Healthy

Wellness

Weight loss do’s and don’ts for every body

By No Comments
Weight loss do’s and don’ts for every body

By Hunter Irwin, Edited by Rachel Petersen

Losing weight can be a difficult and long process for just about everyone who undertakes it. Consider the fact that if weight loss were easy, it wouldn’t be a multibillion dollar industry made up of books, pills, subscription services and more. But not everyone’s weight loss journey should or will look the same. There are 7.7 billion people in this world and we all have different bodies. As a result, we need to sift through the mountains of information out there to find the do’s and don’ts of weight loss that will work for everyone.

Keep these weight loss tips in mind as you embark on your own journey to a healthier you.

Don’t go hungry

Depriving your body of the food it needs to survive doesn’t work. Your body will use the fat that you’re trying to lose to keep your body operating. You will not get the nutrients your body needs to keep going and you will see your energy decrease as a result.

Do eat healthy

Eating healthy is one of the most important factors when trying to lose weight. Instead of feeding your body junk food and other unhealthy or heavily processed foods, eat protein, vegetables, fruits, and grains. Keep your diet consistent and stick to a plan. Eating better will also leave you feeling and functioning better.

Don’t think short-term

There is no overnight solution to weight loss, period. Reframe your diet into a lifestyle change that you can stick to. Thinking of it this way will help with keeping the weight off in the long run and staying healthy throughout your life. Plan your new habits around long-term goals and mentally prepare yourself for changes.

Do drink water

We know that we need water to survive, but drinking the recommended amount is crucial when it comes to weight loss. Experts recommend between one and three litres of water per day to help with weight loss and your overall health.

Don’t overdo it

Exercise is a key component in weight loss but it is possible to exercise too much. When exercising, spread it out. Create a workout plan and a routine that you can follow but do not overdo it. Too much exercise can lead to injuries, exhaustion, energy imbalance and heart issues.

Do follow your plan and routine

Creating and following a diet plan as well as a workout routine is an absolute must. It will be easier for you to achieve success and reach your goals when you have a system you can stick to. A system will also allow you to focus your energy elsewhere as what you need to be doing is already mapped out. Stick to your plan and you’ll achieve your desired results.

Healthy Recipes

Lentil/Split Pea Soup

By No Comments
Lentil/Split Pea Soup

It’s getting cold out, Fall is creeping around the corner. Other than wearing your oversized sweaters, cuddling under blankets, feeling that body heat after your workout, you want to consume something hot and enjoyable. Nothing beats a good ol’ homemade lentil soup with this classic recipe.

(more…)

Wellness

Holiday Guide to Healthy Living

By No Comments
Holiday Guide to Healthy Living

Even if you’ve been staying on track with your healthy eating goals all year, it’s a slippery slope after the Thanksgiving dinner, Halloween candy,  and eventually the December holiday parties.  It is of course no surprise that people tend to gain weight over the holidays.

desert_food

One way to start your day on a healthy note is by eating breakfast. Not just any breakfast but a large nutritious breakfast. It may sound counter intuitive since you’re planning on having a big meal later, but filling up on something healthy will prevent you from overindulging later on.

Your schedule might be filled up with parties and quality time with family but the best way to stay on top your fitness this holidays, is to make sure you reserve quality time for your work out during the holidays. Try to put in 20 mins of workout in the morning, that will help combat the feeling of sluggishness but instead energize you.

Additionally, do not show up hungry to a holiday party or dinner. The reason being, leaving your stomach empty till the dinner forces you to overindulge in unnecessary calories. Many people think they need to save their body for the party calories but this isn’t very helpful. In the same vein, consider pitching in for dinner parties to ensure a healthy option for you and other guests.  If you are hosting a holiday party, make sure to provide healthy alternatives. If you are attending another party, ask the host if they would like additional dishes and create a healthy version of a holiday dish.

christmas_fitness

Most importantly this holidays, know your triggers. During the holidays, there are plenty triggers that can easily lead you to a path of unhealthy decisions. If for example, alcohol is your trigger to bad decisions, be careful of the wine consumption. If sugar, or desserts are your triggers, maintain a one serve size. In summary, do everything in moderation to avoid a slippery slope of bad decisions.

Healthy Recipes

Classic Brown Rice

By No Comments
Classic Brown Rice

Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world. Since brown rice has been unaltered the possibility for it causing any digestive reactions is low. It has less processing making it nutritionally superior for nutritional value. It is high in manganese and contains large amounts of selenium and magnesium. It is a good source of B vitamins as well. Nonetheless, let’s cook some brown rice.  (more…)