Thursday, June 15, 2017

Beginners Guide To HIIT: How To Choose The Best Moves For Your HIIT Workout

If you want to burn calories and fat, you may benefit from a HIIT routine. HIIT, or high intensity interval training, is one of the most popular form of exercise in the fitness world right now, and it appears that it is a more effective way to burn calories than simply cardio.

However if you want to build your own HIIT routine it is important to understand the concept behind HIIT, as well as how it can benefit you personally. This is the first step to creating your HIIT routine.

The Concept Of HIIT

So what is HIIT? HIIT is a cardio training style where you will work out intensely for a short period of time before taking a break. One of the most popular methods is repeating a series of exercises for 30 seconds before taking a quick break to breathe and let your body recover. Another popular method is doing a few different exercises for a minute before taking a short break, but this is very intense!

The breaks allow you to put a high level of energy into the quick 30 second work outs, which could be why this is a more effective fat burner than normal cardio. If you want to try a HIIT routine it is important to remember that you must put all of your energy into the brief workouts, as this will raise your heart rate and burn calories.

The Length Of A HIIT Workout

Most people plan HIIT workouts that are 15 minutes or 30 minutes long. This is because it is an intense form of working out, so exercising for too long may leave you feeling weak and drained. It is also more effective to work out for a shorter period of time as you will put more energy into your workout.

If you only want to work out one area, such as your arms, a 15 minute HIIT routine can be created to target that one area. If you want a full body workout it is best to work out for 30 minutes so that you can dedicate time to each part of your body.

HIIT Intervals

Intervals are an essential part of your HIIT routine. A 1996 study by scientist Izumi Tabata found that one of the most effective options is a 20 minute on, 10 minute off routine, as this boosted conditioning in professional athletes.[1]

However if you are doing more intense moves you will need more frequent breaks. A shorter option is six 30 second workouts followed by a 4 minute rest period.[2] These breaks are essentials as they raise your heart rate, blood and muscle lactate.

Choosing Moves That Work For You

There are a variety of different moves that you can choose to use. These moves will work out different parts of your body, and it is best to combine a range of lower body, upper body, core and cardio moves so that you are following a complete HIIT workout.

Here are some exercises that you could include in your work out.

Upper Body Exercises

The Up And Down Plank

This is a great variation on the classic plank that uses your body weight to help build muscle. It can be difficult holding this move for a long time, but you should aim to hold the position for at least 30 seconds. If you are struggling to hold the position keep your knees on the ground.

Find out how to do an up and down plank here.

The Push up

The push up is a classic work out move that is a great way to burn fat as you build muscle.

Find out how to do a push up here.

Core Exercise

The Bicycle Crunch

A bicycle crunch is a modified crunch that strengthens your obliques and abs.

Find out how to do a bicycle crunch here.

Lower Body Exercise

Jump Squats

Jump squats are very difficult to do, but they are a great way to burn fat and build muscle. Aim for 30 seconds of jump squats!

Find out how to do a jump squat here.

Total Body Exercises

Burpees

A burpee is a plyometric move that will raise your heart rate to burn calories. The exercise has three parts to it; you lower your hands to the ground, you jump your legs back into a plank, you do a push up and then you go back to standing position.

Find out how to do a burpee here.

Useful Infographics To Help You Build Your Own HIIT Workout

Here are five handy infographics that include more information about HIIT routines so that you can create the perfect personalized HIIT workout.

1. The Divas Run For Bling HIIT Workout

2. The Flora Foodie HIIT Workout

3. The Fitfluential HIIT Workout

4. The Bree HIIT Workout

5. The Daily Burn HIIT Workout

Reference

The post Beginners Guide To HIIT: How To Choose The Best Moves For Your HIIT Workout appeared first on Lifehack.



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Eat Chia Seed Instead Because Contains 6 Times More Calcium Than Milk! (and Has More Benefits!)

Most adults think that milk is good for them. After all, we have been told since we were children that drinking milk will make your bones grow strong and healthy, and it is one of the best sources of calcium.

Yet despite this, milk is not as healthy as you think. In fact, adults do not get as many benefits from milk as children do, and lots of research indicates that milk might actually be bad for us.

For instance, less than 40% of humans on earth can actually digest milk properly – and only 5% of Asians can digest milk properly.[1]

This is because milk is meant for babies, not adults. When humans are little they produce lactase, which helps to break down milk so that it can be digested properly.[2] However the gene that produces lactase stops working as we get older, so most people don’t create lactase by the time they are five.

