Kreativ Blogger Award Nomination

Summer is officially in full swing and so are the lives of my fellow bloggers! With all of the moving, vacation planning, and new jobs in the works I think we’re all –bloggers or not—busier than ever.

I was both surprised and excited when my fellow blogger and classmate Allie, of All Dressed Up, Everywhere to Go, took the time to nominate me for the Kreativ Blogger Award!

Since 2008 bloggers have been nominating each other for their unique and inspiring content. I am so grateful to be amongst those who are recognized. Whether it’s a blog post, an encouraging friend, or the personal satisfaction of reaching a new goal, it’s always great to feel accomplished.

Thanks Allie for the nomination and motivation! 

Menu Myths Busted

For most of us college-goers, summer has begun. Along with it’s beginning comes fun nights out, weekends at the beach, and any other combinations of sun, water, and friends. But what we often don’t think about is how much of our activities are based around food. Sometimes it seems like the only logical thing to do, is to meet up for a meal.

Now, I’m not saying we should avoid this. Going out to eat is a great way to relax and even to explore. But, when it comes to healthy choices, there are some serious myths that need busting.

Here are a few of the foods that, at first, had me fooled…

FROYO: There is no believe it or not, the facts are clear; frozen yogurt is not all that healthy for you. It’s definitely an alternative to ice cream, but it’s nowhere near as healthy as we might think. On average, half a cup of vanilla soft serve froyo has 117 calories. That might not seem like a lot, but when have we ever opted just half a cup? Not to mention, that those 117 calories come from the almost 20 grams of sugar and carbohydrates that ultimately turn right to fat. Then there are the endless toppings and before you know it, you’ve got yourself one bikini-busting snack.

SALAD: Often the first thing diet-conscious patrons look for on a menu is the salads section. However, this is almost never the healthiest menu option. Don’t get me wrong; I am a huge proponent of great salads. My family might even argue I’m salad obsessed. But restaurants often load these delicious meals with creamy dressings and serve huge portions, which we eat because we think, “Oh, it’s just a salad.” Our better option is almost always to choose a grilled chicken or fish with a veggie side. Then you can leave full, satisfied, and guilt-free. Plus you don’t have to be the odd one out who orders the salad.

SNACK BARS: Whether it’s Clif’s, NutriGrain, or Special K, we all have our go to snack bar for a day at the beach. Sure they look healthy, and probably hold a mere 110 calories, but we have without a doubt been tricked. Those low calories don’t mean a thing because they come almost entirely from sugar and won’t keep us full for very long at all. Even protein-heavy bars will have a negative impact if you’re not on an intensive exercise routine. The best option is to back up a banana and some mixed nuts. Or check out a few snack tips here. They’ll provide lasting energy without the guilt. 

There are plenty of healthy options, no matter where you're headed this summer. Look out for the not so healthy options, and you'll keep up that beach body without a problem! 

Becoming the Next Jane Fonda

When you hear the words “workout video” there is a certain image that comes to mind. Whether it’s Jane Fonda in her hot pink leotard doing knee lifts like a madwoman or Tony Horton shedding his abs in P90X, there is an unmistakable sense of corniness.

Then when you combine the perfect hard wood floors and gym-like vaulted ceilings, you really begin to question just how reasonable any part of that workout would be.

Well, I decided that despite the painfully resilient smiles and the fake tans, I was going to trust the instructors of a workout video and see just how bad it could be. As it turns out, working out to a video is kind of awesome!

Firstly, you never have a chance to think about how many more reps you really feel like doing or for how much longer you want to hold that plank. Instead, you’re completely engrossed in keeping up with the fast tempo, so reps are just a requirement and you’re following right along. 

Secondly, the bizarre moves actually work. At first it seems completely unnatural to be on the floor with one arm behind you and one leg up in the air trying to crunch. But once you get your mind past the idea that you’re twisting yourself into a pretzel, you start to really feel the burn! That’s because the moves are designed to shock your muscles into learning a new movement. It not only improves your coordination, it also wakes up your muscles and challenges them to react to the new exercise, making you more toned.

Third you have a personal trainer anywhere you go. You may not be able to pack all of the equipment, but throwing a DVD into your suitcase is easy. You don’t have to feel like your sacrificing a quality workout for a weekend trip. Plus, some videos can be as short as twenty minutes. It really becomes easy to get a great workout with little time or space.

