Saturday, May 24, 2014

The wounderfull banana!

BANANA!!!!


Bananas are simply amazing. I could leave it at the and finish my post right there. I don't need to expand on the subject any further for a lot of people. But some are highly sceptical of the fruit, saying it's too high in sugar and is one of the unhealthiest fruit out there.

For anyone that needs a bit more convincing then just being told that they are yummy, here are 7 benefits to eating bananas.

#1
Banana is the best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure, heart health and bone strength. One banana contains 450 mg of potassium, four times higher than cereal, bread and more. Eating two bananas a day will contribute to the prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis and building our bones. Bananas also reduce the risk of stroke.

#2
Bananas are low in sodium, and contain one mg per unit. Much of our daily diet sources, such as cereals, crackers and bread contain hundreds of milligrams of sodium.  Reduction in sodium consumption is important in preventing high blood pressure, heart disease and blood vessels and loss of calcium from the bones.

#3
Bananas contain a unique type of probiotic fiber that contributes to the digestive system. This helps to prevent diarrhea resulting from infection in the intestine, strengthen the immune system, protect against colon cancer and more. Probiotic fibers also contribute to increased mineral absorption from the intestine, reducing cholesterol absorption and balance sugar levels.

#4
A recent study showed that whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, help protect against kidney cancer. It was found that women who consumed more vegetables and fruits, decreased their risk of the disease, and those who consumed four to six bananas per week reduced the risk of kidney cancer by about half.

#5
 Bananas contain substances that help operating the cells that make up the lining of the stomach, and thus they form the protective mucous barrier against acidity. Other compounds in bananas called protease inhibitors, help destroying bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

#6
The high potassium content of bananas helps improve the health condition after consuming much alcohol, and helps prevent the feeling of a hangover.

#7
Banana contains tryptophan, an amino acid that makes serotonin, an active ingredient in the nervous system. Among other functions, it regulates sleep and appetite and aids in creating a sense of relaxation. Therefore it is recommended to eat banana with the slight appearance of hunger during the day. Read also my article about the best foods to get better sleep.


What more do you want? Bananas are just awesome!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

End of the line for low carb days

Day 6 of low carb day.

I officially declare today to be my last day doing low carb diet. I am so weak that it's giving me nausea and I have no energy left in me to workout, let alone do my job with a bubbly attitude and clean up after closing time. 

I took the low carb a bit too far and after talking to a few people and doing a little research, I learned that I was not consuming enough carbs to keep my energy level high enough to function properly. My mind was foggy, I had issues focusing and I was just hungry to the point of feeling weak all over my body. 

Everyone is different and some people can take less/more carbs in a day/week and I applaud anyone that follows a strict ow carb diet and can function properly and those who are close to competition and still have a smile on their face amaze me. 

On the bright side, I did lose the little bit of bloat I had gained in my stomach and it feels flatter! As of tomorrow, I will slowly incorporate healthy carbs back into my diet with oatmeal or granola in my breakfast, rice cakes for snacks and brown rice or whole wheat pasta during my lunch but still having a carb cut off time after 2 pm. I need more cabrs in my body to be able for follow my healthy,busy, active lifestyle I have. Hopefully this headache I've had for the past two days will be gone by tomorrow morning. I had a small carb load this afternoon and for supper making sure I did not go over board with the carbs portions as I usually did and fell 100% times better.

I'll be checking in again in two days to let you know how I feel with more carbs in me and stay tuned for more posts about everything  and anything fitness.

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST.


Friday, May 9, 2014

30 day challenge + low carb check in

Wow already to 9 days into my 30 day challenge. 

I notice how my energy levels went a bit down after adding my low carb "diet" to this. Why is this? Well, your body uses carbs as a fuel source for workout, hence, low carbs equals low energy. 

I have made a few adjustment to my low carb rule to have more energy and not crash and burn after a week.  I have cut off all breads, pasta, rice, rice cakes, granola bars...etc. To make up for all the loss of energy, I have upped my fruit and protein intake. 

I made myself a batch of fruit salad for my breakfast along with a hard boiled egg, lunches and suppers usually consist of fish, chicken or turkey with salad and steamed or grilled veggies. My snacks are mostly almonds, quest bars and apples.

I know, it does not seem like a lot of variety but luckily, I don't get bored with repetitive meals. 

Consistency and preparation is key for me. My body need routine and a balance lifestyle to feel happy. 

What do you do to stay balanced and on routine?

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

At home leg blast

Today's leg day is at home


Warm up
30 seconds each move one after the other, no rest.

-Jogging
-High knees
-Front knee raise
-Jumping jack
-Jump squats

Workout
3 sets of 20 repetitions, 30 second rest between sets. 1 minute rest between exercise.

