This is my blog dedicated to living well.
Here you will find:
-A positive attitude
-Fitness
-Diet (Food, not the "act" of dieting)
-Advice
-Motivation
-(Healthy) Before and After pics
-And a community of people dedicated to living and feeling well.

Personal Blog: fantasticsunshine.tumblr.com
DIY Blog: makeyourowntrends.tumblr.com
St. Baldrick's Blog: diaryofashavee.tumblr.com

Background from http://h6rm.deviantart.com/
May 16th
4:01 PM
Via
justalifestylechange:

What I had!
Strawberry Smoothie (Meal Replacement).
1 cup of milk (your preference)
1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (I used Right Size, Skinni Vanilli)
4 strawberries (an extra for garnish, if you wish)
3 cubes of ice
Blend together to your preferred consistency. Good source of Vitamin C, D, and Protein.Total Calories: About 228.

justalifestylechange:

What I had!

Strawberry Smoothie (Meal Replacement).

  • 1 cup of milk (your preference)
  • 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (I used Right Size, Skinni Vanilli)
  • 4 strawberries (an extra for garnish, if you wish)
  • 3 cubes of ice

Blend together to your preferred consistency. Good source of Vitamin C, D, and Protein.
Total Calories: About 228.

May 15th
4:02 PM
Via
juliahrens:

made a raw vegan chocolate chip cheesecake for a friend of my sister who could definitely use some lovingly made delicious, nourishing food :) i couldn’t resist making a bite sized version so I could try it too! it was delicious!
crust: 3/4 cup raw almonds (soaked 4 hours) 1/4 cup raw walnuts (soaked 4 hours) 1 cup pitted dates 1/2 tsp salt
combine all ingredients in a food processor and run till dough-like. press crust flat in a spring pan (mines 20”).
cheesecake filling: 14 oz raw cashews (soaked 4 hours)  1/2 cup lemon juice 3/4 cup raw agave 3/4 cup coconut oil  2 tsp vanilla extract
combine all ingredients in food processor and run till smooth and creamy. add in 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (mine weren’t raw, but you could definitely make some raw chocolate chips or buy a raw chocolate bar to put in instead). pour filling on top of crust.
freeze for an hour or two to set it and then enjoy !

juliahrens:

made a raw vegan chocolate chip cheesecake for a friend of my sister who could definitely use some lovingly made delicious, nourishing food :) i couldn’t resist making a bite sized version so I could try it too! it was delicious!

crust:
3/4 cup raw almonds (soaked 4 hours)
1/4 cup raw walnuts (soaked 4 hours)
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 tsp salt

combine all ingredients in a food processor and run till dough-like. press crust flat in a spring pan (mines 20”).

cheesecake filling:
14 oz raw cashews (soaked 4 hours)
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup raw agave
3/4 cup coconut oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

combine all ingredients in food processor and run till smooth and creamy. add in 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (mine weren’t raw, but you could definitely make some raw chocolate chips or buy a raw chocolate bar to put in instead). pour filling on top of crust.

freeze for an hour or two to set it and then enjoy !

8:02 AM
Via
tiny-starfish:


Today I’m snacking on banana pancakes.
I’m sure you have all seen similar low cal banana pancake recipes, but because they are so yummy I have to post for you just in case:
1 ripe banana mashed (the riper the better!)
2 egg whites
1 tbsp flour (optional) or protein powder! If you don’t want to use flour, add another egg white.
Blend ingredients and cook like pancake! Use a non-stick pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon or throw a dollop of peanut butter on top while it’s still in the skillet for a delicious melty topping! :D
Makes three medium pancakes. Whole recipe = 135-165 calories
EDIT! I forgot these tips: Because recipes like these don’t use as much flour or oil as the originals, they can fall apart easily. Remember not to make each pancake too big or it will be hard to flip. Cook them on low-med heat until cooked almost all the way through before flipping. Then work the spatula around the edges of the pancake until it comes easily off the pan.
And if it does fall apart… Who cares?! It’s still yummy and low calorie. Treat yourself! Happy cooking!

tiny-starfish:

Today I’m snacking on banana pancakes.

I’m sure you have all seen similar low cal banana pancake recipes, but because they are so yummy I have to post for you just in case:

  • 1 ripe banana mashed (the riper the better!)
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tbsp flour (optional) or protein powder! If you don’t want to use flour, add another egg white.

Blend ingredients and cook like pancake! Use a non-stick pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon or throw a dollop of peanut butter on top while it’s still in the skillet for a delicious melty topping! :D

Makes three medium pancakes. Whole recipe = 135-165 calories

EDIT! I forgot these tips: Because recipes like these don’t use as much flour or oil as the originals, they can fall apart easily. Remember not to make each pancake too big or it will be hard to flip. Cook them on low-med heat until cooked almost all the way through before flipping. Then work the spatula around the edges of the pancake until it comes easily off the pan.

And if it does fall apart… Who cares?! It’s still yummy and low calorie. Treat yourself! Happy cooking!

