4 Top Fitness Apps for Beginners

 On my fitness journey there have been many ups and downs, and I'm not just talking about the number on the scale. I started with no idea on how I was going to to combat this battle of the bulge and get to a healthy weight and a healthy state of mind, but along the way I have tried out many fitness apps, some I thought that was very helpful and others I was like YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!! I'M NOT AN OLYMPIC ATHLETE!!! LOL!!!

The first thing I believe that must be taking seriously is your diet. You can workout to you blue in the face but if you are feeding your body junk your not going to see the results. Then I believe you have to get moving. As I explained in past post Find your Fit! Do activities that interest you. If you take a kickboxing class and hate it you will not be consistent with it.


1. MyFitnessPal: I know a lot of people do not like to track their food but I feel in order to fix a problem you first need to know what it is! You may be eating too much or even not eating enough which is stopping you from achieving your goal.  With this app you can find out how much your nutrition you are putting in your body. It can track not only calories but macros also just give it a try you will probably be real surprised how much you are eating or not eating. And oh did I mention its FREE what do you have to lose!!!!


2. Pacer: Now I believe and know for a fact that  everyone just cant jump off the couch and start running down the track like they are competing in the Olympics. Sometimes you have to just put one foot in front of the other. And this is when this App comes in to play. This app will track your steps during the day. You can set daily goals for yourself  like 10,000 steps a day or more also there are other  goals  that you can set  like did you "eat enough veggies today",  or "have you drank enough water today". Its the little things that goes a long way and will take you closer to fitness goals.
Walking is great exercise that should not be forgotten about. This app also can sync with MyFitnessPal and which makes it less work for you and let you  examine  how much am I moving in contrast with how much I'm eating. Oh yeah also did I mention its also FREE!!!

3. Sworkit: Now with Sworkit this is a great app if you have no clue on what exercise to do or how to do them, this app will do that for you. It has 4 categories: Strength, Cardio,Yoga, Stretching
You can do workouts from all categories. If you are unsure of how to do an exercise there is someone on the screen showing how it is done and keeping track of the workouts you have done. Also this can sync with MyFitnessPal again making it less work for you. And again its FREE!!!

4. Seconds Interval Timer: Now anyone who knows me know I love HIIT(High Intensity Interval Training). This timer is great for that. you can put in how long you want each active stage to be and how long you want each rest stage needs to be and get to it!!!  It's not only for HIIT but can be for Circuit Training, Tabata, Round Timer, Compound or Custom design it yourself. And once again its FREE!!!! You have nothing to lose but unwanted fat!! LOL

This list I believe that will get you well on your way towards your health and fitness goals. The only thing that's stopping you is YOU!!!
You can do it!
I believe in you and already can see you crushing those fitness goals!!!

Combating Soreness!!!

Working out can be rewarding , but the next morning can be a killer as soon as the alarm clock sounds and you try to move those powerful legs you did all those squats with!! OUCH!!!

 This alone can make many not want to hit the gym ever again , do not let a little soreness block you from achieving your fitness goals!!!

Here are a few tips I do to ease the soreness and get me back on the road to recovery.

1. Warm up- First things first!!!! Never begin any kind of activity without a proper warm up routine!!!  Warming up the muscles and preparing the body for the task at hand is very important it  can decrease injury as well as muscle soreness and fatigue. A simple warm-up can be done in about 5-10 minutes.

2. Protein - Nutrition is KEY!!!! Getting enough protein in your diet is very important. The body needs sufficient amount of amino acids , which are the building blocks of protein. Studies show that individuals getting enough protein before and after a workout  help ease muscle soreness. 

3. Anti - Inflammatory foods - Once again NUTRITION IS KEY!!!! Foods that have anti-flammatory properties are : broccoli, green tea, salmon, blueberries, pineapple, nuts,  tomato, spinach, cauliflour, avacodo, and dark chocolate(yeah, but in moderation of course/ LOL). and the list goes on and on.

4.Epsom Salt baths - When it is applied while running a warm bath   it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate; these properties are absorbed through the skin can  relax muscles, looses stiffen joints,and removes toxins and inflammation from the body. And you don't have to worry about breaking the bank with this epsom salt is very cheap and sometimes can be purchased for as little as a dollar!!! If you need alittle scent to your bath lavendar scented epsom salt is also available.

