Blog Update

Sorry I haven't added any new posts recently. I have been working on some stuff which I hope will be helpful to you all. Remember that I am in this with you guys. Keep up the great work and stay tuned to see what I have for you!

Insanity: Hardest Workout I Know Of

If you have never heard of Insanity and you are looking for an intense workout that will get you results, now is the time you learn about Insanity by Beach Body and Shaun T.

This is a workout that earns its name. The first time I did one of the workouts, I got about 10 minutes through when Shaun T said the warm up is done. I couldn't believe that he called that a warm up. It is very hard but you wont regret it when you look in the mirror on the last day. 

You can't tell from this pic but I am sweating like crazy after my workout! (Never mind the weird smile. I was pretty tired.) It was only the fit test. I am looking forward to getting into it! 

At Home Workout

So today I didn't feel like lifting in the gym today so I thought I would go with something a little more  plyometric. Today I wanted an ab workout with a little leg. I don't normally have such a big emphasis on abs since we all know that abs are made in the kitchen, but I thought it would be fun today. Here are the links for the workout I did today. 

• Leg workout: http://www.blondeponytail.com/2012/07/new-gnc-workout-lean-legs.html
• Abs and Core: http://www.blondeponytail.com/2012/06/summer-abs-in-5-body-composition.html
• More Abs and Core: http://www.blondeponytail.com/2012/07/new-workout-gnc-ab-attack.html

This one defiantly made me work. Thanks Blondeponytail for the great workout!

So Good

Tonight I made turkey burger with lettuce instead of buns. A lot of mustard because I really like the flavor and lots of fresh steamed broccoli.

Cane Sugar Vs Artificial Sweeteners

 

Sugar is a huge topic! You see tv adds telling us that high fructose corn syrup is bad and others telling us its no different than can sugar. What is the truth? This is what I have been trying to find out. Here is a very brief overview of this topic. I will expand on this topic as I learn more. 

A product I started to use in the last year called Xylitol was my first sugar substitute to look at. I first was introduced to it in a recipe for protein bars. Recently however, I found out some things I didn't know. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol which is processed from things like fiber in fruits, corn, etc.  Once source I found listed sugar alcohol as a laxative. That isn't something I want to use. 

Avoid Aspartame. It is commonly used in products that are "sugar free". It has been linked with joint problems and other adverse side effects. For example, my mom's co-worker was complaining of sore joints. My mom asked her if she drank diet soda pop. She was so my mom told her to see what happened if she stopped drinking it. He joints stopped hurting her. Aspartame is in over 6,000 products. 

For every artificial sweetener there are people saying it is good for you and some say it is the worst thing you could consume. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow: the less processed a food is the better it is for you. I would say avoid artificial sweeteners (sugar free gum and toothpaste containing xylitol is okay because you don't sonsume it) all together. But don't go crazy on the cane sugar, Keep your sugar intake to a minimum. There are so many recipes out there for foods with no sugar cane but use organic juices, apple sauce and many other ingredients as a natural sugar source.  

If there are any specific questions you have, let me know. I will do my best to answer your questions as quickly and completely as possible. 

Starting To Live a Fit Life

Okay... so how many of us say we are going to lose weight, feel better, and "get fit"? I would venture to guess that mostly everyone has said this at least once in our lives. When I wanted to start on my journey of living better for myself, I had no idea where to start. There is so much out there. What is helpful and what is useless? What do I really need to know? Well... I hope this blog will help you answer these and other questions you might have about health. When I find out something new about health and diet, I will post it here. I am excited to provide this resource. 

Why do I want to get healthy? Well its pretty simple. In the Bible we are told not to give into lustful ways of the flesh but to turn from our old ways. "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4: 22-24). In my old way of living I gave into every urge when it came to food and I paid for it. It is very hard to break bad habits. 

But remember that you can't just break a habit without replacing it. Here are some free internet tools I use:

• BodyBuilding.com: This site provides endless resources on health and fitness. There are fitness and meal plans available. 
• Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer: This is a 12-week fitness and nutrition guide to help those wanting to lose weight and get tone but are new to the gym or have been away for awhile. It is good for both men and women. This is the one I have used and seen results. 

We are in this together!