May 14th
4:02 PM
Via
losing-every-extra-pound:

The Tumblr Guide to Healthy Livinga compilation of resources to help you eat right, exercise, and be happy!How to Start a Healthier Lifestyle
Nutrition Eating Clean PrinciplesNon-Dieters DietYour Flat Belly Day 1 meal plan by Women’s Health MagazineYour Flat Belly Day 2 meal plan by Women’s Health MagazineYour Flat Belly Day 2 Meal Plan by Women’s Health MagazineEating Low CarbWhat is PaleoPortion Size GuideGet lean grocery list80 Healthiest Foods100 Foods that Dr.Oz wants on your Shopping ListShirataki NoodlesTips to Snack Better10-Calorie Sweet and Crunch SnacksWhy Eat Raw Foods?10 Commandments of DietingTips for Staying Healthy in SchoolThe Happier way to Diet MenuFood that makes You PrettierLook Better Naked One Week Meal Plan Part 1Look Better Naked One Week Meal Plan Part 2PortionsDr.Poon DietThe Best New Superfoods12 Best Foods for your AbsClear Skin DietFoods that Melt Flab AwayRaw Food for the Rest of UsQuick Combos5 Ingredient Eating Clean RecipesHerbs that HealWhat to Eat When You’re Craving…Eating Clean vs. Junk examplesTransition to Healthy LivingEating Clean Video
RecipesEating Clean RecipesHealthy Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerBefore and After Workout Snack IdeasSuper 8-Step Salad WrapsNot-Quite-Unnecessary Raving about Broccoli SlawGrocery List Foods that Cause BloatingEat Breakfast, Here’s WhyMaking Conscious Health Choices: Who Decides?Not eating enough…but not hungry either?Sunshine Oatmeal RecipeOatmeal from The Pea PodChocolate Oatmeal Cookie-In-A-BowlAn Overwhelming Amount of Oatmeal RecipesMore RecipesStarbucks Drinks Under 200 CaloriesSnack AttackSmoothies
Healthy DessertsHealthy Dessert BlogBanana BitesGrapefruit & Strawberry Popsicles (make them without alcohol)Peanut Butter & Banana SandwichesFrozen Yogurt BlackberriesSkinny Coconut CupcakeNutella Fudge PopsBanana Split Cheesecake BitesFrozen Fruit PopsWatermelon TartHealthy Banana Almond Chocolate Ice CreamBanana Split Cheesecake BitesFruit Ice CubesBanana Ice CreamFrozen Yogurt StrawberriesPeanut Butter Chocolate Ice CreamMore Frozen Banana BitesApple CupcakesRaw Tropical Ice CreamCucumber Melon PopsiclesChocolate Covered BananasJello SkiesApple Peanut Butter SlicesFrozen Banana PopsiclesBanana Berry Soft ServeVolume Ice Cream
Cleanse/Detox3 Day DetoxThe Look Better Naked 2 Day CleanseJillian Michaels DetoxDetox RecipesDetox EssentialsLean Green SmoothieDetox Smoothie
Veganism/Vegetarianism Free Vegetarian Starter Kit by PetaVegetarian 101Making the TransitionRecipes by PetaShopping guide by PetaEasy Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers with AvocadoShirataki NoodlesOnehappyveganVeganYumYumTheVeganStoner
Weight LossHow to Determine Your Ideal WeightHow to Overcome A PlateauBeat a Weight Loss PlateauWhy You Aren’t Losing Weight How to Burn Fat FastestMetabolism Boosters5 Metabolism BoostersHow to Conquer Cravings20 Secrets of Very Fit PeopleFighting Belly FatHow Do I Lose WeightThinking of Giving Up?The 2 Minute VisualizationHow to Keep Yourself Full for LongerLose Weight without DietingFlat Tummy TipsCommit to Fit10 Ways to Get Your Diet Back On TrackConstructing A Plan
CalculatorsBody Type/Frame Size CalculatorCalorie CalculatorIdeal Weight CalculatorHow Much Weight You Can Lose By Prom/Summer/Your Wedding/This Thursday/Tonight
EBooksWinning by Losing - Jillian Michaels 
ExerciseLift Weights to Help You Lose WeightHow to Start Running [Couch to 5k]How to Tone Any Area of Your BodyBuilding Lean Muscle vs. Bulky MuscleBut I Don’t Want to Get Bulky!Abdominal Exercises for BeginnersRunning for Weight LossGym Cheat SheetThe Lazy Girl’s Guide to Interval TrainingArchive of Online Work OutsTop 30 Free YouTube Work Out Channels 100 Best Workout SongsWorkout BasicsInsanity Workout Videos and CalenderTone Every InchTop 10 Calorie Burning CardioMore Links to Online WorkoutsWorkout FinderVictoria Secret Angel’s Workouts30 Day Shred Printable Chart and VideosBodyRock inspired WorkoutsYoga: The Basics and How to Get Started77 Reasons To Do YogaYouTube Yoga for BeginnersYouTube Yoga RoutineYouTube by Body PartBye Bye Arm JiggleThe Workout MovesLunge 101Lean Thighs - No LungesTarget WorkoutsYes, You Can Yoga!


