My name is Maria and you're reading Little Tree, a blog about personal style,beauty, fashion inspiration, and living a healthy lifestyle.Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to stay awhile!
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I won't lie ladies- my gym bag is jam packed. I usually need to make sure that it's full of everything I need to get me from point A to point B. Although showering at the gym isn't my favorite thing to do, I sometimes have to do what's best for the time constraints I am given. I try to ask myself a few things when packing my bag in advance- so that way I have everything I need. Here are the thoughts that go through my head...
A. What could go wrong?
B. What do you use to feel fresh and new?
C. How can I make this the best workout ever?
PIC OF ME IN GYM PANTS & SHOES
The truth is, sometimes we need to be extra prepared. I can't tell you how many times I've been at the gym and my headphones have broken, or my hair tie has ripped, or even worse (Aunt Flo paid a visit) I try to be as prepared as possible for these instances that could occur at any time. Tampax pocket pearl makes it easy to hide my lady goods discreetly. It's so tiny and colorful, you can throw it right in your bag, and fit it comfortably without worrying about it being seen.
Most of my gym bag necessities, come from the mecca of all stores- TARGET. I pretty much do most of my shopping there because I can pick anything up- all under one roof. Here's what is in MY gym bag.
Jumping right back into fitness or any kind of workout can be intimidating. I remember starting a workout after not working out for almost two years and feeling unsure of what I should be doing or how to start. I think it's important to set up a good mind frame when starting a workout, and that makes a huge difference in the long run. Here are some of my tips on starting and maintaining a new workout!
1. Make a schedule: Okay, so this is usually the hardest for most people. Where can I fit in time to workout? That's a common thing that most people struggle with and individually it needs to work for you. I suggest writing in a calendar and starting off small. Work from 3 days a week up. You need to give your body time to adjust so time off is imperative. You're going to have to adjust your schedule in order to fit in some workout time, but in the long run, you'll feel better.
2. DUMP THE JUNK!: No one can really fight the urges to snack, especially when you're surrounded by it. For me personally, I can't have junk/snack foods in my house because they will get eaten when I am h-a-n-g-r-y. Best thing to do? Go food shopping and leave yourself healthy options. If you look in the cabinet and everything is healthier, guaranteed you make a better choice for yourself on that day, and in future choices! If you find yourself running around most of the day I suggest packing lunch/dinner in advance and a healthy bunch of snacks to choose from. Fail to plan, plan to fail! That's how the cookie crumbles...literally. As I have mentioned before there are healthy options that actually taste good too, do some research, or try some protein bars, they're delicious and some even taste like your favorite snack! (Ie. Cookies & Cream Quest Bars)
3. Make a good playlist: Imagine working out in silence, or even worse...imagine working out to someone's awful music playlist. Sometimes at the gym, this happens. If you load some music that pumps you up onto your phone or i-pod, you will be motivated to keep going, and it will distract you from staring at the clock. Get some decent headphones, and keep your phone charged, guarantee you stay in the gym longer if your music is on point, and so is your attitude!
4. Inspiration: Instagram has become a place where you can get a view into other people's lives. It's a way to connect with others who share the same passions, but also can inspire you to be better. Instagram has become huge for the fitness community because there is so much information at your finger tips. By this I mean fitness advice, HIIT workouts (high intensity interval training), recipes, inspiration for workout clothes, different exercises and more. I follow a lot of different people on instagram who provide me a lot of inspiration. I love getting inspired to try new things and push myself in the gym, so what better way to do so than by connecting with others.
5. Gym Buddy: Finding someone you can work out with is HUGE. When you're feeling super lazy you need someone who is going to help you get back on track. Sometimes just having someone there who is just as motivated as you are is enough to get you going. Make plans with people or family members who go to your gym, and see if you guys can work out together. My sister and I just started going together and I love having someone to talk to in between sets. Time flies by, and it's a great way to keep myself going when I am tempted to stop.
All in all just remind yourself that you're doing awesome. Don't compare your journey with anyone else and make sure you always stay focused. If you take a few days off, just jump right back into it when you're ready! It's like riding a bike, you can always get back on!
You know when you get a bathing suit and you just wish that you could wear it all the time as a shirt? Yeah, that's happening right now for me. I am IN LOVE with this pineapple print top from Aerie.As I mentioned in my previous post with Aerie, I really love how they promote real women in their website and their photos. Self image is so important to women and young girls nowadays, so it's amazing to see a company who represents such a great moral standpoint.
One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is definitely being able to work with brands I truly stand by and believe in. It's really cool when you've been a fan and customer of a certain company for a long time and you actually get the chance to work with them in promoting something you truly believe in. I really think that Aerie stands for many things I believe in myself, and I am proud to wear their items because they represent confident young women! We are all different shapes and sizes and there is nothing more beautiful than accepting your own perfect imperfections.
I received an Aerie gift card as part of my relationship with the Quality Blue Community. All opinions expressed are my own.
This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, and Slimfast , but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #14daystoslim http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
Hey guys and Haaaaaappy Monday! Today I am really excited to be teaming up with Slimfast to tell you guys all about their delicious Greek Yogurt & Honey snack bars. As you all know my weightloss/fitness journey has been extremely life altering. I don't have a crazy drastic before and after picture but personally, I feel like a completely different person. When I started my journey it was so much more than the physical changes I was looking forward to. I really wanted a whole mind and body change as well. When I started working out immediately something in my brain told me that I needed to change other things in my life as well.
Before I knew it I was cutting out fried foods, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and also incorporating the right things into my body. I have made a huge lifestyle change, and I truly never thought it was possible. One of the most important things that comes along with working out is making sure you make the right choices as far as food is concerned.
I always ate relatively healthy but definitely didn't focus on my nutrition enough. When I was too busy to make the right food choices I would settle with whatever was convenient or quick. I also struggled with choosing healthy snack options, and usually substituted fruit or veggies with fries, chips or cookies. These foods aren't horrible in moderation, but when you eat them every single day, it catches up with you. Eating the right foods is what jump starts your body into feeling good. Enter, Slimfast Greek Yogurt & Honey Bars. They're 110 calories, and a perfect on the go meal replacement.
These bars are a part of the Slimfast 14 day Slimdown which will help you lose 6 lbs in the first two weeks. Here's some information on how to participate:
Swap two meals daily with a Slimfast® protein shake or meal bar
The third meal must be 500 calories
Enjoy three 100-calorie snacks or pieces of fruit per day
Don't exceed 1200 calories per day
Do 30 minutes of light to medium exercise daily and drink plenty of water
What I really love about these bars is that they taste amazing, but still keep you healthy. I think most people associate eating healthy & clean with food immediately tasting bad/bland for some reason. It's quite the opposite. You can keep the flavor, and still remain healthy. It's 100% possible, as long as you make the right choices. I have been keeping these bars in my gym bag, and my purse so I can grab them on the go, and right after a workout.
One of my favorite parts of their Slimdown campaign is that you can sign up with an online Slimfast coach that helps keep you on track, and most importantly, MOTIVATED! Perfect for that little bit of encouragement, and best of all? It's free! To keep up with Slimfast and the 14 day Slimdown, you can check out their website, like them on Facebook, and follow their boards on Pinterest.
