The Best Post-Workout Smoothies you will love

Achieving the strong, sexy body of your dreams can only happen through dedicated workouts along with a healthy diet. Your body needs plenty of nutrients to help you build muscle and definition, especially right after a grueling workout. That’s where healthy post-workout protein drinks come into play – they provide your body the boost it needs to help you achieve the best results from every training session. Here are my 3 favorite post-workout protein smoothies that will make your mouth water and your muscles happy. 

Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie

After an intense workout, you may be hit with an intense craving for chocolate! This chocolate banana shake comes out rich, creamy, and satisfying. It feels like an indulgence – but it actually serves up all the nutrients your body needs for recovery. 

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Primal Kitchen Collagen Chocolate Protein Powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ banana

• 1 Tbsp organic peanut butter

• 1 Tbsp Lily’s Stevia Sweetened Chocolate chipsto top it off 

Directions:

1. Add everything in a bullet or bender except the chocolate chips

2. Add ice and extra water if needed

3. Blend until smooth

4. Top off with Lily’s chocolate chips

Calories 383 | Carbs 32 | Fat 20 | Protein 29 | Fiber 8

Green Monster Protein Smoothie

A healthy diet means lots of greens, which are filled with the nutrients and minerals your body needs for cell growth and repair. While a handful of spinach may not make your taste buds tingle, try this green monster shake for a surprisingly delicious way to get in your greens.

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vital Protein Collagen Peptides

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• Handful of spinach or kale

• ½ avocado

• 1 scoop Orgain Organic Superfoods

Directions:

1. Add everything in a bullet or bender 

2. Add ice and extra water if needed

3. Blend until smooth

Calories 340 | Carbs 24 | Fat 19 | Protein 26 | Fiber 12

Energizing Smoothie

Do you ever crave something refreshing during those hot summer days? This energizing smoothie will cool you down right away, plus help with any cravings you are having. Not only do you get an immune system boost from the Vitamin C, you also get the health benefits of ginger and turmeric to help fight off inflammation – all in one delicious drink!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• Juice from 1 lemon

• 2-3 organic celery whole sticks

• ½ organic cucumber

• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

• 1 tsp freshly grated turmeric

• 1 stevia packet

Directions:

1. Add everything in a bullet or bender 

2. Add ice and extra water if needed

3. Blend until smooth

Calories 259 | Carbs 25 | Fat 3 | Protein 33 

You can also get creative and come up with your own tasty protein drink. The possibilities are endless! 

---

HOW TO BODY SCULPT

Body sculpting is the process of increasing muscle and bone strength through weight lifting. Weight training is the combination of machines, weight bars, exercise bands, and dumbbells.

If you are going to weight train to sculpt your body here is some information you might need to know:

●      How will weight lifting benefit you: Lifting weight is extremely important since it keeps you strong as you age, helps keep bone health and preventing osteoporosis. It increases muscle mass which is important as we age by preventing falls and broken hips. Besides all those important reasons most women want to feel better in their own skin and maybe fit into that bikini again. Feeling good about the way you look lifts confidence and gives you the power to create the life you desire.

●      Preventing fatigue during your workout: It’s very important to fuel your body so you have the strength to complete a workout. Therefore, always have a meal with protein, carbs and veggies at least a hour beforehand. There is nothing worse than having your blood sugar drop during a workout and not being able to complete it. Eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day will give the body what it needs to recover, lean up and build muscle. 

●      Facts of a good personal trainer: Your personal trainer should make sure you start at your own level and progress from there. He/she should also talk and instruct you through proper form and technique. As you increase strength your trainer should push you to that next level so you continue to improve, build and therefore, body sculpt.

●      Best tips for the beginners: Always do an active warmup before weight training. For instance, do 5-10 minutes on a treadmill or elliptical. As a beginner always start with a whole body workout for 3-4 weeks to get your joints strong and ready for weight resistance. After your workout is the best time to do static stretching for 10-15 minutes. Always hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.

Taking the time to prep all your meals once a week will ensure you are getting the calories your body needs to fuel, recover and body sculpt. Support all the hard work you are doing in the gym with a nutritionally structured meal plan. Eating every 3 – 4 hours will help balance blood sugar, keep body full, help build muscle, and avoid binging. If you are not prepping your meals ahead of time there is no way you can stay on a structured plan and give your body what it needs to build and lean up at the same time. 

