The Word on Weightloss

If you’re anything like me, you wake up early and don’t stop moving until late in the evening. It’s critical to gas up as you move along your action packed day, so here are a few ideas to put the shake back in your bake!

Rise and Shine!
Remember that scene in Pretty Woman when Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) walks in to wake up Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts) and says, “Wake up! Time to shop!” Well, think the same thing every morning when you wake up but substitute “shop” for “eat.” A balanced breakfast raises your blood sugar, which perks you up and prompts your metabolism to start burning calories. So now the question is, what foods give you the biggest bang for your breakfast buck? Here are a few delicious combinations to get you going:

• Whole grain toasted with peanut or almond butter -  a delightful combination of protein, unsaturated fats and carbohydrates to steadily release energy all day long.
• Oatmeal or any high-fiber cereal with non-fat milk – Soluble fiber keeps blood sugar high resulting in constant energy output.
• Coffee – At least 12oz per morning has shown in several studies to improve metal alertness.
• OJ – B Vitamins mixed with a healthy dose of vitamin C help convert protein and carbs into much needed energy. For an extra bonus, find orange juice with added calcium for strong bones.

Find your groove.
Morning workouts can help you feel more bright eyed and bushy tailed than you might expect. While it’s not easy to peal away from the warm comfort of your bed, imagine all the calories you could burn before the day even gets started!

Before you hit the gym, think about spicing it up. Instead of walking on the treadmill try interval strength training and increase your metabolism moving longer and harder.

• Push-ups. Try five to ten to get started and say your full name one time as your press down and up. This should keep you moving along at a steady pace.
• Lunge. Weights or no weights, start off with 5 lunges forward and 5 backward walking a few steps in between.
• Core. Straight leg raises are easily and successful. Lay on your back with your hands under your backside. Raise your legs up, to 45 degrees then back down without touching the floor. Do this 5 times and rest for 30 seconds. Repeat.

Water and Walk.
Never underestimate the power of water. Water is an essential piece to the energy puzzle. Your body is made up  of 60 to 75 percent water which is why dehydration creates fatigue. Most experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces. Take a break with your water and hit the outdoors. Studies have found that those who take as little as a ten minute break for a brisk walk feel more awake and energized than had they sat at their desk. On a cold day hit the stairs. Walk a few flights then head back to the office and finish off the day.

Just a few quick tips can help you keep that all day energy you’ve been missing. Give these tips a try and keep a journal. Find out which tips worked for you and keep them going!
Never underestimate the power of water. Water is an essential piece to the energy puzzle. Your body is made up  of 60 to 75 percent water which is why dehydration creates fatigue. Most experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces. Take a break with your water and hit the outdoors. Studies have found that those who take as little as a ten minute break for a brisk walk feel more awake and energized than had they sat at their desk. On a cold day hit the stairs. Walk a few flights then head back to the office and finish off the day.

Just a few quick tips can help you keep that all day energy you’ve been missing. Give these tips a try and keep a journal. Find out which tips worked for you and keep them going!