Review ZUMBA!!

A few friends and I decided to try out a Zumba class at GoodLife Fitness in Lethbridge a month ago. This was probably the most fun I've had working out! The instructor of the class was a girl that I went to highschool with, and she was great!! The music was awesome and I was sure sweating at the end of the class. They had covered the mirrors with fabric so I couldn't see how ridiculous I looked and it was actually pretty helpful. It kept me dancing even when I didn't quite get the moves right! The class was packed and everyone looked they were having a blast!

They are starting a Zumba class in Raymond at the high school today and I am very excited to go. The classes will run Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-8:30. This Tuesday and Thursday are free classes and $5 a class after that! Its a great deal!

I had done the Zumba video at home, and the class was for sure WAY better! The steps are easy to catch on to, so even if your not a dancer, or have don't have any rhythm it is still a great work out! And a lot of fun!

Update/ Miracle Noodle Review

It has been forever since I updated this blog! So I guess I better do a quick update. I am no longer doing the hcg diet. I have decided that getting into shape is more important to me, and exercise is a no-no on the diet. I went for a run last night and it felt so good to do it! I also registered for the Harlan Taylor Memorial Road Race on July 2nd in Raymond, and have 2 months to get in good enough shape to run the 10k! I am looking for a jogging partner if anyone is interested! I might be a little crazy thinking that I'll be able to do it, but I really want the t-shirt!

While I was on the HCG diet, I was dying for some pasta, or carbs of some type. I had heard about the Miracle Noodles from my parents, so I purchased a few packs from Oliver Health Foods in Lethbridge I think they were about 3$ a pack, and a package had about 2 servings.



The Miracle Noodle Low-Down

* made of naturally water soluble fiber with no fat, sugar, or starch.
* contain zero net carbohydrates and zero calories, no gluten -made of a healthy natural fiber called Glucomannan.
* wheat & gluten free
* Easily absorbs the flavors of any soup, dish, or sauce.
* are instant and come in a variety of styles
* have shown beneficial effects backed by medical studies for Type II Diabetes, Constipation, Obesity, and Cholesterol!

These noodles are amazing! However, the texture takes some getting used to... they are a little rubbery when they cool down. I made homemade spaghetti and an asian stir fry with them and they were both really good. The noodles do not have any flavor at all! You can substitute the Miracle Noodles for any type of pasta. They come in angel hair, fettuccini, shirataki and even rice!

www.miraclenoodle.com has a lot more information and some recipes.

So if your cutting back on carbs, if your celiac, or just wanting to try something new I would definitely recommend you try the Miracle Noodles!

Recipe #5 Taco Salad

This recipe is slightly HCG rogue, but it's super low in calories and is filling and yummy!

Taco Salad
1/8-1/4 c Pace Picante Salsa
2 c chopped lettuce

1. Toss together. Enjoy!

This has only has 40 calories in it! (when using 1/4c salsa) And has no added sugar!

Another variation is to add your seasoned 100g extra lean ground beef!

Recipe #4 - Mustard Sauce/Salad Dressing

I am so excited about this recipe! It is going to totally change the HCG diet for me! This mustard sauce is great with chicken or just over chopped iceberg lettuce!



Recipes are for about 1 serving

Mustard Sauce
2 tsp French’s mustard
3 tsp calorie free sweetener
1 lemon slice worth of juice

1. Mix all together.
2. Cut chicken into strips, dip and enjoy!

Mustard Salad Dressing

2 tsp French’s mustard
3 tsp calorie free sweetener
2 tsp Diet 7-up

1. Mix all together
2. Drizzle over salad.

*A little goes a long way on salad
** I am not sure if French's mustard is allowed on the HCG diet, but I am assuming so because the ingredients are vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, tumeric, paprika, spice, natural flavours, and garlic powder.

There is also 0 calories 0 carbs, and 0 sugar! Who knew??

Recipe #3 - Bruschetta

I like this bruschetta on melba toast and on top of chicken!

3 c chopped tomato
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Desired amount of basil (I use about 1/8c)
1-2 gloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients and let marinade for a few minutes. Enjoy!



* This recipe is not HCG diet approved as balsamic vinegar has sugar in it.

Review Hot Yoga

Last week I finally got to try out hot yoga(Bikram yoga). I was a little nervous about going because I have only done yoga a handful of times, and I am definitely not flexible. But it was a great workout and my arms and legs were burning the next few days.It was also very relaxing and my skin felt great after! The teacher was awesome at explaining exactly what to do, and was very motivating!

I will going back for more classes that's for sure!



Benefits of Hot Yoga or Yoga in General
- detoxification - heavy sweating helps to flush toxins from your skin
- heat allows you to go a little it more deep and safely into the postures
- heat elevates the heart rate, which helps the body to work harder.
- relaxation
- improves breathing, which helps conditions like asthma
- tones muscles/ increases core strength
- improves posture
- decreases headaches
- curbs anxiety/depression


How To Prepare For Your First Hot Yoga Class
- make sure you well hydrated before and after class
- don't eat a big meal right before your class
- know your limits and if you feel dizzy make sure you sit or lay down

Things To Bring To Hot Yoga
- your own yoga mat if you have one
- a full water bottle
- a hand towel
- a change of clothes

Everyone should try hot yoga! Yoga Rituals in Lethbridge has a great teacher and atmosphere. A week unlimited pass for people trying it out is only $25!

HCG Update

I was originally planning on doing the HCG diet for the 40 straight days.... but I changed my mind (as I often do) and decided to do the 21 days so I can have a break to exercise!! While on the diet you are allowed to do a little bit of exercise like walking, or yoga. But it just wasn't enough! It has been a solid year since I've had a good hard workout. You know the kind where you cant walk for a few days after?! Ya, I want one of those.

So tonight, I am going to my first hot yoga class at Yoga Rituals in Lethbridge. Yay!