Random thoughts and a Fitness Challenge

Well, if you are reading this, you probably got here by accident or you are Hillary, my one follower...either way, I'm happy you are here.  To reward you, I will give you one random thought and a fitness tip...you can thank me later ;)

Random thought:  I love hummus.  No, seriously, but I do NOT love all hummus equally, hummus must either be homemade by me (this is the less desirable option because I almost always prefer the lazy route when it comes to food preparation), or it must be Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus.  As a food, hummus is a great source of protein, low in fat and calories, and a much better option than many other "dips" (ie. anything involving cream cheese, sour cream, or velveeta) out there.  If you haven't tried hummus, give it a shot, plain hummus is really nothing but chickpeas, and there isn't a whole lot of flavor in chickpeas in my opinion, so while there isn't anything special to like about it, it also shouldn't offend your taste buds!  The key is finding a flavor you like, and there are many to choose from.  Don't give up if the first one you tried doesn't 'do it' for you, do what I do and save your receipt and take that bad boy BACK to the store!  Experiment based on flavors you know you like, I love spicy anything, so spicy hummus was a given for me, but I also love garlic, and roasted garlic hummus was not my thing...eeeew.  Use hummus instead of high fat mayo on sandwiches, and as a dip, but be careful what you dip in it.  Try to keep it healthy and stick with carrot or celery sticks, or a controlled portion of whole/multi-grain crackers or chips.  I looooove the Food Should Taste Good multigrain chips, but just remember that even a "healthy" chip will likely contain sodium, fat, and carbs, and certainly be higher in calories than the veggies--so watch your portions!  Snack on, people....ummm....person?

Fitness tip:  Today I am going to give you a very simple challenge, if you have been working out it may not be that big of a deal, if you haven't, you may want to chase this challenge with a couple of preventative advil.  It is very simple, but it is in my opinion one of the most important and functional exercises you can do.  I start off every bootcamp I teach with 50 squats.  Yes, 50...seriously...every time.  Performing squats will raise your heart rate, and therefore burn calories, it also works almost every muscle in your lower body--for reals, peeps (peep?).  Any time you lift a heavy object you have heard people say "lift with your legs".  So true, your legs have much more load bearing potential, hence the importance of the squat.  Strengthen those lower body muscles and maximize your body's power.  Not to mention, everyone covets tones thighs and buttocks, no?    So today I want you to perform 50 squats, in a row, without stopping.  Put your feet slightly wider than hip width apart, bend at the knees like you are sitting in a chair (actually put a chair behind you to 'tap' your booty on if that helps), squat until your rear end is paralell with your knees, and ensure that your knees DO NOT go over your toes.  Watch your profile in a mirror if you have to.  You may find that putting your arms out in front of you helps--go for it.  You will have to bend your upper body slightly forward to keep your balance, that's normal.  As you stand back up, press through the heels of your feet--not the toes, at the top of the motion, keep your knees 'soft' (don't straighten your legs all the way and lock your knees).  Got that??  Good.   Now do it again, 49 more times, don't forget to breathe, visualize a bikini worthy rear view, and DO NOT QUIT.  Yes, your legs may be screaming, but I promise if you just keep going it will all be over in less than 5 minutes and you can say you did it!!!  If you have serious accountability issues (ie. I am not there watching you so you feel that 30 squats is sufficient),  get someone to watch you and count for you, tell them you are doing 50 and they should give you a wet willy if you stop before you are finished.  When you are done stretch out your legs and have a big glass of water.  Post a comment telling me you did it and how you feel so proud and accomplished, tomorrow you can post a comment with lots of swear words about how you can't sit on the toilet, it's ok, I don't mind.

P.S.  I am not currently in appropriate clothing to demonstrate a squat, but I will try to post a photo later on in case you are one of those 'visual learners'-- or in case my rambling description stinks.