30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 6 (organic food)

Does It Really Matter if Your Fruit and Veggies Are Organic?

The other day I had the opportunity to pick fresh pears from my aunts' pear tree. These pears were so sweet and delicious that it made me want to grow a pear tree of my own, but until then picking pears from her tree should suffice :)

I recently had a conversation with someone about the difference between organic and nonorganic fruit and veggies. Does it really make a difference? 

The answer is YES! It does make a difference.

Here are 3 reasons organic fruits and veggies may be better for you:

1. Pesticides and toxins

Organic fruit and vegetables have much lower pesticides and toxins. 

2. You're helping the environment.

Buying organic helps to support farmers who practice organic farming techniques which are less harsh on the environment. 

3. They taste better.

I don't know if it's just me, but I eat with a clearer conscious and peace of mind when I'm eating organic food that comes from a garden or farmers market. Knowing exactly where my food came from helps me enjoy it a little better lol.

(Here is a picture of my picking some delicious carrots from my aunt's garden.)

I hope these 3 tips gave you some insight as to why organic fruit and veggies may be better for you.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Live Fit Be Free!

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 5 (workout generator)

Choosing A Workout Plan That Works For You

With so many workout routines and programs on the market, it can be difficult to find the exersise plan that works best for you. All the available options can leave you confused and stuck wondering what to do next. It doesn't have to be this way! All you need is a little guidance and a few exercises designed specifically for your needs and you'll be on your way! It's important that the workout routine you choose is right for your personal fitness goals. A person wanting to lose 50 pounds may have a different strategy than the individual who just wants to tighten and tone.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_plan_generator.asp

I ran accross a great website that has a workout generator to customize your workout routine based on your specific goals. This is a pretty basic workout generator, but it's great for those who have no clue where to begin as well as those who are looking for new routines. 

The workout generator is pretty simple to use. You'll be asked about:

1. Your fitness level?

2. What type of workout you want?

3. How much time you want to spend working out?

4. What equipment you want to use?

After you answer those questions, you'll immediately be taken to a screen that shows you different work outs based on the criteria you entered. There will be a variety of exercises to choose from.

Using a workout generator makes it simple to find fresh new routines that align with your fitness goals. Trying to figure it out all on your own will be a thing of the past!

I hope this tip helps! I'll do full review on www.sparkpeople.com in another blog. This is an excellent website with tons of health and fitness tips.

Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

Live Fit Be Free!

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 4 (staying motivated)

Got Motivation?

Turn up! Turn up! Get motivated! 

Ok... Ok, I probably hate that phrase just as much as the rest of y'all do. Ha ha!

Getting motivated for a workout can be extremely challenging at times, but it doesn't have to be. With the right mindset and determination you'll be ready to transform your body into the one you've always desired to have in no time! 

Five Tips To Stay Motivated

1. Start off small, but start now!
I remember starting elaborate workout routines and being so excited about them only to quit two weeks later. It's perfectly fine to start off small and increase your routine as your body gets use to moving. The main goal here is to do a little something instead of a lot of nothing!

2. Find workouts that you enjoy!
I've learned it's best for me to stay active by doing workouts I actually like. Some of my best workouts are the ones that don't even feel like a workout. Lately I've been playing volleyball and running. Since I enjoy those things it's easier for me to stick with it. If you like dancing, then take a dance class or if you like swimming then go swimming a few times a week. You just have to do what works best for you.

3. Listen to something that pumps you up!
Have your favorite songs and playlists ready and get motivated! I usually like listening to upbeat dance songs when I'm working out. Find whatever works for you.

4. Find pictures that inspire you!
Find pictures in magazines or on the internet that inspire you. Place them somewhere you will see on a daily basis; this will remind you of the results you want and why you're working so hard!

5. Have the right mindset
This last tip is soooo important. If you don't have the proper mindset none of the other tips will work. I remember talking myself out of a workout before it even started. (sad, but true lol) Try reading your favorite quotes or bible scriptures to remind yourself that all things are possible if you believe.

