Oil Up - Why You Should Use Olive Oil
The traditional cooking ingredient our parents and grand parents use to cook and bake with was butter. There are a lot of alternatives in todays market for using to cook other than butter. Even though butter is very flavourful it has a high fat content and is not a healthy choice. You can substitute butter with many things. Some of the alternatives include margarine, coconut oil, and sesame seed oil just to name a few. Another alternative to baking things with butter is by using olive oil instead. Olive oil is one of the many healthy alternatives and one of my favourites.
Why should you use olive oil for baking and cooking?
Olive oil is an acquired taste. Especially if you are switching from rich creamy butter. Take your time and slowly start introducing it into your baking and cooking. Eventually you will stop noticing the difference and enjoy it just as much as you enjoyed butter. Your body and heart will also thank you later for making the switch.
Besides olive oil being a healthier alternative you should use it for baking and cooking because It may help to fight cravings and suppress appetite. A study recently conducted concluded that serotonin levels were raised in participants when they ingested olive oil with yogurt. Why is this significant for you? Because serotonin is a hormone that tells your body that you are full. This means olive oil has high satiety. This keeps you fuller longer than most cooking substances. Olive oil does this by containing compounds that can slow down your glucose absorption and keep you fuller longer.
It is also affordable and comes in all sorts of brands, types and sizes. So go ahead and pick up some olive oil and start swapping your butter for it when you bake or cook.
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The Uses Of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many uses. Not only is it good for you but it is also affordable. You can use it as lotion, hair treatment and you can even cook with it. It is available at most local grocers, walmarts, health food stores and even some pharmacies.
According to Dr. Oz “Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida.” He goes on to say that “one 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose.” These are all very good reasons as to why you should add coconut oil into your diet. The following are some of my favourite uses for coconut oil:
Lotion – Coconut oil is very moisturizing. It absorbs well and it also has anti-bacterial properties that are good for the skin.
Baking – Slight coconut taste but its not harsh. It is less fat and full of good omegas. That makes it better for your stomach.
Frying – Much healthier to fry foods with coconut oil. It works as a better medium than butter, and it has a higher smoke point than animal based fats.
Butter Replacement – It makes a great spread. Wherever you put butter you can put coconut oil. Eventually you won’t even notice the difference.
Infections – When applied directly to injury sites, it provides a barrier from additional debris/dust/jerms to aid healing.
Energy Booster – Coconut oils contain and excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are great for boosting energy. Just put some on a table spoon and enjoy.
Hair Mask/Conditioner – Coconut oils can work as a great deep conditioner for the hair, and you can use it daily, as a rinse out; or weekly as a leave-in, under heat.
Sunscreen – Coconut oil actually contains roughly 5 SPF so if you don’t require a high SPF you can definitely lather on the coconut oil.
Base for Body Scrubs – If you mix coconut oil with sea salt it makes a great exfoliating scrub.
Toothpaste – Mix coconut oil, baking soda and mint extract together. Place a dab a little of the mix on your toothbrush and brush.
Deodorant - You can use coconut oil alone as a deodorant. However, it is more effective with combination of cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda.
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There are a lot of misconceptions about the foods that should be include on the dinner plate. The following are some healthy choices as to what you should include. Make sure it is well rounded and includes multiple food groups. The following foods should be considered as options for an “anytime plate” according to Precision Nutrition. The portions will vary depending on your goals (weight loss, weight gain etc), as well as timing (pre or post workout). More information can be found through the Precision Nutrition Plate Guide.
Drink: Choose water or tea instead of juice or soda as your main beverage.
Leafy Greens and Vegetables: You should choose steamed, raw or roast greens such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, collards, kale, bok choy, chard, watercress, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, corn, onions, green peas, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes.
Healthy Fats: Seeds, nuts, olives, and avocados. Try to eliminate extracted oils and processed fats (example: margarine).
Whole Grains and Starch Based Vegetables: Some foods include rice, oats, Quinoa, buckwheat, millet, spelt, barley, whole grain pasta. This category also includes beets, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash. Beans, lentils, soybeans, split peas and tofu are also included in this category.