MindFeeling good10 Ways to be HappyHow to be ConfidentGandhi’s Top 10 FundamentalsFocusHappiness Manifesto3 Simple Rules in LifeZen Flow ChartKarma CleanseYou Don’t Have to Be a Size 0 to Be BeautifulFine BauerMaryChristina HendricksLexi PlacourakisKasia PilewiczMore beautiful girls
Battling Eating DisordersThe Minnesota Starvation StudyWhy Starving Seems to Work Stop the ED HateHow Bulimia Affects Your Body“The Binge” and Why You Should Eat When You’re HungryWhat to do After a Binge by MatchStickMolly What is Intuitive Eating? After a BingeTips to Control BingingHelp with Eating DisordersNational Eating Disorders Dealing with Eating DisordersNational Center for Eating Disorders UK
Inspirationpeople that have changed their lives and have lost a ton of weight! soldiering-on tillicanseemylovelybonesfuneralformyfatroserevitalizedanotherdreamanotherlovepeacefulserenityxhealthylifemore inspirationand some morejessicablossominghopetogether-staytogether130 lbs Lost!amazing transformationtheysayanythingispossiblea tumblr dedicated to before and aftersnoexcusesgetfitnow88jazzie-onamission

losing-every-extra-pound:

The Tumblr Guide to Healthy Living
a compilation of resources to help you eat right, exercise, and be happy!
How to Start a Healthier Lifestyle

Nutrition 
Eating Clean Principles
Non-Dieters Diet
Your Flat Belly Day 1 meal plan by Women’s Health Magazine
Your Flat Belly Day 2 meal plan by Women’s Health Magazine
Your Flat Belly Day 2 Meal Plan by Women’s Health Magazine
Eating Low Carb
What is Paleo
Portion Size Guide
Get lean grocery list
80 Healthiest Foods
100 Foods that Dr.Oz wants on your Shopping List
Shirataki Noodles
Tips to Snack Better
10-Calorie Sweet and Crunch Snacks
Why Eat Raw Foods?
10 Commandments of Dieting
Tips for Staying Healthy in School
The Happier way to Diet Menu
Food that makes You Prettier
Look Better Naked One Week Meal Plan Part 1
Look Better Naked One Week Meal Plan Part 2
Portions
Dr.Poon Diet
The Best New Superfoods
12 Best Foods for your Abs
Clear Skin Diet
Foods that Melt Flab Away
Raw Food for the Rest of Us
Quick Combos
5 Ingredient Eating Clean Recipes
Herbs that Heal
What to Eat When You’re Craving…
Eating Clean vs. Junk examples
Transition to Healthy Living
Eating Clean Video

Recipes
Eating Clean Recipes
Healthy Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerBefore and After Workout Snack Ideas
Super 8-Step Salad Wraps
Not-Quite-Unnecessary Raving about Broccoli Slaw
Grocery List 
Foods that Cause Bloating
Eat Breakfast, Here’s Why
Making Conscious Health Choices: Who Decides?
Not eating enough…but not hungry either?
Sunshine Oatmeal Recipe
Oatmeal from The Pea Pod
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie-In-A-Bowl
An Overwhelming Amount of Oatmeal Recipes
More Recipes
Starbucks Drinks Under 200 Calories
Snack Attack
Smoothies

Healthy Desserts
Healthy Dessert Blog
Banana Bites
Grapefruit & Strawberry Popsicles (make them without alcohol)
Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwiches
Frozen Yogurt Blackberries
Skinny Coconut Cupcake
Nutella Fudge Pops
Banana Split Cheesecake Bites
Frozen Fruit Pops
Watermelon Tart
Healthy Banana Almond Chocolate Ice Cream
Banana Split Cheesecake Bites
Fruit Ice Cubes
Banana Ice Cream
Frozen Yogurt Strawberries
Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream
More Frozen Banana Bites
Apple Cupcakes
Raw Tropical Ice Cream
Cucumber Melon Popsicles
Chocolate Covered Bananas
Jello Skies
Apple Peanut Butter Slices
Frozen Banana Popsicles
Banana Berry Soft Serve
Volume Ice Cream

Cleanse/Detox
3 Day Detox
The Look Better Naked 2 Day Cleanse
Jillian Michaels Detox
Detox Recipes
Detox Essentials
Lean Green Smoothie
Detox Smoothie

Veganism/Vegetarianism 
Free Vegetarian Starter Kit by Peta
Vegetarian 101
Making the Transition
Recipes by Peta
Shopping guide by Peta
Easy Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers with Avocado
Shirataki Noodles
Onehappyvegan
VeganYumYum
TheVeganStoner

Weight Loss
How to Determine Your Ideal Weight
How to Overcome A Plateau
Beat a Weight Loss Plateau
Why You Aren’t Losing Weight 
How to Burn Fat Fastest
Metabolism Boosters
5 Metabolism Boosters
How to Conquer Cravings
20 Secrets of Very Fit People
Fighting Belly Fat
How Do I Lose Weight
Thinking of Giving Up?
The 2 Minute Visualization
How to Keep Yourself Full for Longer
Lose Weight without Dieting
Flat Tummy Tips
Commit to Fit
10 Ways to Get Your Diet Back On Track
Constructing A Plan

Calculators
Body Type/Frame Size Calculator
Calorie Calculator
Ideal Weight Calculator
How Much Weight You Can Lose By Prom/Summer/Your Wedding/This Thursday/Tonight

EBooks
Winning by Losing - Jillian Michaels 

Exercise
Lift Weights to Help You Lose Weight
How to Start Running [Couch to 5k]
How to Tone Any Area of Your Body
Building Lean Muscle vs. Bulky Muscle
But I Don’t Want to Get Bulky!
Abdominal Exercises for Beginners
Running for Weight Loss
Gym Cheat Sheet
The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Interval Training
Archive of Online Work Outs
Top 30 Free YouTube Work Out Channels 
100 Best Workout Songs
Workout Basics
Insanity Workout Videos and Calender
Tone Every Inch
Top 10 Calorie Burning Cardio
More Links to Online Workouts
Workout Finder
Victoria Secret Angel’s Workouts
30 Day Shred Printable Chart and Videos
BodyRock inspired Workouts
Yoga: The Basics and How to Get Started
77 Reasons To Do Yoga
YouTube Yoga for Beginners
YouTube Yoga Routine
YouTube by Body Part
Bye Bye Arm Jiggle
The Workout MovesLunge 101
Lean Thighs - No Lunges
Target Workouts
Yes, You Can Yoga!

