Tag Archive for: @WonderfullyFitPT

Wonderfully Fit Personal Training

Iyengar Yoga 101

/in , ,

There are many different forms of yoga, some ancient, some modern, and often a combination of the two.

The Principles of Iyengar

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga. This school of yoga was founded by B. K. S. Iyengar in the 1970s in India. It uses Hatha poses, but with an emphasis on detail, precision and perfect alignment in the performance of asanas (poses) and breath work. In this way, the student will develop strength, mobility and stability through all of the poses they work on.

Who Was Iyengar?

Before his death in 2014 at the age of 95, Iyengar was said to have perfected approximately 200 Hatha yoga poses. This is a small number of the many that are available in Hatha, but if you enjoy seeking perfection in all you do, this could be the right yoga for you.

Iyengar taught yoga for more than 70 years and was the author of 40 books, including Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika. It is considered to be a definitive work on the power of yoga and its philosophy.

His impact on popularizing yoga in the West led Time magazine to name Iyengar as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2004. He was awarded three of the four top honors for civilians in India in 1991, for positively affecting so many lives through yoga. Iyengar taught many celebrities around the world yoga, including the world-renowned violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin, helping to make it more fashionable in the West.

Yoga for Healing

Iyengar did not just teach yoga as a physical exercise, but as a treatment and even cure for illness as part of a holistic practice, known in India as Ayurvedic medicine. He also taught about the spirituality of yoga, thus caring for his students in terms of body, mind and spirit.

Yoga is not just about what you do when you are on your mat, but about the eight limbs of yoga, which include physical work, breath work, and meditation. He illustrated the asanas he perfected in this works. He also went into great detail about breath work, cleanliness, times of the day to practice, what to eat and when, and so on. If you enjoy discipline and routine, you will also enjoy Iyengar.

A Detailed Yoga Program for Life

As with all Hatha yoga, there are different levels. Beginners start out with easy poses and then work their way up to more challenging ones. The proper technique is emphasized with each pose and the instructions given for each.

As with Hatha, there are also a number of breathing techniques to learn depending on what effects you wish to achieve in the body, such as boosting energy or getting rid of toxins from the body.

For those who wish to study on their own rather than attend class all the time, his book Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika gives as an appendix a 300-week yoga course mapped out for the “intense practitioner,” nearly six years of guided yoga lessons.

You can also learn different poses for different health benefits. Some will relieve back pain and give you a solid set of core muscles. Others will help you lose weight, improve digestion, or lift depression.

Iyengar sought to be the definitive yoga teacher to heal body, mind and spirit through Hatha. If you like to exercise in a very structured way, look for an Iyengar studio near you or follow his guides to perfect your poses and breath work.

Wonderfully Fit | Nutritional Consulting

The Impact Sugar and Salt Have on Your Body and Life

/in , ,

The one thing that sugar and salt have most in common is that they taste good with a huge variety of different foods. Unfortunately, both of them are also difficult to consume in moderation.

Even if you avoid sugary sweets and salty snack foods, salt and sugar can both find their way into your diet as a part of the recipes that you prepare. What sort of harm can sugar and salt cause to your body? Here are just a few of the reasons that you should really try to cut down.

sugar

Too Much Salt Raises Blood Pressure

Salt is the average American’s main source of sodium, a dietary mineral that the body needs. Sodium helps with muscle function, as well as maintaining the fluid balance in your body. However, if your kidneys aren’t able to keep up with the amount of sodium you consume, your body retains water in order to help dilute it.

Why is this bad? Much of this fluid is then pulled into your blood vessels, which increases your blood volume and creates more pressure within the vessels. Increased blood pressure also increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Excessive Sodium Causes Kidney Damage

High blood pressure isn’t the only problem caused by the strain that excessive sodium puts on your kidneys. Processing all of this sodium can also take its toll on them, resulting in a loss of function. A high-sodium diet could also make you more likely to experience kidney stones.

Too Much Sugar Could Lead to Liver Disease

When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into fructose and glucose. Glucose is naturally found in your body, as well as in every other living thing. Fructose, on the other hand, is not produced by your body. All of the fructose that you take in has to be processed, by your liver. And, if your liver is overloaded, it turns excess fructose into fat. This can lead to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which could in turn lead to cancer of the liver.

