Top 10 Ways to Shape up for Summer

I know it’s only April, but before you know it, it will be June and we will all start panicking about summer fitness. Now would be a great time to get going on your fitness and health regimens if you haven’t already done so.

Not only is summer approaching but wedding season is drawing near. If you’re getting married, then we are sure you want to get ready for your big day, and if you’re attending those weddings, then we’re sure you want to show up looking your best.

So whatever the occasion, summer, weddings, a holiday you have planned – let us help you get ready and get fit. Here are our top 10 tips for getting healthy and getting in shape.

1. Find a partner

No matter what activity you are doing, it is almost always more enjoyable to have company, especially when you’re exercising. Also, if you have another person motivating you and pushing you, you are more likely to keep going. Having a gym buddy or a friend to go running with is great because when you don’t feel up to it, they will be that voice in your ear telling you to go, and you can be the same for them!

2. Juice juice juice

A lot of people like to do juice cleanses where they cut out all other foods and only have juice for certain amounts of time. Personally, I find it healthier and more sustainable to juice once or twice a day without cutting out all of your meals completely. Perhaps instead of having a big breakfast in the morning you could do a juice containing ingredients like, apple, kale, spinach, lemon, and carrots. These nutrients will get you pumped for the day and it is healthier than having a breakfast loaded with dairy or carbs. You can save those carbs for lunch or dinner.

3. Gym Membership

Sometimes gym memberships can be a bit pricey, which is why people opt for other free activities. If you can afford it, a gym membership is a great motivator to get fit and healthy. Not only will you feel like you are wasting your money if you don’t go, but the people you meet at the gym and the folks who work there are great motivation as well. Don’t be intimidated by gyms, everyone there is working towards the same goal – getting healthier.

4. Make a workout plan

If you plan your workouts, you know you have set goals to reach. For instance if you set out to exercise for one hour every day for 3 days – write it down and turn those goals into a workout plan. Workout plans are great because you follow your own rules and aim to meet your own goals. Personal trainers tend to set you on a path that they have created for you. Instead, why not create your own plan and follow your own path.

5. Take your vitamins

Though it is true that the best form of nutrients come from your daily dose of fruits, veggies and proteins – some vitamins we just simply dont get enough of. In the winter for example, it is very important to take Vitamin D. Vitamin D is primarily optimal in the summer as it comes from the sun so we all lack that vitamin during the long winter. For those that don’t have enough fish in their diet, it is also beneficial to take an omega 3 vitamin daily. There’s a long list of vitamins we should all be taking. It’s best to speak to your doctor and find out what you are lacking most.

6. Outdoor activities

For those who aren’t interested in exercising indoors and want to enjoy the fresh air, outdoor activities are the best way to stay fit and active. Jogging, swimming, and cycling are some great options when the weather permits. If you feel you aren’t healthy enough to undertake such activities, even simple outdoor chores like gardening and mowing the lawn are healthy exercises as well.

7. Herbal tea

You may have seen a lot of people on Instagram or Twitter posting about different teas that help you lose weight. It’s true that some of them are a bit of a scam, but there are healthy teas to drink instead of caffeine filled drinks, that will keep you going and also help you lose weight. Different herbal teas help your body in different ways. For instance green tea can boost your metabolism and peppermint tea helps you ward off your cravings and keep you from snacking.

8. YouTube workout videos

Social media is all around us, on our phones, on our laptops, and even on our TVs now. One way to take advantage of this and use it to benefit your fitness, is to try out YouTube workout videos. There are tons of these online and the best part is they are free. There are various fitness channels on YouTube that offer entire series of videos by great instructors like Jillian Michaels and Shaun T.

9. Get a good nights sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important to being healthy. If you wake up and you have no energy, there is no way you are going to be interested in working out or juicing. You will go about your day being groggy, unhappy and eating whatever is convenient. Getting  6-9 hours of sleep is what we need according to the National Sleep Foundation. Go to bed early and you will be thankful the next day!

10. Plan your meals

Our lives can be so hectic that at the end of a long day, we are looking to eat the most convenient meals. This leads to fast food and unhealthy choices simply out of convenience. One way to overcome this would be plan your meals for the week. If you want to go a step further you could use one day on your weekend (Sunday) to cook a few meals for the week and freezing them. This way you have a fully cooked healthy meal waiting for you and all you have to do is heat it up when you get home.