Lean Meats, Poultry and Fish: Lean ground turkey, lean ground beef, chicken, and fish are all included in this category.
Salt: You should minimize your salt intake by using products with no sodium or low in sodium ingredients. Use salt as a seasoning sparingly. Try and stay inspired and use herbs, spices, vinegars, lemons and limes for seasoning.
For more tips on fitness and healthy eating check out
Alicia Bell is a Toronto based Personal Trainer
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- See more at: http://livingcivil.com/create-healthy-dinner-plate/#sthash.uHVGrtzo.dpuf
Want A Tight Core? Try These Train It Right Approved Moves
The secret to a flat stomach is to strengthen your core muscles. You have probably heard trainers or other health professionals in the gym talking about how having a “strong core” is important, but if you’re like most people, you may not know exactly what that means, why it’s important or how to strengthen it.
WHAT IS YOUR CORE?
Most health care professionals use the word “core” to describe the different muscles that are is located in the middle section of your body as a whole. Many people think that the core is just the abdominal muscles. Although they are part of what makes up your core it actually includes your diaphragm (lower chest), abdomen (belly), obliques (sides), mid-lower back, and lower pelvic muscles. Add all of these muscles up and you get a total of 25 different muscles that make up your core.
WHY YOUR CORE IS IMPORTANT
Your core is where your body’s strength and stability comes originates. It is part of what is called a “kinetic chain” that allows the various parts of your body to function correctly. These muscles are critical for optimal athletic performance, daily activities (e.g., sitting, walking, running, reaching, bending, climbing stairs, to name a few). As our bodies age, it becomes increasingly important to do core strengthening exercises so that you can avoiding injuries and maintain an independent, healthy and active life.
STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE
To strengthen your core, it’s important to focus on keeping your belly button pulled in, a flat back and to remember not to hold your breath.
Try these exercises below For For endurance. Hold each one as long as you can. Repeat 2-3x.
Try these exercises below For For strength. Do each leg for 10-20 reps then switch. Repeat 2-3x.
Alicia Bell is a Toronto based Personal Trainer.
For more exercise tips follow Alicia Bell on Twitter.
The kind folks at Unico Nutrition sent me the best tasting natural pre workout that I have had to date. They have also been kind enough to provide me with a discount code for you to get 25% off at check out if you want to try your own! I love the coconut lime one. To me it tastes like pina colada. mmmm
Unico Nutrition 25% Discount With ALICIA25 at Checkout
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@trainitright
How To Handle DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
1. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. Make sure to drink electrolytes or BCAA's during your workout. The essential salts will help regulate muscular contractions and nerve function as well as give you energy throughout your workout.
2.Espesso or coffee before your workout will increase muscle strength and endurance as well as help to reduce the chance of soreness.
3. Make sure to do a proper warm up and cool down. This will help clear out lactic acid, regulate the heart and help with blood flow.
4. Eat a post workout meal or snack that contains a ration of 4:1 carbs to protein. This will help restore muscle nutrients lost in the muscle during the workout. Chocolate milk is actually a great post workout options.
5. Massage, stretching, foam rolling, and trigger point release post workout also helps to increase circulation, help with tight muscles and reduce muscle tension like knots etc.
6. Take a cold shower post workout. This will help reduce inflammation to the muscles.
7. If you can't handle the cold shower a hot bath with epsom salts will also help blood circulation and inflammation of the muscles.
8. Proper rest. if you are training hard it is recommended that you get a minimum of 60-70hrs of sleep a week. This includes naps. Sleep is when your body recovers and rebuilds muscle. If you are training hard and often the more sleep you need to help those muscles.
Hey Guys! I just saw on twitter that Bodybuilding.com has free shipping today with orders over $49.00 so I just wanted to share with you in case you need to order some supplements or workout gear! Happy Holidays! Train It Right!
Do you have someone on your holiday gift list that loves health and fitness? Not sure what to get them? Here is your solution. Well here are the Train It Right Top 10 gifts for the fitness enthusiast this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Train It Right!
