The funny thing is, these frozen and over priced items are so simple to make for yourself! And for the most part are even healthier when prepared in your own kitchen!

For example, one of the most common prepackaged diet meals will include some sort of pasta in a calorie reduced sauce. These seemingly gourmet meals usually consist of white pasta, a simple tomato sauce, maybe a few minuscule vegetables and if your lucky and wiling to splurge a few pieces of freezer burnt chicken breast. One meal will usually cost between $3.00 and $6.00.

Now consider what you could prepare on your own for the same amount! A whole package of pasta will only cost a dollar and a bit, and you could even choose whole grain pasta to boost your fiber intake. Sauce is simple to make with a few fresh ripe plum tomatoes and the veggies, well we all know that fresh produce is quite a bit cheaper then frozen.

You see, they pull you in with terms such as “low fat” or even “fat free” but when it comes to eating healthy on a budget, spending wisely is important.

Sure, the frozen meals are convenient, but it is not uncommon for them to be extremely high in sodium, cholesterol and calories. The trick is to carefully consider each and every purchase.

Use the packaging on the frozen meals to inspire your own freshly made recipes! Better yet, save the money you would spend on prepackaged diet brand meals and purchase a reputable weight loss cookbook.

Eating healthy on a budget is possible. All you have to do is tone your culinary skills and embrace your inner chef! Start cooking and pre-packing your own meals and you’ll notice it’s not so expensive to healthy after all!

PS – Get some great recipes and fitness training at Fit Yummy Mummy!

Walking for weight loss is considered to be one of the best ways to strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve over all health. But only if your walking routine never becomes monotonous or predictable.

When walking regularly it can seem that over time your workout becomes less and less challenging and your weight loss results can feel less substantial. When this happens it’s time to switch it up!  

Here are 3 tips to take your fitness walking to the next level:

1.  Take your walking to a more advanced level invest in a pair of wrist or ankle weights. By providing your body with the additional weight and resistance, your core muscle will have to work hard to keep momentum. 
2. Reconsidering your walking route is also another way to increase your weight loss results. Redirect your daily walking circuit to include as many uphill climbs as possible, or leave the sidewalk behind and hike through your local park or wooded area. By changing the terrain and incline of your daily walks you can boost your calories burned and notice some serious weight loss results. 
3. Another great way to get more out of walking for weight loss is to join a walking club. By participating in a walking group you will feel more motivated to push yourself and on the other hand will be more comfortable with your own fitness limitations. By joining a group you will become aware that there are other people, just like you, who are struggling to live a healthier life.

Rmember, you will not see any noticeable weight loss results by taking a leisurely stroll. Walk hard, and keep your heart beat elevated for at least 30 minutes. Walking for weight loss does work, but only if you make a commitment to challenge yourself regularly.

After you’re done walking finish with these easy toning exercises to burn more calories and fat!

High protein low carb diets have been around for quite some time. However, in recent years have they become increasingly popular within the dieting world.

The general idea behind a high protein low carb diet is to substitute as many “empty carbs” as you can with high protein foods. The difficulty with this type of diet is that you have to consider your fat intake when choosing your high protein meals.

For example, a common misconception is that while on a high protein diet, a healthy breakfast should include bacon, eggs and cheese. This meal is, of course, high in protein but it is also high in fat, sodium and cholesterol making it far from healthy!

A more nutritious choice would be to indulge in a single egg, a few pieces of turkey bacon and a small serving of fruit pieces.

When choosing to eat only protein, you will see dramatic short term results. Your body will not be working at burning off your empty carbs and sugary snacks and will burn your high protein foods faster leading to noticeable weight loss.

But keep in mind that even though carbs have received a bad rap in current months, the truth of the matter is, carbs are brain food and eliminating them can lead to feelings of fatigue, inability to concentrate and lower levels of creativity.

In reality, high protein low carb diets can be healthy and they can be successful but only if you carefully consider the nutritional value of your food choices. By choosing low fat meats, whole grains, vegetables and fruit you can loss weight and eat properly.

The most vital point to remember while following a high protein low carb diet, or any other dietary plan, is that food is what fuels your body. To treat your body properly and achieve great overall health you must supply your body with many different types of food.

