Alcohol- the thing we don’t count as calories

If you use my fitness pal , or any other calorie counter, you probly noticed that alcohol has a considerable amount of calories. On average, one budlight has around 15o calories. If I have my usual three, that is 450 calories. Yikes! That is so much.

It would be easier to ignore the fact that I drank almost half of my calorie intake for the entire day, but it would not be beneficial to me. In order for you to have an accurate calorie count, you must include your alcohol intake.

I suggest, if you are going to drink, plan your meals out accordingly so you are able to balance fun and a well balanced diet. It is very difficult to drink an access of alcohol and lose weight. If you count your alcohol in your calorie counter, you will be able to continue to lose weight, or at least maintain your current weight.

Until next time,

heidicav

Booty Work

Whether you want your bottom bigger, smaller or more perky, everyone has one exercise  in common to really do the trick-squats. Squats targets all the muscles in the lower half of body. If you choose to stop your squat with your legs at a 90 degree angle, your bottom and the top front thigh will get the most work. If you want to get rid of the fatty tissue surrounding the tops of the back of your legs, make your bottom go as low as it can. Complete the movement for as long as possible, and be consistent of your workout regime to get the best results.

This is a movement that does not take very long. On my busier days, I made a commitment to myself to do ten squats each time I went to the restroom and before I went to bed. I noticed that making self commitments help hold myself accountable for my actions.

Until next time,

heidicav

 

Sweet Pea, Get Rid of the Sweet Tea

In one cup of sweet tea, there are over 200 calories in a 16 oz cup. WHAT?! The most common household drink in the southeastern region of the United States in sweet tea. Nothing tastes better with Grandma’s roast, rice and gravy than a big ole glass of sweet tea.

Unfortunately, sweet tea is basically sugar or syrup water. If you are eating healthy foods, and carefully planning out your meals, you are counteracting your efforts with sweet tea. Some people drink up to 5 glasses of sweet tea a day.

Sweet pea, it’s time to substitute the cup of sugar water for unsweetened tea. This may seem heart breaking, but hear me out. One cup of unsweetened tea has around ten calories. Add a packet of the zero calorie all natural sweetener, stevia, to your tea. This is a much healthier option, and from one southern gal to another, I promise it’s worth it.

Until next time,

heidicav

Row your boat

Are you ready for a major cardio boost? Get on the rowing machine for at least ten minutes with the tensity level set on 7. If you are a beginner, start around five minutes of using the machine. After building up endurance, strive for thirty minutes.

This workout is great for your joints because you are sitting down, and there isn’t pressure on your knees. The rowing machine really gets the blood flowing and warms your body. It is better than an elliptical, treadmill, or stationary bike because it engages your arms and your abs, not just your legs.

I love to use the rowing machine after a night out because it makes you sweat out all of the bad antioxidants. This a great way to improve your stamina and get the sweaty workout we all strive to get.

Until next time,

heidicav

Pullup with a Purpose

Upper body consists of  most women’s weaker muscles. A great way to strengthen your lats, biceps, middle back and shoulders is the pull up. If you cannot do a pull up yet, it would be beneficial for you to add a medicine band around the bar and put your feet in it, pushing your body up, until you build enough strength to perform a strict pull up.

Take it slow and easy as you learn the basics of this simple but complicated movement. Grab the bar with an overhand grip. Keep your body in a line. Bend your elbows and pull your chest up to touch the bar.

If using a medicine band seems a bit difficult, try putting a step ladder or small box underneath you.Bend your knees and jump, pushing your chest to the bar. These are called jumping pull ups.

No matter if you are doing assisted or strict pull ups, remember you are doing this for you and pull those curves up with a purpose.

Until next time,

heidicav

Cliff- Builder’s Protein Bar

 

 

Our bodies are a work in progress. You are putting in a lot of hard work, and you need a protein bar that is working as hard as you are. The Cliff Builder’s Protein Bar has a great taste and many ingredients working toward muscle tone and growth.

 

In order to burn fat, your body needs to maintain a large amount of protein instead of fats and carbohydrates. These bars are very filling and can be used to boost your metabolism, helping you maintain or lose weight.

These protein bars are excellent for a healthy diet plan because if needed the bar can act as a meal replacement for quicker results. It’s important to know that permanent long-term weight loss is a result of combining diet and exercise.

Until next time,

heidicav

 

 

Kettle Bells

A kettle bell is a weight used to performed weight resistance training and cardio. This one little weight can be a key tool in shaping your arms, core and legs. A kettle bell swing is a movement in which you stand with your feet shoulder width apart and place the weight in both hands resting level with the top of your thigh. Bend your knees, and with force send the weight above your head.

As you continue the stride, momentum will build, making it easier to lift. Continuing the motion for minutes at a time make for a great cardio and strength workout. kettle bell swings can be very beneficial in muscle tone and stamina building if you are willing to branch out of your comfort zone and try something different.