Go Green!!

One of my most desired and healthy forms of caffeine is green tea.  Green tea comes from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) as black tea, but the difference is in the processing. Green tea is dried, but not fermented. The shorter processing gives green tea a lighter flavor than black tea. It also helps keep all the beneficial chemicals intact, which is why green tea is so good for you. The most important selling facts behind green tea's ever growing popularity are its antioxidants. Polyphenols and tannins promote good health by helping in the fight against damage to cell structures which can be responsible for cancer and other illnesses such as colds and the flu. 

Here are five benefits of green tea:

• Raise metabolism and burn fat
• Can help with treatment for type 1 diabetes
• Can stop development of cancer cell
• Lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol)
• Lower blood pressure

Now I know green tea is not always the best tasting, but try adding cinnamon, cloves, honey or lemon to it and it will taste much better.  One of my favorites is Yogi Tea: Green Tea Energy which contains little to no calories.  You can go to a coffee house and get a latte or coffee drink and it can be more than 300 calories.  Not only is green tea a great way to speed up your metabolism and burn calories, but it is also excellent for your health.  Have fun and be healthy by going green!

Find Your Motivation...

We all tend to slack off and make excuses for not working, too tired, too much to do, getting ready for the holidays, but it does not have to be like that.  I love to work out and it is always part of my daily routine, but I know for most this is uncommon.  I was reading Women’s Health the other day and found a great article, “Find Your Motivation”.  Basically, it captured all the excuses we find not to get up and move and ways to help. 

Here are some great tips to get up off the couch and jump-start your workout mojo!

1.      Make a commitment contract:  One idea was to make a friendly wager among coworkers and/or friends.  Everyone puts in a certain amount of money and whoever logs the most workout sessions over three months wins the pot.  Also, sign up for a walk a thon or a 5K.  This makes you stay committed because you have signed up and are probably asking for donations. 

2.      Line up Reinforcements:  Did you know that 80 percent of people say they are more likely to work out if they have a partner?  Find a friend to work out with.  Whether it be to meet up every morning for a brisk walk or to meet a friend at the gym or even entering a race with a friend, you are more likely to complete the work out if you have company. 

3.      Make it personal: Bottom line… It’s about finding what you really enjoy and what gets you going.  Try as many classes, running paths, and exercise machines as you can. Somewhere between swimming and spinning, you will find the workout routine that works for you.   Actually liking your workout makes it that much easier to invest in it. 

Happy Monday!