Wow this month is flying by

January 28, 2014
I can't believe how fast this month is going by, ground hog day will be here in no time, our hope is that spring is on its way. I have had enough of this winter. I did take some time yesterday to start a new painting, I haven't painted much this winter, I just haven't had the ambition, I find I often just feel tired and lethargic, so I am going to my Art Class today and I hope it helps to spur me on to paint more. I find if I get at it in the morning I seem to do better, I am to tired in the afternoon.
I went to the gym this morning a bit earlier and was able to get one of the good elliptical machines and did an hour, I am trying hard to keep on track and get my weight moving again.

Some easy snacks high in protein
Whether it’s fueling up before hitting the gym or taking a mid-day snack break to avoid the 2 o’clock lull, high-protein snacks are the tastiest way to keep on going. Protein snacks are the perfect way to fill up just enough, and give us longer-lasting energy than the usual, carb-heavy options. Here are 31 of our favorite protein-packed snacks — one for every day of the month! We promise you won’t get sick of any of these choices.

1. Cottage-Style Fruit: Top ½ cup cottage cheese with ½ cup of your favorite fruit. Why not try some superfoods? Bananas, mixed berries, and melon are some Greatist favorites!

2. Beef or Turkey Jerky: Be careful to avoid sodium- and sugar-filled brands, but low-sodium, natural, or lightly-flavored options are a great source of protein. And this chewy snack is super-portable and keeps fresh for months when packed properly. A one-ounce serving (the size of most single-serve packs) contains about 9 grams of protein!

3. Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix: This is a favorite in the Greatist office. Mixed nuts are an easy way to get a delicious dose of protein in a convenient, shelf-stable package. Try a mixed bunch for variety and a combo with dried fruit for some added sweetness. The best bang for your protein buck? Almonds and Pistachios are high up there in protein while comparably lower in saturated fat than their nutty peers.

4. Pumpkin Seeds: Those orange gourds aren’t just for Halloween. The pumpkin insides, scooped out to make room for spooky faces, can actually make a healthy little snack once they’re washed, dried, and nicely roasted! Just ½ cup of pumpkin seeds has about 14 grams of protein — the perfect pre-workout snack!

5. Hard-Boiled Egg: Inexpensive and loaded with nutrients, eggs are one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of protein. Try hard boiling and pre-peeling a dozen at the start of the week and throw one in a small Tupperware container each day for an easy on-the-go snack. (Feeling extra famished? Slice the egg and place it on a piece of whole-wheat bread.)

6. Deli Rollup: Top 2 slices of low-sodium deli meat (turkey, chicken, or roast beef work great!) with 1 slice of lowfat cheese and a shake of pepper. Add a slice of tomato or some lettuce for extra veggie points!

7. Nut Butter Boat: Any vehicle for nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew, perhaps?) is perfection in our book. Try loading a few celery sticks with 1 tablespoon of any nut butter topped with a few whole almonds or raisins (oh yeah, we went there). If you’re not a fan of celery, try scooping out the middle of an apple and fill it with a nut buttery surprise!

8. Mini Bean-and-Cheese Quesadilla: It might take an extra minute to prep, but combining these two high-protein treats is worth it! Fold ½ cup black beans, 1 tablespoon salsa, and 1 slice cheddar cheese in a small soft tortilla. Cook in a dry nonstick pan until cheese is melted and tortilla is lightly browned. Wrap in foil and stick in a plastic baggie for easy transport.

9. Shake It Up: The combinations are endless with protein shakes. And one scoop can go a long way! Our favorites? The "Protein Creamsicle" — 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup ice blended until smooth — (thanks @JCDFitness!), and the "Star-buffs Shake" — 1 cup iced coffee (with ice) and 1 scoop chocolate whey protein, blended — a caffeine-filled creation from Greatist's fitness editor, Jordan Shakeshaft.

10. KIND Bar: We're not huge supporters of prepackaged bars, smoothies, and the like, but we make an exception for KIND bars. Their classic varieties are a great source of protein from the all-nut base (coming in at around 5 grams per bar), but for an even higher dose of the good stuff, try Kind Plus varieties with added protein. (An office favorite is Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein — one bar has 7 grams!)

11. Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie: Flash back to elementary school snack time with this sweet (but still healthy!) treat. In a microwave-safe bowl (or mug), mix ¼ cup oats, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour (of your choice), 1 egg white, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon raisins. Flatten mixture into bottom of bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Cool, pop it out of the bowl, and enjoy!

12. Tofu Sticks: This soybean-based protein bomb isn’t just for stir-fry and Asian takeout menus! When sliced into sticks and baked, firm (and smoked!) tofu can make a great snack food, especially if it’s served with a side of homemade tomato or teriyaki dipping sauce — just don’t overdo it!

       13. Chunky Monkey Shake: It’s time to get funky, monkey! Blend 1 medium banana, tablespoon       of peanut butter, and 1 cup of low-fat chocolate milk with 1 cup of ice for a protein-packed pick-me-up.

14. Edamame Poppers: The only thing more fun than how much protein you can get from a serving of edamame is getting to eat these little beans out of their bright green pods! One cup of the pods offers about 17 grams of protein. Buy them fresh and steam for about 6 minutes, or use the pre-cooked frozen variety and briefly microwave to defrost (about 2 minutes) before chowing down.

15. Hummus Dippers: How’s this for an unconventional use of a travel coffee mug: Put 2 tablespoons of a favorite hummus in the bottom of the container. Stick a handful of vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, and snow peas are a great mix!) vertically in the hummus, screw on the top, and throw in a purse or gym bag for an easy, on-the-go, super-healthy snack.

16. Soy Milk Smoothie: Time to take a break from the moo-juice! While cow’s milk does have it’s nutritional benefits (calcium and vitamin A, to name a few), soy milk wins in a few categories (vitamin D and iron), and they’re nearly comparable in terms of protein. Try blending 1 cup of your favorite flavor of soy milk (vanilla and chocolate are Greatist favorites) with 1 cup of frozen blueberries or raspberries (for added fiber and antioxidants).

17. Portable Cheese Platter: Everyone wants to feel classy every once in a while, right? Make yourself a mini cheese plate with a reduced-fat cheese stick (or 2 slices of cheese), two whole-grain crackers, and a few roasted almonds.

18. Banana Nutter: Few pairings are more comforting than a classic peanut butter and banana combo. Top a rice cake (brown rice for extra fiber points!) with 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter and half a banana, sliced. Sprinkle with cinnamon for some extra healthy benefits!

19. Silver Dollar Protein Pancakes: . Mix 4 egg whites, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese, ⅛ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Cook on a preheated griddle (medium low heat) until mixtures bubbles, flip and cook for another 60 seconds. Top with fresh berries or sliced banana.

20. Chocolate Milk: No, we're not going back to preschool. Low-fat chocolate milk is actually a great source of high-quality protein (especially post-workout)! Try keeping a single-serving, shelf-stable box in your gym bag (or purse) for snack attack emergencies — just try to find one that’s also low in sugar! (I’m a huge fan of Horizon Dairy's single-serve, low-fat chocolate milk boxes.)

21. “Get Greek” Berry Parfait: Just imagine sitting on a Greek isle with this snack in hand. Top ½ cup plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup fresh berries and 1 tablespoon sliced roasted almonds.

22. Grape-and-Cheese Sticks: This is my childhood favorite! Dice a half-inch thick slice of cheddar cheese into squares (you should end up with about 6 small pieces, equaling about 1 ounce) and rinse 6 grapes. On 6 toothpicks, stack the grape and cheese, and enjoy! Just 1 ounce of reduced-fat sharp cheddar offers 8 grams of protein, and the contrast with sweet grapes is super sophisticated (and delicious).

23. Almond Butter Toast Sticks: Here’s another one to fit in that travel mug or mason jar. Toast (or bake) 2 slices of whole-grain bread, and cut into ½-inch strips. Place 2 tablespoons of almond butter (or another nut butter) in the bottom of a container with a top, stick the toast sticks in vertically, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Screw on the top and head out the door!

24. A Little Lentil: We know what you’re thinking: “Lentils? As a snack?!” Yes! Don’t worry, we’re not talking about a bowl of the bland ol’ green things. Lentils are great protein-packed legumes that are easy to turn into super, shelf-stable salads. One cup has a whopping 22 grams of protein in just 300 calories! Not sure where to start? Try this lentil tabbouleh or this simple veggie and lentil mix.

