Much Respect to Professional Cyclists:

So most of you have ridden a bike on and off at some point in our lives. But can you imagine riding a bike for 6-7 hours a day going uphill or sprinting? I have a lot of respect for professional cyclists, they are amazing. They strength & endurance their bodies are capable of is truly remarkable. 

If any of you watch international cycling races I’m sure you have realized how amazing these riders are. It is one thing to ride 100-150 miles once and another thing to do it day after day for weeks. As we approach the beginning of cycling season try to catch a race or two. It’s truly amazing what these cyclists are capable of. Just think of the uncomfortable position they are seated in for such a long time & using all this energy to get up a mountains. Many of these riders burn about 5600 calories in a 4-5 hrs period and trying to keep your body hydrated and fed through that is tough. If you think an ironman seems impossible watch Tour de France, Vuelta de Espana, Giro de Italia or many other bike races where these athletes wake up day after day to give it their all.

 I think what our bodies can do is amazing many of us don’t even come close to accomplishing %10 of our own capability. 

“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” -Arthur C Clarke

“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction”-
John F. Kennedy

What Do You Look Forward To?

Planning for a vacation is definitely fun. It’s great to have something to look forward to. A vacation is a perfect example of how settling goals and looking forward to something can make you happier. First off you plan your vacation – which is a lot of fun, then before you know it it’s vacation time. After you have planned your vacation; you get ready for the vacation; some of us like to shop for a new outfit or two for our vacation. You research the area and places you want to see and things you want to do (education & knowledge). And then finally you enjoy your vacation. Don't feel guilty because you're going on vacation, you deserve it, life is to be enjoyed.

No matter what your personal goals are, Plan them- write them down!  

Have fun in life & don’t let your days become monotonous: start planning & setting your goals.

Whether it’s a race you are signing up for, a vacation, improving self confidence, trying a new dance class, reading more, dinner out with friends or lovers, Spa day with the girlfriends, Yoga time or kayaking in Costa Rica. Set your goal & look forward to it! By doing so you are creating more self discipline, better time management, confidence, self love, personal skills & knowledge. By completing your goals, small or large, you are; achieving which builds self confidence & creates more opportunity for you to grow as a person & enjoy your life more.

It all starts with a dream & then by setting a goal & working towards it.

“Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines.” Brian Tracy

“To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift.”
Franklin Roosevelt

It’s time to let go

Why do we sweat the small stuff? I have many friends who struggle a lot internally and externally with weight. If you are 10 pounds or less overweight this is for you!  Stop stressing. Stress will put the pounds on. I know many participate in events to keep training in order to keep the pounds off. Well the other day I came across a great article in Runners World about a habit that many have- Stressing about 1-3 pound that you put on or lose? This is for you.  It’s time to truly eat clean be healthy and center yourself.  

What is the true instigator of why you want to lose weight and what do you stress about? Your body image & weight, what are you really worried about? Is it your cloths fitting right? Do you feel unhealthy?  Being comfortable in your own skin? How people are judging you? Are you comparing yourself to super models in magazines? Or is it something deeper than that?

That is why I say center yourself. Ask yourself they question, why do I feel the way I do about my body. Is it my healthy? Image? Or unhappy with something else in your life but you know you have control over you body so you can actually change that!

Listen to your body. Be true to yourself & improve yourself internally in order to reap the benefits externally. 

 

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--14203-0,00.html?cm_mmc=NL-Nutrition82444202232012-_-Disordered%20Eating

Do I really need chocolate to improve my mood?

So I started my quest about the personal question of, ‘why do we women always seem to crave chocolate more than men. Is it a physical or psychological craving?’ I’m happy to say it’s a physical craving that we need! Yes we need the chocolate, don’t get me wrong and eat a lot of the wrong kind of chocolate, eat a bit of dark chocolate and your mood will slightly improve. 

Craving food when you are really not hungry: usually is in indication that your body is dehydrated. Long term dehydration easily turns to hunger. Also don’t forget that psychological (emotional eating) may be occurring, causing you to think you are hungry when  you are actually thirsty.

Solution: Drink water, if you don’t like to drink water, flavor it with a drop of lemon or Orange organic edible quality of essential oils.

Chocolate: "One of the main reasons you crave chocolate is because your body is low in serotonin," says Dr. Brantley. "Serotonin is a calming neurotransmitter that makes people feel relaxed and satisfied, and one that is essential for a well-balanced mood.

Solution: eat more Nuts or Dark chocolate with less or no sugar.

Salt: “Your salt craving is actually a craving for those missing minerals, nutrients, and water," Dr. Brantley says. The mineral imbalance or craving of salt can also be an attribute to dehydration problems.

Solution: Use more sea salt which contains minerals and isotopes that your body might be lacking. Also foods high in sodium and minerals like celery, kelp and seaweed.

Breads & Pasta: the craving of carbs usually is related with low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. This is usually caused be going long periods of time without eating.

Solution: Keep your blood sugar balanced by eating more frequently balance small meals. Also by focusing on good carbs like whole grain and oats, you will feel full & keep blood sugar balances.  Also make sure you snacks include protein and either fruit or vegetables, to keep balanced.

Spicy Food: Your body might be craving spice in order to create internal heat (increased blood pressure) in order to eventually create a sweat to cool the body down. This especially happens when you are coming down with a cold and lack vitamin C.

Solution: Increase your vitamin C intake and adding a bit or metabolic activity might increase the airway to your lungs. 

Most importantly remember to listen to your body first, try to separate your true hunger & cravings from your psychological (emotional eating). What are you really hungry for & what is your body really telling you.

“Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are.”   Anthelme Brillat-Savarin