Well it is February 14th. Time doesn't feel real. How is it February already. I am currently sitting at the cafe at the w hotel in Toronto near my house enjoying a great cup of peppermint tea doing some reflecting and I decided I should check in with my blog that I have been neglecting.

What's new?

  • I am still single (but talking to someone)
  • I have to move again
  • I still have not started a prep

I do have a lot to be thankful for but I also have a lot weighing on me. Life is hard alone. But this isnt a negative blog. I am going away to Punta Cana with my friend in March, I an off work for a week and will reset, reorganize and figure my life out, goals, moving etc. My work life is ok but not at all what I ever pictured it to be...but is even any of my life what I had pictured it to be at this age....hell no. I really want to rebrand my fitness content, regrow my online business and sort everything in my life out. In addition I want to also compete and just get back to a happy place.

Other than that I am sorry to anyone who actually reads my blog that I haven't been consistent. I truly just haven't had the motivation to be creative like I use to be. But I am determined to find myself again. So thanks for sticking with me during this process/over the years etc.

If you are alone on Valentines Day like me - Pour yourself a nice glass of your fav sugar free beverage, take a relaxing epsom salt bath, put on a show or if your like me the Cavs vs Bulls game and enjoy. I am also going to be doing a lot of goal setting, gratitude and journalling. I think that those things will keep you In a positive mood and on a good path to self love. <3

Even if your night doesn't look like mine - make it a night where you do positive things that you yourself love and it will be a great valentines.

Hey guys and gals! Im back again today with some last minute valentines day gift ides for that athletic dude in your life! In no particular order are some ideas for that fitness guy you've been crushing on!

Beats Studio 3

Amazing noise canceling headphones for training!

Hand Held Gimbal Stabilizer

These amazing accessory is great if you have someone who loves recording their workouts or tik toks.

Drone

This little guy can be set to follow your outdoor runner or athlete in a park or stadium and record! A great unique way to film for the outdoor enthusiast for their social media.

Iron Bull Strength Hooks

These hooks are great for an avid lifter. Unlike wraps they 100% help you grip heavier weights and take away the ability for other muscle groups to work.

Nike Metcons

Male or female this are my number one recommended gym shoe for the athlete that does it all! Run, Crossfit, weightlifting, cross training - this shoe is great for it all! If you dont feel like switching in and out of different shoes this shoe is the most comfortable and versatile training shoe on the market in my opinion.

Pso Spine Back Massager

This is a great tool for someone who needs help with recovery or has a sore back. This helps with mobility and is great to use on the go, at home or at the gym because it can easily be kept in your gym bag.

I could go on forever for gift ideas for that avid fitspo in your life but I will stop at these because they are some of my favourite! I hope you all enjoy my suggestions and have a happy and safe valentines day!

Hey Guys and Gals! I hope youre having a great week so far! Happy humpday! I wanted to come on and share with you guys a couple of Valentines Day gift ideas for your fitness Gal! They are in no particular order but I hope that they give you some great gift ideas!

Fit Bit Versa

Fitness trackers are a great gift - especially the versa. It is equivalent to the Apple Watch but at a much more affordable price.

Adjustable Bands

A set of adjustable resistance bands. These are great to be able to have during these uncertain times. You can adjust the residence, they're great for travel and are very affordable and effective.

Digital Fitness Scale

Because every fitness gal needs a digital scale to weigh and record their food. This one connects to your phone via blue tooth and can help with tracking.

Non Slip Booty Bands

No slip bands are an amazing addition to your gym back. These are non slip and are great for the booty workouts that every fitness gal loves.

Cami Tank Top/Bra

These are affordable camis/bras and they are light and padded. They are also great fitting, affordable and come in different colours.

Fitness Journal

I think that one of the greatest things in fitness is recording and tracking your progress. This journal is perfect for that. and specifically made for the fitness gal!

sugar-karen-civil

Sugar - Why You Should Cut It Out Of Your Diet

What a great topic to discuss on Valentines Day. A staple of the day: SUGAR.

Did you know that today’s 12-ounce soda can contain up to ten teaspoons of sugar and that the average American eats 22.7 teaspoons of sugar a day (National Geographic, 2013). The reason the consumption is so high is because sugar is added to processed food to enhance both the flavour and texture. I suggest staying away from processed sugary foods all together, but often times this is hard to do. When you grocery shop the best way to avoid processed foods is to stick to the outside of the store and stay away from the aisles.

According to Phycology Today sugar can be addictive and have severe effects on the brain and body. “Sugar leads to dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens – an area associated with motivation, novelty, and reward.  This is the same brain region implicated in response to cocaine and heroin.” How ridiculous is it to think that eating sugar stimulates the same response as an illegal drug does.

Fructose and sugars are also bad for you because they are processed in the liver and turned into fats. These fats can build up and also enter the blood stream. This can cause health risks that include obesity, hypertension and diabetes. According to AMA Wire these are all prevalent problems affecting the greater part of the American population. “Obesity impacts one in three Americans and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” said AMA President .

If you are addicted to sugar there are a lot of affordable alternatives to sugar that are readily available and that I use regularly. These alternatives are available at grocery stores, health food stores, specialty food shops or even some corner stores. These alternatives include; Stevia, Xylitol, Coconut Sugar, Maple Syrup, Natural Honey and Brown Rice Syrup. Some times they can be an adjustment and when used in recipes and drinks you may not even notice the difference.

Do your body a favour and try to cut out as much processed and refined sugars that you can. Start by slowly replacing refined sugars and sweeteners and eventually your sweet tooth won’t even notice the difference.