Mind
Feeling good
10 Ways to be Happy
How to be Confident
Gandhi’s Top 10 Fundamentals
Focus
Happiness Manifesto
3 Simple Rules in Life
Zen Flow Chart
Karma Cleanse

You Don’t Have to Be a Size 0 to Be Beautiful
Fine Bauer
Mary
Christina Hendricks
Lexi Placourakis
Kasia Pilewicz
More beautiful girls

Battling Eating Disorders
The Minnesota Starvation Study
Why Starving Seems to Work 
Stop the ED Hate
How Bulimia Affects Your Body
“The Binge” and Why You Should Eat When You’re Hungry
What to do After a Binge by MatchStickMolly 
What is Intuitive Eating? 
After a Binge
Tips to Control Binging
Help with Eating Disorders
National Eating Disorders 
Dealing with Eating Disorders
National Center for Eating Disorders UK

Inspiration
people that have changed their lives and have lost a ton of weight! 
soldiering-on 
tillicanseemylovelybones
funeralformyfat
roserevitalized
anotherdreamanotherlove
peacefulserenityxhealthylife
more inspiration
and some more
jessicablossoming
hopetogether-staytogether
130 lbs Lost!
amazing transformation
theysayanythingispossible
a tumblr dedicated to before and afters
noexcusesgetfitnow88
jazzie-onamission

May 13th
4:01 PM
Via
leanmeanworkoutmachine:

Get Nude! 

Once we realize that being ashamed of being naked or instantly equating nakedness with sexuality, is a result of someone else’s prudish views or religious indoctrination, we can see the body for what it is.


It’s just a body and it’s all yours and no-one else’s.


There are so many people who are uncomfortable being naked just by themselves let along in front of someone else (and there are many and varied reasons for this) and unfortunately this creates  a heaviness, a constriction and tightening of emotion and energy. It closes us down to ourselves and others.


There is no valid reason why we should feel bad about our body image; it’s all a result of someone else’s opinion based on fear, greed or insecurity.


So get’s claim our little, chubby, skinny, wrinkly, scarred, hairy bodies back!


1. Avoid comparing yourself to others.


2. Avoid judging other people’s bodies.


3. Throw away those magazines that say you should look a particular way, they only do that so you they can sell advertising and make money from your insecurities.


4. When no-one is at home, get nude and avoid judging yourself. Don’t say anything; just be with your nakedness.


One thing to always remember about anything in life is to be gentle on yourself and gentle on others. Happy nude times!

leanmeanworkoutmachine:

Get Nude! 

Once we realize that being ashamed of being naked or instantly equating nakedness with sexuality, is a result of someone else’s prudish views or religious indoctrination, we can see the body for what it is.
It’s just a body and it’s all yours and no-one else’s.
There are so many people who are uncomfortable being naked just by themselves let along in front of someone else (and there are many and varied reasons for this) and unfortunately this creates  a heaviness, a constriction and tightening of emotion and energy. It closes us down to ourselves and others.
There is no valid reason why we should feel bad about our body image; it’s all a result of someone else’s opinion based on fear, greed or insecurity.
So get’s claim our little, chubby, skinny, wrinkly, scarred, hairy bodies back!
1. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
2. Avoid judging other people’s bodies.
3. Throw away those magazines that say you should look a particular way, they only do that so you they can sell advertising and make money from your insecurities.
4. When no-one is at home, get nude and avoid judging yourself. Don’t say anything; just be with your nakedness.
One thing to always remember about anything in life is to be gentle on yourself and gentle on others. Happy nude times!

7:55 AM
Via
kaileygetsfit:

