Fit Chick Friday - 1st of the year! green tea and another over 40 fit chick

* I’m hearing and reading more and more about infrared saunas. Haven’t tried it. Have you?

* It’s been written here before about the benefits of green tea; both ingested and topically (for the skin). It must be the extract-which means, taking a green tea pill or a pill that has green tea, is probably NOT as effective. And topically, the same holds true. Now I’ve learned this week that if the green tea is DEcaffeinated, it’s not effective for promoting you being LEAN.

* Have the flu? Wanna try something natural? This tip comes from Yogamint:  There is a yogic/yogi tonic that functions as an immune booster “dubbed ‘Flu Tea’ and marries two unlikely partners: pepper and pomegranate.
Place 2-3 tablespoons of whole black peppercorns in a pot, along with 4-5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

This is your “peppercorn extract.” You can then store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator to have on hand for your daily drink.

In a glass, mix together ½ cup of the peppercorn extract with ½ cup of pomegranate juice.

Drink it hot, cold or room temperature for a super-boost to your immune system and beat (the) flu.”

*  I read this week, from the Exhale e-zine, that repetive pounding from jogging (especially long-term) causes a collapse of facial tissue -basically, affecting the “structure(s)” and causing sagging. This is important if you are predisposed to this genetically, are generally not fit, and have sun damage. Think about how much force is exerted on your body when you jog -vs. walking or pacing. HUGE. So this makes sense. And I don’t know anyone who is counteracting this by advocating facial exercising. Though it does exist. Think of some of the 60 year old joggers you’ve seen & the condition of their skin as compared to the skin of a same-aged yogi!

* These tips I imparted from the Turbulence Training Blog: 1. Eat Omega-3’s for fat loss. “The difference with and without them is incredible.” This includes: walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon or sardines, fish oil supplements, etc. 2. Ahem…your bowels must be moving 2-3 times a day for fat loss. If they are not, try sipping on lemon water with sprinkles of cayenne pepper throughout the day, to help.  3. You can’t out exercise bad nutritional habits (which I’ve said MANY times here) 4. Your thoughts matter! What you put your attention to, brings intention to. Watch it, fit chicks!!

* Remember muscle burns extra calories….!

* The mystery ingredient in a “super rich” “delicious” healthy brownie recipe from Dr. Oz - BLACK BEANS! And remember, you mix your pureed pumpkin from Halloween with a boxed cake mix (& nothing else) for a delicious, healthier cake. Yummmm

* Remember all those pictures in the month of December we saw of over-40 Gwen Stefani heading to the gym while in London? Well it paid off b/c we then saw pictures of her last week in St. Barths! It’s not a surprise that she has said that working out including gym visits and jogging are important to her lifestyle and sanity. Be inspired.

 Not only is she over 40 but TWO KIDS! Fabulous!!!

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Tags: bikini, cake, calories, fit chick, Fit Chick Fitness!, fit health, green tea, Gwen, gym, lean, over 40, over 40 fitness, pumpkin, sauna