What are the best foods for sculpting your body? Whole foods in it's natural form will always be best. Protein such as chicken, fish, eggs and beef supply the body with the protein it needs to build and tone muscle. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body. It serves the body by building and supporting the growth of tissues and molecules that help both structural and functional purposes. Carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, yams, quinoa and oats supply the body with energy and aids in recovery. Green veggies are important for fiber, they supply the body with vitamins and minerals, and fight off disease. Fats such as nuts, avocados and nut oils help with brain and joint health, helps you feel satisfied and also fights off cravings. 

Here are a few great sources you might consider:

●      Dark Turkey Meat: Dark turkey meat is enrich in zinc which helps boosting beauty and also gives new energy for performing physical activities. Moreover, it also helps in maintaining a healthy immune system.

●      Salmon: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fat that lower your risk of heart disease. It is an excellent source of vitamin B12, B6, vitamin D and selenium. 

●      Prawns: Prawns are very low in calories, high in protein and consists of a mineral called selenium which is an antioxidant. It assist in maintaining thyroid health and the body's immune system. 

●      Eggs: Whole eggs are good source of the good fats omega 3 fatty acids. Whole eggs are a good source of vitamins B12, B2, B5, A, Folate, Phosphorus and Selenium. Eggs raise HDL good cholesterol. They are high in quality protein and all the essential amino acids. 

●      Lean Beef: Lean beef helps in increasing protein level in the body and provides iron to the bones. Lean beef is a good source of B vitamins, zinc, selenium and Iron.

●      Spinach: Spinach is a great source of magnesium, iron, B2 and B6, folate, Vitamin K, E & A, calcium and potassium. Spinach helps in making collagen in the body. Basically, collagen is a rubbery protein, which makes muscles and skin toned, youthful and gives it a great appearance. The fact is that this is also enriched with fiber which will help you stay satified.

●      Kale: This food is very low in calories but provides many health benefits such as, it is high in iron, and vitamin K. It is filled with powerful antioxidants and is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight against asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disorder.

●      Beetroot: This is very powerful antioxidant and just like other vitamins and minerals this gives great impact to skin by giving it a youthful look. This also prevents skin from being damage.

●      Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a nutrient-dense superfood that offers many benefits. They help protect and maintain healthy blood pressure, and reduces blood glucose. Tomatoes also contain key carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene. These protect the eyes against light damage.

The body will always thrive on a structured plan and therefore create the best results faster. The body will continue to improve everyday if you are consistent with meal planning and weight training. 

---

Avoid The Festive 15

Tips for staying on track during the holidays

Having the willpower to avoid the cookie aisle at the grocery store on a “normal” day is tough. Avoiding the aisle, end caps, and impressive displays during the holiday season, well, that requires superhuman strength. If you’ve ever been tempted to skip a glass and drink straight from a bowl of eggnog at your company holiday party, fear not. I have some suggestions you can follow to help avoid the dreaded Festive 15 lbs!

Eat Regularly – Every 3 Hours

Eating every three hours keeps blood sugar balanced and keeps you satisfied, so you don’t have cravings. I have found this to be one of the easiest ways of avoiding sugar craving. Especially before hitting the grocery store! I promise, if you eat before grocery shopping or heading to the holiday party, you will have zero cravings and more willpower to stay away from the cookie aisle or dessert trays. 

Don’t Bring Home Party Leftovers

There is no doubt some foods are better the next day, but that is not true for your waistline. Party leftovers can do you in, so avoid the temptation and take a pass when the host offers you a to-go container.

Morning Workout

Studies have shown that people who work out in the morning tend to move more throughout the day and resist food temptations. Even if you can’t workout in the morning, make sure it’s on your calendar for later in the day. Plan ahead and don’t go off schedule just because it’s the holidays. If you stay on your routine, you will be less tempted to veer off your meal plan. Stay on your schedule and empower yourself to succeed during the holidays without weight gain. 

