High Five Friday!!

Hey everyone!!! Friday once again! And this week went by super quick!! :( however, I was only scheduled two days for work, and I had two games this week. Now we get to recap what I loved about this week!!!!

1. I attended a March Against Monsanto event this past Saturday in San Antonio, Tx. It was awesome! I got to lead the second march that started at 3, we came out on our local news station (even if it was for a few seconds), and I got to spend time volunteering and helping out do face painting, plating organic seeds, and signing people up for future events. I am looking forward to spend more time with my fellow marchers!! Also, keep an eye out for a post about the March soon!!

 

2. It's crazy how our body and skin tells us how we're sick on the inside. This past week I had serious breakout problems on my face, and it's something I hardly encounter! I did a little bit of research and I found out that when you break out on certain areas of your face, it can be because something's not right. My problem areas were: above my eyebrows, my cheeks, underneath my lips, a few on my forehead, and on my neck. Turns out they were stomach problems due to allergic reaction in my stomach (I'm allergic to chocolate, lactose, wheat), respiratory problems, and a bit more of digestive problems. I have to admit, I did sneak in some unhealthy snacks. Yet my body took that in the wrong way!!! It's crazy!!!

3. Did you guy's read my Move It Monday post? It got a lot of attention by readers, twitter followers, and even the Move It Monday organization themselves!! So expect more Monday workouts and motivations to follow!!!

May 26, 2014 Move It Monday! :)

4. 1st Phorm Nutrition and Supplements is having a huge contest looking for their next athletes!!! They are going to choose 5 winners who can prove they live by the 1st Phorm Way of Life and give them $10,000!!! Can you imagine what you can do with $10 grand!

more like buy all the supplements!! lol

Well anyways, I entered the contest and I wanted to share it with my fellow readers and followers to give you all the chance of entering! I mean fitness is about helping others and not just yourself. 

To enter for a chance to win head over to 1stPhormAthleteSearch.com and apply away!!! Best of luck!!!! Also check out their Instagram: @1stPhorm

5. Last but not least!!!

I drove down to my home town this weekend to visit my wonderful parents and my younger sister!!! I love them dearly and I had missed them soooo much!!! My dog Pup was cop-pilot and we arrived safely!! :) expect pictures with of me and my parents soon!!!!

Well that's all for today's High Five Friday!!! :)

Ilsay, x

Thoughtful Thursday!

Sorry I have not been posting lately! I've had my championships match for my HEB volleyball team! :)
We won today and on Tuesday! I've been getting a looot of cardio in by playing...and my shirts are always covered in sweat! Also, my shoelaces are pink!! Thanks to Sweat Pink! :)

We played a total of 2 games today, and we beat each team pretty badly. We felt bad at the end. LOL, on Tuesday the same thing happened. Well, at least we all had fun! :) Here's some pictures!

Me getting a kill! ;)

My beautiful boyfriend and I. <3

My Team! (L-R) Valerie, Myself, Savon, Analy, Milton, April, Clair. Not pictures, Daniel.

Thought Time!

Thought #1!
I'm thinking about incorporating video blogs within my writing and making workout videos and what not! What do you guy's think? 

Thought #2!
I'm inclining on becoming a ISSA certified personal trainer. That way I can develop programs, work with my readers, and actually give you real information on how to loose weight! I'm debating on this!!

Thought #3!
I am proud to announce that I am now a Swirl Gear Ambassador! So keep an eye out for specials on their gear! :)

That's all I can think off right now! I'm exhausted from tonight's game! Talk to you all tomorrow!

Ilsay x

Move It Monday!

So it's Monday, again! And today I'm brining you guys a simple strength training workout from 

Move it Monday.

Wether you are a newbie to workout, or super athletic, it never hurts to do a simple workout and help you get your heart rate up and moving!

Okay, now I'm going to help simply and use some images to explain how to preform each workout and what are the benefits of it. (I haven't uploaded videos or pictures of me doing workouts because I've been super busy, but they will be coming soon!)

Squats With Shoulder Press:

These can be weighted, or if you're barely starting off unweighted, but you can start off with 5 lbs or more whichever you're comfortable with. 