Kettle bell dead lift
Kettle bell Squat
Kettle bell Single leg dead lift (each leg)
Step up 
Standing rear leg extension
Walking lunge
Side lunge with leg raise
Single leg glute bridge

I'm finishing this off with a outside run and stretching. 

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST.

My suppliments

My supplements are important for my routine and balanced lifestyle. Here they are.


Front left to right: Vitamin C, Whey protein in butterscotch flavor, Flax seed oil, in pill form, protein/meal replacement in strawberry flavor, Phytoberry, Glutamine and Multi vitamin.

Vitamin C

What is it?
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is abundant in vegetables and fruits. A water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant, it helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin.

What does it do?
Vitamin C helps to repair and regenerate tissues, protect against heart disease, aid in the absorption of iron, prevent scurvy, and decrease total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. Research indicates that vitamin C may help protect against a variety of cancers by combating free radicals, and helping neutralize the effects of nitrites (preservatives found in some packaged foods that may raise the risk of certain forms of cancer). Supplemental vitamin C may also lessen the duration and symptoms of a common cold; help delay or prevent cataracts; and support healthy immune function.



Where to get it?
You can get this at any pharmacy, most grocery stores and health food stores. If you wish to get your Vitamin C without popping a pill, luckily for you, it's is easy to get through foods, as many fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables contain vitamin C. Good sources include: apples, asparagus, berries, broccoli, cabbage, melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon), cauliflower, citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges), kiwi, fortified foods (breads, grains, cereal), dark leafy greens (kale, spinach), peppers (especially red bell peppers, which have among the highest per-serving vitamin C content), potatoes, and tomatoes.

Whey Protein

What is it?
When we talk about whey we are actually referring to a complex protein made up of many smaller protein such as beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and a bunch of other words we can't properly pronounce. Each found in whey has its own unique biological properties.


What does it do?
Whey protein is a protein supplement in powder form that is mixed with water or milk, mostly, ingested after a workout to help muscles recover and grow. Not to be confused with a mass gainer, protein powder does not make you gain weight, unless you drink 10 per day with whole fat milk.



Where to get it?
Whey protein powders can be found at any supplement shops like Hyperforme or Nutrition house. They come in many different flavors and a bunch of different brands make them. You can also get protein supplements on other forms then just powder. I found these really good pancakes that are loaded with protein. My favorite way to get protein is with Quest bars, they have amazing flavors that help with sugar cravings too.You can also get it with a balanced nutrition. You'll find lots of protein packed foods like turkey or chicken breast, fish, Greek yogurt, tofu, beef, egg whites, nuts and seeds.



Flax seed oil (pill form)
What is it?
Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil is a colorless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant. The oil is obtained by pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction. Flax-based oils are sought after as food because of their high levels of α-Linolenic acid (a particular form of omega-3 fatty acid), but it is important that only food-grade oil be used for food. Boiled linseed oil is heated and treated with chemicals that make it unfit for human consumption



What does it do?
People try flaxseed oil for many different conditions, including rheumatoid arthritisand high cholesterol. It is also tried for treating osteoarthritis, anxiety, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), vaginal infections, dry eyes, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some people use flaxseed oil as a laxative for constipation  and to prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer.  Flaxseed oil is also applied to the skin to sooth irritations or soften roughness.

Where to get it?
Flaxseed oil can be found at any pharmacy, health food store or supplement shops. It can be bought in capsule or liquid form. I prefer the capsule to skip the disgusting process of swallowing a spoon of oil.

Phytoberry

What is it?
It's a highly concentrated berry based whole food supplement that is loaded with natural antioxidants. Featuring over 40 high ORAC value fruit concentrates, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids and herbal extracts, PhytoBerry is specifically designed to offer whole body antioxidant protection. A single serving has the equivalent nutrient content of 6 to 8 servings of fresh fruit.



What does it do?
Whole Body Antioxidant protection, supports liver function, strengthens immune function, boosts energy levels, supports cardiovascular health, balances blood sugar and improves digestive function just to name a few.

Where can I get it?
I have just discovered this supplement and have only seen it in supplement shops.

Glutamine

What is it?
Glutamine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins), found naturally in the body.

What does it do?
Glutamine plays key roles in protein metabolism, cell volumizing, and anti-catabolism. Glutamine also increases your ability to secrete Human Growth Hormone, which helps metabolize body fat and support new muscle growth. Glutamine's anti-catabolism ability prevents the breakdown of your muscles. This is especially useful for people 'cutting down'. Especially during summer when you're trying to get rid of some body fat without losing any muscle. Glutamine is needed throughout your body for optimal performance. Your small intestines requires the most Glutamine in your body, and your immune system also needs Glutamine because Glutamine levels deplete during workouts.