Nothing comes between me and my Epsom Salt bath at the end of the evening!! lol

5. REST - Yes  rest!!! It may seem like a no brainer but you will be surprise how less we all sleep.

As you rest the body has time to repair it self. There is nothing wrong with rest days or taking a day off between high intensity workout outs. Believe me your body will thank you for it!

So before you give up on your fitness goals of becoming that fitchick I know that's inside of you, try these tips!!

Weight loss after a Hysterectomy

Losing weight can be a daunting  task but trying to lose wight after a Hysterectomy  can seem impossible. I got a hysterectomy  at the ripe age of 32, after having 5 fibroid while pregnant  with my beautiful  son.  One   fibroid was blocking the birth canal and the others started to squeeze  my baby   resulting  in me receiving  a emergency  C-section and Hysterectomy.

So I woke up from surgery to a beautiful bundle of joy and a new body that I wasn't prepared for. The baby I was well prepared for the hormonal imbalance is a different story! 

But to go into that story just check out my previous post of my weight loss journey.

After many years of trail and error, talking to health care professionals, and researching on my own I finally found something that worked!!! Yeahhhhh!!!!

Here are just 4 tips that helped me get started.

1. Ditch the Process foods!!:

    Eat REAL Food!!!! Consume foods with high quality proteins, beneficial fats and complex carbohydrates. Carbs are not the devil!!!!

These should become staples in your daily diet.

2. WATER!!!!:

     Water is vital to the body! The human body is 75% water.  Drinking water flushes toxins out the body, gives energy, boosts metabolism and increases the production of new blood cells.

3. Sleep!!: Sleep is always overlooked. This is the time the body is recovering from all the stress you     put on it during the day. The body is using this time to balance our imbalanced hormones.

4. GET MOVING!!: Don't just stand there our bodies were designed to move! 

    Start with just light activities like walking, bike riding or swimming. 

Check out my previous post " Find your Own Fit" to get  an idea of how your workout can come in many shapes and forms.

Just starting on these few but important tips you will see and feel a change!

 

Lose Weight and Grow your Hair!!

Having a healthy diet  and  exercising can do wonders for your body. Not only will it get rid of a few pounds but did you know it can also grow your hair longer and faster?!!

Here are 3 food that will promote healthy long hair:

Salmon

Salmon:

Salmon is a nutrient-dense food packed with protein. Protein can help you lose weight by making you feel full longer. The fish oil you receive from Salmon along with a little exercise can reduce body fat. But I guess you're saying now well how will that make my hair grow Vanessa? Well let me tell you  the Vitamin D and Protein that is in this wonderful fish will help you to have a healthy scalp so your beautiful hair can start growing. You need a healthy scalp to produce healthy hair!

Egg Yolk

Eggs:

Eggs contain essential amino acids and are loaded with protein that has been know to boost your metabolism through a process called "Thermic Effect of Food". Thermic Effect of Food is the energy the body uses just to metabolize your food. Eggs are a great source of Omega 3 vitamins. Now this leads me to explain how egg yolks will assist in your  healthy long hair journey. Some of us have been know to do a protein treatment on our hair using raw eggs. Yes this is effective but if you just cook and eat  the eggs the results are far more beneficial.  Egg yolk contains Vitamin B7, and Biotin. Yes Biotin everyone wants to take a Biotin supplement when all you have to do is just eat the correct foods.Notice I say Egg Yolk be careful to much egg whites can actually block the absorption of the much needed Biotin. So eating a fried or poached egg can give you 25 micrograms of  Biotin when only 30 micrograms of Biotin is needed.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato:

Sweet Potato is loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber absorb water making you feel full.  It also regulates your blood sugar. Regulated blood sugar reduces sugary cravings which in turn helps you control your appetite. Sweet Potato are full of beta carotene which gives it that orange color. When it is digested it is converted into Vitamin A or Retinol. Vitamin A promotes hair growth, prevents lifeless dull hair and dry scalp. So just pop a Sweet Potato in the oven and let it bake then add a little cinnamon to it and enjoy.

Sometimes we look for that golden hair product that is going to give us long luxurious hair when a lot of times  that golden product is food that is at our super market, farmers market or in our refrigerator. Having a healthy diet will not only help you to drop a couple of pounds but help you on your journey to healthy hair and Ultimately a Healthy Life.

Have a blessed day!

Can you Eat your way to Healthy Hair??