Full Body
1. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift: This deadlift variety is sure to please the hamstrings (or punish them). Standing with feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward, and dumbbells at your side, shift the hips back and slightly bend the knees as you lower the dumbbells toward the floor (keep them angled on the outside of your legs). Maintain a neutral spine while lowering the weight just until you feel a good stretch in the hamstrings. Come back up to standing, making sure to contract those glutes and hamstrings on the way up. That’s one!
2. Dumbbell single-leg Romanian deadlift:This one is tougher than it looks, but worth the effort. Starting with feet hip-width apart and dumbbells at your side, place your weight on one foot, and slightly bend at the knee. Lean forward, lifting the opposite foot straight back. As you come forward, move the dumbbells from your side directly over your planted foot. Return to standing position by lowering your back leg as you come up.The dumbbells should return to the sides of your thighs.
3. Dumbbell hang clean and press:Don’t take this one to the Laundromat! Get down in squat position and track a dumbbell on each side outside of your ankles with palms facing your feet. With vertical shins and a neutral spine, move upward to a standing position while pulling the dumbbells up. Next, forcefully drive the dumbbells up toward the shoulders using the hips and legs. As you come in for the catch, slightly squat to bring the weight to your shoulders with a neutral grip (palms facing the body). Explode the weight off your shoulders overhead. Lower the weight back down.
4. Dumbbell high pull: Time to get up on those toes! Assume an athletic stance with feet shoulder-width art and knees slightly bent. Place the weight straight out in front of your knees with palms facing in, maintaining a neutral spine with the chest up. Keeping the arms straight, explode upward, fully extending the hips, knees, and ankles while shrugging the shoulders up. Next, pull the dumbbells up toward the top of your chest close to your body, keeping the elbows slightly higher than the wrists.
5. Single-arm dumbbell snatch:Minds out of the gutter, people! In a wide-squat stance, hold the dumbbell in your right hand in front of the knees. Drive the weight up, keeping it close to the body, and thrust it up with your hips. When the weight reaches chest height, fully extend the legs. Then squat back down so your body is underneath the weight. Drive the weight up overhead into full lockout position. This should be one quick movement. Think explosively!
6. Russian dumbbell swing:The playground’s got nothing on these. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in both hands out in front of you. Hike the dumbbell back between your legs, then thrust your hips forward to move the dumbbell up and out to about shoulder height. Though it is called a swing, this exercises is all on the hips and glutes.
Legs and Glutes
7. Dumbbell front squat:Take some pressure off that back. Start this one with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells on your shoulders with a neutral grip and elbows up. Next, hinge back, keeping the back straight like you’re sitting on an imaginary bench (come on, work with us here!). Lower the body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor (or deeper, without losing a tight back). Complete the move by driving through the hips as you come back up to standing position.
8. Dumbbell pistol squat:This exercise isn’t for the faint of heart (so beginners, try it sans dumbbells first). Stand with feet hip-width apart holding a dumbbell sideways in both hands. Extend the left leg out in front of you and squat down on the right leg, moving the dumbbell straight out. Go all the way down (and we mean all the way down!) until your butt touches your ankle. Return to start position and repeat for reps on both sides.
9. Dumbbell Bulgarian split squat:Squat so much you nearly split your pants.Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Prop your left foot onto a bench and plant your right foot on the floor into a wide split stance. Lunge straight down, keeping your front leg linear and your spine rigid. Come down until your knee hovers above the floor, and then push back up to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides.
10. Dumbbell side lunge:Feeling a little sideways? Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and a pair of dumbbells at your side, take a big step to the side with your left foot, pushing your hips back and lowering your body into a deep lunge position. As you come down, move the dumbbells straight down to the floor so that your chest comes over your left knee. Return to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides.
11. Dumbbell step up/reverse lunge combo:Put a little pep in your step up.Stand 6 inches from a bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Place your entire left foot onto the bench as you step up.Drive through the heel on the elevated leg, bringing the right leg up to hip height. Lower back down to start position, and step back with your left foot into a deep lunge. (Be sure to track your right knee over your ankle at a 90-degree angle.) Repeat for reps on both sides.
12. Dumbbell 45-degree hyperextension: The motto here: Relax the back, recruit the glutes. From starting position, lean over with hips flexed as far as they will go. Grab a dumbbell and position it under your chin so it looks like a bowtie. Relax all of the back muscles and pull up with the glutes. Come up to slightly hyperextension and return to start position.
Chest and Back
13. Dumbbell floor press:Who said presses need a bench?Lie on your back with feet flat on the floor and a dumbbell in each hand. Position the dumbbells at your shoulders with elbows rested on the floor. Push straight up bringing the dumbbells directly overhead. Return to starting position.
14. Alternating dumbbell bench press:A challenging twist on the classic, lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the dumbbells on the outside of your shoulders and alternately press the right dumbbell up overhead and back down, then the left. This exercise also forces you to engage the core for stability — bonus!
15. Dumbbell pull over: Expand your wings by working the serratus muscles. Get in a tabletop position with shoulders planted on a bench and feet on the floor. Next, hold a dumbbell by one end with both hands straight overhead, engaging the glutes and back muscles. Lower the weight in an arch behind your head until you feel a good stretch. Bring the dumbbell back to starting position.
16. Prone trap dumbbell raise: Guaranteed to unleash the beast,stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend forward at the hips so your body is positioned just above parallel, holding dumbbells in both hands, with palm facing in. Raise the dumbbells straight out up to shoulder height and lower back down to starting position. Repeat for reps on both sides.
17. Dumbbell chest supported row:Ready to dive on in? Lie face down on an incline benchsupporting your weight on your toes. Holding a pair of dumbbells straight down in front of you so they are parallel to the floor, pull the weight up toward your chest, getting a nice squeeze in your upper back muscles. Lower the weight back down and continue the stroke.
Shoulder and Arms
18. Bent over dumbbell flys:Don’t swat these away.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend forward at the hips so the torso is at parallel to the ground, holding a pair of dumbbells straight down with palms facing in. Next, with elbows slightly bent, raise the dumbbells out the side so that the elbows extend above the shoulders. Return to starting position.
19. Dumbbell upright row:These will lead you back to shore. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place a pair of dumbbells straight down in front of you. With palms facing your body, pull the weight straight up the front of your body to the top of your chest, keeping the elbows slightly above the shoulders.
20. Dumbbell shoulder-to-shoulder press:Ready for this tricky move?Hold a dumbbell flat in your right hand, resting it on the top of your shoulder. Next, grasp the top of the dumbbell with your left hand and press it straight up overhead, bringing it down to your left shoulder. Repeat back and forth for reps with quick motions (or until you taste the rainbow).
21. Prone rear delt raise:Delta, delta, we can help ya!Lie face down on an incline bench supporting your weight on your toes. Stick a pair of dumbbells straight out in front of you with palms facing in. Raise the dumbbells out the side and back, bending your arms slightly as they come up.
22. Incline lateral raise: Sit side-saddled on an incline bench with your left side resting on the bench. With a dumbbell in your right hand down at your right side, raise it straight up overhead above shoulder height. Return to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides (cake).
23. Dumbbell spider curls:An exercise good enough for Peter Parker will certainly put a little bulge in those biceps. Lie face down on an incline bench supporting your weight on your toes. Hold a pair of dumbbells straight out in front of you with palms facing out. Curl the weight up to full contraction without rocking back and forth. (Isolation, baby!) Return the weight to starting position. Want to change it up a bit?  Alternate left and right for single-arm spider curls.
24. Dumbbell incline biceps curls:Get an extra squeeze in. Sitting on a 45-degree angled incline bench with a dumbbell at each side (palms facing your thighs), curl both dumbbells up at the same time to full contraction. Avoid swinging the weight up for momentum (definitely not as easy as it sounds!).
25. Dumbbell skull crushers: The exercise name says it all, so be sure to follow closely: Lie face up on a bench with feet planted on the floor and your back pressed down. With a dumbbell in each hand, raise the arms straight up  (palms facing each other). Then, bending only at the elbows, lower the weight down to your ears, finishing in 90-degree angle. Return to starting position.
Core
26. Renegade rows:James Dean probably did these in his sleep. Assume the push-up position with feet about shoulder-width apart and dumbbells placed in each hand, positioned below the chest. Next, pull the right dumbbell toward the oblique muscles, keeping it close to the torso. Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat on your left side. Continue for reps on each side in an alternating fashion.
27. Dumbbell Russian twist: This is no vodka spritzer recipe. Sit on a gym mat with a dumbbell in each hand. Holding the dumbbells out in front of you, bring them down to your right side, only moving your arms. (Twisting at the spine is a big no-no!) Bring them all the way to the left, keeping your spine rigid. Repeat for reps.
28. Dumbbell windmills: Ready to feel the air up there? Stand with feet slightly wider than your shoulders and press a dumbbell overhead on your right side. Rotate the feet to the left side a bit. Now, lean the torso forward while holding the weight straight overhead until your bottom hand touches the floor. Concentrate your gaze on the weight to stay balanced. Return to start position and repeat for reps.
29. Dumbbell wood chop: Paul Bunyan knew a thing or two about these.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell out in front of you. Squat down, rotating right to bring the dumbbell down to your right foot. Bring the dumbbell back up, keeping you arms out in front of you. Rotate into left lunge with your arms going overhead to the left side. Repeat for reps.
30. Dumbbell overhead side bend:Get a good stretch in. Hold a dumbbell overhead with both hands. Without twisting your upper body, bend toward your right side until you feel a good stretch on your left side. Return to start position and repeat for reps on both sides (and consider yourself spent!).