 Gettin’ Fit and Healthy,

Total Fit Mom a.k.a Lisa

P.S. Check out these healthy low carb meals that you can get delivered to you. Be sure to read about these fat burning foods too!

But that’s okay because it takes CONSISTENT effort to lose that belly fat. And it requires that we work out our whole body.

So don’t commit to performing endless crunches and sit-ups a day in hopes of seeing some tummy flattening results.  This will only build muscle underneath the layer of fat and will actually increase the size of your waistline!

 The best way to lose belly fat is to burn it off by completing intense cardiovascular activity every day – even if for only 20 minutes. Here are some of the best belly fat burning activities:

Jogging or Walking: Jogging and walking are great alternatives for anyone who is looking to lose body fat without the expense or commitment of joining a gym.

Due to the fact that both jogging and walking can be altered to fit any fitness level, they are ideal activities for both avid fitness enthusiasts and beginners. Plus you can jog with your child, which makes it that much more fun!

Aerobics: Aerobic classes can be some of the most intense cardio workouts available. Many gyms will have numerous classes to choose from including dance aerobics, step classes and even some intermediate martial arts.

However, the benefits of aerobic classes can also be achieved outside the gym by purchasing any cardio workout DVD!

Sports: By revisiting the sports of your childhood, anyone can achieve amazing weight loss results. Signing up for the local baseball team, pick-up basketball or even volunteering as your kids’ coach if you have kids in sports could be a great way to lose belly fat.

Swimming: This is a great cardio workout for anyone who suffers from knee, back or foot pain. Swimming, though seemingly effortless is an incredibly beneficial activity. In addition to promoting cardiovascular strength it can also be extremely relaxing and can relieve stress and anxiety!

 Pilates: Due to the fact that Pilates focuses on the core muscle groups and the strengthening of the spine, it is a GREAT option when trying to find the best way to lose belly fat.

Most of us have learned what to do when it comes to exercising. The problem is where and when to get the job done. With a busy lifestyle, making time for exercise is a challenge.

Toning exercises including the use of weights  should be used within our workout routines. As you age, especially once you hit the age of forty, you begin to lose muscle mass. For women especially, bone loss becomes a problem. When the body is in need of calcium it can rob it from your bones. Building muscle not only increases their mass but your strength.

Here are five easy toning exercises that can be done anywhere and whenever you have time. At home, at the office, or on vacation, you can do these easy yet extremely effective exercises.

The Bridge Butt Lift

Sounds like a plastic surgery technique but it is an easy way to tone your buttocks. Lay down with feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder width apart. Place your hands, palm side down, on either side of your body. Pushing with your feet, squeeze your gluteal muscles and lift your butt off the floor. Hold the position for a count of five to ten and release down to the floor.

Squats 

Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. If you aren’t sure of proper form, you can use a chair. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feet firmly planted. Push your butt back as if you were preparing to sit in a chair. Keep your abs tight and your upper body straight. Once you reach chair level stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release. At the lowest point, place all of your weight on your heels for balance and maximum toning.

Reverse Lunges

Lunges work the quadriceps muscles. They can be hard for people with knee problems. A reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups but with less pressure on the knee. Stand with feet together and arms at your sides. Take one leg and move it backwards until you are in lunge position: front leg bent at a 90 degree angle and back leg extended until you are on the ball of your foot. From this position lower yourself down until the back knee almost touches the floor. Hold for a count of two and return to starting position.

Pushups 

This is a classic toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles. If you aren’t comfortable or strong enough to perform a pushup on your toes, lower your body to your knees. Be sure your arms are tucked into the body and your back straight as you lower and lift your body.

Crunches

Abdominal muscles can be worked every day to build strength and muscle tone. Lying on the floor in sit up position, lace your fingers behind your head. Squeezing your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body until your lower back is about to come off the floor. Hold for two to five counts and return to starting position.

These five toning exercises can be done whenever you have time. The best thing about exercise is that its effects are cumulative. Even five or ten minutes at a time will work to your advantage!

Maybe you were one of the lucky ones and you only gained 25-35 pounds, but I was not so fortunate. I gained 50 pounds with both of my kids and when things settled down you better believe I was looking for a way to lose weight fast!

So how do you lose weight quickly after having a baby? By keeping things simple and easy.