A. You start with your feet  about shoulder width apart with your hands next to your side.

B. With your heels pressed in the floor, slowly squat down(Butt first!) and begin raising your hands up to your shoulders. 

C. Now from squat position, extend and push up bringing your hands up above your shoulders and press them up high!

Benefits of Shoulder Press: Over time, your balance and mobility will become more and more better as you learn to squat down and not wobble around. Your glutes and legs will be grateful once you have mastered this! ;)

Mountain Climbers:

Now be ready for something that is going to raise your heart rate tremendously, if the shoulder press hasn't. 

A. Start in plank position, feet together, and hands shoulder width apart. If needed for wrist you can add a towel or a small cushion underneath.

B. Now bring in your right knee towards your right elbow and back out. 

C. Repeat the process of C but with your left knee and to your left elbow.

Repeat the process at a quicker rate until the end of your rep!

Benefits of Mountain Climbers: Throughout the process of doing mountain climbers, your body and muscles are hard at work contracting, balancing, and and moving. It strengthens your arm muscles and your abdominal.

Walking Lunges

Back to a slower heart rate and more for balancing.

A. You start like how the girl in the middle is pictured. Weights are your side and standing tall.

B. Now step forward with your right foot, and bring your left knee down towards the floor. Try your hardest not to let your knee rest on the floor.

C. Now bring your left foot up and next to your right foot and be in standing position.

D. Repeat step B but with your right knee.

Benefits of Walking Lunges: These help strengthen your legs and your hips! No weak hips around here!

Burpees!

Now we are going to bring that heart rate back up!! These are a challenge, but I LOVE THEM!

A. Okay you're going to start standing up then slowly crouch down towards the floor, mind your back so you won't hurt yourself.

B. As you're lowering yourself down towards the floor, bring your feet outward as if going into a plank. 

C. optional: You can add in a push up for an extra workout.

D. Now from plank position lift yourself up and from your feet jump up as an explosion.

E. Repeat, and repeat until your reps are over.  Take Breaks in between if it is too much for you.

Benefits of burpees: They help you build endurance and aren't just only for your legs. The combination of plank and a squat jump help your body all around and build muscle.

Supermans

No we're not talking about the flying, kryptonite fearing superhero.

It's an exercise that stretches out your abdominal muscles!

These are a variation of different supermans. Not much to it! You can lift your legs and let your hands rest as shown in A. Or viceversa as shown in B. In C you can modify and exchange between moving opposite limbs to incorporate your arms and legs as well. 

Plank

The easy plank! Just remember to breathe!!

Lay down on your mat, or floor, and use your feet along with your elbows to lift your body weight up. Align your back and your butt to make sure you are straight, and not peaking. Now remember to breathe and wait until you're time is over!

Done!!!

You've reached the end of your Move It Monday workout and you should be extremely proud of yourself!!! Not so hard wasn't it? :) Until next time!!

High 5 Friday!

We have reached the end of this week! Scary thing is, next week is the end of the month. ALREADY?! Time is going by toooo quick. 

Today is my first High 5 Friday, where I will talk about 5 products, places, things to do, recipes, or anything that are awesome. Hope you enjoy it!

High 5 Friday!

1. Alkaline Water

How many of you have heard about Alkaline water? This kind of water has a pH that is basic and can be able to help bring your body's acidity down. There has been studies going on, but further is needed however, that have said that since the pH is higher there may be many benefits from consuming alkaline water. "...Proponents say that it can neutralize acid in your bloodstream, boost your metabolism, and help your body absorb nutrients more easily." (source) 

The alkaline water I consume on a daily basis is known as Essentia. The thing I really enjoyed about purchasing and consuming this water is that I can trust their process. It is a 3 step process that includes purification and reverse osmosis (yay for no fluoride!), adds electrolytes, and ionizes the water making it from acidic to alkaline! Try it out for yourself and share your experience!

