it is. In order to keep you motivated and on track this season, we’ve designed a fun new fitness challenge for you, the Fit for Fall: September Cardio Challenge.

This 30-day program utilizes workouts that will improve your cardiovascular health, increase your endurance, and help you to shed excess pounds and inches! These routines can be completed in 45 minutes or fewer and performed at the gym or from home! Scheduled, effective workouts make sticking to the plan easier than ever!

Healthy Eating Tips

It’s important to note that a combination of exercise and clean eating, is the best, most efficient way to lose weight. With this in mind, you should begin incorporating the following tips into your daily routine:

1. Avoid Processed, Sugary Foods 

Focus on eating fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. Check out the Ultimate Clean-Eating Grocery List. Maintaining a clean diet will provide you have more energy and focus to get your workout in each day!

2. Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is an integral part of the weight loss process. When you’re hydrated, you’ll feel lighter and slimmer because your body won’t be retaining water. Not to mention, drinking enough water will keep your vital organs functioning at their best for optimal fat loss. If drinking water isn’t your thing, read these 12 Easy Ways to Increase Your Water Intake throughout the day!

3. Consume More Protein

Most of us don’t get enough protein in our diets, especially if we’re following a workout routine. Try this delicious 10-Day High-Protein Meal Plan! In order to maintain muscle mass and lose weight, you should focus on getting 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d aim for 150 grams of protein each day. Protein is slow-digesting, so you will feel fuller, longer.

4. Avoid Soda, Diet Soda, and Alcohol

Try these 12 Clean Drinks, instead. It’s no secret that regular soda is loaded with sugar and calories yet void of all things nutritious. While diet soda won’t make you gain weight, artificial sweeteners have been shown to increase sugar cravings, which often leads to binging and overeating. Alcohol can cause weight gain, too, not just from drinking it but also the mindless snacking that usually accompanies it. Your best bet is to steer clear of all of these things this month (or always!)

5. Up Your Fiber Intake

Incorporate more fiber into your diet (aim for 20 grams per day.) Weight Loss and Fiber are closely related. Insoluble fiber will keep your digestive system regular, while soluble fiber will keep you from snacking and overeating. Luckily, following a clean eating plan will usually take care of this for you!

Now that we’ve got the tools we need to stick to a healthy eating plan, we can get to the workouts!

September Cardio Challenge

Equipment you’ll need this month:

What to do: You will workout 5-6 days each week. Perform the designated routine(s) for each day. You will have 1 mandatory rest day each week, but the option for 2, if needed. We’ve selected Sunday as your rest day (except for the final week), but you can feel free to choose another day that suits your schedule better. Thursday is the optional rest day, with a routine provided if you choose to workout. Rest days are just as important as workout days, as they are your body’s time for recovery.

If the workouts begin to feel easy after the first week or two, up the challenge by performing more reps, more rounds or increasing duration. You can do this!


Are you up for the Fit for Fall: September Cardio Challenge? Remember, committing to 30 days will keep you accountable and more importantly, on the path to success! If you need a little extra motivation, find a workout buddy to do it with you! The 30 days are going to pass anyway- you might as well make them count!

 

Check out these other Helpful Tips to Stay Motivated this Fall!

Are you going to participate in the challenge? Let us know in the comment section below! When September ends, tell us about your results and success stories! We’d love to hear them!

Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of our future workout routines and challenges! Also, subscribe to our Newsletter so you can receive notifications for each month’s free fitness plan!

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Friday, August 24, 2018

10 Fantastic Tips to Start Running Again

Running is one of the best forms of exercise that you can perform. Not only is it beneficial to your physical health, but your mental health, as well. These tips to start running again can help you safely ease back into your running routine. If you’re a novice, you should apply these tips to your running program from the get-go.

Most of these tips are essential to a healthy running routine, while others will help you tough it out mentally. Running is not just a physical exercise, but a mental challenge as well. You need to push yourself, but don’t forget to listen to your body. It’s not always easy, but with consistency, comes progress. When it comes to an exercise regimen, it must be sustainable to be worth it. Following these tips will make it as easy and enjoyable as possible, making long term success much more likely.

