5 Tips on Boosting Your Metabolism

1) Eat just enough so you're not hungry - you don't want your body going into starvation mode so eat three meals a day plus a mid morning and mid afternoon snack


2) Eat Breakfast - jump start your metabolism in the morning and keep your energy up all day


3)Drink tea - the antioxidant in tea can help provide a system boost


4)Drink your water - make sure you are drinking water throughout the day, about 8 cups for the average person


5) Include protein - your body need protein to give you nice lean muscles, make sure you get protein in every meal

P90X Update Week 9

Just a couple pictures from my Saturday workout. I know its been a while since I've posted pictures but I always forget to set up the camera when I'm working out. Its not the easiest thing to remember because I'm usually trying to focus on the workouts.

Week 9 is complete!! Whoot whoot!!

Not a lot to update this week, I'm very excited that I'm almost done. I've really enjoyed doing P90X but I am also looking forward to trying out a new BeachBody workout.

The main thing I have found difficult about this program is the time commitment. The workouts are about 1 hour to 1.5 hours everyday for 90 days. It's a huge time commitment to take on...especially when it falls over Christmas.

I have definitely enjoyed the program and I'm loving the results. I will say that I wish I would have had more commitment to complete more workouts as I think I would have seen many more results.

I'm still seeing lots of toning and every week I'm finding that I am able to life more weights or do more reps than the previous week. Not to mention I feel stronger from week to week. Along with feeling stronger I also feel more energized! It's a definite bonus to doing the program.

If you have any questions about the program or my progress throughout the program I would be more than happy to answer them. Just leave your question in the comments below.

Check back next week for my week 10 update!!

P90X Update Week 7&8

Here is a brief overview of how my week 7&8 workouts went.

Did I complete all the workouts? No, I had to skip a couple as "life" got in the way

Did I increase my weight? Yes, some one the workouts I was able to double my weight from when I first started the program

Was I able to do all the moves? No, there are still a few exercise that I struggle with and either have to do a modified version or skip over

Have I lost weight? Since I've started the program I've lost about 5 pounds...not huge but I'm doing doing the program to lose any weight

Do I feel any different? No really, still a little fatigued after some workouts

Has my body gotten toner? Yes, in some places I've noticed a huge change

Will I continue the workout? Absolutely!! I only have a few more weeks to go!! Check back next Friday for another update

Do you have any questions about my progress? Leave your questions in the comments below and I am more than happy to answer any of them!!

P90X Update Week 6

Happy boxing day!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and hopefully everyone is having a relaxing boxing day.

Week 6 marks the half way point! This week I followed the same schedule at week 5. It's been difficult following all the workouts during Christmas as I've been very busy with family gatherings. I haven't noticed any changes this week. My weights that I've been lifting have stayed the same and my weight has also not changed.

Sorry there were no pictures this week, I haven't had a lot of spare time to set up the camera while working out. If you have any questions about the program please feel free to ask in the comments.

Thanks for joining me for fitness Friday. Check back next Friday for my week 7 update.

P90X Update Week 5

Another week of P90X has come and gone. It was a tough week and not necessary successful.

I'll start out by saying that the Christmas season is not a great time to workout. I have been so busy doing other things to get ready for the holidays. Out of the 7 days I was supposed to workout I think I did about 3...yikes!!! Not great. Trust me I've beaten myself up about it as this has been a huge disappointment. But hey what can I do?

This week there were some new workouts thrown into the mix that I haven't done yet. I really enjoyed mixing it up after doing the same workouts for almost a month. I did my best at trying to take some photos (credit goes to my trusty tripod). Sorry they aren't the best I'll try to take some more in week 6 that will hopefully turn out better.

This workout consisted of chest, shoulder and triceps. Lots of lifting weights and man were my arms sore the next day.


Of course P90X wouldn't be complete if I didn't do push ups every workout!

And doing some variations of push ups....they make you stronger so keep doing them...even though I don't like them.

I have noticed one thing this week, I have been able to lift heavier weights this week which means that I must be getting stronger!

When I first started P90X back in October I know that for this specific exercise above I was lifting two pounds less.

It's important to count the little victories from week to week. It's sometimes hard to notice changes when you are the one doing the workout and going through the experience. I've found that taking pictures and documenting the process I've been able to pick up on small changes that I've made throughout this journey. It's important to reward yourself for making these small accomplishments, I like to use it for fuel for me next week.

I will say that this program isn't easy to get through and I've already found myself getting discouraged. The main thing is doing beat yourself up too badly. If there is one move in the DVD that you struggle just do your best. Each move does get easier from week to week but when you are in the moment trying to struggle through it's defiantly more of a mind game than anything else.

Remember to stay stronger and keep going!! If you need any motivation or if you are struggling and need some support leave me a comment.

If you have any questions about the program or my progress so far that I haven't included please feel free to leave a comment.

Check back next week for my week 6 update!

P90X Update Week 4

I am back on track!!!

I complete week 4 of P90X, if you are curious on why there is such a delay between week 3 and week 4 please click here where I explain. So after taking two weeks off it was very difficult to get back into my routine. Thank goodness that week 4 is sort of a rest week.

Week 4 follows a different sequence than the first three weeks. It consists of yoga, stretching and a little bit of kenpo which is sort of like kickboxing. Kenpo was probably the most difficult day because it's a lot of cardio.

