Carbs + Cardio

It’s summer and it’s hot as hell (I’m in Arizona, so that statement is legitimately accurate). But while it’s too hot to run outside, the treadmill gets boring and I always wonder how the hell anyone could read a damn book/magazine while they’re running. So if you’re like me and need different entertainment… Here is a list to help you with your treadmill struggles.

Race the people next to you.

Copy literally every movement the person next to you does.

Pretend that you are singing the song that is playing to a massive arena filled with people and they are all singing along and you are totally more famous than Ellie Goulding and you’re a star.

Realize that you actually are a star (in your own special way).

Make up elaborate back stories for every person you see in the gym.

Combine the stories to create a really epic battle and/or romantic comedy.

Listen to audio books.

Remember you have homework and start profusely sweating from stress and not from the run.

Force your friends to go to the gym with you so you can talk to them.

Force your boyfriend to go to the gym with you so you can talk to them.

Talk to yourself because you have no friends to workout with.

Wonder if the reason you have no friends is because you talk to yourself in public places.

Realize you don’t care

Watch a TV show.

Think about the vast and terrifying future.

Think about all the cute clothes you are going to buy after you are shredded from this workout.

Go back to conversations from the past where you didn’t have a good come back and make up a really good one.

Be mad that you didn’t think of it sooner.

Decide which guys in the room you would hook up with given the chance.

Do the same for girls (look I’m straight but if I saw Olivia Wilde at the gym I’d still try to get it).

Think about what you will name your future children.

Or dogs.

Come up with some really insightful conversation starters to have in the future.

Forget them by the time you’re done running.

Picture Chris Evans running directly in front of you.

Picture Chris Evans running directly in front of you… Naked.

Try to hide the fact that you are picturing Channing Tatum naked.

Do the same for Ryan Gosling.

And Channing Tatum.

Think about the delicious (and healthy) meal you are going to eat after this amazing workout.

Dance like no one is watching.

Dance like people are watching and just don’t give a fuck.

Pretend you are currently running an Olympic race and someone from Team Canada is right on your tail and if you don’t finish running that damn Canadian and her bacon are going to catch you.

How to make the transition to veganism!

I had wanted to make the transition to veganism for so long but I never knew where to start. I began as a vegetarian for 4 years and then made the switch to veganism! I have compiled a list of things to help YOU make the transition (: Even if you have never considered this I definitely think you should try it out for a few days or a week and just see what you think! 

I, like many others, used to think that going vegan would limit me so much to what I could and couldn’t eat! I was wrong- veganism has expanded my food range so much and I have begun to try things that I had never even heard of before! Making this transition has allowed me to try so many new recipes and ways of cooking things! I have some wonderful recipes I cook frequently now and am working on posting them all on my blog (:

Some useful resources that helped me:

The book Vegan for Life was a HUGE help! It helped me to learn so much more about nutrients and how to make sure I am eating healthy, eating enough, all the while eating vegan ! This is a must read if you are making the transition!

Vegankit helped me when I started too! It helped me to learn about how to live a vegan lifestyle- including foods, products, clothes, and more!

Earthlings- I never finished it but it is a documentary about animal cruelty and it is just absolutely heartbreaking! I have been told by many that it makes people want to go vegan!

From excuse-itarian to vegan! This video discusses a lot of common/important topics that are relevant when making the transition! You should defintiely watch it! 

Pinterest ! I found it my favorite source for finding recipes! They are free and easy and there are a million to choose from! If you check out my pinterest (linked above) I have a bunch of recipes under my vegan board that I have made & loved!

Vitamin B12- of all supplements this is the one you need! So make sure you are taking it :D 

Some other things to keep in mind when making the transition:

Choose around 10 easy & basic recipes that you can fall back on! Many families stick to the same recipes throughout throughout their weeks and rotate them and if you have 10 to rotate through then you will be set!

Let people know you are vegan before you visit or come prepared! Many people are willing to work with you and help you to meet your dietary needs but you should let them know in advance so they will be prepared!

Prepare in advance. Whether you are traveling or just going out to eat it helps to pack snacks along or see where you are going and check if they have vegan options!

When you go out to eat the best thing to do is ask the waiter what options are available or ask for the specifics of a certain item on the menu!

Keep food ready in your pantry/fridge! If you have food ready to eat then when you are hungry you won’t be tempted to eat anything that is not vegan!

Remember your reasons for doing this! Whether you are motivated for your health or to help the animals, keep it in mind so you do not give up!

Make a vegan friend! There are many vegans on tumblr and sometimes it just helps to be able to talk to someone that you have veganism in common with! You can share ideas, tips, recipes, etc!

Know your stuff! Don’t be pushy when talking to others about veganism but be able to stand your ground! Never be a rude vegan (because they already have a bad rep) but don’t let non-vegans push you around and insult your beliefs either ! 

I hope this helps everyone and if you need more info I will do my best to help you! These are just some general tips and I would be happy to provide more info to anyone and if anyone is interested in going vegan (or vegetarian) please let me know! It is such a wonderful lifestyle! :D

FBW#8

Hi guys here is another Full Body Workout.

You will only need 27 minutes to do it. 

Repeat all exercises (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9) X2

Then Stretch with 10

Below are a couple of tips for each exercise: 

1- Squat: 

Focus on breathing deeply and moving your entire body. Try not to squat too deep in the first minute. Keep you abs contracted and your chest open. 

2- Scissors: 

Rotate from the waist. The elbow doesn’t have to touch the knee, just focus on the rotation. 

3- Heel Lifts:

The movement is done from a squat position, so it’s important that you try to maintain it during the heel lifts. Search for a position that allows you to execute the movement with safety but remember to challenge yourself. 

Option: Keep the hands on the waist

4- Knee To Elbow / Leg Lift: 

From Downward Dog bring your knee towards your elbow and curl your back, looking to your belly. 

When extending  the leg up push the floor with your hands. Keep your abs engaged all the time. 

5- Front Kick / Lunge: 

Engage you abs for balance. Kick low. 

Option: When doing the lunge the hand doesn’t  touch the floor

6- Squat / Lunge: 

The weight of your body will be on your heels. Keep your abs strong and chest open. 

Option: Don’t squat too low. When doing the lunge the hand doesn’t touch the floor. 

7- Open Leg Rocker: 

This one is a challenge! This movement is all about control. Focus on your abs. Curl your back and look to your belly when rolling back and when sitting open your chest and look forward. 

Option: Keep you legs bent to a 90 degree angle

8- Swimming: 

Engaged your butt and abs. Look forward. Keep your chest off the floor. 

9- Tricep / Cobra: 

This movement is like a dive. When doing the tricep keep your chest next to the floor. For cobra contract your butt and abs and it’s important you keep your legs and feet on the floor. Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears. 

10- Half Circle Pose: 

This beautiful stretch opens and stretches the whole side of the body from foot to fingers. Half circle also opens the chest and the hips and stimulates the respiratory and nervous systems.

Be gentile when putting the supporting hand on the floor, if you can ‘t reach the floor whit your palm put only your fingertips. 

Try to keep your chest open. 

Hope you enjoy it! I’m here if you need any extra tip.

Stay Fit, Stay Well!