Month of Numbers & A Challenge

As done in previous months, I've tried to keep up with a fitness challenge. The other day while out running, this one came to me. 

How about a Numbers Challenge? Being the science geek I am, I know that March is the month of "Pi". In math, the number Pi (pie) is 3.14 (with many other numbers following that decimal, but rounded at .14). So on March 14 (3/14) it is known as Pi Day. In honor of this month being a big math/science number month, my challenge is to set a number goal to achieve. A set number of miles you want to run, bike, walk. A number of pounds you'd like to drop. A number of pushups, situps, lunges, squats you'd like to do each day or week. 

Whatever your number goal is, try your hardest to stick to it.

My goal: to run 30 miles for the month of March.

Right now, I'm doing the plankaday challenge. Holding a plank for as long as I can, 1-2 mintues on average, each day. I try to make push ups and lunges a daily routine as well. Every little bit helps!

If you want to participate in this challenge, tag me on Twitter (@charmoon) with your goal and how you're doing. Let's use the hashtag #MarchGoal. If you are on Facebook, write on my wall with your "March Goal" or simply comment on this blog post. Let's be active this month!!

Healthy Eating: A way of life

Eating healthy is nearly second nature to me, but it doesn't mean that "healthy" food is all bland, gross, boring tasting. There is so much diversity and potential when eating healthy. Small, simple choices and swaps can make your diet/meal choices that much more healthy. And by starting small, you are already making better choices that will lead to more healthy choices. Such deep thoughts, I know.

Making a fruit smoothie at home. Both cost effective and a great way to "fill you up" as a snack or meal replacement. I use frozen yogurt that I froze myself. Vanilla yogurt frozen in ice cube trays and popped into a blender/food processor. Add in whatever fruits & splash of juice you like. I used: Frozen vanilla yogurt (Chobani greek  yogurt), raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, mango and pineapple with a splash of apple juice. Blend until smooth. I've also added in frozen chopped spinach, ground flax seed and wheat germ as additional supplements that are only good for you!

Any meal can be made healthy by adding some fresh, steamed veggies. Or by substituting in some steamed brown rice. Brown rice is better than regular pasta because there is the whole grain goodness and also it mixes it up by not always having pasta "carbs". Rice is still a grain and has carbs, but a better carb for you. 

Who says ice cream can't be healthy?! This is actually ice cream made solely from 1 ingredient: frozen bananas! I sliced a banana and froze it. Then, took it out and put it in a blender. One tip: take it out of the freezer maybe 5-10 minutes before you want to blend it. This allows it to "soften" up a bit so when you blend it its not so much work on the blender. You can add in peanut butter, chocolate chips or syrup, nuts, fruit...anything! If you like banana flavor, you will love this healthy take on ice cream. 1 frozen banana made a good size cup of ice cream for one person.

And that frozen fruit smoothie from above? Why not use it to make Popsicles! A tasty desert treat too.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be a huge life-altering decision. It can be as simple as substituting your evening desert for a healthier choice or adding in vegetables to your meal.

I hope this helps and that you can start to enjoy the tasty benefits of being healthy!