Healthy Foods

Keep healthy whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat cheese nearby. Have your Mom, husband, sister, Dad, Mother-in-law make themselves useful and cut these healthy foods into small serving sizes so that all you have to do is grab and go.

Light Exercise

As soon as your Doctor says you can exercise start off by walking. Finish you walk with some lunges, squats, and crunches. Walking was a great way for me to start getting back in shape. If it happens to be winter time go mall walking. If you don’t want to go out walk in place, turn on a DVD, or try these at home workout routines.

No Sugary Drinks

It’s a liquid. You wouldn’t think that something you drink could actually be the reason why many of us gain weight or do not lose weight quickly. Watch out for juices and other seemingly innocent beverages (that have Splenda and other sweeteners). Stick with water and home made smoothies.

Be disciplined enough to do these things on a daily basis and you will see results. If you are not losing weight quickly enough then increase your activity. Remember, you have to burn more calories than you intake in order to lose weight quickly.

What have you done to lose weight quickly after having a baby?

I am motivated to lose weight and get fit because I don’t want to be unhealthy. I want to look good and feel good. When you are healthy, you greatly decrease your chances of getting a serious disease.  And for some silly reason, I just don’t want to be that one who runs into an old high school friend and they *gasp* because I look totally different than what they remembered!

I have noticed that motivation takes on a snowball effect. When I’m not feeling very motivated I’ll start off doing something small – like go for a walk. Once I’m out walking, I start to feel more motivated and then I end up jogging. Start small and you will get more motivation as you go.

We are all motivated by different things. If you are lacking motivation then you must look within and find the reason why. Purpose drives motivation to lose weight and get fit.  So what’s your purpose? Once we know what motivates us to lose weight and get fit then we must have willpower to keep going!

Here are five ways to include the kids in your workout routine:

Jogarama/Walkarama

I received a jogging stroller at my baby shower and I LOVE it. Since summer is here there is no better time than now to get one of these if you don’t already have one. 

Also, thanks to a comment by StrollerFittin’ I learned about Stroller Fit! This is great idea. Unfortunately, there are no classes near me.   

Squats, Lifts, and Dips

Using your baby/toddler as a weight. Hold her while you do squats, leg lifts, and dips.  The weight of your child will really make those muscles burn!

Playarama

This is my sons favorite! Just play with your preschooler. Get on the floor and wrestle.  It’s fun and you can work up a sweat!

Jump, Jump

Jumping up and down is a great workout.  If you have a trampoline – even better. If you don’t – that’s okay.  Just jump around in place. Make it a game to see who can jump the highest!

Hop Scotch, Jump Rope, and Tag

These games are great fun and you can work up a sweat if too – if you work at it.

These are some of the things I do when I can’t get a ‘real’ workout in. If you have some ideas to mix working out with your kids please put them in the comments below. I’d love to have more ideas!

Hey busy fit Moms! If you haven’t been serious about losing weight, getting fit, and living healthy NOW is the time to turn it around! You have what it takes within you to lose weight, eat healthy, exercise, AND maintain it.

It’s called WILLPOWER.

Dictionary. com defines willpower as the control of one’s impulses and actions; self-control. This let’s us know that we can have control over our impulses and actions!

It is a powerful thing when we know that we control how much we eat, what we eat, and how much we exercise. Willpower is very much tied into being disciplined. Discipline is defined as an activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill. It is something that is practiced and with time if you continue doing what you are practicing you will become skilled.

We need to GET TOUGH with ourselves! Don’t be a wimp!

Once we decide that we want to get fit all we have to do is lay out a plan and STICK to it. If we use our willpower to practice a discipline we will soon master it.

Action Item:
Identify one area on your weight-loss journey that you need more discipline in and use your willpower to master that area!

What area do you need more discipline in? Share your struggle area in the comment section below. Let us know what you will do this week to master that area!

photo credit: Novecentino

I just came across a great social site thanks to Fitness For Mommies called BookieBoo.

“Bookieboo is a place where moms who are into fitness, weight loss, and healthy living get together to share. Our members consist of all kinds of moms: stay-at-home moms, working moms, Managing-Moms , moms with babies or toddlers, and pregnant moms.”

Sounds like a great place and I’m heading over there now…see ya there!