Where to get it?
Once again, I have only found Glutamine in the supplement shops.

Multi-vitamin

What is it?
A multivitamin is a preparation intended to be a dietary supplement with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements. Mutli vitamins are available in the form of tablets, capsules, pastilles, powders and liquids.

What does it do?
Improve overall physical and mental condition, prevent, deficiency, reduce stress, increase energy levels, insure correct function of the body and many more.

Where to get it?
Multi vitamins can for the most part be found anywhere from the grocery store to the supplement shops.

So there you have it. My complete list of daily supplement.

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Low carb days

Today is day 5 of my 30 day challenge and day 1 of phase 2 of my challenge.

Phase 2 = Low carb days (for the remainder of the month)

I have a really big appetite and love bad carbs. I will wolf down any kind of bread, muffin, cake, bagel...etc.... I decided to add  phase 2 to my challenge and go low carb for the reminder of the challenge. This will probably be the bigger part of the challenge for me as working out is a passion for me and it feels like a treat to go to the gym every day. What`s the point of doing a challenge is I don`t feel challenged?

My meal will be very basic and simple. Luckily for me, I don`t get bored with eating the same things over and over. I could eat chicken every day and be super happy about it. I will be upping my protein intake and lowering my carbs to the bare minimum. This being said, here is an example of what I will eat today.

»Upon waking I take my multi vitamin with a glass of water directly followed by a Glutamine* shot and two more glasses of water. (Water helps wake up the metabolism) My water glasses are actually my 20 oz. bottle, always filled to the rim.

Breakfast
One bottle of water
1 hard boiled egg
1/2 cup of fruit salad (strawberry, canary melon, peaches and black grapes)

Lunch
One bottle of water
4 oz. chicken breast (skinless and boneless)
Grilled asparagus

Post-workout snack
One bottle of water
1 scoop of Phyto-berry** mixed + 1 scoop of Glutamine
Quest Protein bar

Supper
One bottle of water
6 oz. of turkey meat balls with franks red hot sauce
Grilled mixed veggies (peas, carrots and green and yellow beans) seasoned with no salt Ms. Dash.

»2 hours before bed, I`ll have my last Glutamine shot and a peppermint tea to help relax.

Very simple, very basic. I have my meals planned out a few days ahead and all prepared so I don`t wander to the store and buy something bad. I also try to remind myself why I an doing this meal plan and the benefits it will bring me to stay on track and help go through a craving.

*, **see future post on all the supplement I take for more information.

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST.


Thursday, May 1, 2014

30 day challenge - Day 1

The first day is always fun. A new routine, a new workout. You feel motivated and you can't wait to see what you can do.

Today is the first day of my 30 day challenge. today, I'll be will be working out on my lower body. All the details were posted in my previous post, introducing the challenge but here it is again for all of you just jumping in now.

Working in a circuit style, one move after the other with little to no rest, 5 times through.

-20 jump squats
-20 walking lunges with kettle bells
-30 jumping jacks
-20 side lunges with barbell
-15 bench step ups with barbell (each leg)
-20 calf raise with kettle bells
-20 straight leg dead lifts

followed by

15 minute treadmill interval run
~ 2 minute flat walk
~ 2 minute set at 5 incline walk
~ 2 minute set at 5 incline jog
~ 2 minute flat jog
~ 2 minute flat walk
~ 2 minute set at 10 incline walk with 30 second jogs
~ 3 minute cool down

This will be a fun workout, killing legs on the first day is almost a statement!

Today meal plan involves my cheat meal. Now, I know what you are thinking, "You are already having your cheat meal on the first day of your challenge?!?" 

Yes I am because I had already had that day planned out from last week and I always plan out my cheat meal dates on pay day. That way, I am not restricted to anything. I like my cheat meals and I do have it every week, after about 7 to 10 days of clean eating. It keeps me sane and keeps my cravings at bay.

Breakfast will be a bowl of oatmeal with berries and 1 orange with a cup pf peppermint tea and a glass of water.

Lunch will probably be a Falefal plate at Shawarma sante, I will be on the go today and since it's also grocery day (another reason why my cheat meal is today) I can't pack up too much of a good lunch so my go to healthy lunch is usually shawarma plate (not the sandwich) or subway.

Supper is RED LOBSTER, i\m supper excited. 

I'll be having a few snacks here and there during the day, mostly an apple or piece of cheese and a protein bar or shake. I'll take a picture of absolutely everything I will be eating today and make an other post tonight. So check back later.

Be strong. Be proud.
Be the BEAST