HOW TO SET UP YOUR AT-HOME WELLBEING SPACE
Our homes are our personal spaces that accommodate all things essential to living our best lives. Home is where we rest and nourish, where we express ourselves, where we feel safe and comforted, and where we harness all things that bring us wellbeing. During this time that we are staying home, let’s focus on embracing and utilizing our space for the purpose of preserving the best versions of ourselves. How do we do this? We’re sharing our go-to steps for setting up a designated wellbeing space right in your home. This space will be a place for fitness, balance, happiness, recovery, and all things that fuel our wellbeing.
PLANT POWERED PERFORMANCE
4 ways that going big on greens, grains and beans really impacts your overall wellbeing. Plant-power is taking center stage these days and rightly so! Here’s why: Reduced inflammation Inflammation at its core is a good thing. It is the body’s way of calling the cavalry (aka white blood cells) to come to the rescue, repairing tissue, fighting viruses and bacteria. However, when we eat foods like sugar and refined grains, that provoke an adverse reaction, we are keeping our white blood cells on amber alert which over time causes pain, fatigue and is the pre-cursor to chronic disease. A plant-based diet, heavy in whole grains and loaded with anti-oxidant properties from vegetables, fruits and legumes reduces inflammation,
5 REASONS TO GET YOUR BUTT TO BED AND 5 WAYS TO DO IT
veryone wants to feel refreshed and fab on a daily basis. A good night sleep (at least 8 hours) recharges and refuels you so you wake up with a strong body, sharp mind and slay-the-day attitude. Read below for 5 benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, and our 5 tips to help you get there!
REST DAY RELAXATION!
You’re working hard towards your fitness goals. You have a vision in sight, and the motivation to get there. You’ve tuned up your diet, built time into your day for exercise, and you’ve made the switch from soda to water. Great! But did you build rest into your routine? A rest day is the one day of the week when you deliberately don’t work out or push yourself hard. Both awake and asleep, rest is important to your fitness goals because it allows your muscles and cardiovascular system to recover and rebuild. Working hard every day to reach your goals without rest may feel like the most productive path, however, it can actually lead to overtraining and injury. So, what should you do on your day off? Active Rest Days If you’re the type of person that can’t sit still on a day off, you might want to consider planning a bit of active rest into your day. This will allow you to “clean” your muscles of any built-up lactic acid and get in tune with your body at a slower pace. Over time, as your fitness improves, you may even be able to incorporate more intense exercise on a rest day, because it will take more work to raise your heart rate. Keep the following in mind on your active rest days: • Keep the pace low: You should be able to hold a conversation during active rest activities. A very light jog, hike, or bike ride are all great ideas. • Watch your heart rate: Below 130 BPM is a normal target. Anything above that can trigger hormones to release which are associated with physical stress, canceling out your goal of recovery.
A LIGHT N’ ZESTY WATERMELON CUCUMBER COOLER
Barbecue season is almost here and we’re getting extra excited for the start of white jeans, burgers, bikinis….and booze! A zesty cocktail can transform your bbq from a cookout to a shindig. Since we like to keep things light (but not too light), we’re sharing our go-to summer cocktail that is both deliciously refreshing and just light enough to leave you sipping, guilt-free. Ingredients • 5 cups cubed, seeded watermelon • 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into chunks. • 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2 limes) • 2/3 cups vodka or a light rum • A dash of stevia, or honey to taste (if it’s not quite sweet enough for you) • Ice, cucumber slices, watermelon wedges and lime wedges for garnish.
HEALTHY HABITS FOR THE FAMILY
Working together as a family to take on healthier habits is a great way to set everyone on the right track towards an active and lively lifestyle! Not only is it fun and easy to take on healthy habits as a team, but it creates a sense of purposeful teamwork that brings everyone together. Here are some ways you can be that driving force for your squad! Set a good example Lead by example and make it all about the positivity! Whether you’re speaking about your body, food or health in general, make a conscious effort to keep the comments constructive and positive. No negativity necessary!
TROPICAL MANGO SUMMER SMOOTHIE
ourished and refreshed. With just 3 ingredients, you’ll be sipping and savoring this creamy mango smoothie all summer long. All the rich and creamy flavor without any hassle or guilt! That’s right…just 3 ingredients. Here it is! Ingredients: 1 banana cut in half 3/4 cup Almond milk 1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks Instructions: Place all of the ingredients into a blender: frozen mango, banana, almond milk.
I DREAM OF ACAI
This creamy, power-packed meal is loaded with anti-oxidants, fiber and calcium and is as satisfying (if not, more) than a bowl of ice cream. Simple ingredients and a quick prep time makes this dish the perfect power-up breakfast, or restorative post workout snack.
DRINKS: WHICH TO SIP AND WHICH TO SKIP
The thirst is real. The weather is hot, we’re kicking butt in class, and we’ve got to stay hydrated! When it comes to replenishing your thirst, before you grab the nearest refreshment in sight, take a moment to make a healthy decision about what you’re going to hydrate with. Some liquids can be a source of […]
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE WORKING A DESK JOB
Your desk job – aka the ultimate struggle in terms of staying active. However, we’ve got the perfect recipe for making the most of your desk job and utilizing your time in a healthy and productive way. These small changes will make a big difference in your concentration, energy and your day-to-day mood. Take charge of your desk space and try these sustainable strategies that will make your work lifestyle much healthier and happier.