This new knowledge has vastly reduced milk consumption across the world. For instance, sales of milk in Britain have dropped by 30% over the last twenty years.[3]

An Alternative To Milk

Thankfully chia seeds are a fantastic alternative to milk, as they provide nearly as much calcium. This means that chia seeds are great for your bones – and they are also much easier for your body to digest!

Research has found that chia seeds contain 233 milligrams per three tablespoon serving, which is almost as much calcium as one cup of milk (299 milligrams).[4] You should try to consume around 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, so that means that three tablespoons of chia seeds contain nearly a quarter of your daily recommended amount of calcium!

But that isn’t all – there are also lots of other benefits to choosing chia seeds over milk. Milk is known for being difficult to digest, but chia seeds are very easy to digest – and research from the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal found that eating more plant protein can lower the risk of cardiovascular death, which is an added bonus.

The study also found that substituting animal protein for plant protein results in a reduced risk of death from nearly all causes – which is definitely a good reason to replace your milk with chia![5]

Other Benefits Of Chia Seeds

There are lots of other benefits to eating chia seeds regularly. Here are five of the main benefits of chia seeds.

1. Chia Seeds Can Prevent Aging Skin

Researchers from Mexico recently found that chia seeds have a very high concentration of antioxidants – twice as many as previously expected. These antioxidants were found to stop up to 70% of free radical activity, which helps to prevent skin damage and signs of aging.[6]

2. Chia Seeds Can Improve Digestive Health

Chia also contains a lot of fibre; nearly 11 grams per ounce! One serving contains your entire recommended fibre intake for the day, which can help to improve your overall digestive health.

3. Chia Seeds Can Help To Treat Diabetes

Researchers from the University of Litoral found that chai seeds can help to prevent metabolic disorders (such as insulin resistance) as they contain lots of alpha-linolenic acid and fiber.[7] These metabolic disorders can lead to the development of diabetes, so you can use chia seeds to help reduce the symptoms of diabetes.

4. Chia Seeds Can Help You To Build Muscle And Lose Weight

Chia seeds are also a fantastic source of protein, so they are an ideal snack for anyone who is hoping to build muscle or lose weight.[8] They are also filled with antioxidants so they will help to replace any nutrients your body lost during your workout.

5. Chia Seeds Can Improve Heart Health

Chia seeds have also been found to reverse inflammation and regulate cholesterol, so they are a great way to improve heart health.[9] They can also help to reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease.

Reference

The post Eat Chia Seed Instead Because Contains 6 Times More Calcium Than Milk! (and Has More Benefits!) appeared first on Lifehack.



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Flax Seed: The Superfood For Glowing Hair And Healthy Skin (And Other Benefits!)

Want an easy and delicious way to boost your daily nutritional intake? Look no further than flax seeds, your new go-to miracle food. These stellar seeds are severely misunderstood as they are considered to be bland and dry. They are loaded with nutrients and have incredible binding properties which is a must-have for vegan baking. With the correct preparation, you will start to realize that they are a pantry essential.

It’s so versatile, you can wear flax as well as eat it!

Flax seed was originally cultivated in the Middle East around the era of 2000 B.C.[1] Through the effects of foreign trade and demand, flax production has dispersed throughout the globe, with Canada being it’s leading producer; followed by Russia, France, and Argentina.

Because flax seed was recognized for its abundance of fiber early on, it has always been used for both culinary and textile purposes. The flax seed market has been steadily increasing in recent years due to its long over-due recognition for its nourishing properties, as well as it’s textile durability.

Flax seed is little in size but it contains many nutrients!

Just 1 ounce of flax seeds (equal to 3 tablespoons) will provide you with:

• Omega-3

• Fiber 8g

• Protein 6g

• Vitamin B1 31% RDA

• Mangenese 35% RDA

Don’t be fooled by their teeny tiny size, these little suckers pack quite a beneficial punch. In addition to the nutrients listed, flax seeds are also abundant in phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B6, iron, potassium, copper and zinc. To ensure that you are getting enough flax, add at least 2 tablespoons to your daily routine!

Flax offers way more than just fiber!

If you are familiar with flax seed, then you may already know that it’s packed with fiber which is vital for regulating cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels. But what else do these helpful little seeds have to offer?[2]

Healthy Skin and Hair

Flax seeds contain ALA fats which benefit the skin and hair by providing essential fats and B vitamins which reduces flakiness and dryness which can lead to dandruff. It can also help to decrease the appearance of acne, rosacea and eczema. Flax has also been found to reduce dry eyes.

High in Anti-Oxidants

The antioxidants found in flax seeds are known as Lignans. These are fiber-related polyphenols that provide us with anti-aging benefits, as well as hormone balance and cellular health. Polyphenols support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, and can help to eliminate candida or yeast growth. But that’s not all! They also contain anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial properties; strengthening your immune system.