kaileygetsfit:

Full Body

1. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift: This deadlift variety is sure to please the hamstrings (or punish them). Standing with feet hip-width apart, toes facing forward, and dumbbells at your side, shift the hips back and slightly bend the knees as you lower the dumbbells toward the floor (keep them angled on the outside of your legs). Maintain a neutral spine while lowering the weight just until you feel a good stretch in the hamstrings. Come back up to standing, making sure to contract those glutes and hamstrings on the way up. That’s one!

2. Dumbbell single-leg Romanian deadlift:This one is tougher than it looks, but worth the effort. Starting with feet hip-width apart and dumbbells at your side, place your weight on one foot, and slightly bend at the knee. Lean forward, lifting the opposite foot straight back. As you come forward, move the dumbbells from your side directly over your planted foot. Return to standing position by lowering your back leg as you come up.The dumbbells should return to the sides of your thighs.

3. Dumbbell hang clean and press:Don’t take this one to the Laundromat! Get down in squat position and track a dumbbell on each side outside of your ankles with palms facing your feet. With vertical shins and a neutral spine, move upward to a standing position while pulling the dumbbells up. Next, forcefully drive the dumbbells up toward the shoulders using the hips and legs. As you come in for the catch, slightly squat to bring the weight to your shoulders with a neutral grip (palms facing the body). Explode the weight off your shoulders overhead. Lower the weight back down.

4. Dumbbell high pull: Time to get up on those toes! Assume an athletic stance with feet shoulder-width art and knees slightly bent. Place the weight straight out in front of your knees with palms facing in, maintaining a neutral spine with the chest up. Keeping the arms straight, explode upward, fully extending the hips, knees, and ankles while shrugging the shoulders up. Next, pull the dumbbells up toward the top of your chest close to your body, keeping the elbows slightly higher than the wrists.

5. Single-arm dumbbell snatch:Minds out of the gutter, people! In a wide-squat stance, hold the dumbbell in your right hand in front of the knees. Drive the weight up, keeping it close to the body, and thrust it up with your hips. When the weight reaches chest height, fully extend the legs. Then squat back down so your body is underneath the weight. Drive the weight up overhead into full lockout position. This should be one quick movement. Think explosively!

6. Russian dumbbell swing:The playground’s got nothing on these. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in both hands out in front of you. Hike the dumbbell back between your legs, then thrust your hips forward to move the dumbbell up and out to about shoulder height. Though it is called a swing, this exercises is all on the hips and glutes.