Sugar and Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone produced by your body, and it’s essential in processing glucose. It is what allows the glucose in your bloodstream to enter your cells so that they can utilize them for energy. But, in a diet that is high in sugar, insulin isn’t as effective as it should be. Your cells build a sort of resistance to it and your body therefore needs more in order to function. This growing insulin resistance is a primary cause of diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Trying to cut down on salt or sugar is tough! But, doing so can prevent serious damage to your body. Make sure you check the nutrition facts on everything you eat and keep salt and sugar consumption down to a minimum. The impact on your health will be well worth the effort.

Motivation Series

Is It Too Late To Start

/in , ,

There are numerous people who feel a sensation of shame, regret and to certain extent anger with themselves for not being fit. They have the feeling of they’re “old” now and it’s undoubtedly no point moving into shape for the reason that they are past their prime.

This begs the question… Is it undoubtedly too late to start?

start

The answer is a resounding NO. It’s never too late to pop out exercising, eating right and being healthy. if truth be told, if you consider you’re old, you undoubtedly need to pop out. Age is just a number. You’re only as old as you feel. All these are usual clichés but they are so true. You may be 60 but if you need to construct your body, there is entirely no one stopping you but yourself. needless to say, you should consult your physician first to see if the task you need to engage in is secure for you. Once that is done, go ahead and pop out.

The truth of the matter is that whether you pop out or not, life is yet going to pass you by anyhow, if you pop out training and eating right, in 6 months or a year from where you are today, you will look better and feel much better. It’s never, ever too late. You may have neglected your health your whole life. You may have been too full of activity to exercise. You may have eaten anything you could get your hands on.

All these could seem like huge mistakes to you that you can never got back from. You may have the feeling of you have cheated yourself and you can’t go back in time and accurate your mistakes. That’s true, but the past is history. The future is a mystery. What you have now is a souvenir. That’s why they call it the present. Use the gift of now… and pop out to make changes in your life today.

The error most people make is that they concentrate on what could have been in place of what they can do now. By doing what you require to do now, in future, you is not going to look back on your past with regret.

Start exercising. Go for a run. physical exercise with a few weights. Swim more. Try rock climbing. Hike, bike, row, climb, jump… Do anything gets your heart pumping. Move more. Do more. Never settle for better enough. continually give it your absolute. If today you don’t tell good sufficient, tomorrow you will continually have sufficient. There are numerous people well into their sixties and seventies who are even working out with weights and have muscles that can make people more than half their age jealous. numerous of them started late. They had tons of free time after retirement so they identified the gym.

If they can do it, so can you.

It’s all a mindset. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

There should be no room for regret in your life. The moment you come out on a quest to be fit, you will have no time to ponder past mistakes or lost time. You will be focused on your ongoing training and beating your personal bests.
There is nothing to be gained from searching back at what may be. Thinking about exercising doesn’t burn calories. Actually, getting out there and doing it does. So, get fit. Get powerful and get your life back in order.

You’re still lively and as long as you are, there is continually time and hope. Go for it.

Wonderfully Fit Personal Training

Bikram Yoga 101

/in , ,

Bikram yoga was founded in the 1970s by the yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury. It is also commonly referred to as hot yoga, though there are other types of yogas also being done in hot studios these days.

Bikram is also referred to as “boot camp” because it drills students in every 90-minute lesson using the same two breathing exercises and 26 Hatha yoga postures done in the same pattern.

Bikram

Hot Yoga

In the studio, temperatures range from 80F to 110F, with a relative humidity of around 75%. This is thought to mimic the conditions in India, the birthplace of Hatha yoga, the most ancient form of yoga which dates back to around 1500 BC.

The second theory behind the heat is that it relaxes and lengthens muscles to give a better workout. It is also said to promote weight loss and release toxins from the body. Those who favor Bikram also say it boosts the immune system.

However, doing vigorous yoga poses in such conditions can cause severe dehydration and pose a serious health risk for anyone who has any heart health issues. Therefore, while Bikram studios are popping up everywhere these days, is not recommended for seniors or anyone with an underlying health concern.

Physical Emphasis

Yoga means union – the union of mind, body and spirit. Bikram, on the other hand, is a modern invention that emphasizes physical strength. Yoga is supposed to be non-competitive, but the founder encourages yoga pose competitions to see who can come up with the perfect pose, in order to win various awards.

Bikram Pros and Cons

Bikram came from Bengal on the Indian subcontinent and brought his version of yoga to the US through Hawaii and California. It has gained in popularity due to the novelty of the hot studios and the ease of only having to learn 26 Hatha yoga postures out of the thousands available. These poses can give a good workout in themselves, with little need for a hot studio.