Digestive Health

One of the reasons why flax is so beneficial is because of its high concentration of mucilage which is a gel-forming fiber that is water soluble and helps to aid in nutrient absorption. The ALA fats help to protect the lining of the digestive tract and maintaining overall GI performance.

Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers

It has been speculated that flax seeds can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and in some cases reverse the effects. The three lignans (antioxidants) found in flax seed naturally balance hormones, and are therefore extremely important for women’s health. Flax also has been reported to aid in battling colon, prostate, and ovarian cancer.

Alleviate Menopause

Because of its hormone balancing capabilities, flax and its derivatives are the elixir of life for women going through menopause because it contains estrogenic properties. It has shown successful results for the reduction of hot flashes.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The ALA fats present in flax have extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties and can protect blood vessels from damage. Because it also helps to greatly reduce the presence of cholesterol, flax helps to keep the arteries clear of any clogging.

Treat Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

When applied directly to the wrist, flax seed oil can greatly reduce the progression of carpel tunnel, and perhaps even reverse it.[3]

Is there such a thing as too much flax?

Adding flax seeds to your diet could increase bowel movements, and in some cases cause gastrointestinal distress with symptoms such as: bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, stomachache and nausea.[4] Pregnant women are not recommended to consume flax because of the presence of estrogen.

There’s more than one way to eat a flax

Flax can be consumed in a few different ways:[5]

• There is brown flax seed which can be consumed whole as either raw or toasted.- To consume this, just sprinkle it on top of your granola, yogurt, salad, or literally anything.

• There is also golden flax seed, which like it’s brown counterpart can be eaten either as toasted or raw. – Serving instructions are identical to that of the brown flax.

• Flax is commonly ground into a meal, and incorporated into shakes or mixes for baking or cooking. It is a great base for raw breads and wraps, as well as an excellent binder and egg replacement.

• Lastly, flax seed oil is also readily available. Flax oil is more commonly used for topical purposes, but serves just as well as a food item.

Some yummy flax seed recipes you need to try!

Flax Seed Crackers

A crispy, satisfying way to add more flax to your snacks!

Flax Seed Oatmeal Pancakes

Start your day off right with a nutrient dense breakfast.

Blueberry Super Smoothie

After trying this recipe , you’ll be putting flax on everything!

Keto Wraps

An easy guilt-free addition for a low- carb meal!

Gluten-free Muffins

You’re spoiled for choice with 25 muffin recipes!

Banana Bread

A classic favorite, with a hidden healthy twist!

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites

A simple snack to chow on when you need a healthy pick-me-up.

Too much of a good thing is bad, be aware of over-consumption!

Because the over-consumption of flax seeds can lead to GI problems, it is not recommended that you exceed more than 50g of flax seed daily.

To safely (and comfortably) reap the benefits of this miraculous seed, consume 2 tablespoons of ground flax, or 3 tablespoons of whole flax seeds daily.

Reference

[1] ^ The World’s Healthiest Foods: Flaxseeds
[2] ^ Dr. Axe: 10 Flax Seed Benefits and Nutrition Facts
[3] ^ Green Med Info: External Flaxseed Oil Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
[4] ^ WebMD: Flaxseed
[5] ^ Health Castle: Flax Seeds – Which Kind to Choose and What Health Benefits?

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The One Practice That Will Help You Face with Every Challenge Much More Easily

Do you see a challenge and immediately start feeling anxious? Do you worry that you won’t be able to make your dreams come true because of the roadblocks in your path? We’ve all been there—but you don’t have to keep looking at problems in the same way forever—value-based affirmations have the potential to make your life a lot easier.

It can be very difficult to prepare yourself for a challenge or roadblock, because emotions can so easily take over.[1] This can paralyze your decision-making, and make it difficult for you to find the best solution or meet the challenge head on. While simply taking a deep breath and diving in might seem like the best way to proceed, it doesn’t help you find the right solution or help dispel your anxiety about the situation.

We all have challenges and goals in life, but if you don’t have a method for meeting these challenges, then you may not be able to achieve success as often as you’d like. The good news is that there’s one simple (but not easy) practice that will help you face any challenge you come across: value-based affirmation. This practice will help you lead a more empowering and focused life, and you’ll likely experience less stress by having a method for meeting challenges head on. So how does it work?

