Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s the last weekend in May! During my run today, I decided to stop thinking about how quickly time is racing, take a deep breath and enjoy the present. I was on a hill so deep breathing wasn’t a problem. 🙂
Interested in joining me, and a few other great coaches, for my next online fitness and nutrition challenge? We are working on new recipes and video workouts for you now. I am grateful for the reach and lasting impact of the programs we’ve created and look forward to our June Jump Start!
Signup deadline is Monday, June 2nd!
If you have spent any time with me, you know I am a big advocate of the push-up! This ultimate body-weight strength exercise will make you feel and look stronger rather quickly. The more often you do them, the easier they get, but when you stop conditioning your upper body, strength is lost very quickly. There are variations and modifications for every fitness level. Let me know if I can help you get it done!
Why Should You Do Them? by Teresa Howes of Be Skinny.
Push-Ups Build Strength – Everywhere
Push-ups are one of the oldest and most basic of exercises for a simple reason. They work. The exercise positions all the muscles in our upper body and builds optimal strength in the forearms, shoulders, chest. And for the ladies, they will “get rid of the jig” by targeting the upper arms. And when done properly, also put emphasis on building a strong core by stabilizing the abdominals and back. There is even some benefits to your quads and hammies. If you want a return on your exercise investment, you may as well work everything in the same amount of time as one thing. Right?
Push-Ups Boost Metabolism
Because you’re making everything work, you are pushing your body towards total physical exertion. And while that hurts a little, might make you want to throw up a little, it also forces your heart to work harder. Your muscles demand more oxygen to make energy and the only way to get it is from the heart pumping blood around faster. That will boost your metabolic rate so you burn more calories. Your metabolism is essentially your paycheck in terms of calories. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you get to eat. So doing push-ups is like giving your body a promotion and a big raise!
Push-Ups Give you an Ego Boost
Sure thing! There isn’t just a physiological benefit to these bad boys but also a psychological perk as well! Doing push-ups regularly will build significant upper body strength with a minimal investment of time. So essentially, you can reap the same benefits as those kids who spend hours in the gym every day. So not only are you fitter, you’re more efficient – which makes you smarter. What could possibly be a better ego boost than knowing that?
As much as I love push-ups, sore wrists can be a problem. Good form and hand placement can help alleviate the stress on your wrist and avoid injury. Here is a helpful blog and video on how to properly do a push-up to avoid the strain on your wrists. Courtesy of Kevin Moore of REEMBODY:
Food for Thought:
One of my favorite treats is granola over greek yogurt, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. I was excited when one of my amazing boot camp friends gave me a bag of her own specially made granola, Dipti’s Chai Spiced Granola. This is by far, the best tasting and healthiest granola I have ever enjoyed! Made in Los Gatos, California with only the best natural ingredients, I’m hooked! Check out Dipti’s web site: www.naturallynirvana.com. Not only can you purchase her delicious and healthy granola, she has created a wonderful collection of Indian spice blends. The Naturally Nirvana collection of Indian spices have no filler, are all natural and made in California. I just purchased the trio of all three spices and can’t wait to try some new recipes!
Our Chai Spiced granola recipe is made with old fashion oats, almonds, pecans, raisins, organic coconut sugar, sesame seeds, olive oil, honey, Dipti’s Chai Masala (ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, clove and cardamom), and pure vanilla extract. To ensure the best quality, we make this granola in small batches and with only all natural ingredients. Enjoy with yogurt and berries or plain out of the bag.
What’s for Dinner:
Dipti’s Masalas – Curry Quinoa Recipe
1/2 cup quinoa (washed and drained)
1 cup cold water
1Tbs Dipti’s Curry Masala
1/2 Tbsp. Dipti’s Garam Masala
1Tbs Sucanat or maple syrup
1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews
Juice from one lime or to taste
1/4 cup red bell pepper diced into small pieces
1 tbsp. chopped scallions
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
Heat oil in medium size sauce pan and add Dipti’s Curry Masala. Stir the spices to mix with the spices. Stir in the quinoa to coat with spices and oil. Add the water and stir to combine. Bring liquid to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes on medium to low heat. Remove pan from stove and let it sit for 5 minutes.
In a bowl whisk the salt, lime juice, Dipti’s Garam Masala and sucanat and set aside. Fluff the quinoa and place in large bowl.
Add the lime juice mixture, bell peppers, scallions, cashews and raisins to the quinoa and toss. Add more salt if needed and serve immediately.
Have a great weekend and hope to see you soon!
Much love,
Lori
408-455-2570
