Start up and suggestions for life.

Well good people, I am back. I'm sure you're just thrilled :) I'm starting up again after a rough quarter of school. For those who wish to remain sane, never take a research writing class, political science and two lab science classes at the same time. 

This post is just going to be an eclectic gathering of ideas I've had this week. They both are about health (obviously), but are otherwise unrelated.

Idea #1: find a buddy. I know I've touched on it before, but a buddy is good for motivation. People do better when their actions are being monitored by someone else. Your buddy doesn't even need to workout with you. To be honest, I really hate working out with a partner. I call it "I do what I want when I feel like it". Others call it stubborn. I just am not affected by being yelled at or cheered on. For the most part I'm in my own little bubble when I work out. It's ok if you are too. My version of a buddy is my mom saying "you know... that's your second brownie today. Cool it sister." It keeps me honest.

Idea #2: spaghetti squash. This miraculous gourd is quite possibly the best vegetable out there. It looks like angel hair pasta and tastes like pasta. It is also much better for you than pasta. Some people can do the whole wheat noodle thing. Not me. They are an abomination to the word noodle. Spaghetti squash is amazing because you cut it in half, bake it  flesh side down for 40 minutes with a little olive oil and salt, then you can slather it in marinara sauce and it tastes exactly like spaghetti (the good kind). 

Life updates. New challenges. Goals for later.

Hello lovely people! It's been a while but I've got a lot of news. 

#1. I am starting a new competition that my dear mommy is putting on. It's called Bennett's belly busters (fitting because that is my biggest problem). It's technically weight loss, but honestly to lose some fat you gotta lose some pounds too. Basically it's a 15 week challenge, and it's motivation that I currently lack.

#2. For those who are interested, I will be sharing the weekly challenge that comes with the competition. I think it's a great idea for anyone who just wants to try some new healthy ideas. Feel free to participate and keep me updated on your progress! 

#3. Another thing that is working really well for me in the eating right department is to brush my teeth about an hour after dinner. I am very lazy, and brushing my teeth helps me not eat a ton of snack at night because I don't want to re-brush them. All my junk tends to be packed into the after dinner/midnight snack department. This prevents me from eating so much unnessisary food. 

#4.To get me into shape for the thing, I am starting Insanity back up. It's an exercise program that's well, insane. It utilizes what's called interval training, which is actually a great way to get into shape and work on your cardio. Here's a great infographic on interval training, and good luck lovelies! 

Exercise... Fun or foul?

A lot of people often look on exercise with a sense of dread and downright hatred. I know I usually do. But it doesn't have to be horrible! 

I know you must be thinking I am crazy for even suggesting that exercise can be fun. But it can. 

As my wise father told me the other day... "All you have to do is move." Obviously the worst way to get in shape is to sit in the couch eating popcorn and binge watching netflix. But any kind of activity can count as exercise. 

Mowing the lawn? Counts. Playing high intensity ping pong? You betcha! 

Find something that you like to do and get moving! Whether it's hiking, dancing or swimming, there is something out there for you. 

I happen to enjoy water activities. I got into an all out splash war with my cousins a few days ago, and I tell you I felt it in my arms. Swimming, kayaking, throwing your squealing cousins into the lake repeatedly because they love it.... All up my alley, and all can count towards exercise.

Incorporate regular activities into your exercise routine. If you spend a lot of time walking (to work, chasing kids, doing chores etc) don't feel like you have to exercise on top of that every day. Just pick up the pace a bit and it can count as an aerobic activity for the day. 

Good luck with your exercise! If you have any suggestions for ways to incorporate exercise Into daily activities I would love to hear them!