Related: 10 Reasons Running is Good for You

10 Tips to Start Running Again

1. Follow a Training Schedule

Following a training schedule will help you progress safely and effectively. We don’t recommend that you just start running. You’ll end up injured, exhausted, or completely burnt out. It takes time to build stamina and endurance.

It’s important to utilize a training schedule that integrates cross-training. Cross-training incorporates weight lifting as well as other forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as: walking, jogging, aerobics, swimming, and cycling. Swapping out exercises will keep you fresh and help you to become a better runner.

Read our Guide to Starting a Running Program or try this Running Program for Absolute Beginners

2. Get Fitted for the Perfect Running Shoe

I cannot emphasize enough, how important it is to have good running shoes. The perfect running shoe will act as an extension of yourself, offering support and comfort. A good pair of running shoes will protect you from unnecessary injury and fatigue. Check out out our guide on How to Choose the Right Running Shoe. Bonus tip: Once you find the shoe that is right for you, try to get ahold of last year’s version to save some money!

3. Build Yourself an AWESOME Running Playlist

Nothing gets you started and keeps you going like an awesome, upbeat running playlist. If you lack energy and motivation, put in those earbuds, turn up the volume, and hit the pavement!

Listen to one (or all) of our handpicked, running playlists:

4. Properly Fuel-Up and Hydrate

You wouldn’t try to drive your car on an empty tank, so why would you try to run on one?! Properly fueling up before a run will provide you with the energy that you need to get it done. Check out these 15 Best Energy Foods for Running. Your body requires food after your run, as well. Try these Top Super Foods for Workout Recovery.

It’s no secret that you need to drink water. When you’re participating in a running program, you need to drink even more. Staying hydrated will keep your muscles functioning at their very best, so that you can run faster, longer. Train yourself to drink water more often by taking the 30-Day 8X8 Water Challenge!

5. Avoid Static Stretching; Use a Dynamic Warm-Up Instead

Studies have shown that static stretching before a workout can actually be detrimental to your performance. Dynamic stretches warm-up and stretch your muscles, while also improving joint mobility. Decrease your risk of injury and try the Dynamic Stretching Video in our article, Which Warm-Up is Best for You?

6. Focus on Improving Form

Maintaining proper form while running is essential to avoiding injury and setbacks. When your muscles are firing as they should, running will feel effortless and more importantly, pain-free! Not sure what proper form looks like? Check out How to Have Proper Running Form.

7. Pace Yourself

Walk before you run. We’re not only referring to the beginning of the program, but you should always start out with a walking warm-up (after dynamic stretching). This will get your blood flowing and muscles ready to run. A good way to improve your running skills is to practice interval training. You can utilize walking, jogging, and running intervals to increase your endurance. As running begins to feel easier, you can walk less and run more!

Related: Set Pace to Get the Most out of Your Workout

8. Sign up for a Race

When it comes to motivation, signing up for a race is an excellent way to stay focused. An approaching race day will keep you honest (and consistent). You can sign up for a 1-mile fun run, 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or even a full marathon, just be sure to give yourself enough time to train! Are you ready to sign up for your first race? Do it today! Check out these related articles…

9. Join a Running Group

This is just another way to stay motivated and on track! We always recommend finding at least one workout partner or accountability buddy, regardless of what form of exercise you’re participating in. Just knowing that you have someone depending on you to workout, will keep you from skipping. Read How to Get Motivated to Lose Weight & Stay Inspired for more motivational tips!

10. Don’t Skip Your Rest Days

No matter what training program you choose, they will all include rest days. These days are not optional, they’re as much a part of the process as your training days. Your body requires rest in order to function at 100%. If you want to do something on your rest days, try these 10 essential Stretches for Runners and then take it easy! You’ve earned it!


These tips to start running again will get you back into the groove. When you begin a running routine, you will notice that you feel healthier, happier and more focused. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. You can start out slow and gradually work up to running! If you stay consistent, you WILL succeed!

What did you think of our tips to start running again? Which one was your favorite? Do you have one that we left out? Let us know in the comment section, below!

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