Workout Wednesday: Getting and Staying Motivated

We’ve all been there.

You might be trying to get motivated to go to the gym for the very first time, the first time this year, or just sitting there staring at your running shoes wondering if you should go or not. It really doesn’t matter what your fitness background is, we’ve all been there. Sometimes you just want to go home and forget all about it.

But the key to getting motivated is to visualize and have some strategies to combat those sluggish thoughts. Here are some tips to help you get and stay motivated.

Sluggish thoughts:  I just don’t have the time. 
Instead think:  A 30-minute workout is only 2% of my day! If I want to give up after 30 minutes that’s okay but let’s get going. Visualize how good you will feel after your workout.

Sluggish thoughts: I hate working out, running, the treadmill, etc.
Instead think:  I love my workout playlist! Distract yourself with something you do like and divert your thoughts while you’re working out. Are you working out for an upcoming vacation? Visualize your vacation and how much you’ll enjoy it. Are you working out because your health care provider recommends it? Picture yourself in their office with a healthier checkup. I visualize that I’m winning a race.

Sluggish thoughts: I should stop early – I have work to do! 
Instead think:  After my workout I’ll be much more productive and smarter! According to this article in Men’s Health , “one of the first studies to find that exercise improves brain performance was a 1986 investigation of 30 women at Purdue University. During the study, the women boosted their fitness levels by 17 percent and simultaneously netted a 12 to 68 percent improvement in their ability to process information and make sound decisions.” So let’s get fit and smart at the same time!

Change what you’re doing until it works. If you’re too busy, try shorter workouts. If you’re feeling tired and sore from too many workouts, scale it back and take a rest day 24 hours after a workout. Schedule time to fit your exercise program and don’t forget to reward yourself for all your hard work!

In 12 weeks time you could be ringing in 2013 in a new, fitter body! Let’s do it!

 

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Healthy Weekend Barbecue Recipe

Grilled Oyster Shooters 

The weekend is almost here, so we asked PGX staffers what they planned to do this weekend. A surprizing number were pulling out the BBQ for some summertime grilling.

We found this high rated recipe on AllRecipes and at only 32 calories per oyster this is a healthy, grilling treat. The oysters are cooked right in the shell and seasoned with lemon juice, hot sauce and  Worcestershire sauce. You could substitute hot sauce for salt and pepper if you like your spice on the mild side.

Always be careful when you shuck an oyster. Here are some great step-by-step instructions on how to shuck an oyster. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be enjoying oysters in no time!

Got a great recipe you’d like to share? Sound off in the comments or let us know on our Facebook page!

 

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Tasty Tuesday : Overnight Oats for Breakfast

When it’s hot and humid outside, who really wants to cook?

Here’s a breakfast recipe that I rely on that is super easy and requires NO cooking. Summer is here and I’m melting during the nights and the last thing I really want to do is cook when I get up. Thinking about even pulling out a frying pan makes me want to run for the pool. You can whip these ingredients all together the night before and it sets overnight. The crisp and cold oats are ready and waiting for you to eat in morning.

What is also great about this recipe is you can customize it in so many ways. Add in different fresh fruit each morning and it’s a whole different breakfast meal! I like to make it into a breakfast parfait. I layer the overnight oats with fresh fruit and honey drizzled on top. My favourite tip I’ve learned is to add PGX singles. This helps me feel full long into the morning. Make sure to add the PGX into the oats right before you are going to eat them. I’ve heard others are using the PGX Satisfast (Protein Powder) in the oats just like the PGX singles I added. This gives them an extra dose of protein in their meal. Perfect for building those strong muscles and keeping you full longer! I think I’m going to try the Chocolate PGX Satisfast in my next batch.

Recipe Source: Oh She Glows

Classic Overnight Oats

Ingredients (1 serving)

?1/3 cup regular oats

?1 cup almond milk, and more if needed

?1-2 tablespoons chia seeds

?1 ripe banana, peeled and smashed

?1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix together all ingredients in a bowl and place in fridge overnight. In the morning, add your desired toppings and serve without heating!

Let us know how you create your breakfast meal with overnight oats in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.

 

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