25. Perfect Little Parfait: Top ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt with a handful of fruit (fresh or frozen) and a drizzle of honey. Add 2 tablespoons of toasted oats for a protein-packed crunch!

26. Mini Black-Bean Mash Taco: When it’s time to get spicy, try this easy snack fix. Heat ½ cup of black beans in the microwave with 1 tablespoon of salsa. Mash with a fork and fold it inside a small (4 to 6-inch) soft tortilla. Store in a small Tupperware container for easy transport.

27. Gobble, Gobble: Re-visit Thanksgiving with this festive favorite. Slice one piece of whole-grain bread in half, lengthwise, and top with 2 slices of roasted turkey, 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice of tomato, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1 teaspoon of dried cranberries. This comforting combination packs about 14 grams of protein!

28. Protein Bar: This one might sound obvious, but hear us out: It’s all about finding the right bar. That means one that’s not weighed down with not-so-good extras like sugar, fat, and calories (some options can even be as bad as candy bars!). Do some research to figure which type is right for you: There are high-protein and low-carb bars; meal replacement and energy bars; or female-friendly options!

29. Overnight Choco-Oats: This is the ultimate personally pr-packaged snack. In a container with a secure lid, mix ½ cup oats, 1 cup non-dairy milk, 3 tablespoons chocolate protein powder, and a handful of walnuts until well combined. Let sit in fridge overnight (or up to a few days). Need some extra sweetness? Add ½ a banana, mashed!

30. Recovery Rice Crispies: News Flash: Protein powder ain’t just for shakes! Try these super-sweet protein-packed treats — Recovery Rice Crispies — from trainer Rog Law.

31. Blueberry Flax Microwave Muffins: Making muffins from scratch each morning is easier than you might think. Mix ¼ cup quick-cooking oats, 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons ground flax, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 2 egg whites, and a sprinkle of sugar (or other natural sweetener) in a microwave-safe Tupperware container. Cook on high for 50 to 60 seconds. Let it cool, throw a top on it, and enjoy whenever the hunger pangs hit.

Today's Quote: 

 

Back into a WINTER WONDERLAND

January 27,2014
Lots of snow this morning and it has been blowing all over ever since I got back from the gym. I shoveled some of the driveway but quickly realized it was futile to think I could get ahead of it. It was great exercise anyways. I went to the gym and the usual machine I use was still not working, I went in on Saturday and it was down then. I tried one of the other machines, but it has no drink holder, no lip to hold my tablet, I dropped both of them on the floor, so I tried using the treadmill and that wasn't much better. So today I tried an exercise bike and went and did my weight routine and then when the other elliptical machine was ready I used it. So all in all I got a good work out in with the snow shoveling.

Today's awful weather
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TGIF and its going to warm up a bit

January 24, 2014
Darn I was sure I had posted on Wednesday, not sure what happened to it. I know I didn't feel so good that day and didn't go to the gym, but I did go yesterday and today. I did cardio on Thursday for an hour and today I did 30 minutes and then did weights.
I had another NAET treatment yesterday this one was for corn sugars and B vitamins. 
I was recently reading an article on healthy aging, so I thought I would share the exercise recommendation.
What Kind of Exercise Routine?
it's no secret that, for optimum health, I recommend working out for at least 1 hour, 6 days a week. I know that sounds like a lot to many of you. But you'll be happy to know that I also recommend switching up your workouts on those days. And the intensity should differ, too. Of those 6 days:
-- 2 should include lighter aerobic workouts for the aerobics days
-- 2 should include heavier aerobic workouts
-- 2 should be slated for strength and balance training

Light Aerobics
This means that you're moving, but lightly enough that you aren't straining. During this routine, you should be able to have a conversation without running out of breath.
-- Go for a walk outside. The time passes so quickly when you're walking outdoors. And it turns your light aerobic days into pure pleasure.
-- Pedal lightly on a stationary bike if long walks make your joints ache. You can even watch some TV or read a book while you do it.

Heavy Aerobics
This routine should be a challenge to you. You should be working hard enough that you can give short answers to any questions you're asked. But, no way could you carry on a steady conversation. Your breathing should be hard enough that you're aware of it.

