Not Bad Abs...

My abs are not bad. I'm not perfect, i don't always eat healthy, i'm not overweight, and i'm not underweight.

Americans, particularly women, seem to be obsessed with Abs. I constantly get questions about how to get flatter abs.
To achieve not bad abs....
1) exercise regularly (cardio, strength training, balance, and flexibility)
2) eat properly (you can cheat, just eat properly overall)
3) get plenty of sleep
4) don't obsess over crunches and core exercises

Sure, i'll never wind up on the cover of a magazine (unless they airbrush my photo), but my abs certainly aren't bad.

Want to know my secret? i just told you!

One more thing...think about your posture throughout the day and how you can tighten up your low back muscles and abdominal muscles to sit or stand tall. Keeping the muscles engaged will help to tone and strengthen 'em and get/keep your core strong for the support your body needs in everything you do.



sloLCfitness.com

Weight Loss Wednesday - update #6 night eating

My recent discussions in the work place and online have led me to dedicate today's Weight Loss Wednesday to Late Night Eating. I've done it, I'm sure you've done it too. The questions is does late night eating really cause weight gain?

From what I have found and experienced, late night eating in and of itself does not cause weight gain. Typically we eat more when we snack late at night and that would be what would cause the weight gain rather than the actual time itself. Think about the times you've snacked after 9pm... how much do you typically eat during those times? Do you count the calories?

Here are some links to articles online regarding late night eating:
http://www.aolhealth.com/medical-myths/medical-myths-eating-before-bed
http://dietforum.com/late-night-eating.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56681

On the flip side, if you consistently eat late at night, that could pose a problem. Here is a link to NY Times Well Blog summarizing a study where they simulated late night eating on a regular basis in mice and there was weight gain...
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/late-night-eating-linked-to-weight-gain/

If you do eat late at night from time to time, consider what you're taking in. Of course i do not advocate late night eating, but if you're hungry grab something to eat before you go to bed, you'll sleep better if you're not hungry. And that's a whole 'nother blog! :) Here's to smart, nutritious, delicious eating and your health!

sloLCfitness.com

Weight Loss Wednesday

i made a promise that every Wednesday i would blog about my weight loss journey. What's coming to mind right now is all the questions about diet and nutrition that people ask me. Since i'm not a nutritionist, i try not to dole out specific advice on the subject. I also struggle with eating daily.

I'm a foodoholic. I work hard to keep myself on track yet still cave to my cravings. Caving in is not always a bad thing when done in moderation. My problem was a used to consistently binge eat which i no longer do.

Another tough thing for me was portion control. Now, when we have friends over for dinner they make fun of me for always using a small plate. I'm cool with that. Laugh all you want, i'm much healthier, leaner, and fitter now and plan to stay that way.

Here's to getting and staying healthy and fit!! Happy weight loss Wednesday!

sloLCfitness.com

Sallie Meander in the Rain

kinda wish i could dress up like this little guy/gal and go running and climbing in the rain. It looks exhausted, though after climbing up on our porch. I'm planning on running up a muddy, mucky hill this afternoon and questioning my sanity. It's cold, it's wet, it's raining. When the weather is bad, what do you do for your fitness? do you hit the hills outside or stay inside? I'm a bit of both kind of gal. I'll teach my group exercise classes indoors where it's dry and get outside for some sort of walk or run. Am i crazy? You be the judge!

sloLCfitness.com

Burning Calories playing with the Pups

How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine? Does it require a lot of thinking?

Recently my youngest dog has become interested in the game of fetch. Typically i kick the ball rather than throwing it. I have a ball for each dog, they're called holy rollers, great durable, kickable toys they are. My point being that i'm finding that since i'm moving so fast to get the timing right kicking the balls for each dog, not only are my heart and lungs pumping a bit faster now i'm getting a bit of a butt workout from kicking (okay, glute workout, whatever) ;). I love being able to incorporate fitness into every day activities, especially when i don't try.

How about you? Any creative ideas for you that popped up out of nowhere like in backyard play?

sloLCfitness.com