Journey to 30 {pounds that is}: Interval Training & 7 in 7, Angela - Guest Blogger

Interval training is a beast. Point. Blank. Period. (I always wondered the need to say allllll three of those words consecutively like that to prove a point, but *shrugs* I guess you get it J). Before jump starting my weight loss journey to 30, I had, or so I thought, a plan. I jumped on Jillian Michael’s website to scope out the latest workout regimen she offered and told myself I was going to buy just that.

And I did. BIG MISTAKE! I was SO not ready for what Jillian was serving. Ripped in 30 is just that! A daily 20 minute {intense} workout that only allows for rest when it’s over. Lesson Learned. In order to ‘get  ripped in 30’, I needed a pre-challenge to the challenge. Enter interval training.

From what I’ve read, interval training is all about confusing the body to burn the maximum amount of calories in a given workout. If I was planning on duking it out with Ms. Michaels, I had to build up some stamina. So, for 5 consecutive days (allowing two rest days that week), I completed 1 hour treadmill sessions with a combination/breakdown of:

• Warm up (10 minutes)
• Running 5.5 mph for 5 consecutive minutes
• 30 minutes of interval training (1 minute run at 6.5 with 1 minute ‘recoup’ at 3.0 mph).  Repeating this interval for 30 minutes.
• Brisk walk at 4.0 mph with the incline at 4 for 10 minutes
• Cool down (5 minutes)

These sessions burned about 425-450 calories each and assisted me in losing my first 7 pounds (7 pounds in 7 days) in this journey to 30. Score! Give interval training a try one day. You’ll be amazed at how you are able to accomplish this feat. That ‘second wind’ kicks in at just the right time.


Next Week: We’ll talk about the lovely Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 as well as some things I’ve been eating to assist with the drop in pounds.


You can find Angela at WiseCurls.com.

Headaches & Food, Angela - Guest Blogger

Source

I have been a headache sufferer for at least 3 years now and boy, it has not been fun, to say the least. Initially, I thought that my headaches were due to an IUD birth control that I was using. Unfortunately, that was not the culprit, as this IUD has since been removed and the headaches are still here. I then thought, “Oh No! Could I have something going on in my brain?” After several CT scans and MRI’s, doctors were unable to locate anything out of the ordinary. Thank God! But, here I am, with the headaches. Still. So severe that I am often nauseas. So, what in the world could it be that is causing these headaches, keeping me up at night and unable to focus? FOOD!

After during some research on WebMd, I’ve learned that some of the chemicals in our food could in fact cause painful headaches. Some of these foods include:

·         MSG

·         Red Wine

·         Cheese

·         Chocolate

·         Processed Meats

Having an unhealthy weight can also be a factor of painful headaches.

Now that I have my work cut out for me, I can be cognizant of the things that may trigger this pain in my head. If you are a sufferer of headaches and cannot figure out the root cause of the pain, try keeping a daily log of what you eat. When a headache strikes, this log will be an aid in hopefully preventing future headaches.

Stay Healthy!

Angela

WiseCurls.com

Get up, Move and Increase Job Performance - Health Tip of the Week from Angela

Have you been feeling a bit lethargic lately at work and then are too tired to do anything by the time you arrive home? Do you often find yourself in a food coma after you’ve consumed something you possibly shouldn’t have? *looks around* *raises hand* Thankfully, GEHA, provides some sound advice to sharpen our minds while in the workplace. Take a look at some of the tips shared:

·         Be your best, do your best: By having a brisk walk during your morning break, it helps balance neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain. The benefits? You will feel calmer and more alert when you’re done!

·         Cardio: If possible, during your lunch break, take a cardio class. Research shows that after a workout, brain flow is at its peak. This will help with optimal performance needed to focus on detailed tasks.

·         Be the role model: Create a quick exercise or stretch program that allows everyone to be able to participate. A quick 10 minute routine will undoubtedly lift spirits, relieve anxiety and depression and enhance energy.

Just like exercising our body, we have to exercise our brain.  What are some things that you do throughout the work day to keep your mind active and engaged?

Angela is founder of WiseCurls.com.

Back to Basics - Healthy Eating Tips from Angela - Guest Blogger

Dieting is hard, ya’ll. Very hard.  I need to transition my mind from the word diet to lifestyle change.  These past few days, I have not been eating properly and boy do I feel it. Low energy, irritable and fatigued. Not to mention the slight increase in numbers on the scale. SO, what can I do to feel better  and look better?

The Paleo Diet, possibly? A co-worker of mine has been doing the Paleo Diet for the past 80 days and has dropped a total of 17 healthy pounds naturally. She feels great and looks great as well. Some of the things that the Paleo, or caveman , diet teaches is the need to go back to the basics of how food was caught, prepared and eaten by our ancestors. Some tips include:

1.       Eating only grass-fed meats

2.       Eating eggs only from cage-free chickens

3.       Eating only free-range chicken

4.       Eating seasonal fruits and veggies

So, this is something that I may give a try. Honestly, what is there to lose besides pounds? J One thing I will do more of though, is exercise. Beginning tomorrow, I will be completing TurboFire and finding a local Zumba class to attend throughout the week.

Something’s gotta give! Who’s with me?

To learn more about the Paleo diet, check out the site below:

http://thepaleodiet.com/

Don't forget to check out Angela's blog!