Move it!

Have you done any exercise today? If not, why not? Go out and get active, and you will reap the benefits. 

It doesn't have to be strenuous, a 2 hour weights session, or involve lycra. Just do something today that makes you move, increases your heart rate, and ideally makes you sweat. 

Easy! 

Remember:

Whatever you do, always try and approach exercise with a positive mind - an 'I can do it' mentality will push you harder and get you over the finish line. 

Exercise can make you happier, helps you sleep better, and increases your metabolism. Win! 

Hydration is important before, during and after exercise. Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day. 

At least 30 minutes of exercise every day is ideal. See exercise as an important date that you can't cancel and commit to doing it. The benefits will be huge!

Benefits of exercising:

Sweating helps your body detoxify and expel nasty toxins.

It delivers oxygen more effectively to your cells - pretty essential! 

 It get yours blood, lymph, neurons and life force flowing more freely through your body.

Image from Uplifted Vibrations and Move Nourish Believe Tumblr

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading".

Lao Tzu. 

3 Things To Do This Weekend

1. Make The Healthy Chef's Blueberry and Banana Pancakes (Healthy + Yummy).

The Healthy Chef, Teresa Cutter, says "these pancakes make a great breakfast after a hard exercise session. Your body needs protein for repair and quality carbs to replenish glycogen and electrolytes, so you need to choose foods rich in potassium that will help regulate fluid balance in the body and lower blood pressure.  Potassium is also necessary for nerve and muscle contraction. Studies show the blueberries contain antioxidants called polyphenols as well as  vitamin C which can also play a roll in the recovery process and heal oxidative stress after a workout. These pancakes hit the mark in every way.  A great source of protein, potassium, antioxidants and carbs to help your body refuel. Serve with thick natural low fat yoghurt, extra fruit and a little agave". 

Makes 6 pancakes
Time it takes: 15 minutes

100 g (1 cup) ground almonds
1 tablespoon ground linseed (flaxseed)
1/2 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
250 g  – 2 ripe bananas, smashed
2 free range eggs
125 g blueberries (optional)

Combine smashed banana and eggs.
Add almond meal, linseed, baking powder and cinnamon.
Fold in blueberries if using.
Rest for 5 minutes.
Heat a pan over a low heat and add a little olive oil.
Spoon pancake batter into rounds onto the pan and flatten slightly with the back of your spoon.
Cook over a very low heat. Take your time and don’t rush.
Flip over and finish cooking.
Serve and enjoy alone or with a little honey and natural yoghurt.

Recipe and image from The Healthy Chef.

2. Discover these 3 AMAZING blogs.

• The Wellness Warrior - Jessica Ainscough's guide to living a life filled with good food, self love and wellness - truly inspirational. http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/

• Tuula Vintage - Follow style blogger Jessica Stein as she travels the world - makes me want to jump on a plane! http://www.tuulavintage.com/

• Sarah Wilson - The author of I Quit Sugar has an amazing blog sharing her tips on how to quit sugar and shares some mouth-watering recipes. http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/

3. Get moving and try Blogilates. 

Cassey Ho is a pilates and fitness instructor who decided to take her pilates classes online and has gained a cult following in doing so! Her easy-to-follow and instructive videos take you through pilates routines that you can do almos anywhere. All you need is yourself and your computer. Too easy! 

http://www.blogilates.com/

Enjoy your weekend! 

Hello Weekend!

Here's a little inspiration for ways to enjoy a clean and healthy weekend!

Images from Uplifted Vibrations.

A 7 day guide to clean eating by Lorna Jane

A must read for every clean eating, life loving girl, Move Nourish Believe is the inspirational blog by Australian fitness wear company Lorna Jane.

Serving up a daily dose of affirmations, advice, fitness expertise and love, Move Nourish Believe aims to get you doing just that!

They have just re-launched their website and I must say it is looking AMAZING. Even better, this week they are embarking on a 7 day clean eating challenge, complete with a meal plan and delicious recipes to keep you on track.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the delicious recipes provided. I'll be trying the Energy Oats and Nori Egg Sushi Rolls ASAP.

To get started, visit the site now!

http://movenourishbelieve.lornajane.com.au/2013/02/04/7-days-of-clean-eating-7/

All images from Move Nourish Believe. 

Bomb Asian Cabbage Salad

 

This bright and beautiful recipe comes via The Wellness Warrior, an amazing resource for anyone looking to get clean. Provided by Philip McCluskey, a motivational speaker who personally Cut To The Clean several years ago, this recipe is perfect as a light lunch.

What you’ll need:

1/2 head red cabbage, diced or shredded
4 sheets nori (raw or toasted), roughly torn
3 tablespoons of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds
1 red capsicum, chopped
1 avocado, cubed
¼ cup olives, sliced
3 tablespoons pumpkin seed oil (or mix of olive and pumpkin seed oil)
1 tablespoon umeboshi plum vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cumin (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more or less as desired)

What to do:
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. You can use a spoon but I like to get in there with just hands to ensure everything is well coated and combined. Let the salad marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, ideally longer. In fact this salad is even better one day later – great for leftovers or preparing work lunches in advance.

Enjoy!

Image credit: The Wellness Warrior

Grow and Evolve

 

A few very wise words by Ghandi which are fantastic for reminding ourselves to let go, forgive, and evolve! 

Image credit: Pathness To Wellness