In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, the heat is also supposed to help increase willpower as people struggle to carry out their practice in such difficult conditions. Willpower or not, excessive sweating can cause electrolyte imbalances and result in heart rhythm issues.

If students don’t drink plenty of water before, during and after their workout, they can experience dehydration, which can also pose a serious health risk. Dehydration can lead to an irregular heartbeat and to lower blood volume. Low blood volume can in turn lead to hypovolemic shock, which can even lead to death if not treated promptly.

Bikram Asanas

If you like the postures of Bikram, you should be able to do them anywhere to improve your body without dying of heat prostration. You can find simple posters with each of the asanas listed that you can follow along with. There is no meditation component with Bikram as there is with other forms of yoga.

Is Bikram Right for You?

In addition to the hot studios and asana drilling, Bikram is often referred to as “cult-like” rather than warm and welcoming. The founder and the teachers on his teacher training program have also recently been accused of systematic sexual misconduct with their students.

Any exercise is better than none in most cases, of course, but there are a range of yogas to choose from. Pick a style that matches your age, fitness level and interests. Compare and choose the safest and healthiest for you, with a studio to match.

Wonderfully Fit | Nutritional Consulting

The Effect Processed Foods Have On Your Body And Life

/in , ,

For many families, whole foods have become a rare part of their normal diet. Food that has been chemically processed or that has added preservatives is generally affordable and simple to find.

However, eating these processed foods habitually can have a serious affect on your health. Here are a few factors why you could like to consider how you consume and try to consume better.

foods

Sugar or High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Many processed foods and snacks contain plenty of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to give them a candy, irresistible taste. But, this includes too much sugar in your diet is sure to have a negative affect on your health.

For starters, sugars provide what are referred as “empty calories,” which signifies that they don’t give your body much of what it requires apart from energy. anyhow, the effects of immoderate sugar could be far more severe. Too multiple sweets can cause insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides. These things are consorted with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Refined Carbohydrates

Different diet plans each take a different stance on carbohydrate intake. For a few people, carbs are a primary source of energy. Others keep away from eating carbs as much as they can. anyhow, whether you seek out carbs or prevail away from them, the important factor is to go for carbs that come from whole foods in place of processed foods.

The carbs that are typically found in processed foods are refined, “simple” carbs which are rapidly broken down by our bodies. This leads to a spike in both blood sugar and insulin levels.

Trans Fats

Processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy trans fats. Trans fats and processed vegetable oils are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. These vegetable oils could be tough to keep away from as a part of your diet, since it has so multiple uses in the kitchen. as a replacement, try to use more wholesome oils such as olive oil.

Low Levels of Fiber

Processed foods are normally low in fiber, which is in addition lost or removed in the course of processing. But, fiber has a couple of positive effects on our bodies. it benefits to get our digestive system going, which turns it effective at fighting constipation. Fiber in addition helps to expand the useful bacteria in the intestines, which contributes to promote healthy digestion.

One of the most positive effects of fiber is that is slows down the rate that our bodies process carbs, which can help us to feel fuller for longer. Processed food can be difficult to avoid. Not only is it commonplace at the supermarket, but in addition most quick food restaurants use processed ingredients in planning their meals.

Cutting down on processed foods will mean investing more cash and sacrificing the luxury of being prepared to pick up a meal on the road at your convenience. But, your body will give thanks you for it in the long run.

Motivation Series

Tired of Initiating And Quitting Over And Over

/in , ,

Every year millions of people come to the resolution to lose weight and get the body they have continually dreamed of. After a month or two, they surrender. the next year, they initiate all through again with the same resolution and they surrender again. This vicious cycle never ends.

What most people don’t realize is that they are no different on December 28th. They are the same person on January 1st. The date has transformed but the person is the same. Their behaviors and mindset are the same. As a result they keep quitting on themselves and starting through and through.

Enough is enough! It’s time to stop being sick and tired of being sick and tired. It doesn’t matter if today is April 26th. Do you need the body you’ve continually dreamed of? Then you initiate today. The date entirely does not matter.

Next up, the mindset requires to be transformed. You entirely must be aware that you are in for one of the toughest journeys in your life. To get fit, healthy, slim, washboard abs, etc. is not something easy.

It will need effort, sacrifice, patience, sweat equity, self-discipline and it’s going to be a roller coaster emotional ride. The key here is to celebrate your little successes and adhere it out even when you don’t see results apart from your efforts. from time to time your body reaches a plateau.

The body is taking time to adapt and change.