2. Hemp Oil

I recently purchased hemp oil to add into my smoothies and I was let down! It contains 75% to 80% of polyunsaturated fats (the good fats) and has a perfectly balanced ratio of 3:1 of Omega 6 to Omega 3. Hemp oil DOES NOT make you high. It is a really simple and easy to use oil that can be incorporated in your daily life.

3. March Against Monsanto

Monsanto, the evil empire who wants to has taken control of most of our food consumption. As many of you know, we choose to purchase Organic and Non- GMO (non genetically modified organism) foods. Genetically modified foods are a result of Monsanto's "efficient way" to produce more food at a lower cost. However it is not as helpful as it seems. I will talk more about Monsanto and GMO's later on.

Have No FEAR! Together as parents, coworkers, neighbors, and the general public have the chance to have our voice heard Saturday, May 24, worldwide. Protestors will unite and walk down streets holding signs, chanting for those who have no idea what lurks in the food industry. Join the cause now!!!! http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/

4. Steal of the Week

Yesterday I got lucky and bought some rubbermaid containers at HALF OFF! I bought a set of 30 pieces, 15 containers with lids, for $6.98!! That is a steal! The awesome thing about them is they are a pretty teal color and the lids snap to underneath the container so you won't lose them. Get rid of that clutter!!!

5. My 5k Training

I am starting my 5k Training for the 5k Foam Fest in September! I am so excited and lucky to have a chance and participate for Sweat Pink and blog about the experience! More updates coming soon!

Liebster Award! 5/23/2014

Thanks to two wonderfull Sweat Pink Ambassadors who nominated me for this award!
Debbie Woodruff, from Live From La Quinta
&
Gabi Walker from Gabrielle K Walker

What is Liebster Award you say?

The Liebster Award is awarded to new and upcoming blogs by other bloggers. It is to help the nominated bloggers be introduced to other readers and gain an audience. By receiving this award, the blog receiving it must pay it forward and introduce 10 new blogs as well.

I was nominated to answer 10 questions, and pass it on to 10 other blogs.... Here We Go!

1. What is the job that you do in your “real” life?

My job in "real" life is being a cake decorator at the grocery store, HEB. I was previously a cashier, which was fun and very sociable, but I was transferred departments and now I decorate cakes! :) However, I am thinking about switching to another department again, it's called Healthy Living, and you work with customers who want to improve their health and lifestyle.

2. Who was your inspiration when you started blogging?

I never really found a blog who truly inspired me to begin blogging. I kinda picked it up on myself and found it as a way to talk about the stuff I have done, and I use daily.

3. What is your favorite movie?

Favorite movie...this is a tough one! Currently I would have to say Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2! It's really punny and I love how they incorporate all the fruits and vegetables! Plus they portray the hamburger as a monster :b But I think my next week it will be Fed Up.

4. Do you have any pets? What kind, how many, and what are their names?

I have 1 pet, a pomeranian by the name of Pup! He's my furbaby and I love him to death, well when he isn't tormenting me! Haha, I received him on my birthday last year and we have become inseperable since. He takes up most of the bed.

5. If you had a chance to meet a celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be?

JOE JONAS! Although I kind of meet him already :b He's my favorite singer :D

6. What is your favorite post that you’ve written (post the link)?

So far, no favorite post...but I will keep you updated!

7. What is one of your talents?

I think one of my talents is I am really artsty and crafty! I know how to sew, draw, color, and pretty much anything craft related.

8. If you had a chance to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I want to go to somewhere where the beach is beautiful! My boyfriend wants us to go to Thailand because they have beautiful beaches so maybe one day!

9. What is your favorite memory of your best friend?

When we still lived in the same hometown, my best friend and I were inseparable. We would be at each other's houses every day doing projects, out riding 4 wheelers, geocaching, and doing anything that we thought was fun. We drifted apart slowly, but it's always something that makes me smile.

