Fit Is The New Black

I’m going to the west coast next weekend to see my cousin graduate. It’s a short trip, but I’m not going to let it derail me from working out or eating right. Seriously, traveling or not, unhealthy living isn’t very fun or relaxing to me. Here are my tips to staying on track when you’re traveling.

1. Find several places that are exercise friendly I’ve already googled all of the gyms I can go to on a day-pass while I’m away next weekend. My cousin has informed me that I can also go to the Y with her. Looks like I’ll be swimming a bit.

2. Bring extra cash just for traveling expenses I don’t want to be restricted by the schedule of others, so I plan to bring enough money for cabs. If I find myself waiting for people to get up or something, I can just call a cab to take me to the gym. Oh, but don’t forget to leave your hosts a note.

3. Bring money to purchase staple foods I also know that I’ll be close to a Whole Foods, which means I’ll be stocking up on Poland Springs, non-dairy yogurt, raw nuts and fruit. This way I’ll always have something that I feel good about eating on hand. Everyone in my family knows I’m picky about food, so no one will be insulted by my carrying around trail mix.

4. Learn Fitness Moves You Can Do Anywhere I don’t know exactly what equipment will be available to me when I’m away, so I am putting to memory some easy moves I can do in my room. Not sure what moves to do? Try some from this video.

5. Offer to cook for your hosts

This is a fun way to introduce your fam and friends to some of your favorite healthy foods, while guaranteeing you stick to your diet. I’m a smoothie queen, so I’ll probably whip up my fair share of protein and fruit drinks while I’m there.

6. Pack Fitness Tools in Your Travel Case

Sneakers? Check. Swimsuit? Check. Fitness apps? Downloaded. There are so many ways to keep moving when you travel. You just have to get creative. Check out what will be in my bag.

How do you stay fit when you travel? Do you care about sticking to your diet when away from home? Tell me the skinny.

I’m so excited for this long weekend! How couldn’t I be? It’s sunny and warm out, and I’m waiting with bated breath for the smell of fired up grills around the neighborhood. Did you know that 62 percent of the nation will be barbecuing this holiday? I guess I’m not the only one who loves veggies on the grill. I can’t wait to throw on some shorts, head to the closest party and pile my plate with corn on the cob, tofu-kabobs, and potato salad. If you’re worried that the festives will destroy a stellar week of exercise and eating, follow these tips to stay on track.

1. Make Time To Exercise

 Don’t let the holiday give you an excuse not to hit the gym. If you can’t get to the gym, pop in a workout DVD, go for a brisk walk outside, or take a bike ride with friends.

2. Splurge on ONE item, not Five

 Barbecues are like buffets outside. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the food choices. Solution? Fill up on healthy, low calorie options like grilled corn, garden salad, and fruit. Pick one item to indulge in. You’ll keep yourself from feeling deprived, while still keeping your diet in check.

3. Make Healthy Versions of Old Favs

If you want to be sure you’re eating right during the party why not put on the chef hat yourself? There are tons of recipes that give you the flavor of old favorites with half the fat and calories. Try some of these BBQ recipes from Eating Well. If drinks are your weak spot, may I recommend picking up a bottle from the Skinny Girl line? I’ve been giving props to the skinny girl margarita since I learned the recipe on the Real Housewives of NYC. The drinks are delicious and low calorie!

Just remember, skinny or not, alcohol is alcohol. Don’t drink and drive!

For more tips, click here.

Some say “Nay” to ripped abs on a female but I say “Yay”. When I first started working out I just wanted my abs to be flat. No tummy bulge or food gut after a meal? You can see the allure. But as time has gone on I want to bare the mark of hours spent at the gym.

Some are genetically predisposed to having what is referred to as “the V” or “Loin of Adonis”. This doesn’t mean you can’t have sik abs though. I was scouring through some bodybuilding websites and collected some wonderful tips to get your tummy cut! Bodybuilding mags are the place to go for tips on how to achieve a certain look, because while most fitness mags focus on health and toning up, bodybuilders are pretty upfront about wanting to look a certain way. If you’re feeling frustrated trying to makeover your bod I highly recommend that you pick up some Bodybuilding magazines and tailor their suggestions for your needs.

Now, bring on the tips!

Tip #1: Trim the Fat
To see stomach muscles you have to get rid of the layer of fat covering them. The best way to do that is to clean up your diet. Nix processed foods, excess fat and sugar. Stick to whole foods. We’re talking lean protein, green veggies, fruit and a little grains-but not much. Use fats that are healthy for your heart, like olive oil and avocado, but make sure you watch the servings on this stuff.

Tip #2: Bottoms-Up
While you’re eating clean you want to make sure to drink clean. Alcohol, sugary fraps from Starbucks and juice should be in the garbage-not your tummy. If you can’t bare to part with Thirsty Thursdays stick to clear alcohol like vodka mixed with seltzer and lime. Oh, and don’t drink more than two. One would be better.

You should be drinking lots of water. We’re talking 8-to-10 8oz glasses a day. You may need more depending on how much you workout, but water is not an option. It will help digestion, flush out toxins, and keep you hydrated.

Tip #3: Cardio is as Cardio Does
If you want to get lean enough to show all the muscle you’re building your going to have to burn fat. Aim for intense cardio 5-6 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour.

If being on a treadmill or bike seems unbearable take a class or go swimming. Just think endurance. You got to hit the fat burning zone and that’s not going happen strolling down the street.

Tip #4: Train Your Abs with Weights

Following tips 1-3 will help flatten your stomach but to get ripped you’re going to have to strength training. Abs are one of the few muscles you can work back to back, so feel free to include ab exercises in your daily routine.

For a sample of ab exercises, click here.

Don’t let a busy schedule detour you from your fitness goals. Remember, exercise can give you more energy, giving you that extra kick for a long day.

• If you foresee a busy day, get up an hour early to squeeze in a workout.
• Bring your gym clothes to work or class. When you have a break, you can get in a quick workout. No excuses!
• Bring paper work or school work to the gym. You can read while on a stationary bike or elliptical.
• Exercise while you watch TV (most of us make time for TV, no matter how busy we are.)