So here we go.. Week 2 of my food and activity diary is done and dusted.
Each week we will add “one big change” to the food and activity as little, constant changes are more doable in my world, I have found trying to do too much at once can often end in given up because it just seems too hard and too much of a change over night. Last week our “one big change” we did, was to swap all other oil’s in cooking for coconut oil (see the blog on the benefits of coconut oil here) http://clairewiththehairmccarthy.com/2014/09/07/nuts-for-coconut-oil/
This week the “one big change” is from a micro blog I follow and they posted this (( No candy, No cakes, No white bread, No white pasta, No white rice, No chips, No fast food (be it curry’s, burgers, pizza etc) No chocolate, No ice cream, No alcohol)) they say to do this for 21 day’s and you will see a real difference in the type of food’s you crave as well as getting smaller. Let’s see: Today, I am on day 3 of this “one big change” and it is going well, I do not like chocolate and cakes but I do love savory snacks, white bread and wine, so far I am not missing these but even if I do I will make myself stick to the 21 day’s.I have a party for a very dear friend on Friday night, This will be the real test on the snacks and wine front.
So Activity wise, this week I walked home for lunch each day, Took my dog out for her daily (now extended) walk and managed to fit in two Spinning classes. If you read week one, you would have read how hard I found my 1st day Spinning but I am sticking with it as I can see how much further I can go in a really short space of time, Spinning has some amazing benefits and mixed with other classes it can only do great things. Here are a few of the reason’s I Spin.
1. You’ll get the energy you need to give 100 percent the whole workout.
From the instructors to the music to the constant change in lighting, good spin classes never seem to have a dull moment. “The best tweet I’ve ever seen someone post after taking my class was ‘I came tired, and left alive,’ “You’re going to come and have an instructor who’s giving 120 percent and that’s contagious.
2. You’ll push yourself to the max, but no further.
Spin classes aren’t made for Tour de France contenders (well, maybe some are, but not your average class). They are for everyone from beginner to advanced levels of fitness. “they focus on metabolic intervals, light resistance to heavy resistance, so your legs burn and are challenged, but never feel too fatigued,” “It may hurt a little to walk up and down the stairs after class, but who doesn’t love knowing they worked hard?
3. You’ll get lost peddling to killer music.
And after taking class a few times, you’ll learn which instructor you like best, and who has the most similar taste to you in music. There’s nothing like keeping pace with a good beat and seeing everyone else around you on the same count. Research even supports that athletes work out harder when listening to music at a faster tempo. “Music is a huge part of working out. “It allows you to bring up feelings and emotions that you wouldn’t think about at the office. If you had a bad day, it helps you restart.” And you may discover some new jams to download at home and add to your own exercise playlist.
4. You’ll get a full-body workout — not just legs!
Didn’t expect to see weights in a cycling class? It’s becoming more and more popular, as well as the use of resistance bands. While Spinning is great for your legs, different methods are focusing on giving riders more of a total-body burn. “If we’re promoting a full-body workout, we want to make sure we’re delivering.
5. You’ll get used to that sore butt feeling.
We’re not going to lie, if it’s your first time, or you haven’t been in a while, chances are, your bum will be sore the next day. So what can you do to avoid squirming at your desk the day after? Be sure you’re not in the saddle the whole time. “Though it might seem easier to stay seated, heavy-resistance saddle riding at, say, 22 torque, that could hurt,” . Most classes will have you in and out of the saddle every other song. “If we spend 50 percent of one song out of the saddle, the next one we’re in,” . If you are still not comfortable? Try using a padded seat or shorts with padded bits in them.
6. You’ll define and lean out your legs.
Notice we didn’t say bulk up. My instructor said he hears it all the time. “It’s a huge misconception that ‘my legs are going to get big if I spin,'” he says. “If I chest press 300 pounds, yes I would get bigger, but that’s like riding with high torque for eight hours.” The interval training that most studios practice, with some upper-body work, allows you to tone muscles that you may have not even known you had and sculpt your body back into youthful shape.
7. You’ll feel that team spirit.
While it can be fun to go on a ride alone to clear your thoughts, the energy you feel from your spin class peers is contagious. “If you come into class and really show up, your 45-minute ride could feel as fast as 20 minutes because you’re enjoying it,” s “For the spinning instructor, it’s all about entertaining, interacting with the crowd and having a great time so that riders aren’t watching the minutes drag on, that’s the worst kind of workout.” And when blacklights are switching on and off, and the person next to you is screaming out in anticipation and excitement for the coming climb, you won’t even realize it’s your second-to-last song. You’ll be having too much fun working out and sweating.
8. You’ll leave feeling euphoric.
“That’s the best way to describe the energy high that sticks with you after the ride, our instructor always try to make the last song a powerful one so that people remember it as they leave.
Choosing to ride doesn’t mean giving up all other exercise and trading in the barbell for spin shoes. But if you’re healthy and injury-free, adding cycling into your workout regimen a few times a week can only advance your fitness. And if you’ve decided that spin is the way you’re going to get fit, then don’t be scared to fully commit. “No matter which method you choose, Spinning in any capacity is amazing for you. “It can only help you better yourself.”
Have you tried Spinning? Let us know in the comments section. Below some before and after spinning pictures with some fur baby walking pictures 🙂
In addition to the increased activity , I have also began to attempt to eat healthier, by following the No candy, No cakes, No white bread, No white pasta, No white rice, No chips, No fast food (be it curry’s, burgers, pizza etc) No chocolate, No ice cream, No alcohol for the next 21 day’s I would hope habits would change but also my home cooking style has been looked at, In addition to using less and a better oil for cooking, I have also increased my vegetable intake and decreased my fat’s on meat’s and banned all processed burgers, pies, cheese etc. food is to be clean from here on in. I have found some quick, simple but low fat dishes that are delicious. I have included pictures of some of this weeks foods, I will add full ingredients list later.
Let’s get moving on week 3, PS is you have any comments or questions then please do no hesitate to make contact with me.
Thank you for reading you FABULOUS people
♥Claire With The Hair McCarthy♥
ClareWithTheHair.Com 