Just Do It

This took me a few shots to decipher. I knew what it was trying to say the moment I read it, but I had to make sure it made sense. I really like this quote! Especially with beach and bikini season now underway, it's time to stop with the excuses and just do it! You don't want to get into the habit of telling yourself "Oh, I won't work out today but I'll definitely make up for it tomorrow." Chances are you won't. Summer is a blissful season full of basking in the hot sun, tanning, swimming, oh, and ice cream. Swimming is great exercise so hit the beach as often as you can for an enjoyable workout. On the other hand, tanning and ice cream do not offer much of a calorie burn. This isn't the time to give up and stop any and all activity. In a season wrought with hot, humid weather, and the bodily terrors of ice cream, you can't afford to let your routine slide. If you need an incentive, just think, if you keep working out, you won't have to worry about enjoying the odd ice cream from time to time. I know that's certainly incentive enough for me!

Gwyneth Paltrow

Yes, of course I'm jealous of Gwyneth Paltrow, I'm almost certain everyone is. Reading this is a great inspiration. Too often people complain about exercise and the effort and time one must set aside to get into great shape, but I think she nailed it. Isn't what you put into it worth the end result? If you don't feel great about the way you look, isn't carrying that feeling of insecurity around with you harder than getting up and being active? I personally think that if you take this positive attitude into every workout, there will be a lot less complaining and skipped days. We all justify missing a couple days of physical activity but if we looked at fitness with a positive mindset, we would actually crave the exercise and the great feeling you get after. I don't know about you, but when I'm done a workout and am red faced and gross, I am usually full of energy and filled with pride at what I've just accomplished. Just sitting indoors and trying not to eat anything but veggies only goes so far, when you're fit and active, you actually feel strong and healthy. Gwyneth Paltrow, you're an inspiration!

Annie's Homegrown Natural Snacks

So it's that time of year again, yes the kids are finally getting out of school for the summer! What does this mean? Lots of fun times in the sun attending camps, and going on picnics. Picking snacks for your kids can be a challenge, especially those that are easy to carry around and can last without refridgeration on hot summer days. The favourites of cookies, and fruit rollups are hardly nutritious, but there are healthy alternatives that taste just as rgeat. Yes, healthy snacking does not have to be a battle! Annie's Homegrown is an all natural food company that delicious organic snacks that the kids will love. Some of these snacks include honey graham cookies, crackers, and real fruit gummies. All are 100% organic, made from all natural ingredients to give you parents peace of mind. Also, the snacks are all shaped as little bunnies to create visual interest and fun for the kids!

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I have personally tried all of these snacks except for the sour cream and onions flavour which I am now intrigued by, and am sure to try soon! I can honeslty say that although I am too old to be eating bunny shaped snacks, they are a go-to item for me still. I absolutely love them, they are delicious, cute, and extremely handy. Best snack!

I stumbled across this gem on Pinterest today and must say I agree with it! Everyday I ask myself this question and usually my answer is no...I push myself anyways most days but the initial decision can be difficult to make at times. Now everytime I think No to myself, I will think of this post and the answer that goes along with it. Alright, so the weather may be a decieving 2 degrees, but that doesn't mean that summer's never going to come, it just means it's going to sneak up on us after lulling us into a false sense of activity free security!

Top 10 Fitness Foods for Women

1. Bananas: They are full of carbs which allow you to last longer in your workouts. Also, ever get that nasty stitch in your side that just won't let you continue? Bananas are filled with potassium which provides relief to those painful aches!

2. Berries: Packed with antioxidants, berries protect your muscles from "free radical damage" that may be caused by a strenuous workout. Antioxidants also contribute to great overall health!

3. Carrots: They contain complex carbs. These provide your muscles with energy and potassium, which works to control your blood pressure. This is very useful when partaking in an activity!

4. Whole Grain Cereal: This is great as a pre-workout snack! They contain complex carbs which increase your endurance as well as protein which aids muscle growth and repair.

5. Chicken Thighs: Full of iron and zinc, chicken thighs provide you with a multitude of vitamins which increase your energy. Chicken is a lean meat so you won't be left with the guilt of fatty red meats!



6. Hummus: Low in calories and high in carbs, proteins, and unsaturated fats, hummus is an excellent pre or post-workout snack. It is also most often olive oil based which contains oelic acid which has been shown to reduce ones chances of developing breast cancer.


7. Eggs: Leave the yolk in as it is a great source of iron and lecethin! (Lecethin promotes critical brain health.)


8. Salmon: Has omega-3's which reduce abdominal fat...yes, I suddenly got a major craving for salmon! Side note-fish oil is also incredibly good for the skin, hair, and nails!


9. Milk: It's a great source of calcium! This is especially important if you are working out regularly as you must ensure you are including foods in your diet that will keep your bones strong and healthy.


10. Nuts: Filled with protein, all nuts and seeds are great for an after workout snack! Just be sure you don't over indulge, as they are quite high in calories and fat.