Legs and Glutes

7. Dumbbell front squat:Take some pressure off that back. Start this one with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells on your shoulders with a neutral grip and elbows up. Next, hinge back, keeping the back straight like you’re sitting on an imaginary bench (come on, work with us here!). Lower the body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor (or deeper, without losing a tight back). Complete the move by driving through the hips as you come back up to standing position.

8. Dumbbell pistol squat:This exercise isn’t for the faint of heart (so beginners, try it sans dumbbells first). Stand with feet hip-width apart holding a dumbbell sideways in both hands. Extend the left leg out in front of you and squat down on the right leg, moving the dumbbell straight out. Go all the way down (and we mean all the way down!) until your butt touches your ankle. Return to start position and repeat for reps on both sides.

9. Dumbbell Bulgarian split squat:Squat so much you nearly split your pants.Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Prop your left foot onto a bench and plant your right foot on the floor into a wide split stance. Lunge straight down, keeping your front leg linear and your spine rigid. Come down until your knee hovers above the floor, and then push back up to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides.

10. Dumbbell side lunge:Feeling a little sideways? Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and a pair of dumbbells at your side, take a big step to the side with your left foot, pushing your hips back and lowering your body into a deep lunge position. As you come down, move the dumbbells straight down to the floor so that your chest comes over your left knee. Return to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides.

11. Dumbbell step up/reverse lunge combo:Put a little pep in your step up.Stand 6 inches from a bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Place your entire left foot onto the bench as you step up.Drive through the heel on the elevated leg, bringing the right leg up to hip height. Lower back down to start position, and step back with your left foot into a deep lunge. (Be sure to track your right knee over your ankle at a 90-degree angle.) Repeat for reps on both sides.

12. Dumbbell 45-degree hyperextension: The motto here: Relax the back, recruit the glutes. From starting position, lean over with hips flexed as far as they will go. Grab a dumbbell and position it under your chin so it looks like a bowtie. Relax all of the back muscles and pull up with the glutes. Come up to slightly hyperextension and return to start position.

Chest and Back

13. Dumbbell floor press:Who said presses need a bench?Lie on your back with feet flat on the floor and a dumbbell in each hand. Position the dumbbells at your shoulders with elbows rested on the floor. Push straight up bringing the dumbbells directly overhead. Return to starting position.

14. Alternating dumbbell bench press:A challenging twist on the classic, lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Hold the dumbbells on the outside of your shoulders and alternately press the right dumbbell up overhead and back down, then the left. This exercise also forces you to engage the core for stability — bonus!

15. Dumbbell pull over: Expand your wings by working the serratus muscles. Get in a tabletop position with shoulders planted on a bench and feet on the floor. Next, hold a dumbbell by one end with both hands straight overhead, engaging the glutes and back muscles. Lower the weight in an arch behind your head until you feel a good stretch. Bring the dumbbell back to starting position.

16. Prone trap dumbbell raise: Guaranteed to unleash the beast,stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend forward at the hips so your body is positioned just above parallel, holding dumbbells in both hands, with palm facing in. Raise the dumbbells straight out up to shoulder height and lower back down to starting position. Repeat for reps on both sides.

17. Dumbbell chest supported row:Ready to dive on in? Lie face down on an incline benchsupporting your weight on your toes. Holding a pair of dumbbells straight down in front of you so they are parallel to the floor, pull the weight up toward your chest, getting a nice squeeze in your upper back muscles. Lower the weight back down and continue the stroke.

Shoulder and Arms

18. Bent over dumbbell flys:Don’t swat these away.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend forward at the hips so the torso is at parallel to the ground, holding a pair of dumbbells straight down with palms facing in. Next, with elbows slightly bent, raise the dumbbells out the side so that the elbows extend above the shoulders. Return to starting position.

19. Dumbbell upright row:These will lead you back to shore. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place a pair of dumbbells straight down in front of you. With palms facing your body, pull the weight straight up the front of your body to the top of your chest, keeping the elbows slightly above the shoulders.

20. Dumbbell shoulder-to-shoulder press:Ready for this tricky move?Hold a dumbbell flat in your right hand, resting it on the top of your shoulder. Next, grasp the top of the dumbbell with your left hand and press it straight up overhead, bringing it down to your left shoulder. Repeat back and forth for reps with quick motions (or until you taste the rainbow).

21. Prone rear delt raise:Delta, delta, we can help ya!Lie face down on an incline bench supporting your weight on your toes. Stick a pair of dumbbells straight out in front of you with palms facing in. Raise the dumbbells out the side and back, bending your arms slightly as they come up.

22. Incline lateral raise: Sit side-saddled on an incline bench with your left side resting on the bench. With a dumbbell in your right hand down at your right side, raise it straight up overhead above shoulder height. Return to starting position and repeat for reps on both sides (cake).

23. Dumbbell spider curls:An exercise good enough for Peter Parker will certainly put a little bulge in those biceps. Lie face down on an incline bench supporting your weight on your toes. Hold a pair of dumbbells straight out in front of you with palms facing out. Curl the weight up to full contraction without rocking back and forth. (Isolation, baby!) Return the weight to starting position. Want to change it up a bit?  Alternate left and right for single-arm spider curls.

24. Dumbbell incline biceps curls:Get an extra squeeze in. Sitting on a 45-degree angled incline bench with a dumbbell at each side (palms facing your thighs), curl both dumbbells up at the same time to full contraction. Avoid swinging the weight up for momentum (definitely not as easy as it sounds!).