So multiple people quit throughout this phase for the reason that they have the feeling of their efforts aren’t bearing fruit. You have to wait. It takes time for the seed to grow into a tree and bear fruit. You must keep going. You won’t have to start through if you don’t surrender. Always check that this is not something easy. If it was, everybody would be walking around with bodies like the models from Abercrombie and Fitch. You must go by ways of the difficult yards.

If you need something you’ve never had, then you must do something you’ve never done. In this case, it is to keep going. Like Winston Churchill told, “If you’re passing through hell, keep going”.

The fitness journey is hell. It truly is. Forget the hype and glam that the magazines portray. It’s not something easy. It will take time. Depending on your present physical situation, it may take a long-standing. If you’re 40 pounds overweight, it may take you almost a year to lose everything that excess flab.But guess what? Once you’re done, you’re done.

It’s the transformation that is so tiring. Maintaining a fit body is much easier. This is the place you need to be at. You’re getting there. You just have to keep going.

Will you adhere it out till you get there? Or will you surrender and wait for the following New Year’s Day to make another resolution?

Enough is adequate. You can do it but you entirely must remain positive and keep going. One step at a time. There will be times when apart from your absolute efforts, the results are abysmal. It’s at times like these that you look back at how far you have come. That is why you should continually take photos every week or so. Have a fitness journal to track your progress. On days when you’re emotionally drained, look back at your progress. That will inspire you to keep going. If you have come this far, you can go additionally.

You may not continually get what you want for but you will continually get precisely what you train for. Train difficult, be positive and carry on keeping on. That’s what winning is related to.

Wonderfully Fit Personal Training

Ashtanga Yoga 101

/in , ,

Ashtanga yoga gets its name from asha and tanga, eight limbs. It is based on ancient yoga text thousands of years old that stated there were eight limbs, or supports, that serve as the foundation of a yoga practice.

Yoga means union, so the eight limbs help unite body, mind and spirit. The eight limbs are:

Ashtanga yoga

Yama

Yama refers to a person’s moral and ethical standards and personal integrity. The five yamas that lead to decent behavior are:

  • Not killing or doing harm (ahimsa)
  • Truthfulness
  • Honesty
  • Self-control
  • Not being envious

Niyama

Niyama refers to self-discipline and spiritual practice in one’s daily life. This can be gained through meditation, the practice of mindfulness, and/or attending a house of worship and leading a good life.

There are five niyamas:

  • Cleanliness
  • Contentment
  • Spiritual control and self-denial
  • Study of the sacred scriptures, and of one’s self, trying to tap into your higher power
  • Surrendering to God

Asana

Asanas are the physical postures practiced in yoga. You have probably heard the phrase, “Your body is a temple.” Those who believe in reincarnation, as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and others do, believe that the continually residing mind, or spirit, moves from one body to another as you would move from house to house.

Therefore, whatever new residence we live in, we should keep it in good condition. Physical health can also lead to mental health and increased concentration. Doing yoga enhances self-discipline, also important if you wish to enhance your meditation and mental abilities.

Pranayama

Without breath, there is no life, so pranayama is breath control. The word prana means energy and yama means standards or control, so the pranayama is thought to extend discipline and control and in turn rejuvenate the body or even extend life. You can do pranayama on its own, or as part of your yoga practice, such as Yinyasa, Kundalini and Hatha. Ashtanga does not do as much breath work as these yogas.

The first four limbs focus on one person perfecting them self. The other four limbs relate to how a person is connected with other living beings and the universe as a whole. This is achieved through meditation.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara means withdrawal of external awareness so we can focus within to improve ourselves. In this way we can work on our bad habits, past issues, or anything that might interfere with harmonious relationships or our own spiritual growth.

Dharana

Pratyahara creates the conditions for dharana, concentration. Once we remove distractions, we can harness the power of our mind more fully. The mantra OM helps focus.

Dhyana

Dhyana can be translated as contemplation, when the mind is most focused and able to concentrate. There is no more “chatter” in the mind, but rather stillness and clarity.

Samadhi

Samadhi is a state of bliss or ecstasy achieved through meditation, a state of feeling spiritually connected to the universe, a union of body, mind and spirit. It is gained through regular practice of physical yoga and mental training.

Most modern yogas do not concern themselves with all eight limbs, though all require self-discipline. If you are interested in yoga as a trans formative process complete with meditation and breath work, Hatha, Kundalini and Ashtanga might be right for you.

Ashtanga yoga has seven levels, one basic, two intermediate, and four advanced, and is very vigorous. Even the most skilled practitioners have rarely been able to reach the two highest advanced levels. This yoga would be ideal for people who are young and fit, but not for seniors or those with health issues.

