Day 23 of New Year New You

Happy Monday everyone and Congratulations to the New York Giants!

Well I didn't have wings and beer while watching the game, but I did enjoy the comfort of Chinese food.  Yeah take out it was, traveling home today and the hubby was out.  :) Made it home just in time to see the start of the 2nd half.  What a game!!!! I was on the edge of the couch.

So who's ready for Day 23.

Fitness:
Is time to challenge our upper body! Try this push up routine to help tighten the pccs, shape the shoulders and tone the arms.  You might be a little sore tomorrow but you will definitely feel lifted.

• Start by doing 10 traditional push ups to warm up
• Perform 5 push ups with feet on a bench - you can choose bench height
• Perform 5 push ups over a Bosu flipped up side down
• Perform 5 push ups with 1 leg lifted off the floor - be sure to switch sides
• Rest when needed between sets and smile you just did 25 push ups!  

Looking to truly challenge your existing push up workout:

• Try at least 1 clapping Push up - if you can do more go for it 
• How about doing 1-  3 clap Push Ups 
• Or perform 1- 1 handed push up on each arm
• Last but not least, 1 arm and 1 leg push ups - be sure to switch sides

Enjoy and remember you don't have to do all of the above.  

Food:

Make it colorful!  Today is a good day to add a little color to every meal,  especially if you enjoyed the game with comfort food.  Eat at least one piece of fruit with breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Eating fruit with your meals like apples, can help with satiation and keep you from over eating.  Its also flu and cold season, fruits help to give you antioxidants and vitamins needed to keep us healthy.  

What fruit will you start the day with? 

Making your own smoothie is a great option or stopping by your favorite juice bar for lunch.  Here is a good morning recipe I like using a blender and its packed with Vitamin C:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup soft tofu (optional)
• 1 orange seeded
• 1 tbsp grated gingerroot
• 1 tbsp honey

Self Growth:

Keep it to yourself!  Today I want you to repeat after me:  "I _________ Pledge to keep it to myself, no complaining!"  

Its easy to complain about things but what good comes out of it?  As you go through the day and things arise remember these four words: Peace, Love, Joy and Gratitude.  See the positive today and let it guide you along.  Monday's can be moody but take a stand no complaining TODAY! 

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/crevette_x/2241123132/sizes/s/in/photostream/ 

Day 5 of New Year New You

Jeez Louise is it COLD in New York.  Do you think I can click my ruby red heels three times and wish myself back to Puerto Rico?  If it would work I'd be back in heartbeat.  Wishful thinking, its time to get back to work and back to my students.  I miss them just as much as I miss working them out.

My Day 4: Since we were traveling back home I wasn't able to try a new class today... BUT I will make it up this week.  Made 2 substitutions:  had two servings of veggies and maple syrup for sugar.

Here we go Day 5: 

Fitness: 
Its Push Up time....  So Drop Down and give me 20!

Yeah I'm not kidding you read correctly today is push up day.  Now I realize some of you can do 20 push ups in your sleep so I challenge you to do 20 slow count push up. Count 1, 2, 3 down and 1, 2, 3 back up.

You can always do these in intervals, the ultimate goal is to accomplish 20 pushups.
If you are feeling energetic and ready for more do an additional set.  Enjoy!

Food:
This cold weather is beckoning me back home to my bed.  How about you?
When its cold outside our energy levels have a tendency to drop.  Break out some spices to bring you warmth as well as flavor and health benefits like energy.

Stop by the store today and pick up the following to prepare a Spicy Energy Mix you can take to work.  It will keep you satisfied during the afternoon lull and boost your energy.

• 1 ounce pumpkin seeds
• 1 ounce pitted chopped dates
• 1/2 ounce dried mango or another fruit of choice
• 1 ounce almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for those who like it spicy. 

Mix together and enjoy

If you can't pick up the above items, try having a yogurt during the day.  Its good the digestion and has vitamin B-12 important for metabolism and helps to give you a bit of energy. 

Self Growth: 

Book a date with YOURSELF!  Crack open your planner, hit the calendar app on your phone or tablet.  Look over the next 25 days and RESERVE a 1 DAY just for YOU!  

This day you be all about YOU!  You could work out, read, go the movies.  Hit the bookstore and check out the new best sellers list. Go shopping at the vintage market you heard about, go to a dance studio or museum.  Whatever you choose its all about creating me time.  

There is no better way to recharge yourself then by taking care of you.  DO NOT skip your date or let something cut into your time.  Stick to the plan and do you.  

I'd love to hear what some of you have chosen to do for Me Time!  

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Until tomorrow!

Taj 

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photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/siva0215/3528423770/