If you start feeling short of breath, you've crossed over from aerobic exercise into anaerobic exercise. This isn't harmful. And playing with anaerobic exercise is important for achieving higher levels of fitness. But it is certainly not necessary for building a healthier body.

Strength Training
Whether you enjoy it or not, it's a wise investment. Loss of muscle mass is one of the hazards of aging -- and strength training counteracts that loss. It really is key to long-term vitality and independence.

If you've never worked with weights, visit your local gym and have a staff member get you started with circuit training. That means you're using standard gym machines in a certain sequence. And it's sure to get you results.

In addition to circuit training, there's a wide range of choices for strength training activities. And you can work with a personal trainer or you can do it on your own.

A dynamic, class-based form of strength training has become popular in many gyms. Many boot camp programs work the same way -- as do some Pilates and yoga classes.

If you join a higher intensity program — vigorous yoga included -- be careful. The chances of being injured go up. So work at your own pace. Be careful and listen to your body. With time, you should be able to get through these programs just fine.

If you have any low-grade aches and pains -- the kinds that are common in many older Americans -- they may decrease or even disappear after you've been strength training for a while. It's often the cure, rather than the cause, for most of the joint problems you could face as you get older.
Today's Quote:
"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."
--Eleanor Roosevelt

Finally seeing some movement

January 21, 2014
Well I stepped on the scales yesterday afternoon and was amazed to see I am down a bit, so all the hard work is starting to pay off, down a pound and a half, so I won't complain. I did an hour of the elliptical machine today and decided I would stay and start back at the weights.  My sore shoulder didn't like it much so I will just have to be careful to not over due it. I find lighter weights is the way to go with the shoulder exercises. I didn't do Pilates today, but will strive to do some light weights this afternoon when I return from my art class. I am determined to get more of this weight off, so hard work here I come.
Today's Quote:

Working hard at the GYM

January 20, 2014
wow I worked hard at the gym this morning, I did 100 minutes on the elliptical machine, then came home and did 20 minutes of pilates. I guess while I am feeling good its best to pump out what I can. And I felt great this morning. 
We had a great weekend and spent some family fun time, hubby went tobogganing with a group of people and I stayed at my daughters and watched Downton Abbey. LOL I also kept an eye on her healthy chilli. It was very yummy. Great company and wonderful to spend time with little ones, 5 under 8, meant for a noisy house at times, I bet the dog was tired out when they all left.
I have been doing some crocheting, hadn't done much over the years. but have been doing some coffee cozy's, I'll post some this week.
Today's Quote:

TGIF

January 17, 2014
I am so happy this week is nearly over. I have been feeling so tired., I managed to get to the gym every day this week and I have done an hour each day or more, so hopefully I will have made some strides this week, my diet has been good, just feeling a bit low and tired, I am hoping to see some results.
I have been doing some crochet this week and am working on a few projects, I am going to try and crochet some owls. lol My niece got me on to pinterest this week and I have found some pretty neat projects to try on there, I have also found some high protein snacks to make, I will give some of them a try this week end and let you know how they came out.
Check this out https://www.pinterest.com/.
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Volunteer Wednesday

January 15, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed my Art Class yesterday, it was lovely to see all the ladies after a long break. There are so many different types of painting, there is one lady that has to paint with gloves on she makes such a mess, but her clothes come away unscathed. lol I myself spend so much time trying to get everything perfect that I use lots of painters tape.
I am off to volunteer today and in a way it is a sad day, they are closing the tuck shop, I find this sad as it is there as a convenience for the residents, those who may find it difficult to go out. Yes it doesn't generate allot of funds and is run by volunteers, I just hate to see this taken away from those who need it. My friend will still come in on Wednesday and will do a reading group.
I went to the gym this morning and did 55 minutes on the elliptical machine, I will try to do more tomorrow but was short on time today, I don't get to the gym until 6:30 am now as I have to wait for my husband to leave so I can get out of the driveway.
Last night I made a lovely spaghetti squash spaghetti for dinner with a little ground turkey and a nice salad.

