The Pescetarian Diet

So my boyfriend and I (well more-so him than I) were watching some very disturbing videos the other day on how certain farms kill their animals, and it was just so sad, so we have decided to make the month of February, "Meatless February."

I want to not only do it for the animals, but also for myself. I want to see how different my body feels after not eating meat for a while. I am not a HUGE meat eater, but I love my chicken, turkey sandwiches, steak, etc.

Since I can’t just live off of vegetables, I decided it would be a good idea to keep fish in our eating routine, so at least we have some source of protein. We also decided to stop drinking alcohol during this time as well. We are going to choose 2 occasions out of the entire month that we will agree to drink on (not including Super bowl this Sunday).

I am going to be documenting my progress as the days/weeks go by, so that for those of you who are interested, can read my opinions and how my body feels.

If you aren’t a fan of fish, then this obviously isn’t for you. Also, because I am giving up meat, does not mean I am going to double up on eating carbs such as bread and pasta, but I will portion those carbs if I do decide to eat them as part of a meal.

I am very curious to see how this will play out, and if we can last longer than just one month!

Same Old Song and Dance

Getting tired of your boring workout routine? Well I know I sure am! I’ve been going to the tiny ass gym in my building, which only has 2 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, one weight machine, and a couple of free weights. So, I recently decided to sign up for New York Sports Club because my company is running a great deal with them that I just could not pass up! I was also able to get my boyfriend the same deal, so I am excited to work out together!

I have never been into taking different aerobics classes and all, but I always have to switch up my routines, whether it’s a gym routine, daily routine, etc. I started taking soul cycle classes, which I love (but super expensive), and I am also getting into Barry’s Bootcamp (first class will be taken tonight). Now that I have signed up for an actual gym, they offer some really great classes! You realize how many different parts of your body you can work out while taking these classes that focus on specific parts of your body. For example, I took a Body Conditioning class last night with one of my friends from work, and today, my legs feel like jello. For me, it is important to have variety in your daily or weekly workout routine. I have also found that when I have someone pushing me to do something, I want to keep doing it and be the best at it, so whether I take a class, or have a personal training session, I know it will be a successful workout.

One more thing…. You should try to not take classes or at least work out the same body parts 2 nights in a row. Your muscles need time to relax and heal.

I am able to find what’s best for me, so I am sure you will be able to do the same!

New Year, New Topics!

Happy 2017 everyone! I know I am a bit late, but I was trying to figure out how I want to spice up my blog this year. I think it’s more interesting if I talk more about my journey and how I do things to stay in shape, rather than always telling you what you should be doing =). Although I will say, exercise and eating right are things that you should be doing on a day-to-day basis if you want to feel good, look good, and also get that summer bod ready!

At first, I decided that my new years resolution wasn’t going to be about some crazy diet to go on, BUT these last 2 weeks, I have been eating much cleaner than I was during the holidays, and I must say… I really feel like a new person! It’s not that I eat all of this junk food, but sometimes I tend to splurge a bit more than I should.

I have also been eating more protein and fiber so that way I am not snacking a lot during the day. I’ve been cooking more for dinner, and preparing my lunches for the week, and I haven’t been going out for dinner or ordering in as much. My exercise routine is still the same, but I am also going to be signing up for different classes every week, to start toning my body. I have decided to limit my cardio down to about 20-30 minutes a week, 3 days a week, and focus the rest of my time on building some more muscle and toning up!

Flat tummy, here I come! 

What Do I Do At the Gym?

Now that I am FINALLY able to run again, I am on a mission to reach my goals before summer 2017! I thought it was going to be much harder to get back into my old routine, but I feel like I never stopped! I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of running for long periods of time, which is why I like my interval exercises.

My interval exercises consist of running for 5 minutes at a regular speed, then walk for 1-2 minutes, then run at a high speed for 3-4 minutes at a time, with a 1-2 minute break in between. I usually run on a high speed for about 4-5 reps, and then I walk on an incline for the last 10-15 minutes. Once I have finished my incline walk, and the treadmill has stopped, I run as fast as I can, holding onto the front handle bars (with the treadmill turned off), while the incline is still where I left it. I do this for about 2 minutes straight (this is great for your glutes by the way).

I have limited my cardio to about 30 minutes a day, so that I do not start losing the muscle I have gained from lifting weights.

I try to split up my cardio and weights 50/50 during my gym time.

When it comes to lifting weights, I try to dedicate one day to certain parts of my arms, one day to legs, one day to abs. Sometimes I mix a few different body parts into one workout.

Quinoa Bowls are GRRRRRREAT!

Today I decided I wanted to order a quinoa bowl for lunch, and I forgot how good they are! I got mine with turkey meatballs, corn, carrots, and broccoli. It came with a low-fat, tex-mex sauce on the side, which complimented the dish very well.

Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber than other grains. It is a great source of protein. You will also find that quinoa contains iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and a couple of other nutritious contents. For all of you people who are allergic to gluten, or just prefer to eat gluten-free foods, quinoa has you covered in that department too!

Quinoa is also super easy to make. You can create your own dishes with it right at home! Peep my lunch below…. I’m sure it will make you hungry/interested in trying =).

For All You Mac and Cheese Lovers Out There!

A healthier alternative to mac and cheese, AND you can’t even taste the difference! Mac and cheese is one of my all-time faves, as I bet it is many of yours too! It is just a great comfort food to have in the house for a night in or a quick dinner, but as many of you know, it is not the healthiest meal to eat.

I recently came across chickpea mac and cheese (well actually one of my co-workers told me she tried a sample at Fairway). Now, obviously if you make it from scratch, I am sure it is even healthier than buying it in a box, but it’s still chickpea mac and cheese! None of those high carbohydrates from pasta! Chickpeas are low in carbs, a rich source of fiber, and a quality plant protein… I’d say that is a win/win situation!

So who makes this chickpea pasta I speak of? The name is Banza. They also sell other types of chickpea pasta as well, so that you can create your own healthy dishes with different sauces, meat, veggies etc.

ENJOY!

The Paleo Diet

So I’ve been hearing about this diet for a few years now, and have yet to try it! After doing some research, it seems like a great and easy diet to stick to…. if you compare it to some of the others that are out there.

What is the Paleo Diet?

The paleo diet is a diet that consists of fruits, veggies, grass-fed meat, nuts, and seafood. It is a very clean way to diet, AND you are still getting all of the proper nutrients your body needs on a daily basis. The only thing you cannot eat on this diet, which your body needs for fuel, is carbs.

What you can’t eat on the paleo diet:

• Dairy products
• Starchy veggies
• Grains
• Sugars
• Processed foods
• High-fat meats
• Salty foods
• Legumes/beans

What you can eat on the paleo diet:

• Grass-fed meats such as turkey, bison, chicken, lean beef, pork
• Seafood
• Fish
• Fresh fruits
• Veggies that are non-starchy, such as cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, green beans, asparagus, lettuce
• Nuts, such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios
• Eggs
• Plant-based oils

Another thing you should be aware of while on the paleo diet, is the fact that YOU must control your own portions. If you are consuming large portions, it will not help you lose weight, and pretty much defeats the entire purpose.

Again, this diet is not for everyone, and there are some disadvantages, but it is up to you at the end of the day!