MakeTimeForFit – January Fitness

Here’s a great way to keep track of your health and fitness goals to kick off the New Year!

Each day add the challenge to whatever you were planning to do for the day. These challenges, either a workout or nutrition challenge, will keep you accountable throughout the month. Soon you’ll form healthy habits that align with your goals which will lead to results!

Once you complete each challenge post a picture on instagram, twitter or Facebook and tag me @maketimeforfit with #maketimeforfit. I’ll add your name to pot each time and raffle off a MakeTimeForFit T-Shirt at the end of the month. The more you stick with it and post the more chances you have to win!

Happy New Year!

DOWNLOADABLE LINK: JANUARYFITNESS

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You are what you eat!

Food has so much effect on your feelings, attitudes and your appearance! Here are few foods that are good for skin!

  • Tomatoes
    Why: They’re full of lycopene, a phytochemical that provides red pigment and health benefits. Lycopene helps eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays – in other words, it protects against sun damage. To reap the most benefits, heat them up: A half-cup of cooked tomatoes, for example, packs 16 milligrams of lycopene. A daily dose coupled with sunscreen will help block the burn.
  •  Mangoes, Papaya and Apricots
    Why: Got that washed-out look? Load up on some fruit. Mangoes, papaya and apricots are full of pigments called carotenoids, which are stored in the layer of fat directly beneath the skin and can improve color. “They peek through, giving you a rosy glow,” says registered dietitian Karen Ansel, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and co-author of “The Calendar Diet: A Month by Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Your Life.”
  • Cocoa Powder
    Why: Flavonals, the antioxidants in dark chocolate, reduce roughness in the skin and protect against sun damage. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank cocoa fortified with 326 milligrams of flavonals a day had better skin texture and stronger resistance to UV rays than those who didn’t get as much of the antioxidants. Just a few ounces a day – or a standard Hershey’s Dark Chocolate bar – is sufficient. Another tasty way to get enough? Spoon some cocoa powder into your morning coffee, Ansel suggests.
  • Flaxseed
    Why: Think of these as tiny wrinkle fighters. They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which erase spots and smooth fine lines. In one study, participants who had about half a teaspoon of omega-3s daily for six weeks had less skin irritation and redness, as well as better-hydrated skin, according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition. That’s likely because fatty acids attract water to skin cells, plumping the skin and reducing wrinkling.
  • Sweet Potatoes:
    Why: They’re full of vitamin C, which smooths wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found people who consumed 4 milligrams of vitamin C – about half a small sweet potato – daily for three years reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 11 percent.
  • Spinach:
    Why: Want to protect yourself against skin cancer? Take a page out of Popeye’s book. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that folks who ate the most leafy greens (more than four times a day) developed half as many skin tumors over 11 years as those who ate the smallest amount (once a day or never). That’s likely because the folate in spinach helps maintain and repair DNA, reducing the likelihood of cancer-cell growth
  • Canned Tuna:
    Why: It’s packed with selenium – a nutrient that preserves elastin, which keeps skin smooth and tight. Selenium also prevents free radicals that are produced by UV rays from damaging skin cells, protecting against sun damage.
  • Safflower Oil
    Why: If you have dry, flaky or itchy skin, take note: This common cooking oil doubles as a moisturizer. It contains omega-6 fatty acids, which keep cell walls supple, allowing water to reach the skin. Some research suggests consuming safflower oil can help ease skin problems such as dermatitis, inflammation, acne and dry skin.

What’s for Dinner? Spaghetti Squash & Shrimp!

I love love love spaghetti squash! It is so versatile and very easy to make – best part guilt free! You can replace pasta with it and reap many benefits from the swap.

“One cup of cooked spaghetti squash only has 42 calories, compared to a cup of cooked pasta with over 200 calories. It only has 10 grams of total carbohydrates, which is one-fourth the amount you’ll get from the pasta. You’ll also get 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber.” Plus it has Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium.

An easy way to serve spaghetti squash is with some shrimp and tomato sauce.

Cook the spaghetti squash. Here’s how
Devein shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side in your  choice of oil (coconut, olive, or regular)
Add garlic to shrimp once you flip the shrimp
Sautee together
Tomato Sauce ( make your own or I’ll get a lower sugar or Simple Truth brand).
Plate shrimp and tomato sauce on top of spaghetti squash and you are good to go!