Today's Quote:

My Art Class Is Back On Today

January 14, 2014
I am very excited today to get back to my Art class, I currently have 2 paintings on the go, one is a portrait that I need some help with.  I think the class may be a bit more in English than before, most of the people were under the impression that it was an all french class, but I informed them that it was never advertised as an all french class and I had just put up with it for the last 2 years, so now it will be part French and English.
Battle won.
I felt pretty good this morning so I did and hour and 20 minutes today on the elliptical machine and came home and has some nice Greek yogurt to top off my work out, I'll try to do some Pilates a bit later on after I do some errands, need to go to Ottawa and pick up our laptop, I had it repaired yesterday, hope it works better than it did. Later in the week I am going to try and get some protein snacks made up. I should have some time Thursday afternoon and Friday.
How are you finding it settling back into a routine after the holidays?
What helps you to be successful?

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Another new week

January 13, 2014
I can't believe last week went so fast, I managed to get to the gym each day and even did some you tube Pilates a couple of days. Man can I feel the stretch. I am hoping to keep this up so that I can tone more muscle and regain some flexibility. I find that I am very stiff and even though I have lost weight its difficult to move sometimes. I also find that with the amount of arthritis I have in my joints it will hopefully help with their mobility. So it's on to a new week and new challenges. I need to get back to making my high protein muffins for snack and keep my diet on track. I have been checking into the herbalife products and am a bit intrigued. I see lots of results and know of one young women that has kept her weight off for more than a year. Maybe its the new way for me. Here is a link if you want to check it out.
http://www.herbalifeww.com/ca/
Today's Quote: Challenge yourself with something you know you could never do, and what you’ll find is that you can overcome anything.

Back to Volunteering today

January 8, 2014
Wow I haven't volunteered for a month, I have missed my ladies. I look forward to our tea this morning and chat, hearing all about their holidays. 
I have struggled the last few days with severe hot flashes, not sure what is different, could be the weight or I just haven't been feeling all that well.
I went to the gym yesterday and today, I have some work to do getting back on track and getting some weight off that I gained over the last month. So I have done and hour each day on the elliptical machine.
When I stepped on the scales I felt a bit defeated, but there is no time to beat myself up, just get back out there and do what I can. I ate pretty close to my diet yesterday and will do the same today. I am determined to do this.

How to Stay True to Your Diet

You started off strong, but lately you’re finding it hard to stick to that new diet or exercise program – so what gives? After that initial excitement and determination wears off, it’s hard for many women to continue exercising regularly, eating healthy, or both because things start to get in the way and excuses pile up, soon that fatty dessert becomes too enticing to resist.
You know you’ve got to get back on that exercise horse, because that’s what you do when you fall off, and girl—you have fallen way off. Here are a few ideas to get you up and moving and back on the healthy eating trail again.
Find a diet/exercise partner.
It’s always easier to do things with a friend. When it comes to dieting and working out, you won’t feel like you’re in it alone. The two of you can go out to eat healthy foods together and not feel bad about depriving yourself. You’ll be able to give support to one another and you can motivate each other to exercise on a regular schedule. Those days when you are having trouble getting going, your exercise partner will be there to challenge you on. You and your partner might enjoy shopping for smaller clothes together as a nice reward for all of the hard work.
Keep a positive attitude.
Daily affirmations are a positive way to start off your day. Positive words of praise and gratitude play a huge role in keeping you motivated to stay on track. Reward yourself for staying on your diet, especially if you’ve just fought off an overwhelming urge to eat fatty foods and opted for the turkey pita instead. Positive attitudes work for exercise as too. After your workouts concentrate on how good you feel for having completed your goals and how great your body feels afterwards. Savor that wonderful feeling of accomplishment and call it up everyday about an hour before it’s time to hit the gym or walking trail.
Mix it up to keep it interesting.
Vary your workouts between cardio and strength training every other day. This will give you something different to look forward to. On your cardio days, choose activities that are fun and that use different muscle groups and skills. There are so many fun things to choose from like walking, jogging, skating, dancing, swimming, playing golf, tennis, volleyball, soccer or softball.
If there are exercises that you absolutely hate to do, don’t do them. Choose another exercise that works the same muscle group or produces the same cardiovascular output. Make exercise fun so you won’t dread working out and you’ll be more likely to stick with your program. Vary your diet just as you do your fitness routine. If you’re always eating the same things you will no doubt get sick of them. Still eat healthy, but try new and different foods on a regular basis.
Look in the mirror not at the scale.
Don’t always rely on that number on the scale. Buy yourself a full-length mirror and check yourself out a little bit. What do you see? Can you tell a difference in the way that you look since you started your diet and fitness program? Muscle is smaller than fat, you can lose fat and build muscle and not see much difference on the scale, but when you look in the mirror you can see the results of beautiful strong muscles strengthened and toned.
Music tames the savage beast.
Anything that distracts the brain from the pain and discomfort that you feel during exercise can be helpful to get you through a workout. Listening to music can be extremely helpful. Our bodies naturally move to music so listening to upbeat music while you exercise actually helps you perform better. Music makes the time go by much faster because you can focus your mind on listening to particular songs and keep it from concentrating on being hot and tired. Load up your iPod with songs that you like, charge it up and take it with you on your walks, jogs or to the gym. It can be your little companion to keep you motivated.
Your health is important.
Most people want to look good, and there’s nothing wrong with that. One of the greatest benefits of healthy eating and exercise is the wonderful way that you look from the extra effort. But keep in mind that working out and eating right increases your life expectancy and improves your quality of life This alone should give you the motivation to start your diet and get your body moving in an exercise program that works for you.
Today's Quote: 