10.  And finally…what song would you choose for your theme song?

[[ Updated Saturday May 24, 2014 ]]

Here are my Nominees! :)

1. Brandi Jeffries @noteworthyrunning
2. Jennifer Rohde
3. Maggie Lumpcik @runmomrunhappy
4. Jaima Botterbush @getfitwithjaima
5. Jenn Vasquez Koscelnik @epicascentfitness

Nominees, here are my questions:

1. Who is your number one inspiration?
2. What is your favorite workout to do?
3. When did you start blogging?
4. Where is your favorite place to go run?
5. Why are you so awesome?
6. What is your favorite meal to make? If it is a post you have made on your blog, link it!
7. What is your favorite quote?
8. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
9. What is your real life job?
10. Will you continue your active lifestyle even as you get older?

Overnight Oats! Do I hear someone saying YUM?

Mornings are always when we are in a rush to get ready for work, drop off the kiddos at school, running around making sure all the lights are off. Now it's hard to make a meal that is both satisfying and efficient! That's when I come into the rescue! ;)

The simplicity of overnight oats is you make them right before going to bed! Doesn't take more than 5 minutes, which means you just grab and go in the morning.

The Run Down:

Get yourself some quick rolled oats or even steel cut oats. Toss them into a small container such as a convenient to-go mug, tupperware container, or even a regular mug! Now you have your choice of liquid you want to use, I personally prefer hemp milk, but you can use almond, rice, soy, or whatever floats your boat!

Add Ins!

Here's the fun part! You get to customize this quick meal by adding in your favorite super foods, natural sweetner, and fruits!

Choices:

• Chia Seeds
• Flax Seed
• Frozen/Fresh Berries
• Organic Brown Sugar
• Organic Honey
• and the list goes on!

Yummy!

Well that about sums it up....

JUST DON'T FORGET IT IN THE MORNING! 

Trust me, it would happen to me sometimes :(

Hope you enjoy it! 

Leave some recipes or your turnout in the comments below!

Let's Talk Smoothies!

How many of you make smoothies on a daily basis? Cause I do, and I love my smoothies. I've seen post on smoothie packs, recipes, and what fruits to add...but I have my formula. I don't just like almond or soy milk blended with some strawberries and a few mango slices. I love my smoothies to have variety of essentials from good fats to greens. Can you say yum? Lol. ***For best results try to use 100% Organic, Non-GMO ingredients!!!***

Enough yapping, here's what my formula looks like...

Fitensity's Smoothie Formula!

• 1 soft fruit
• 2 small handfuls of frozen fruits
• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 1-2 tablespoons binder
• 1.5 tablespoons oil
• 1.5 cups liquid
• 1 tablespoon sweetner (more or less depending on what fruits you use)
• *optional* greens, superfoods, and other ingredients
• 5 icecubs (only if your soft fruit isn't frozen)

Now it's time for you to fill in the ingredients, remember it's all up to you and what kinds of fruits you want to use!

Soft Fruit

• Bananas
• Avocado
• Apple (puree beforehand so you won't have chunks!)

For my soft fruit I like to use bananas! Who doesn't love bananas! Honestly I've never had it with avocados...but I will get back to you on that. 

Frozen (or fresh) Fruit

• Strawberry
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Berry Mix

Protein Powder

• Hemp Protein
• Rice Protein (more chalkier, yet more protein and cost efficient)
• Pea Protein
• Whey Protein (if you're not lactose intolerant)

Currently I am using a matcha green tea protein by Natural Factors. It's actually really good!

Binders

• Ground Flaxseed
• Peanut butter, almond butter, any nut butter.
• Soaked raw almonds

Oils

• Hemp Oil
• Coconut Oil (make sure it's not the one that's harden when cooled because it will freeze in your blender)
• Flaxseed Oil
• Any Nut Oil

Liquids

• Water
• Coconut Water (really good for you, future post coming)
• Hemp Milk
• Almond Milk or other nut
• Brewed Tea that is cooled

Sweetners

• Stevia
• Honey
• Agave (high in fructose!)

Super foods, Greens, Etc

• Chia Seeds
• Arugula
• Kale
• Cocoa Nibs
• Ground Cinnamon
• Maca Powder
• Spinach Leaves
• Turmeric Powder

Now, I hope this helped. Remember that you can accommodate the formula to your macros, calorie intake, or whatever! 

Need more info or help... Comment or message me!