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Click here for more info.

Eating at Work!

When I first moved to Texas my job was during the evening so I was forced to eat dinner at work. Making a lunch is one thing but dinner – I know I had to be smart about what I bring because I’m at work making money not trying to spend it! Plus whatever restaurant I could run to during a break from work would not be healthy!

I try to get a protein, a carb (forget that carbs are bad! Not all are bad!) and a vegetable when I pack my dinners.  I usually stick with fish and chicken for proteins. Throw in some brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for my starchy carb. My veggie of choice lately has been Kale. It’s very easy to make and I really like the crunch and flavor of baking it.  Otherwise I go with frozen broccoli, spinach or sweet potatoes.

Eating well is just a matter of planning. It’s hard to throw things together quickly if you don’t have things in the house or you are tight on time.

There are countless ways to prepare chicken, tilapia, and catfish. Find some recipes that you like and make them ahead of time, portion it out in tupperware containers and you’ll learn what works for you!

Good luck prepping!

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Pumping Iron?

Did you know?

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States, and women are among those at greatest risk. Iron is critical for producing hemoglobin, a protein that helps red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout your body. So without it, everything suffers

Here are few symptoms that may be related to an iron deficiency.

  1.  Exhaustion
    This is tough to tell since many women are busy and just dismiss the tired feeling as normal when in fact it’s the most common symptom of iron deficiency
  2. Quick to lose breath
    Normal activities like walking up the stairs or you typical exercise routine causes you to lose your breath easily, easier than usual, chances are your iron is to blame.
  3. Headaches
    Iron helps produce oxygen so when you are low in iron your body will portions out your iron supply and prioritize getting oxygen to your brain although you will likely experience headaches because it still isn’t enough
  4. Increased anxiety
    Can’t relax? It may be in part to low iron since the lack of oxygen revving up your body’s sympathetic nervous system.
  5. Crave ice chips
    Ever have the urge to chew on ice chips? Those who are iron deficient! If you notice yourself going to the freezer, that’s red flag for lacking iron!

I struggled myself with iron deficiency. My doctor prescribed iron supplements for me when I was in high school and I learned to eat more dark leafy green vegetables and red meat (loaded with iron).

Before you give blood they do a finger prick to test your hemoglobin levels which is produced by the iron in blood. Any time I tired to give blood I would try to increase my iron-enriched foods but didn’t work. I’d have enough iron (hemoglobin) but not enough to give. This was a little battle within myself over the next 10 years.

I pride myself on being healthy, why couldn’t I get my iron up?

I started ID Nutrition four months ago and I’ve noticed a few things improve but little did I know biggest changes are happening on the inside.

About a month after starting ID Nutrition, which based on my personalized assessment included an iron supplement, there was blood drive at my work. I signed up just hoping I’d been eating well enough. Not even thinking of my ID Nutrition supplements.

Sure enough, I was able to give at blood drive at work. My iron (hemoglobin) was just over what it needed to be to donate! WOOOO!

Now, about 3 months later and four months since I started ID Nutrition, another blood drive popped up near my house.

I went in to donate, all the while hoping in the back of my mind that my iron (hemoglobin) was high enough.  The technician told me that hemoglobin levels needs to be 12.5 in order to give blood, mine was  was 13.7.  The technician with the Red Cross was even impressed! I knew this had to be a direct correlation of my use of ID Nutrition and my iron supplements. My hemoglobin level has never been higher and I’m so happy that I can give blood without worry of getting there just to be turned away.

It’s sometimes hard to track positive results form vitamins but this is something tangible and something that I’m so proud of! Not only is ID Life helping me fill in my nutritional gaps but in turn I can help save someone’s life.

Go take your free assessment today and see how quickly you reap the benefits of these pharmaceutical grade vitamins!

Visit jarmstrong427.idlife.com for your free ID Nutrition assessment.

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Reference here

What is flax seed and how do I eat it?

Flax seed comes from flax which is one of the oldest fiber crops in the entire world. It has taken the health industry by storm and it lives up to its reputation.  Flax seed is loaded with the “good stuff.” It is a great source of omega 3 fat (healthy fat), antioxidants and fiber. It can also protect from colon, breast, and prostate cancers as it has been said to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Flax seeds can also lower cholesterol, prevent hot flashes, improve blood sugar and helps with constipation due to the high fiber content.