Visualizing what you want beyond the roadblocks is the key to overcome them

Mindset has a huge impact on how you deal with problems and challenges, and value-based affirmations affect your overall mindset to help you succeed.[2] So how does value-based affirmation work? Basically, it is a practice in which you see the desired result in your head before you begin a task. The idea is to affirm your own values before you begin in order to be more open to the change ahead and avoid getting in your own way. Value affirmation may be the reason that people tend to only make healthy changes in their lives once they’ve realized the importance of doing so on their own—not because of someone else telling them they should eat well, exercise, or even meditate.[3]

This is why you need to work on visualizing what you want, in order to overcome challenges in front of you. An example of how value-based affirmation works would be visualizing the desired outcome of a test (seeing an A) or running and completing a marathon—then having the willpower and motivation to make that visualization reality. In practical application, this can be very powerful—a friend of mine, who had twice failed the CFA exam tried this practice—and ended up acing the test through value-based affirmation. See the outcome, don’t say it.

Try using value-based affirmation on small things first

Now, you can’t just start off using this technique and expect to run a marathon immediately. You have to develop your skills and belief in the practice before you can use it to meet a very demanding task. Instead, try using value-based affirmation on a task that you know you can accomplish, but is slightly challenging. Building on these successes will allow you to develop the technique and use it to meet even the most difficult challenges over time.

Don’t let obstacles stop you. The right mindset helps you get through them

If you’ve ever been discouraged about achieving your dreams, practicing value-based affirmation could help you reach them—provided you use the technique to develop the right mindset. Many entrepreneurs have successfully used the practice to design the future structure and success of their business before they even get it off the ground. Seeing the success they want allows them to face setbacks and make good decisions during the challenging first few years in business.

Many successful celebrities have also used mindset to become the best of the best in their industries. Michael Jordan, for example, used a form of this technique on the road to becoming arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan practiced the growth mindset, which allowed him to push through innumerable setbacks. His own words sum up why using value-based affirmations is so important to success:[4]

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Visualizing that success beyond the roadblocks is the first step in getting past them. And the best part? You don’t need any special skills to successfully leverage this technique, and it can work for everyone. You just have to start using it and believing it—the rest will follow.

Reference

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Do You Believe Cereals Cause You Dull Skin? Here Are Other Healthier Breakfast Options!

Delicious food

Breakfast is the most important meal, and you strive not to skip it. The first thing you do after waking up in the morning is head to the kitchen and eating cereals. After all, they’re quick and easy to make.

But, they aren’t as harmless as you think they are.

Don’t forget that most breakfast cereals are sugar-laden. Unhealthy cravings, dull skin complexion, excessive intake of other sugary foods are some of many signs you need sugar detox.

It is entirely possible to eat a healthy breakfast without slaving off in the kitchen for hours. Keep reading to see ten amazing healthy and fast breakfast ideas.

Cereals Are Not the Best Breakfast Option. Do You Know Why? 

While munching on breakfast cereals may seem like such an easy way to boost energy and deal with hunger early in the morning, the reality is much different.

Why trust us?

The answer is simple. Unlike other websites which throw around baseless claims, we make sure our tips are evidence-based, and this post is not an exception. Breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, which is bad news for your health.

A study published in the BMJ found that intake of free sugars (and sugar-sweetened beverages) is a strong determinant of body weight, i.e. consumption of sugars is linked to overweight and obesity. We consume way too much sugar on a daily basis primarily through processed foods. That said, breakfast cereals are some of the most frequently consumed processed foods in the world. [1] (Chris: I don’t see the logic here … ._.””)

You May Be Faked by the Labels on the Cereal Boxes; Cereals Are Not As Healthy As the Brands Claim

Maybe you recognize these popular breakfast cereals:

  • Fruit Loops
  • Frosted Flakes
  • Coco Pops
  • Cheerios

However, these cereals usually feature misleading claims on the boxes.

Just read the label on a cereal box you have in your kitchen and chances are high you’ll see terms “whole grain” or “low fat”.

Now, find the ingredients list, and you will notice that primary ingredients are sugars and refined grains. Just because they do contain a small percentage of whole grains, it doesn’t mean they are healthy. These false claims are purposefully featured on the packaging to mislead consumers.

Other reasons why breakfast cereals are bad news for your health include:

  • They contain GMOs
  • Cold cereals are produced by an extrusion process: the grains are processed at high temperatures to make funny shapes and sprayed with coating oil and sugar to stay crunchy and crispy. During this process, a lot of nutrients from grains are destroyed
  • Vitamins and minerals added to these cereals are often useless: they are synthetic and the body doesn’t utilize them properly

There Are Alternatives That Guarantee Health, Which Are Cheap and Require Little Time

The main reason why we eat unhealthy breakfasts is that we think healthy options require too much time and money. Wrong! You can have a delicious, budget-friendly, breakfast ready in a matter of minutes.