Wonderfully Fit | Nutritional Consulting

Simple Ways to Cut Down on Saturated Fat

/in , ,

Saturated fats are fats that don’t have double bonds between their carbon molecules. They are found naturally in foods such as pork, beef and dairy products. Regularly eating foods that are high in saturated fat will cause your blood cholesterol levels to increase, which means an increase in the chance that you might suffer from heart disease or a stroke.

But, while many of us eat a diet that includes a high level of saturated fats, cutting down on those levels is simple. Here are some tips you can follow in order to keep your saturated fat levels to a minimum and your cholesterol levels low.

Saturated

Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit is often overlooked as a snack or dessert food. But, it provides a sweet taste without any saturated fat. Vegetables are also an excellent snack food, but may be a better fit as a side dish at dinner time. In addition, fruits and vegetables are antioxidants, and many of them contain vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.

Use Low-fat Dairy Products

You may already buy the skim or low-fat alternative milk at the store. But, there are low-fat alternatives to many dairy products. Start using low-fat cheese whenever possible. And if a recipe calls for sour cream, use plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead.

Cut Way Down on Butter

Butter is a particularly versatile dairy product that is often overused. Whether it’s spread across toast, or used in baking or frying, many of us tend to overdo it when it comes to adding butter. Whatever you’re using butter in the kitchen, use less than what the recipe calls for, or than you feel that you need. You might even cut butter out of your cooking entirely by substituting it with things such as Greek yogurt, peanut or almond butter, or mashed avocado.

Avoid Frying Your Meat

Frying meat means giving it a chance to absorb the fat from the oils that you cook it in. While some oils may be touted as ‘healthy’, others are not. When possible, it’s best to just avoid them altogether. Fortunately, there are several ways to prepare meat that doesn’t involve frying at all. The simplest alternative is to bake the meat. The roasted flavor is more than delicious. If you have access to a grill, use that instead of frying so that you can stay away from fats and give your food a satisfying grilled taste.

Consuming too much saturated fat can be a serious issue, especially if you are already experiencing problems related to high cholesterol. If you’re looking for more ways to keep cholesterol levels in check, it may be best to speak with a healthcare professional. They will be able to tell you more about what effects cholesterol have had on your body, and the steps you can take to work toward a healthy diet.

Motivation Series

I’m Killing Myself But Have Yet To See Results

/in , ,

If you have ever found out yourself mumbling or thinking this to yourself, you’re not alone. This is the main factor that most people surrender on their fat loss goals on their journey to get a lean and fit physique. A lack of results can throw an icy cold towel on even the most enthusiastic spirit.

Yet, there are 3 crucial questions that you require to inquire yourself before throwing in the cold, wet towel.

results

  • How long have I been at it?
  • Am I doing what I’m supposed to do correctly?
  • Did I give it my all?

These are the 3 most crucial questions that you directly MUST inquire yourself. Your respond to not seeing results lie within these 3 questions.

We live in a world where everybody wants results rapid. They expect to lose ten pounds in a week. They wish to see their abs after a month of sit-ups. They expect a month or two of going to the gym to result in them achieving a body that would make Stallone cry.

Why?

The answer is basic. fake advertising. Most often the people aren’t to blame. The fitness magazines, infomercials, weight loss vitamins and the myriad of weight loss products that hype their products and make declares so bold they idiot the majority into thinking that the process is rapid and easy.
It is NOT. Weight loss and a lean, toned body take time. The magazines and products can’t give two hoots about the average person. These are cash making companies with only one ambition – PROFITS!

The system is broken and serves to benefit no one but those pocketing the money. If you expect rapid results, you’re in for disappointment. You can’t get a beach body in 3 weeks if you look such as a beached whale. You can’t lose ten pounds in a week by swallowing a few thermo-genic fat burners down with a bottle of root beer.

The truth is that weight loss and fitness need sacrifice, patience, sweat equity and TIME. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Give yourself time. Assuming you lose 1 pound a week, it’ll take you 20 weeks to lose 20 pounds. That’s 5 months. NOT 5 days. Do you have what it takes to adhere it out for 5 months?

You do? Excellent. Then you will see results and your hard job will pay dividends.

Next up, you have to inquire yourself if you know what you’re doing. if your goal is to see your abs and do a thousand sit-ups a day but have a body fat percentage of 35%, all you’re doing is wearing out your floor. To see your abs, you require to bring your weight down to about 9% to 11% body fat. This is fitness know-how that is so vital to meeting your goals. Do you have the knowledge? If you don’t, no worries. The internet is full of information.

