I just love this......

Making the most of your work out!

 Working out is wonderful for all aspects of your body, mind and soul. Some say it makes them feel amazing, some work out because they want to loose weight, some workout for the benefit of their body looking and feeling good and some work out to clear that junk mail from their head!

I work out for all of the above (although ultimately I want a stronger, fitter and more toned body) I think I may need to work out more however my excuse is good at the moment - being 9 months pregnant. Yet I was able to work out until I was 36 weeks. I worked out in a safe and structured environment with Mishfit  it ‘s fun, flexible, safe and easy. Easy in the sense that I can take my other child with me and he plays with the other kids while I concentrate on the workout.

Here are some dietary tips for you to get the most out of your body and your work out:

•  Hydration means water is essential! Drink enough water before you begin your work out it takes a few hours for water to absorb into your system and by being hydrated this helps move stagnant toxins out of the body which reduces disease, cellulite and fat stores.
• Protein is essential in building and repairing muscles. Many people don’t pay enough attention to eating the right amount of protein. Protein must be present at every meal for your body to function optimally. If you don’t, you are going to get very little out of your workout, both cardio and strength workouts require protein for building muscles. If you are not eating an amount of protein the size of your palm then I recommend using either whey or soy protein shakes as supplements.
• Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of fuel. If you do intense workouts, you will need carbs, or you won’t have enough energy to function at your best. Although the low-carb craze might say otherwise, carbs are an important part of your day. If you do a shake, be sure to include carbs, add some honey or a banana as it is a great source of low fiber/high glycemic carbohydrate that you need for exercise.
• Eat! The best way to recovery from your workout is to eat within the 30min post work out window. Glucose needs to be restored into the body and it will replace the glycogen stores that have been depleted from your muscles. Eating in this window will encourage muscle recovery, reduce soreness and pain as well as maintain your metabolism and aid in weight loss.

The possible benefits of taking on a DETOX

Besides making you feel better physically, emotionally and potentially lighter spiritually, here is a list of things that can be achieved through a facilitated safe and healthy detox.

                                                                         via pinterest
* Boosts immune system
* Alleviates allergies
* Improves thyroid function
* Provides rest for the digestive organs
* Encourages physical rejuvenation
* Promotes normalized weight
* Promotes normalized blood pressure
* Reverses signs of aging
* Elevates mood and sex drive
* Alleviates symptoms of PMS
* Promotes clear skin
* Increases energy
* Increases fertility
* Combats viruses

A Decadent Delight - Happy Valentines Day

I love Valentines day - when it is kept simple and the one you love gives you something picked from the garden, a poem written for you or a decadent delight of chocolate. 

Call me an old fashioned fool but a bit of love and passion goes a long way in keeping you healthy and feeling good about yourself.

Here is my valentine gift.

A very good, very chocolaty chocolate cake that I suggest you try and bake one day, I have taken the recipe from Matthew Evans (see link). Matthew Evans; A very good, very chocolatey chocolate cake

So today I write for you the benefits of chocolate – if it has over 75% cocoa then it is all good, eat til your heart is content, there are both emotional and physical benefits.

The benefits of chocolate!

• Chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants.  Antioxidants protect the body from aging and help reduce blood pressure via the production of nitric oxide.
• Studies have proven that chocolate can reduce blood pressure in those with high blood pressure and lower cholesterol (LDL’s) -the bad cholesterol. Thus, making chocolate good for your heart.
• Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which increases glucose and adrenaline levels in the blood, making you feel good.
•  It stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.
• It helps release serotonin, which acts as a thymoleptic (mood enhancer).
• Scientists have discovered that chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, which is one of the chemical compounds that makes us feel good.
• It contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances, which are stimulants and may give you energy.
• There is also evidence that it may increase your sexual desire.
• And most importantly chocolate tastes good!