When you feel like quitting remember the reason you started :)

Live Fit Be Free

Eboni :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 3 (make your own hummus)

Craving a late night snack?

If you're like most people you make a dash for a delicious bowl of your favorite ice cream or perhaps your favorite bag of chips and dip when your having one of those late night snack attacks.

The good news is that late night snacks don't always have to be a bad thing or leave you feeling guilty. Eating late may not always be the best choice, but when you do have one of those late night cravings, some foods are better choices than others.

My late night snack of choice today was homemade hummus... and my was it tasty!

Hummus is a spread or dip orginated in the middle east that's made with a base of chickpeas and olive oil. There are many different ways to prepare it.

(see the ingredients below on what I used to make mine) Hummus has some amazing health benefits:

1. It's low in calories

2. It's easy to make

3. It's very filling

Here are the ingredients:

2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans 

1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) 
6 tablespoons lemon juice 
3 garlic cloves, pressed 
1 teaspoon ground cumin 
salt and pepper 

Check out this website for instructions on  how to make it.

http://www.food.com/recipe/hummus-11424

The next time you're craving a late night snack, no need to feel guilty. Try this hummus recipe out! Your taste buds will thank you :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Live Fit Be Free

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 2 (Green Smoothie)

So….here we are! Day 2 of the “Live Fit Be Free” 30 day challenge. I started the day off right with a delicious green smoothie. I absolutely love these because they are so healthy and yummy! My brother makes fun of me because I have one almost every morning and whenever he comes over I force him to try it… ha ha! Green smoothies have so many amazing health benefits. In one serving, they can supply your body with all the nutrients you need for the day. The amount of nutrients you get will depend on the fruits and vegetables you decide to use.

Preparing my green smoothie. This smoothie consists of:

Kale- Helps with detoxifying the body.

Swiss Chard- Contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and many other disease fighting antioxidants.

Blueberries- High in antioxidants and great for your skin.

Pineapples- Tastes great and is a good source for vitamin C.

1 Small Pear- Helps boost your energy level.

Flaxseed- High in omega-3 fatty acids (keeps your complexion looking youthful)

1/2 Banana- Delicious and high in potassium. The potassium in bananas can help prevent muscle cramps after a workout.

Unsweetened Almond Milk- Great alternative to milk for those who can’t have dairy.
2 scoops of Greens

5 Benefits of Green Smoothies

1. Shed Unwanted Pounds

Green smoothies are low in calories and very filling. If you’re trying to lose weight, green smoothies are excellent because they will help fight hunger and satisfy your food cravings longer.

2. Gives you energy

Since I’m not a coffee drinker, I need something to give me energy and a boost in the morning. Green smoothies do just that for me!

3. Easy to make

From start to finish I can usually prepare my smoothie in under 10 minutes.

4. They’re made-to-order

If you feel weird about the green color…. It’s ok. Try adding more fruit to start. Be creative and have fun with it!

5. They’re Convenient

 If you’re running short on time, but don’t want to skip breakfast, no problem. Make a smoothie! Most mornings I’m rushing out (need to work on that lol ) so I make my smoothie to take with me on the go!

Tip:
For more nutrients try adding  Greens to your smoothie. This will give you lots of energy and ensure you get your daily intake of fruits and veggies if you are running short on time. Add 2 scoops to water or orange juice.

 Greens

*Try making a green smoothie of your own. I hope you love it as much as I do :) Leave your comments below. Thanks for stopping by my blog.*

 

Toast to living a healthier life!

Eboni :) 

Live Fit Be Free

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 1

Hello and thank you for stopping by my blog! Today is day 1 of my 30 day fit challenge. I was inspired to do this blog because I was tired of being inconsistent with my health and wellness journey. Each day for the next 30 days I'll post something related to health and wellness to track my progress. My goal is to inspire myself along with others who are on the health and wellness journey also. Enjoy! :)

Today my workout consisted of a 2 mile walk, along with running up and down this hill 10 times.

Live Fit Be Free!

Eboni :)