Avoid The “I Won’t Eat Until The Party” Strategy

If you’ve ever skipped breakfast and lunch, you know that by the time dinner rolls around, you’re starving, and you end up eating twice as much as you would—or should—if you ate throughout the day. The same is true about skipping meals before a party. If you want to avoid the Festive 15, aim for the lean protein, vegetables, and non-processed carbs throughout the day. Set yourself up as a winner, and during the holiday party, you won’t overeat and will choose healthy items because your blood sugar will be balanced throughout the day. 

The 30-Second Rule

I’m not talking about the dropping-food-on-the-floor rule. I’m talking about the willpower 30-second rule. If the holiday cookies in the break room are calling your name, wait 30 seconds. Go back to your desk and check email or return a phone call. Better yet, go for a short walk around the office. Nine times out of 10, the cookie monster in your head will stop talking, and you’ll have the willpower to leave the cookies alone.

Weigh In

If you want to make sure you don’t pack on extra pounds, don’t ignore the scale during the holidays. It’ is just a tool for keeping you accountable, and it’s an easy way to make sure you’re staying on track and not going to need a diet-related New Year’s Resolution.

Buffet Gauntlet

We’ve all done it. You pick up a plate at the start of a buffet, and halfway through the line, your plate is already full of things you’re not even sure you wanted. Instead of filling up with a taste of everything, have a look at the entire buffet before you get in line and decide what’s really worth the splurge. For example, try sticking to lean proteins and veggies and give yourself one splurge in the dessert section. 

Don’t Drink Your Calories

If you want to enjoy a glass of wine or holiday cocktail, keep it to a minimum and drink plenty of water. Aside from having to suffer through a hangover the next morning, mixed drinks pack a calorie punch—stay away from juices and syrupy mixers. Drinking alcohol also increases cravings, which means you’re more likely to eat more.

Holiday Activities Instead Of Holiday Dinners

I’m not trying to be the grinch when it comes to holiday parties, but there are tons of fun holiday activities you can do with family and friends that don’t include food as the centerpiece. Here are a few ideas; take a yoga class, go for a snowshoe hike, build a snowman outside with the kids, apply for a permit, and hike to cut down a Christmas tree. 

Don’t Throw In The Towel

If all else fails and you’re worried you have indulged a little too much, don’t give up and give in to the New Year’s Resolution. Getting back on track the next day is as easy as kicking off your day with a good workout and a healthy breakfast. Don’t throw in the towel and give in for the rest of the season. Remember, the extra pounds do not go away as easy as the holiday decorations.

Whole Food Nutrition Plan

Are you eager to turn back the clock on aging? Would you like to find a natural way to look your best without turning to plastic surgery?

Slowing down aging in your body starts with what you eat and drink on a daily basis. If you eat lots of processed low-nutrient foods, and sugar-filled or artificially sweetened beverages, your skin, hair, and nails will reflect these choices. Anti-aging foods will provide you with the all good nutrition you need to slow down the aging process. When you eat real foods with key anti-aging nutrients, you become healthy on the inside which is reflected on the outside by an outer glow of vibrant health that everyone will notice. Organic whole foods which contain the following key nutrients are the best choices for fighting the aging process. 

That’s why you should follow nutrition plan loaded with whole foods that will reverse aging. These foods are all packed with anti-aging properties. If you stick to these foods, not only will you look younger, but you will also be fit. You can follow nutrition plan that is set for a month in order to learn how to incorporate all these healthy foods into your diet. You will need to prep your food once a week for maximum success and make sure to follow each plan for one week. Make sure you have a digital scale to weigh your foods and remember that good and timely organization is the key to success.

Breakfast

Probably the best way to stay energized later in the day is to treat yourself to a super healthy breakfast! This will definitely give you energy, satisfy your appetite, and give you the best possible start of the day. You can start your day with a healthy and light breakfast that will include: 

● 4 egg whites with 1 yolk

● 2 white corn tortillas

● 1/3 avocado

● 2 Tbsp salsa

 
Lunch – Sandwich

Ah, the lunchbox. Sometimes you may face real challenges when thinking about the midday meal. There’s a high chance you want healthy options that keep you full enough to stay away from the vending machine come mid-afternoon, and won't leave you raiding the pantry a couple of hours later. So, here is an idea for a super healthy lunch that will satisfy your appetite and make you feel good at the same time.