Recipes you’ll see below are abundant in much-needed nutrients that will keep you full for longer and provide an amazing energy boost for better productivity.

Since they can help you kick your sugar habits, these recipes give you an opportunity to manage weight and fend off negative health outcomes.

1. Nut butter, banana, and chia seed toast

This is a delicious and healthy twist on classic peanut butter and toast. If you have peanut allergies, you can use sun butter instead of nut butter.

You can make this simple breakfast in less than two minutes and supply your body with calcium, fiber, and protein. Just toast the bread and spread sun/nut butter, place banana slices and sprinkle with chia seeds. That’s it!

2. Quinoa breakfast bowl

While quinoa is usually an ingredient someone would include in a dinner, it makes a perfect breakfast too.

This savory recipe is also nutrient dense and rich in calcium, iron, fiber, protein. The best thing of all, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Some ingredients you’ll need include quinoa, eggs, olive oil, avocado, smoked salmon, and lemon juice.

3. Chilled overnight chia seeds

Don’t have enough time to make breakfast tomorrow? No problem! Chilled overnight chia is the ideal breakfast option. First, chia seeds are rich in fiber, vitamins, Omega 3 fatty acids and other much-needed nutrients. And secondly, all you have to do next morning is to open the fridge and take the bowl. You can make this recipe in different variations; the process is simple – combine in a bowl or a jar, cover, shake to combine, and refrigerate.

4. Avocado toast

Avocado is loaded with fiber and cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats. It belongs to the group of quick and easy breakfasts that improve your health. This just shows that healthy meals aren’t expensive. To make this yummy breakfast, you just need to follow three steps: top the bread with avocado and mash avocado with a fork, drizzle with lemon juice and oil, and sprinkle with red pepper and salt.

5. Egg sandwich

Egg sandwich reminds you of school days, right?

This is a healthier and more sophisticated twist to a popular breakfast option. High-protein and fiber egg sandwich will boost your energy levels and improve productivity. Thanks to satiating effects, you’ll stay full for longer.

The breakfast is ready in about 17 minutes and some ingredients you’ll need include ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash, eggs, whole-grain bread, and baby arugula.

6. Berry and yogurt smoothie

Want to start your day with something sweet, yet healthy? Say no more; berry smoothie comes to the rescue. Berries are abundant in vitamins and antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect your body from diseases. Why not buy a smoothie then? Because homemade versions don’t contain added sugars!

For this tasty smoothie, you’ll need blueberries, blackberries, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla soy milk, and banana.

7. Pineapple, ginger, and walnut oatmeal

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties while supports immune system health. Not only does this recipe supply your body with antioxidants and vitamins, but also with fiber that suppresses your appetite. This breakfast is ideal for people who want to eat something delicious but support their weight loss endeavor or manage weight. You’ll need rolled oats, eggs, while milk, ginger, walnuts, and pineapple.

8. Quinoa fruit salad

A scoop of quinoa spices up plain old fruit cup. To make this breakfast, you’ll also need strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, mango, honey, lime juice, and basil. It takes less than 20 minutes to finish making this breakfast, and you’ll supply your body with calcium, iron, Vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin B6.

9. Breakfast egg muffins

The egg is a breakfast staple, and that’s a good thing. Eggs are abundant in vitamins A, B5, B12, B2, minerals like phosphorus, selenium, zinc and many others. Although egg muffins may seem like a time-consuming breakfast option, that’s not the case.

You can have these muffins ready in 20 minutes. Even better, make them over the weekend and eat throughout the week for breakfast. You’ll need eggs, spinach, cooked bacon, and cheese.

10. Almond butter, yogurt, and fruit parfait

This is an ideal on-the-run breakfast which you can make in less than 10 minutes. Fruits are sweet, but healthy at the same time. On the other hand, breakfast cereals you usually consume are sweet but unhealthy. This recipe delivers Vitamin A, potassium, fiber, calcium, Vitamin C, iron, Vitamin B6, and magnesium. To make this delicious parfait, you’ll need plain Greek yogurt, almond butter, honey, grapes, strawberries, and almonds.

Cereals Are Popular, But Are They Good to You?

Cereals are a popular breakfast option, but they aren’t quite healthy. They contain too much sugar, GMOs, and synthetic vitamins that are added during the manufacturing process are useless. It is possible to eat healthy and delicious breakfasts each day without spending too much money or time in the kitchen.

This article featured ten amazing breakfast ideas to make, and they can inspire you to come up with your version of the first meal of the day.

Featured photo credit: http://www.eatthis.com via google.com

Reference

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