First day Back to the Gym

January 6, 2014
Well I did it, I got back to the gym this morning even if it was later than my usual time because of another ice storm. So I got there at 9 and did 1 hour on the elliptical machine. I came home and then since I was warm I did an Pilates work out from you tube. I felt great and was very happy with my efforts. I am back on the diet plan from the gym and am expecting great success from it going forward.
I watched a seminar this morning on Herbalife, it's very interesting, but I am a bit skeptical when it comes to drinking 2 meals a day. I will have to do some more research on it.
I still believe in eating right and exercising more. I also have an appointment with a surgeon this week, I won't get my hopes up, but will listen and see what he offers as far as the reconstruction goes.
Today's Quote:

A new year and working harder towards my goal

January 3, 2014
I want to start by saying that the festive season was great, had some great company that visited from Australia, Did another trip to Niagara Falls, spent some great time with friends and family over the holidays. I haven't been to the gum in almost a month, but I will start back on Monday next week.
Just been to busy and got a bit run down and sick, so now its time to get back on track. I know I have gained a couple of pounds and I am not going to beat myself up about it. I will just get back to the gym and start where I left off. It seems I gained all the weight on my belly so I decided to check and see what I could find out about this.
This is what I found:

If you’re carrying more fat around your waist and upper belly than you’d like, counting calories isn’t your only recourse. While diet and exercise remain key elements in weight management, eradicating those last few inches of upper belly fat is a bit more complicated. Because lifestyle choices, heredity and hormonal fluctuations influence your proclivity to carry fat tissue around your middle, for best results, consider a holistic approach that addresses every aspect of your life.

Step 1

Commit to an aerobic exercise program. While situps and other spot exercises will help to make your body strong, they won’t have much impact on visceral fat. What does work, though, is movement. Sedentary adults who engaged in exercise equivalent to 12 miles of jogging per week lost more belly fat than those who performed strength training, according to researchers from Duke University Medical Center.

Step 2

Cut back on the carbs and include plenty of monounsaturated fats in your daily diet. While avocados and olive oil aren’t low-cal, they are fat-burners that help to reduce belly fat. Choose a cup of green tea and a few macadamia nuts for your mid-day snack and get an energy boost that will also help dissolve that belly fat.

Step 3

Swap your plastic water bottle for a stainless steel container. While it’s widely acknowledged that the Bisphenol A in plastics and canned goods is harmful to your health, the toxin is also associated with obesity and increased belly fat in the adult population. Store your food in glass storage containers and switch to bamboo cooking utensils to reduce your exposure to BPA.

Step 4

Get more sleep. Sleep deprivation is associated with higher concentrations of belly fat because it inhibits the function of the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin. When you’re not well-rested, you are likely to consume more calories to compensate for your lack of energy.

Step 5

Learn how to relax. Whether you are stressing about work or your belly fat, unmitigated stress keeps the hormone cortisol at high levels, inhibiting fat-burn and propelling you to the cookie jar for a sugar fix. Choose a relaxation technique that works for you, and commit it to daily practice.
So this is what I am going to work towards.
Today's Quote: