Wednesday, November 14, 2012

HOW TO MAXIMIZE ENERGY FOR AN EVENING WORKOUT


Morning workouts may be better in many respects, but evening workouts could be just as good. Sometimes energy in the afternoons and evenings are lower and to make sure you check your workout off your to-do list for the day, here are ways to keep energy up in the evening.

Well-timed snack: Lunch is a distant memory by the time you're ready for after-work exercise, so snacks are in order if you want to have the energy you need for a good workout. But eating too much right before a workout can be your downfall as well. The solution? A well-timed, well-balanced snack of carbs and protein to help power through a workout; go for easily digestible carbs — like saltine crackers or raisins — if you're grabbing something right before you head out. 
Water: Feeling sluggish? Dehydration could be the culprit. Make sure you stay amply hydrated all day — otherwise you could be met with fatigue at the start of your workout. If your exercise routine is intense, make sure you keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated throughout your routine.
An extra kick: Coffee perks you up in the morning, and it can do the same before your workout. Studies have shown that drinking caffeine before a workout helps increase your stamina and energy throughout. If an evening cup of coffee spells disaster for your bedtime routine, try green tea instead.
Original article: from Fitsugar 


Sunday, November 11, 2012

A REST DAY Doesn't Have to Mean Doing Nothing


Yes, it's true — a rest day can be just as good for you as a workout (just make sure it doesn't turn into a rest week). But "resting" doesn't always have to mean lying on the couch. Stay active — and burn a few calories — on your rest day, with these two ways to stay active without overexerting yourself.
Opt for stretching: A low-intensity workout that involves stretching instead of sweating is the perfect way to make sure you're still moving your body without going overboard. Even if you're only watching TV, keep your joints flexible and soothe sore muscles with some of these relaxing yoga poses. If you have a foam roller, don't forget to spend time rolling out your knots as well.
Light cardio: A few minutes of cardio is always good for you. A brisk walk, a short hike, or a leisurely bike ride will energize you without making you feel like to need to go through the whole snack-exercise-shower routine. And since staying sedentary can do more harm than good, opt for something active if you're left wondering what to do on a recovery day.

Original article: from Fitsugar

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

STARBUCKS FESTIVE FALL DRINKS: WHICH TO SKIP AND WHICH TO SIP


It's hard to resist the Fall-friendly drinks from Starbucks. While steering clear of its pumpkin spice latte is essential for someone trying to cut back on sugar, there are plenty of other delicious drinks that toast the season. Check out which picks are best to skip and which you should have in your next order. 

Instead of
16 oz. White Chocolate Mocha: Espresso with white-chocolate-flavored sauce and steamed milk, topped with sweetened whipped cream: 470 calories
Go For
16 oz. Skinny Vanilla Latte: Rich, full-bodied espresso blended with creamy steamed milk and vanilla syrup: 120 calories
Calories Saved
350

Instead of
16 oz. Caramel Apple Spice: Steamed, freshly pressed apple juice and cinnamon syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and caramel drizzle: 360 calories
Go For
16 oz. Steamed Apple Juice: Freshly steamed 100-percent pressed apple juice (not from concentrate): 220 calories
Calories Saved
140
  
Instead of
16 oz. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices: 380 calories
Go For
16 oz. Caffé Misto: Brewed coffee and steamed milk topped with ground cinnamon: 110 calories
Calories Saved
270
  
Instead of
16 oz. Cinnamon Dolce Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and cinnamon-dolce-flavored syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping: 330 calories
Go For
16 oz. Nonfat Tazo Chai Tea Latte: Black tea blended with steamed milk and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper: 210 calories
Calories Saved
120

Original article: From Fitsugar