Anything you can do to make yourself healthier, is a step in the right direction. It may be difficult to follow all of these tips but maybe we’ve helped you notice a couple. Here’s to good health!

By Nerissa Mohamed

Top 10 Things to Do for March Break

March Break 2015 is quickly approaching. Doesn’t it feel like it was just New Years day? This year is definitely flying by. If you haven’t already booked a trip or planned your itinerary for this March Break, let us help you with some ideas. Whether you are looking to stick to some familiar activities or you’re looking to venture out of your comfort zone, here are our top 10 ideas for this year’s March Break fun:

1. Take a class, any class!

It pays to learn. Whether its salsa dancing, painting or yoga, whether you’re young or old it never hurts to learn something new. This March Break, why not take a break from your usual everyday routine and learn something outside of what you would normally gravitate to. For your kids, it will be a great opportunity for them to learn something new and to see you doing the same. A healthy living activity like yoga, kick boxing or meditation is great for all ages and keeps your mind and body in a healthy state.

2.See one of the wonders of the world in your own backyard

If you’re taking your kids on this trip then leave out the winery tour, but Niagara Falls offers something for all ages. If you’ve lived in Ontario long enough then you’ve probably already visited Niagara, but it never really gets old. The beauty of the falls in the midst of icicles and frozen scenery is something everyone should brave the cold to witness. For the kids, Clifton Hill and the Skywheel are always a good time, and for the adults Niagara on the lake is a romantic gem. A winery tour, whether winter or summer, is a good idea for all seasons!

3. Get creative at the Art Gallery of Ontario

For March Break,  the AGO has a week long art camp that your kids will love. Every Sunday is family day at the AGO as well, which features art making for the kids at the gallery school. Or if you’re just looking for a cheap and fun day to spend with or without your kids, the AGO always has cool new exhibits and artist features.

4. Embrace the cold!

If you’re looking to try something new and embrace the freezing temperatures then why not head to Barrie and do some ice fishing. In fact, why not check out any lake right now and you’re bound to find some ice. But your best bet is to have a look on Groupon for your local city, because they always have great ice fishing deals to offer.

5. Get locked in a room and try to find your way out.

Puzzle & Escape rooms are the new kid on the block if you’re looking for a fun day with the kids or even just with a group of friends. If you like a good brain challenge this is definitely a fun way to get those brain muscles working. These escape rooms offer brain teasers and puzzles that you must solve before being able to leave the room. The challenges are timed too, so you gotta be quick! Pictured below is Decode Adventures, located in Mississauga.

6.  Take in a live performance of a classic story

Live theatre is always a great day or night out. There are wonderful family friendly plays taking place in Toronto for the March Break such as Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Pinnochio. Disney on Ice is another fun live show with a cool (excuse the pun) twist on classic theatre.

7. Embrace your Canadian-ness!

Maple syrup festivals are happening all throughout March, all over Ontario. You can take the kids and enjoy pancakes, the how-to’s of making maple syrup or just get them hyped up on sugar for the rest of their March Break – and might we say, good luck to you.

8. Do triple axels and double toe loops or just… fall down

Take some time to visit a local skating rink this March break. There are outdoor rinks as well as arenas if you’re thinking it may be too cold for a day outside. Many arenas offer family skate or public skate during the week as well as during the March Break. Again, another idea for an active day out. It may be freezing cold outside but  don’t let that stop you from getting yourself moving.

9. Do summer stuff in the winter!

There are a lot of indoor soccer domes and arenas that offer multi-sport day camps during the March break. It’s a great way for the kids to stay active, enjoying the sports they love to play in the summer. Let’s face it – we all need our soccer fix all year long.

10. If you’re stuck indoors..make a mess!

This is a money saving option for all of us, because craft supplies can be found at any local dollar store. Pick up a bunch of fun craft supplies and have a craft day at home. If you’re kid-free, try knitting or crochet for a nice quiet day in on (what will likely be) a cold March day. If the kids are involved, there are tons of craft ideas online and these will make great keepsakes for when they grow up (“Remember that time you super glued your hands together?”) They will appreciate it later in life, I promise.

By Nerissa Mohamed