Let's Get Physical

And now, for some exercise.

Oh come on, you should have seen this coming! It's a simple routine, so don't worry. We're concerned about your health, though, so remember to ask your doctor/physician if you're in the right condition to do physical activities like the ones we're featuring today!

If yo want to tone up your body, our friends at FitSugar.com has rounded up eight simple routines that will have your arms, core, back, tush and thighs burning by the end.

If you're sure you're up for some action, head over to their Head-to-Toe Strength Training Routine here!

A sneak peek:


Wide Squat and Biceps Curls

This multitasking move will target your thighs and biceps at the same time:

• Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands with your arms straight and your palms facing away from you. Step your feet apart so there's about 20 inches between your heels. Point your toes out slightly.

• When you're ready, bend your knees and elbows. Keep your shoulders over your hips and lower down so your weight is back in your heels. Then straighten your legs and arms.

• This is one repetition. Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps.
  

Image from www.fitsugar.com

Guilt-free Grub

As we continue our little quest towards a fitter, healthier you, of course we have to include guilt-free meals!

FitSugar.com is filled with healthy recipes that you can try at home. Here's a rundown of their recommended recipes that only have 350 calories and below!

CITRUSY SHRIMP WITH ASPARAGUS

Shrimp, packed with omega-3s, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, is paired with the earthy, nutrient-dense veggie for some serious guilt-free summer grilling. And who needs butter when citrus adds that summery kick?

Calories: 282

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup dried couscous
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
3/4 pound raw large shrimp (about 18), peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 minced garlic cloves
Olive oil cooking spray
3/4 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup chopped chives

Preparation:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in couscous; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; stir in 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

2. Bring another pan of water to a boil.

3. Meanwhile, toss shrimp in 1 tablespoon each lemon and lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, garlic, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Marinate for 5 minutes.

4. Preheat grill pan or grill. Lightly coat with cooking spray; grill shrimp, turning once, 3 minutes or until just cooked through. Cover and keep warm.

5. When water is boiling, add asparagus, and cook 3 minutes or until just tender. Drain, and cover.

6. Whisk together honey, chives, and remaining lemon juice and olive oil.

7. Arrange couscous and asparagus on serving plates, and top with shrimp. Drizzle with dressing.

More recipes here!

Image from www.fitsugar.com

Ooh and just because you might be missing our clippys this week, here's a little peek at our adorable baby gifts! We're all raving about our personalized clips and headbands! After all, once you're in top form, you may want to show off yourself and your little darlings. Dazzle them all with our Salena and Joss accessories:

Monogrammed Clips and Headwraps

Salena

Joss

Have a fun and fit summer!

Cheerios!
Rach

Gearing up for Summer

Summer is just lurking around the corner, which means pretty soon, you'll be heading for the beach to let the sizzle fizzle. But wait--are you swimsuit-ready?

As you know, we love our dear readers to bits, so this week we're all about getting healthy, staying fit, eating right and being the best you can be, not just to fit into those swimsuits but more so that you can have the time of your life this summer :o)

First stop: Counting Calories!

The word is no longer alien to us, that's for sure. But how many of us really know what those calories mean? How much is "Okay" and how much is "No way!"

The website FitSugar.com has a little quiz for you (don't worry, they show you the answers and some neat info too) to give you a little 101 on how much calories you can save.

You can take the quiz right here!

Image from www.fitsugar.com

Me Eat, Me Save!

We hear it all the time: eat well, live healthy, lose weight, "be a better you." Yeah right. Not only is it hard, it's expensive, too!

A recent article in Yahoo! reports: "Over the past two years, the cost of vegetables, meat, fruit and other high-nutrition, low-calorie foods has increased by an average of 19.5 percent... Our economic outlook isn't only making it harder to make ends meet--it's making it harder to make the two ends of our belts meet."

Solution: eat the healthiest food that your money can buy! The article lists down smart, healthy food alternatives that you can buy for a lot less, based on the book "Eat This! Not That!":

BEST BREAKFAST FOOD:
Eat this!
Eggs ($1.63/dozen)

Not that!
Cereal ($4.50/box)

BEST COOKING OIL:
Eat this!
Canola Oil ($0.96/lb)

Not that!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($5.92)

BEST BROWN-BAGGED FRUIT:
Eat this!
Banana ($0.61/lb)

Not that!
Red Delicious Apple ($1.21/lb)

BEST SNACK VEGGIE:
Eat this!
Carrot ($0.80/lb) --costs a little more, but has more nutritional punch!

Not that!
Celery ($0.78/lb)

BEST POULTRY:
Eat this!
Chicken Leg ($1.43/lb)

Not that!
Chicken Breast ($2.36/lb)

BEST FISH:
Eat this!
Farmed Catfish ($2.52/lb)

Not that!
Pacific Halibut ($4/lb)

Click here for the rest of the article. Happy healthy and budget-friendly eating!