The saying" You are what you eat!" I am finding to be so true. As I'm on this journey to living a

healthy lifestyle I have noticed many changes. These changes are not only in the composition of my

body but my nails, skin and hair.

Eating a healthy well balanced diet has done things for my hair that no hair product could've ever

done. Product build up has become a thing of the past because  I find my self using less product

simply because my hair does not require it.  The more colorful my plate became the better my hair

looked and felt.  My hair appeared thicker and felt stronger.

Detangling time was reduced tremendously. My hair retained moisture and my scalp has become less

itchy.

Below is a just a few examples of the different vitamins and nutrients that  promotes healthy hair.

Eating healthier has simply changed my life inside and out.
So DIG IN !!!!!
Have a blessed day!

Haircare vs Exercise

Do you sacrifice your Health for your HAIR??!!!

As much as I care about my hair I do not let it be a reason for me not to care more for my body!
 I workout 5 days a week and the last thing that is on my mind when I am busting out my last rep is my hair.   As a African American woman I notice that sometimes I am the only or one of the very few black females getting it in.  I tend to do majority of my workouts outdoors just because I love the view. I see all other races and ethnicity out there" working on their fitness" except us!!!! I know its not because we can't do it, or that we don't have the time, I know for many of us its the hang up over our hair!!!
Before you jump down my throat I have asked many black women why don't you exercise, and one of the reasons I kept getting was " Girl I don't want to sweat out  my hair!" And the response in my head was if you don't have a healthy body your hair (which grows from the inside out) can't be but so healthy!!!
As a community we are plagued  with so many diseases and health issues that eating a healthier diet and exercise will lower our chances on contracting those issues.
So if your hair is what's standing between You and Healthier life than I believe it's a conversation worth having!
There are so many ways you can still strive for a better healthier you and keep your hair popping!!!
Whether you are on Team Natural or Team Relaxed or Team Weave you can have beautiful hair and a healthier body!!!
There are sweat head bands such as the Gym Wrap  created  by the lovely Nicole Ari Parker at .
 http://store.saveyourdo.com/ that will help keep our beautiful styles popping and fabulous.

Here are some Tips to care for your hair Pre & During Workout:

Team Natural : Beautiful Bantu Knots can be done before workout and after workouts. After workouts remove Bantu Knots for a beautiful wavy style. Pin Twist are another protective style that looks absolutely fabulous during and after workouts.

Team Relaxed: If you have long hair you can put it in a top ponytail with a bun and apply a silk scarf or a Gym wrap or Dri sweat head band to soak up the sweat. But if your hair is short and not long enough for a ponytail then Dri Sweat headband can still be worn to keep that style in check!
http://www.sallybeauty.com/headband/SBS-543779,default,pd.html

Team Weave: A Satin Lined Cap can be worn. Do not use a cotton bandana because the friction of the material will lead to breakage  so use satin or silk to preserve those edges.
http://www.satinlinedcaps.com/

Don't let your HAIR determine how you LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!
A HEALTHIER YOU WILL PRODUCE  HEALTHIER HAIR!!!!!

Stay tuned for Post Workout Tips.....

Have blessed day!

The Big CHOP

YES I did it again!!!!

I usually cut  my hair during the summer, living here in Sunny Florida next to the beach my family and I  spend a lot of time at the beach or the pool so to have less hassle I usually cut my hair really short, but this time it's a little different. This time I cut it and  I will not be  relaxing it. Now that's truly  different. I have not been natural in years!!

The reason I decided to do this was not because my hair was damaged or I'm against realaxed hair or anything.  I have been on a weight loss journey or  what I like to call it  just get more healthier journey and I am determined to not only have healthy hair but a healthy body as well. So far on this journey I have discovered some great tasting healthy foods and as well as some VERY challenging workouts! LOL!!

So cutting my hair was a no brainer, and  I LOVE IT!! I know there are going to come days when I miss my hair. Especially when I see someone rocking a fly style!! But I am ready! I am learning to love my natural hair again .

Now let me say this: Will I still weave my hair every now and again? YES ! I love versatility .

I already know there will be a lot of wash n go style, just because I love that style. Documenting the ups and downs the good and  the frustrating times will be all part of this new journey I am embarking on.  Let's go through this journey together!!
Shout out to all my NEWLY BIG CHOP SISTA'S!!
Let's do this!

Have a blessed day!!