Even though I stopped doing P90X for two weeks I kept my diet very healthy. I continued with my healthy eating all through week 4 and I really do think it makes a difference. I am down two pounds since I started the program, I know it's not a lot but I really wasn't expecting to loose anything at all so I was really excited when I stepped on the scale and saw that.

Biggest tip for this week....keep going!!! I had to take two weeks off but I worked around and so can you. Make P90X work for you and fit into your schedule.

If you have any questions about the program or my progress that I didn't include please feel free to ask away!

5 Foods You Should Eat To Loose Weight and Stay Healthy

1) Kale - Kale has so many great health benefits and is very low in calories. Just one cup of kale has 33 calories, 3 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fiber, vitamin A, C and K. This is great to add to smoothies and juicing or pack yourself a kale salad for lunch.

2) Yogurt - yogurt is a great snack option!! This is a good that has probiotics which is bacteria that can help you reduce the amount of fat your absorb. There are tons of different flavors out there, enough for everyone to find something they like.

3) Fruit/Veggies - another great food that you can take on the go for a snake. Veggies are an easy snake food that everyone should be eating. It's recommended that everyone eat 7 serving of fruit and veggies everyday. A good quick way to make sure your getting enough is drinking smoothies or juicing.

4) Extra - Virgin Olive Oil - this can help lower cholesterol, it contains antioxidant compounds, vitamin E and oleocanthal (which can reduce inflammation). This is great to use in your cooking and is very easy to incorporate. You can also find a lot of recipes for salad dressing which you can add to your kale salads.

5)Dark Chocolate - treat yourself! Just because you are eating healthy or trying to loose weight you can still treat yourself. Dark Chocolate is packed with disease fighting antioxidant, it can help reduce the risk of blood clots and lower blood pressure and inflammation. But remember, everything in moderation. You can eat a couple pieces a day...don't start eating chocolate by the pound and expect to loose weight or stay healthy.

Eating Healthy on a Budget

1) Shop smart - two big "no no's" are shopping when hungry or shopping when you are in a rush. Make sure to eat before you go and leave yourself lots of time. Make a list before you go and stick to it!

2) Compare the prices - Don't just grab the first thing off the shelf. Make sure you look and compare prices of brands and check flyers. The same product may be cheaper at a different store

3) Clip coupons - tons of flyers have coupons or you can find some online. Take advantage of coupons and save yourself some money

4) Buy in bulk - buying in bulk can save you some money. Keep your eyes open, especially on staples or items that you use often

5) Save your leftovers - keep your leftovers, they are great when you need a quick meal or if you need something to take for lunch

P90X Update Week 3

Another week done!

Week three follows the same sequence as the first two weeks. It's starting to get easier to get into a routine of doing these workouts everyday.

I've noticed about a three pound weight loss...hurray!!! But I will say that I find I've really soar day to day which I wasn't in the past two weeks. However, I have started to increase the weight slightly which might play a role in that. I've also started to notice a change in my arms. For me that's huge and very exciting!! I've never been a fan of my arms and they've been a little flabby. My arms are starting to get more tight and defined....not huge but enough that I've been noticing.

My biggest tip for this week is plan ahead. Make sure you fit all your workouts in. Write down what time you plan on working out and do it!

No a lot of updates this week, if anyone has any questions about something I didn't include please feel free to ask.

Make sure you check back in next Friday for my week 4 update!

P90X Update Week 2

Phew! Not going to lie guys, this week was tough. I'm finding that P90X is becoming a huge time commitment and it's getting very difficult to fit all these workouts in everyday(of course the really cold weather and snow isn't helping much...and don't even get me started on the time change and how dark it is). Never the less another successful week completed!

 Week two follows the same sequence as week one. My initial reaction was to go crazy and start increasing weight. Lucky I took a step back and decided that probably wasn't a good plan. For week two I kept the weight similar to week one and focused on technique. There's no point in training your muscles to do the wrong moves. To get max results you need to lift the weights properly and then
increase the weights.

Also during the first few days of week two I had a slight cold. With that being said I didn't miss any workouts but I did play it smart. I took extra breaks when I felt I needed it and made sure I stayed hydrated.

So far I would say I can tell a big difference since I started the program but it's still very early. 

There is a meal plan that comes with the P90X package but I will be honest that I haven't been following it. However, I have been very conscience about what I've been eating and trying to make all my meals as healthy as possible. I've cut out also of junk and unnecessary snacking. I've increased my protein, fruits and vetchtable intake. I've also started to increase the amount of juicing I've been doing (this is the best way to get fit in a lot of fruits and vetchtables).

My biggest tip for you this week...starting a program is easy but sticking with it will take commitment. Stick with your program, don't worry about the fact that you haven't seen any results yet. Stay committed and your hard work will pay off!!!

Check back next week for another Fitness Friday blog post where I will updated you guys on my week 3 progress. 

If you have any questions please feel free to ask is the comments below and I will answer them as quickly as I can.

5 Tips for Healthy Eating

1) Pack a lunch - bring your lunch to work instead of heading out to the nearest drive through

2)Eat before you grocery shop - when you shop on a full stomach you are less likely to buy impulse junk food

3) Out of sight out of mind - tuck your junk food in a cupboard or pantry. It's less likely that you will grad a sweet snack if you can't see it 

4) Start slow - don't rush your body into a healthy eating diet, start out slow and gradually build. Sometimes it's about adding healthy choices to your diet instead of cutting things out

5) Start with a good breakfast - remember to eat breakfast every morning. You will feel more energetic and alert. Starting out with a healthy morning will keep you going!