How? Where do you add flax seed to your diet?

Add flax seed to:
Salads, yogurt, muffins, oatmeal, protein shakes, bread chicken, french toast, apple sauce, ice cream, cottage cheese or substitute an egg! There are tons of possibles and more details click here!

Load up on flax seed where you can you will see and feel it many benefits!

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Reference here and here

Simple and delicious salad

One of my “go-to” salad is this spinach avocado tomato salad. It’s easy and delicious.

Recipe:
Spinach leaves
Half an avocado, diced
Half a tomato,  diced
Dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Viola simple, easy and nutritious! And the best part – there’s no wrong way to make a salad. Add in more of what you like and take out what you don’t.

What are your favorite salads?!

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Hitting the gym?  Email maketimeforfit@gmail.com for a FREE consultation for a personalized workout program!

Stay on track even when dining out

Headed out for dinner? Here are some tips that can help you stay on track with you fitness lifestyle goals!

One tip I use when dining out is to order half my meal. Just ask the server to box up half for you before you get it.
You’ll be surprised how much food half is, and you trick your brain because when you clean your plate you won’t feel terrible afterwards!

Another tip I use is to always get the side of vegetables! Fries have zero nutritional value, just don’t get them -you’ll be OK I promise!

You know you can order those veggies dry? They won’t be raw but they won’t use a half a stick of butter when sauteing them.

This is half of my dinner from the other night

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I got a chicken caprese sandwich with a side of zucchini and squash. That doesn’t look like half a meal does it? Portion sizes are outrageously large in restaurants and often times our eyes are way bigger than our stomach! Go to the restaurant with the mindset to order half and you’ll get to enjoy your meal without the guilt! PLUS you get leftovers!

Need a workout program? Start today! Email maketimeforfit@gmail.com for a free consultation to get your personalized workout program!

How do you make spaghetti squash?

Lot’s of hype on spaghetti squash – but how in the world do you make it? It’s actually very very easy!

What you need:
1 spaghetti squash
Casserole dish (microwavable)
Knife
Water

What to do:
Cut lengthwise the spaghetti squash in half
Clean out seeds – don’t mess with sides just scrape the seeds from the middle
Place halves face down in the casserole dish
Fill with water about .5 to 1 inch so that the face of squash is covered
Microwave for 12 minutes – rotate dish half way through if your microwave doesn’t spin
Now when it’s done it will be VERY hot.
Let it cool and remove from dish and flip the squash face up on a plate. Using a fork, pull the inside of squash to the center and it will come off in little spaghetti strings!
Move these to your bowl and top with whatever you want!

Suggested toppings:
Spaghetti squash and your favorite protein
Garlic & butter
Butter
Butter & brown sugar (yes this makes it less healthy but it delicious! )

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Start today! Email maketimforfit@gmail.com for your personalized workout program!

What is IDLife?

Two things are facts:
1. We are all unique
2. We aren’t getting all the nutrients we need from our daily diets.

Imagine walking into a vitamin store and looking around seeing all sorts of brands, vitamins, supplements having no clue where to start. The sales person tries to explain but they don’t really know you or your goals and besides do you really trust or feel comfortable telling them all about your personal goals?

IDLife takes that uncertainty and supports everything recommended with over 7,000 medical journals to back up each suggested vitamin. That’s why you take an (FREE) assessment. It is set up to decipher all the information about your eating habits, your activity, your goals even your allergies and puts it through algorithms to offer you a UNIQUE plan based on YOU. Crazy right?

IDLIFE is a company that is here to help with both of those facts. ID Life – Individually Designed Life defines a belief, an idea and a culture, but most importantly it defines who IDLife is as a company.  IDLife was founded on the principle that everyone should be able to design the life of his or her dreams.  Whether your ambition is to achieve better health, interact with like-minded people, operate your own business, or just have fun, IDLife is here to meet you where you are and help you design the path to where you want to be.

For what you pay now for your over the counter vitamins, you can get unique to you, pharmaceutical grade vitamins sent your house. The testimonies from these products are real and you can become the healthiest version of you today!

Visit jarmstrong427.idlife.com to take your free assessment!

idlife

 

Lost in the gym? Email maketimforfit@gmail.com for your personalized workout program!