Do your exploration and do what requires to be completed. don’t come up with your own ideas and train based on guess work.

Lastly, how difficult are you working out? Most people mention that they are killing themselves, but barely train at 70% of their potential. Do you surrender the moment you pant a little? Do you train till your clothes are soaking with perspiration? Or do you call it a day after one drop of sweat rolls down your forehead?

The navy seals have a saying, “Nobody ever drowned in sweat”. be sure you give it your absolute. anything you may think, you can still do that small bit more. There is yet some fuel in the tank. Once you take off training like your life depended on it, the results will come rapid and furious. You will have a feeling of satisfaction and look forward to your next training session with determination, expectation and a bit of fear. That’s ok. It just signifies you’re training difficult.

To conclude, train difficult, train properly and most importantly, give your body time to adapt and change. It took you years to crawl then walk and on balance run. If you had given up early, you would still be crawling.

Have faith and patience. You will get there. Have no doubts about it. Ever.

Wonderfully Fit | Nutritional Consulting

Sample Weekly Meal Plan for a Clean Eating Lifestyle

/in , ,

Looking for a sample meal plan to help you get started on a clean eating lifestyle? Here’s a week’s worth of great, clean meal ideas that you can try at home.

meal

Day 1

Breakfast: Poached egg with marinara – Use homemade marinara to avoid the processed stuff in jars.

Lunch: Chicken salad and pita – Greek yogurt is used in place of mayonnaise to fit in with clean eating guidelines.

Dinner: Black bean burgers – Use whole grain or whole wheat buns. Add a dash of cayenne for a little kick.

Day 2

Breakfast: Green protein smoothie – You can use your favorite leafy greens for this recipe. Blend in fruit for added sweetness.

Lunch: Veggie sandwich – Use whole grain or whole wheat bread and several types of veggies such as bean sprouts, tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers and your favorite type of leaf lettuce.

Dinner: Roasted salmon and kale with rice – Squeeze a lemon wedge over salmon and rice for a fresh pop of citrus.

Day 3

Breakfast: Chia breakfast pudding – You can find many variations of pudding to fit your taste, some of which include fruit, oatmeal or peanut butter.

Lunch: Lettuce wraps/lettuce cups – Look for one of the many delicious and easy Asian-inspired dishes.

Dinner: Pasta with olives, tomatoes and goat cheese – Long noodles are ideal for this recipe. Be sure to use whole grain or whole wheat pasta.

Day 4

Breakfast: Egg in a basket – A very simple and delicious way to incorporate veggies. You can use squash, bell peppers, or even potatoes.

Lunch: Superfood smoothie – Blend a variety of berries, leafy greens, greek yogurt and your choice of fruit juice for a sweet and healthy treat.

Dinner: Stir fry – Rice and veggies such as mushrooms, broccoli, carrots and sugar snap peas sautéed and tossed together. May incorporate your choice of lean protein or tofu.

Day 5

Breakfast: Breakfast cookies or bars – Grind oats in a food processor and mix with your choice of fruits and nuts. Flax-seed is optional as well as types of spice such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Lunch: Burrito wraps – Beans, rice and spinach or kale wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

Dinner: Quinoa chicken – Bake chicken breast with your favorite seasonings, slice and serve on top of a bed of quinoa. Use a lemon wedge for a citrus boost.

Day 6

Breakfast: Veggie frittata – Zucchini, onions and bell peppers are roasted and then baked in an egg and cheese mixture. You can use your favorite veggies.

Lunch: Spinach salad – A very delicious and versatile salad. May incorporate fruits such as raspberries or dried cranberries sweetened in fruit juice.

Dinner: Sweet potato skillet – Sweet potato sautéed in Tex-Mex inspired flavors with beans and tomatoes, or served with a ground lean protein such as turkey.

Day 7

Breakfast: Warm oats – A very filling meal of oats cooked with your choice of fruit. To sweeten, use pure organic honey or pure maple syrup.

Lunch: Tuna salad – Incorporate Mediterranean flavors in your dish with olives and artichoke hearts. Serve on whole grain or whole wheat bread or crackers.

Dinner: Shrimp or chicken kebabs with veggies – Grill a lean protein on skewers with veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers and grape tomatoes.

Clean eating has never sounded so good. If you’ve been thinking that eating this way is drab and boring, think again. Let the healthy yumminess begin!