● 2 slices toasted Ezekiel bread

● 3 oz Tuna (rinsed if from a can)

● Lettuce and tomato

● 1 Tbsp mustard

Dinner

You’ve tried to think of a nutritious dinner plan many times and you always fail to stick to it. But, that’s about to change. So, here is an example of nutritious dinner that is all about making weeknight meals a little easier, without giving up any of the big, bold flavors that make cooking and eating so fun.

● 4 oz fish of your choice

● ¾ cup quinoa or brown rice

● 1 cup chopped sautéed veggies of your choice mixed in with quinoa

Snack

What you eat between meals matters more than you think. These choices boost your metabolism and help you lose weight fast. Here are some snack choices you can combine between regular meals.

● ¼ cup almonds

● 25-gram protein shake blended

● with one cup unsweetened almond milk

If you're going to bulk up, lose fat, or stay healthy, you'll also need a goal-specific nutritious plan to get results. With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just one month. Make sure to follow this nutritious plan that includes super healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snacks and the results will speak for themselves!

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you

---

Foods That Make You Age and Foods That Stop the Aging Process

What you eat affects you for better or worse.

You must have heard that sentence many times. And it really is true! What we eat and how we take care of our body will affect the way we feel and function on a daily basis. Aging is a normal part of the life process, but some foods are actually making you grow old faster. While a few indulgences won’t age you overnight, a continuously poor diet can accelerate the aging process over time. So, here is a list of some foods to consume in moderation in order to look as young as you feel.

1.      Sugar

Sugar is the number one food to avoid if you’re looking to slow down the aging process. Among all other bad things that it does to your body, sugar damages your skin’s collagen, a protein that keeps skin youthful and firm. Sugar as well as artificial sweetener will cause you to crave more sweets. As a result, too many sweets can damage your skin’s collagen, because of its inflammatory response. Unsurprisingly, too much sweet stuff is also bad for your smile. It doesn’t only increase the risk of cavities, but the phosphoric and citric acids in soft drinks, along with the huge amounts of acidic sugar will wear down tooth enamel. 

2.      Charred Meat

Charred meats contain pro-inflammatory hydrocarbons that damage the collagen in your skin.  Research shows AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products) absorbed into our bodies and when there’s too many of them, they can cause wrinkles and sagging skin because they damage collagen and elastin, which keep skin looking youthful. 

Charred meat also use up vitamin C, which is central to collagen formation. This, altogether, speeds up the aging process.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2167317/Is-BBQ-ageing-Why-delicious-char-grilled-food-giving-wrinkles.html#ixzz4NJeG9imU
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook 

3.      Salt

Your body needs salt but over salting is a big NO if you want to slow down the aging process. It is widely known that prepackaged frozen foods are high in sodium that dehydrates the body and make you retain water, as well as cause so-called puffy look. 

4.      Alcohol

The ultimate dehydrator - alcohol also robs our bodies of B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and C, which are vital for youthful skin and overall health. Excessive alcohol completely exhausts minerals including magnesium and zinc, as well as essential fatty acids, all of which are needed to slow down the onset of premature ageing.

5.      Fried Food

Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are damaged fats that can be found in fast foods as well as deep fried foods. They reduce the fluidity of your cells, burden the liver and add to inflammation, thus resulting in ageing. They also contribute to damaging the collagen in the skin, making it look

On the other hand, foods that contain a rich source of nutrients will significantly slow down the aging process. Commonly called “Nutrient dense” foods are not processed and do not contain artificial or synthetic ingredients. Here are few examples of healthy and nutrient rich foods.

1.     Green vegetables

Green vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli are responsible for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. They are high in fiber and rich in essential nutrients.

2.      Blueberries and raspberries

They are very rich in antioxidants which have the ability to neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants in blueberries also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative diseases.

3.      Nuts

Being rich in omega fatty acids, nuts are a perfect age fighting food. To add to that, nuts can strengthen your immune system due to their rich mineral count. 

4.      Fish

Fish is a food of excellent nutritional value, providing high quality protein and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and iodine in marine fish. It’s rich in fatty acids, which suppresses the discomfort of chronic inflammation. A proper amount of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, enhance the feeling of well-being.

While you can’t stop aging, you definitely can, slow it down. The first step toward good health is eating right. What we eat influences how we feel, so make sure to incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and healthy proteins in your diet and start living healthy!

Ultimately -- 
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.

If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you