Another component of continuing down the path of healthy living is just making sure we all stay active any way possible. For me, it's running 3+ times per week in addition to strength training at least twice a week. As a family, it's getting outside and kicking the soccer ball around, shooting some hoops, riding bicycles. My son even enjoys riding his bike with me while I run. As parents, my husband and I are committed to everyone getting at least one hour of physical activity each day. It's great for releasing pent-up energy (*cough cough* especially my kids who seem to have endless energy), awesome for physical and mental wellness, brings people together and fun in general.
The last component of my personal path towards healthier living, is to lose a little more fat. Notice, I said fat and not weight. As long as I am fitter and more toned and happy with where I am, I don't care what the scale says or what my size is. What matters is how I feel and my satisfaction in that. With that being said, and in an effort to help with getting rid of fat (shudder), I have started adding some supplements into my diet. My daily intake is this. In the mornings, I have my breakfast (usually some oatmeal with fruit, a banana with peanut butter, or an egg white and veggie breakfast taco) along with a large glass of water. Once finished, I take my multivitamin and also a cayenne pepper/garlic pill. I like SolaRay Cayenne & Garlic pills, and bought them from Sprouts, but I bet you could find them almost anywhere. I take this one pill a day to help burn off some fat. Cayenne pepper has naturally occuring capsaicin which helps to naturally rev up the metabolism, among other things. (Just a word of caution, if you do not tolerate spicy foods well, I do not recommend this for you. It is possible to experience heartburn or stomach discomfort while taking the pills, which is why I recommend taking after eating.)
Throughout the day, I drink a 'detox' water that is delicious and will also help you drink the daily recommended amount! I use 1/2 sliced lime, 1/2 sliced lemon, 1/2 sliced cucumber and about 5-6 mint leaves torn up. I put those ingredients in a pitcher and add fresh, filtered water. I like to make it the night before so in the morning it's ready to go and full of flavor. Just be sure to remove the fruits/veggies/mint prior to drinking. Also, be sure to drink the entire amount by the end of the day - it doesn't taste as great or as fresh the next day. And just make a new batch for the following day.
I make sure to eat clean the entire day, and at night, after dinner I finish the day with a glass of Cranberry Water at least an hour before bed time. This is a great way to cleanse the system before going to sleep, and for me it helps me sleep better, more restfully and awake the next morning refreshed and ready to go!
Now, please know, I am simply stating what I like and has worked for me. Before you start any significant dietary changes or adding supplements, please be sure to check with your doctor and make sure that there won't be any negative interactions. I like this routine, it has worked well for me. If you choose to try this, please let me know what you think of it! I love feedback!
© Cruzin' Thru | 2014