1. Blue Tooth Winter Hat - http://bluetoothbeanies.com/collections/all
Many styles available and all equipped with wireless blue tooth for all of your outdoor fitness activities.
2. Omega8005 Juicer - http://www.healthyplanetcanada.com/omega-juicer-8005-chrome.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAkpCkBRCtstKQo5ia5nESJACsCikR64bq60k-VM9Zcomu9YKkzr9B-WaM1GzL1y6vPFbXvhoCt1Hw_wcB
This juicer is quiet, easy to clean, No heat build up, allowing for no loss of enzymes so that you can enjoy nutrient-rich juice full of live enzymes, doesn't foam or clog, and User friendly - easy to assemble, operate and clean.
3. Jabra Wireless headphones - http://www.jabra.ca/products/bluetooth/jabra_revo_wireless/jabra_revo_wireless
You can't go wrong with a set of wireless headphones for your fitness enthusiast because if they workout hard they don't what any messy wires getting in the way of their workout. Freedom to move is a blessing during a tough sweaty workout.
4. Gaiam Muse: the brain sensing headband - http://www.gaiam.com/muse-brain-sensing-headband/05-61561_2.html
According to the website it reduces stress, improves your concentration to take your meditation and yoga to the next level.
5. Nike Pro Tights - http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/womens-tights-clothing/7ptZbgdZ8s6
These are available for both men and women and they are one of the most comfortable workout pants out there. Your workout will love to get a pair of these as a holiday present. They also are available in many colours and patterns.
6. Quest Nutrition Bars - http://www.questnutrition.com
Low Carb, gluten free, high protein, many flavours. We can't get enough of these. They would make a great stocking stuffer for any fitness lover.
7. Polar Heart Rate Monitor - http://www.polar.com/ca-en/products/get_active/fitness_crosstraining/FT7
Affordable, counts calories, monitors heart rate, and comes in different colours. This would be a great gift for the runner on your holiday list.
8. Six Pack Bag - Expedition Backpack 500 - http://www.sixpackbags.com/expedition-backpack-500.html
This is a great bag for the fitness competition or the business man who is always on the go. It allows them to pack their food in a stylish backpack and bring it with them wherever they go.
9. Core 150 Shaker - http://www.core150.com
This Protein shaker allows you to store protein or other supplements right inside the core. It saves space and lets you bring protein or supplements with you all day long.
10. Online Personalized Training from Train It Right - www.trainitright.com/blog/online-programs
Alicia Bell at Train It Right provides a great online personal training program that you can access anywhere. The workouts are personalized for at home or in the gym. You have access to videos from apps to see the exact exercises and it is completely affordable.
Train It Right's very own Alicia Bell had the opportunity to model for Precision Nutrition. The nutrition certification that Alicia has and uses in her nutrition consultations with her clients. It is the best certification for coaches and the best program for client's looking to take their nutrition to the next level. Check out a screen shot of the page!
Hey Train It Righters!
As most of you know I am a health nut and I only recommend the best supplements and the ones that I feel are clean, healthy and free of synthetic materials. So I want to introduce you all to my newest addition BlackMP. The product reached out for me to try it so I did my research and agreed. Quickly a little black bottle was mailed to me in Toronto. Its certified free of chemicals which I like
What is it?
BlackMP Living Powder is a unique powder supplement infused with Fulvic and Humic minerals as well as SBO (Soil Based Organism) probiotics, both USDA Organic Certified. Todays foods and beverages no longer provide the nutrients our body’s require. However, studies show that proper nutrition with mineral supplements can help increase energy levels, muscle development, and overall good health. BlackMP Living Powder carries the Foods For Athletes Chemical Free Certification which enforces the highest quality of products for athletes! With this powder you can create your own complete H2O. Comes with custom spoon for a perfect measurement every time. Recommended dose is one scoop per 16 oz bottle of water.
They suggest that for best results use with purified bottled water.
They were nice enough to give me a discount code so that you call can get 50% off! Use Code TRAINITRIGHT at the check out! Check out their site to order: http://blackmp.net/product/black-elite-powder/?ref=13
I love mine! My bottle is almost empty!
