Let's Get Fit!

With flu season attacking many of us, myself claimed a victim, what better topic to cover than fitness and nutrition! 

Being a Mom hardly leaves time for the gym, so you can imagine how much more difficult that can get being a single Mom! 

Since having my son,  I been putting off my fitness for quite some time now. If I did not pay attention to my nutrition, who knows where I'd be. For the past 3 years I have adopted a vegan diet, and although I do cheat here and there, for the most part I am very disciplined. Despite my good nutrition, I knew I was still missing a key element - exercise!

About a 20 minute drive from my home I can enjoy the San Bernardino Mountains in Lyttle Creek. They also have a beautiful Mountain Resort that I have had the pleasure of visiting! This is one of my most common hikes due to it's proximity.

 This is one of the many falls located in these mountains, Middle Fork Lyttle Creek.  I have much exploring to do and find the other falls in this area. This goes to show that no matter how close something is to you don't underestimate the beauty that you find. I have to say every time I go it's different! No experience ever compares.

 Represeting! LOL!

 The good thing about this hike is the beautiful river that flows, so if you get too sweaty you can take a dip and refresh yourself before heading home!

 By far one of my favorite places to hike is up Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside, CA. The scenery from the top is breathtaking. There is a lot of history alone in this mountain top.

 I absolutely love the cross at the top, a constant reminder that He should be at the center of our worlds. This cross is a dedication to Father Junipero Serra.

 Sometimes I like to come here and do some sketches!

This is at the Azusa mountains. For those that enjoy off-roading  this is definitely a neat place to come!

 When time permits I enjoy going out to L.A. 

Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor is one of the best spots to take a break from the real world!

 I do enjoy hiking here and there, but that is definitely not enough! 

Fun Fact: The Hollywood sign began as a promotional/marketing tactic to attract more people to this area. By the looks of it , seems to have been a total success!

Can't forget my best friend! He also needs his workout! Meet my furry pet Mambo! 

Another lovely hike and fall at the Rim of the World! 

 
Thus, I promised myself  to get at least 30 minutes daily of some form of physical activity. For starters I rummaged through my DVDs and found some fun dance workouts. Below are the videos I will be popping in to do some cardiac training.  Can't forget about my Yoga, absolutely love it!

These videos I found at affordable prices at Ross! But now a days you can find anything on YouTube so if price is an issue I recommend you start there! 


For those trying to ward off germs during this flu season focus your diet on high Vitamin  C  intake. Broccoli, Orange juice not from concentrate, kiwis, and echinacea are my best friends during the cold/flu months.


As suggested by one of my sorority sisters boosting your energy and immunity is as simple as making yourself a juice!
Take 2-3 handfuls of spinach, 1 apple, 1 lemon and 1/2 thumb size ginger and you got a great juice.  

 Here are some general tips for better health compiled by Cindy Kanarek Culver a licensed dietician.
Use each tip for a specific goal and add on weekly. Remember that these should be viewed as behavioral changes. For starters it may be wise to keep a food log and keep track of everything you drink and eat at least 3/4 days out of the week. 

1. Eat when you are physically hungry!  - Try to find another non-food activity when bored.
2. Put your utensil down between bites! - Watch your portion sizes. 
3. Use nutrition Fact Labels! - Increase dietary fiber and choose the right carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight. Choose whole grain products and reduce processed carbohydrates saturated trans fat and fatty acids to maintain a healthy heart.
4. Use lean cuts of meat, poultry, and Fish! - Try to eat grass fed meats to avoid unnecessary hormones, or soy products and nuts.