2015. Typing this number I cannot believe another year is here. As each New Year’s approaches, I look back at all the things that happened in the last 365 days. Did you stick to your goals? Did you forget about one? Well even if you didn’t follow through on all of them, here is another chance to make them happen.
As you can probably tell by my posts, I have been traveling a lot lately. It is so hard to eat well when you are at the yummiest restaurants and in airports with Chik-fil-a as the only option so I wanted to eat a little better while I was at home. I am not so great at portions and what to eat throughout the day, so I got a custom diet/meal plan done and wanted to share a day of my meal plans for you.
Even though Labor Day has passed, Summer isn’t technically over yet. You still have a few weeks left to enjoy the weather but no matter what the season is, you can stay bikini ready all year long so you never have to get ready.
I wanted to share with you my weekly workout routine and what I found that works for me. I don’t always stick to this, but I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle so when those special occasions come up, I’ll never need to do something unhealthy like crash diet.
I try to do cardio 2-3 times a week. My trainer said she would be happy if I went three times but she will settle for two. I’ll be honest, this isn’t something I enjoy doing. But cardio to me, doesn’t mean going for some marathon run. I get my heartbeat racing by going hiking at Runyon Canyon, a popular fitness spot in Los Angeles. I also jog on a treadmill on an incline for 30-45 minutes depending on my mood.
Other forms of cardio I like are the elliptical for 30 minutes or the stair climber for 20 minutes. Many of my friends enjoy spin class but to be honest, I am too short to reach the pedals even on the lowest setting and it is quiteeeee uncomfortable for me.
I’m never going to be that girl who lifts heavy weights or uses crazy machines. To be honest, the gym is really intimidating for me. I feel like the pros are looking at me like I’m weak or have bad form. So what I’ve found is that I like to do this in the comfort of my own home. I have 5 pound weights (don’t laugh they are heavier than they sound) and while watching tv, I do a set of exercises until the show is over. For my body type, I use low weights with high reps to get me toned without being bulky.
I also have gone to pilates twice a week with a personal trainer for the last 4 and a half years. We use the machines, reformers and cadillacs, for my 50min workouts. Search for a local gym or pilates studio that has this type of equipment. This gives me long lean muscles, a strong core and a small waist line.
Hopefully this answers some of your questions about how I stay fit.
Fitness is a part of my daily routine, so I pretty much live in active wear. I go from the gym to running errands and lunch with friends, so I like to work out in clothes that can go from work to play while still maintaining my personal style.
Glyder Apparel is the perfect brand to go from the gym to every day life with their Work-Play-Sweat brand aesthetic. It is perfect for the modern active woman because of their fashionable patterns and flattering cuts. They are also sooooo comfortable, so you won’t feel too restricted after you leave the gym.
Look 1 I am wearing the Mantra Crop Legging and the Habit Former Bra and in Look 2 I’ve got on the Elongate Legging and the Sweat It Out top. You can SHOP www.work-sweat-play.com and use the promo code Marianna15 for 15% off to get these pieces perfect for looking on point in and out of the gym.
Who has time for breakfast AND coffee in the morning? Not me, so I combine both for a meal replacement breakfast shake.
Chocolate Banana Breakfast Smoothie
– 5oz Greek Yogurt
– 1 teaspoon espresso or ground coffee
– 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 banana
– Almond milk
– 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
Blend and it is so yummy! I drink these in the morning in place of breakfast so it’s like my coffee and breakfast in one.
For women, you may think why would I need protein powder but there are many benefits