It’s the middle of summer and you need food to keep you cool and energized! I recently tried several fruit medleys as I have been getting hungry at a rapid pace lately. This is a great alternative to junk or processed food. It also serves as a wonderful meal for breakfast.
Here are two of my favorite Fruit Medleys:
Berry Medley (yields 4)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 mango – cubed
3 pcs passion fruit or 1/2 pomegranate fruit
1/2 cup pecan nuts or almonds or pistachio or mixed
1/3 cup non-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp mint leaves
Make sure to wash the fruits thoroughly!
1. Simply mix the different fruits in a large bowl, add the nuts, add the coconut milk and garnish with mint leaves.
2. Store in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
3. Serve and enjoy!
Tropical Medley (yields 4)
Ingredients:
1 cup diced melon/cantalope
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 orange, peeled and sliced into pieces
1/2 chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Juice of one orange – blended or squeezed
2 tbsp Mint leaves
1. Mix the melon, strawberries, orange together. Incorporate the walnuts and cranberries.
2. Pour the orange juice on top
3. Garnish with mint leaves.
4. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Serve cool.
You can create your own fruit medley! There are numerous of summer fruits to choose from. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that you really like!
We believe that in order to get fit, you need to find a workout that suits you. Something that will push you, motivate you and give you results. TRX have been really effective for us.
TRX Suspension Trainer
I know, I know! I really need to make it more regular! But but but...Ok I have no excuse.
Anyway, when I used to do it regularly a few months ago, it really helped me a lot, like with Tennis, Running or even as simple as carrying my daughter. I really believe in the benefits of having a strong core. Engaging the core reduces injuries and tightens abs, which is what we all want! The one that I have is the TRX Pro Kit. It comes with everything you need to start your suspension training bodyweight exercise regimen. It includes the TRX Suspension Trainer, the Basic Training DVD and Door Anchor accessory.
TRX Bundle
The picture below shows some of the workout exercises I do with the TRX.
With TRX Suspension Training, you engage your core the whole time!!! This training uses your own bodyweight and that's important if you don't want to bulk up. It gives you that long and lean look. You'll feel strong without the bulky muscles. It works out the whole body and focuses on building core strength (tight abs), flexibility and balance.
TRX Suspension Training Brisbane
Another thing that I like about this workout is that it's easy to use and its portable. I can workout in the privacy of my room, or in the kids' playroom while watching them play. I can also bring it with me when I travel, as long as there's a door with space in front, I'm good to go. Some people use it outdoors (like hooking it on a tree branch) but I don't think I'll be comfortable doing that.
Here's a sneak peek of the TRX Suspension Training:
I (Rox) recently started TRX Rip Trainer in my gym. My coach incorporated it into my workout program since I really wanted to focus on core exercises. It was quite different from the TRX Suspension Trainer that I do regularly. The TRX Rip Trainer involves a bar tied to a resistance cord. For a more technical and detailed description check it out at the TRX website.
TRX Rip
There are three positions that I do for now. Push, where you face opposite of the cord and push the bar forward. Drag, where you face the cord and pull the bard towards you. Side, where you face sidewards and you move the bar to the other end. You basically use your body weight and adjust the level of resistance by taking a step forward or back. The trainers constantly remind me to bend a little, put my weight on my toes and to activate my core.
When doing these exercises, I feel the burn particularly in my arms, shoulders and abdominals. My sweat continually trickles down from my forehead to my legs. There are numerous exercises for the Rip Trainer and I'm excited to go to the next level and try out the more intermediate moves.
Check out this video:
I really like TRX workouts because it really helped me in Tennis. My swings are stronger and more steady because of the strength of my core and arms. It also helped in certain motions like twisting of hips and bending of knees.
TRX classes are usually offered in gyms all over the metro. You may also purchase the set in several shops. Do give it a try!
I just realized that it’s been six months since I started getting fit. I previously wrote an entry about it. Looking back, it was a challenging but fun journey. Now, I can really feel myself reaping the benefits of a change in lifestyle. A lot of people have been asking me how I did it, and I’m often caught off guard by the question. I would just answer “exercise” or “gym” or “tennis” but as I ponder upon it, I realized it really lies in the change of my attitude and improvement in my character.
Here are the changes and improvements I did on myself:
Discipline. Our life is an ongoing battle against complacency. From the moment we get up in the morning we must make a decision to make the right choices. Do I go for a run or do I stay under the sheets for another hour? Do I prepare a healthy breakfast or just get fast food? As unpleasant it will be majority of the time, we must develop discipline. It starts from the littlest decisions we make.
Self-Control. This means saying “no” to unhealthy things. Exercise must always go hand in hand with a balanced diet.
Perseverance. You know you are improving when you go to a higher level, the intensity of your workout or exercise routine should increase. It is challenging and it’s easy to remain in your comfort zone but you must push yourself. Don’t give up. I always remind myself that in a week or so, I’ll be able to do a difficult routine at ease, I just need to start somewhere.
There has been an outburst of the number of exercises and workouts you can choose from. Each are effective in its own right, but what makes it effective for you is the attitude or character you have towards it. There are no short cuts for long term results. The best thing you can do is start with a change within you.
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