You don’t have to go out and buy a whole DVD collection or make a pack to follow a routine for the next six months. But, a workout DVD really is a great way to squeeze in a quick and demanding exercise, without having to hit the gym or the studio.

Update Your Summer Workout Wardrobe

There’s something about the shift between spring semester and summer that almost always seems throws any schedule out of whack. Whether it’s an absolute opposition to anything productive after finals week or just the move back home for summer, I am always sent scrambling to get back on track.

What could possibly reverse this cursed lack of motivation? There are many answers, but it seems one of the most motivating is spending money. Whether it’s joining a yoga studio or a gym it seems like the monetary commitment really forces us to stick to a new routine.

So how do we, broke college kids, find an affordable way to get motivated? It may not be a regimented workout routine you’re directly investing in, but a few updates to your summer workout wardrobe can certainly do the trick.

Here are some of my favorite picks for inexpensive summer workout looks!

Old Navy Active Tanks $9.99-19.94: Unlike their sister brand Athleta, Old Navy has great pricing and functionality. Tanks come nearly 20 color and print options, are tag-free, and feature removable padding, so you can decide if you want the extra support, or if the built in padding is just not cutting it.

Garage Leggings $11.90: A pair of black leggings is a solid staple to any wardrobe and are especially perfect for working out. However, it seems like it’s impossible to find a pair that aren’t completely see-through after one wash.  Garage leggings are the only fool proof pair of cotton leggings I’ve found, that won’t cost half of your paycheck. 

Aéropostale Zip Up $28.00: Normally, I’d consider Aéropostale a place to buy my little brother hot pink swim trunks and goofy graphic tees. But on a recent visit for those two items, I encountered a great zip up. The lightweight fabric makes it perfect for summer and, although it’s not featured online, I saw a wide variety of colors in-store.

 

Target Sports Bra $16.99 or 2/$30.00: It’s always nice to think that during our workouts we look like a Victoria’s Secret model. But let’s be real: rarely does that ever happen. So why drop the cash to buy a Vicky’s Sports Bra when it’s likely going to hide under a tank. Even if you do decide to flaunt it, a Champion brand sports bra from target is just as colorful and flattering at half the price. 

Next time you've got just a few extra dollars and are looking for a great way to get yourself moving, consider investing in a few of these new pieces for your workout wardrobe. 

Adventure Meets Exercise

May has finally begun and with it comes the sunsets after seven. So what have you been doing with these extra hours of daylight?

If you’re like me, you’ve likely been spending an hour outside running and the rest of your time dreaming of the coming days when your final paper will unleash its grip and you will be free to explore the outdoors.

Well, in celebration of this oh so close freedom, I give you some of the best outdoor exercises to look forward to this summer!  

 

Paddle Boarding: What better way to spend the summer than exercising in the water? Plus paddle boarding is less intimidating for beginners than surfing, as it requires a relatively still body of water. I just purchased my Groupon voucher this morning for an introductory hour of paddle boarding and I could not be more excited!

The Color Run/Color Me Rad: Each of these racing offers an exciting incentive to running a 5K. Instead of just a free t-shirt and a personal badge of honor, these color runs douse runners with a different color for each kilometer ran. Plus, the races are not timed and it’s encouraged that first time runners register. It’s all about happiness and positivity, just as your summer should be.

Register here:   The Color Run or Color Me Rad

Antigravity Yoga: It may not be outdoors, but this hammock-inspired technique is still a great opportunity to try something new and relaxing. In a nutshell, instructors guide you through regular Vinyasa poses, while you’re suspended in the air on a hammock. It may be a little bit odd, but this activity provides all of the muscle and joint strengthening qualities of regular yoga, so why not give it a try!

Bicycle Tours: What you’re actually touring depends on your location. I’ve seen anything from boardwalks, to wineries, to entire cities. It might take a bit of research, but you’re bound to find one near you. If the pricing isn’t in your budget (which, based on my research could very well be the case) you can always make up your own adventure. Plan out a specific part of town, a park, or even a few restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. Then instead of taking a car or public transit, bike!

Batting Cages: It’s not the world’s most intense workout, but just 40 minutes or so at the batting cages can be a blast. You can find this option close to almost every neighborhood. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to make a group activity.

Now just power through those finals, and then you’re free to embark on one of these or any other outside adventure!