25. Dumbbell skull crushers: The exercise name says it all, so be sure to follow closely: Lie face up on a bench with feet planted on the floor and your back pressed down. With a dumbbell in each hand, raise the arms straight up  (palms facing each other). Then, bending only at the elbows, lower the weight down to your ears, finishing in 90-degree angle. Return to starting position.

Core

26. Renegade rows:James Dean probably did these in his sleep. Assume the push-up position with feet about shoulder-width apart and dumbbells placed in each hand, positioned below the chest. Next, pull the right dumbbell toward the oblique muscles, keeping it close to the torso. Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat on your left side. Continue for reps on each side in an alternating fashion.

27. Dumbbell Russian twist: This is no vodka spritzer recipe. Sit on a gym mat with a dumbbell in each hand. Holding the dumbbells out in front of you, bring them down to your right side, only moving your arms. (Twisting at the spine is a big no-no!) Bring them all the way to the left, keeping your spine rigid. Repeat for reps.

28. Dumbbell windmills: Ready to feel the air up there? Stand with feet slightly wider than your shoulders and press a dumbbell overhead on your right side. Rotate the feet to the left side a bit. Now, lean the torso forward while holding the weight straight overhead until your bottom hand touches the floor. Concentrate your gaze on the weight to stay balanced. Return to start position and repeat for reps.

29. Dumbbell wood chop: Paul Bunyan knew a thing or two about these.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell out in front of you. Squat down, rotating right to bring the dumbbell down to your right foot. Bring the dumbbell back up, keeping you arms out in front of you. Rotate into left lunge with your arms going overhead to the left side. Repeat for reps.

30. Dumbbell overhead side bend:Get a good stretch in. Hold a dumbbell overhead with both hands. Without twisting your upper body, bend toward your right side until you feel a good stretch on your left side. Return to start position and repeat for reps on both sides (and consider yourself spent!).

May 12th
4:01 PM
7:48 AM

13 ways to cut down belly bloating!

1. Eat slowly-eating too quickly stops your food being digested properly on the way down.

2. Don’t drink while eating-flushing your food down stops your body being able to do its proper job of breaking food down.

3. Cut down on dairy products-lactose in milk and cheese is hard for humans to digest, as it is really meant for cows to feed to their young.

4. Cut down on wheat products-gluten in wheat, especially too much of it, can cause excess gas and bloat.

5. Avoid some fruits-apples, peaches and pears are typical culprits.

6. Eliminate gas-producing foods-stuff like beans, cabbage, onions, artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts and broccoli certainly make me gassy.

7. Avoid antibiotics-take too many of these and you destroy the ‘good’ bacteria which digests food.

8. Watch the sugar and salt-avoid too much of these in processed food, and knock the fizzy drinks on the head too.

9. Get some peppermint oil and peppermint tea-my number one bloating remedies! Swallow the oil in capsules and drink the tea soon after eating a meal.

10. Cut down on tea and coffee-the caffeine irritates your stomach, causing bloating.

11. Eat lots of ginger-a wonder herb that boosts digestive fluids and waves goodbye to flatulence and nausea. You can buy ginger capsules and tablets these days which make it easier to take.

12. Get more exercise-being active keeps your body’s internals in tip-top shape.

13. Drink lots of water through the day-but not at the same time as eating, of course!

May 11th
4:02 PM
Via
7:42 AM
Via
muffintop-less:

Wow, check out Zelle Maree’s transformation!!! Amazing! =D

muffintop-less:

Wow, check out Zelle Maree’s transformation!!! Amazing! =D

May 10th
4:02 PM
Via
theartofbeingfree:

claireruns:

rawlivingfoods:

EPIC Raw Deep Dish Lasagna
Click here for the recipe! This is what I made for my family today. Sooo goood :)

You could totally cook this too.

husband was just saying how delicious zucchini lasagna sounded :D 

theartofbeingfree:

claireruns:

rawlivingfoods:

EPIC Raw Deep Dish Lasagna

Click here for the recipe! This is what I made for my family today. Sooo goood :)

You could totally cook this too.

husband was just saying how delicious zucchini lasagna sounded :D 

7:59 AM
Via
muffintop-less:

Healthy Tacos!
Instead of going out, trying staying in and having a taco night! Tacos are SUPER easy to make “clean” and healthy!
I get low-carb, whole-wheat tortillas from La Tortilla Factory. They’re delicious and only about 50 calories per tortilla. 
Also pick up some boneless/skinless chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, salsa or hot sauce, and whatever other veggies you like!
You can sautee the veggies in a little bit of olive oil or water and season the chicken with no-sodium fajita seasoning. 
They are absolutely delicious! Give them a try! =) 



Swap out the chicken for some fish fillets for all you pescetarian out there!

muffintop-less:

Healthy Tacos!

Instead of going out, trying staying in and having a taco night! Tacos are SUPER easy to make “clean” and healthy!

  • I get low-carb, whole-wheat tortillas from La Tortilla Factory. They’re delicious and only about 50 calories per tortilla. 
  • Also pick up some boneless/skinless chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, salsa or hot sauce, and whatever other veggies you like!
  • You can sautee the veggies in a little bit of olive oil or water and season the chicken with no-sodium fajita seasoning. 

They are absolutely delicious! Give them a try! =) 

Swap out the chicken for some fish fillets for all you pescetarian out there!

May 9th
4:05 PM
Via
fantastic-sunshine:

Hey look! The picture i use for my icon! :)

fantastic-sunshine:

Hey look! The picture i use for my icon! :)