​Post
1st-SEP-2012

Fats - the good the bad and the ugly 

Are you following a low fat diet to get into shape??  Many people are scared of fats, but our bodies need fat for insulation, vitamin and mineral absorption, and to protect our organs. High-quality fats can steady our metabolism, keep hormone levels even, nourish our skin, hair, and nails, and provide lubrication to keep the body functioning fluidly. 

 

Those who avoid fats but eat a lot of carbohydrates like bread, pasta and potatoes may have it backwards as our bodies tend to burn either starch well or fats well. So, to burn off fat off your waist line - give up the starches and sugars and eat good fats instead.  They keep you feeling fuller for longer and your skin nails and hair will look amazing too!! 

 

Where to Find Healthy Fats
• Avocados, olives, coconuts, wild salmon, and omega-3 rich organic eggs.
• Whole nuts and seeds, and their butters like almond butter or tahini.
• Look for the highest quality organic oils when shopping. Words to look for: organic, first-pressed, cold-pressed, extra-virgin, and unrefined. Avoid expeller-pressed, refined, and solvent extracted.

 

Heavily processed, hydrogenated “trans” fats used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. They can compromise the cardiovascular system, immune system, and contribute to behavior problems. They can also lead to weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, and liver strain. 

 

One small warning: if you are eating lots of fats and starches that can lead to weight gain so do take care!

​Post
1st-Oct-2012
ZumbaGalaxy Food

​Know the rules to break the rules

So, you're sweating and aching after a fun filled Zumba Galaxy class. It's been tough but you love it too and now it's time for a tasty reward... Right?
Well, we all know that a treat now and again is inevitable but have you ever wondered why some people get away with sweet treats while others don't?? You're in luck today because I'm going to tell you all the secret to getting away with a treat and staying in shape effortlessly.
The trick to a great figure and the odd treat is hormone balance. Not the ones related to the time of the month but the real mood changing hormone 'insulin'.
Sugary and even starchy foods cause your blood sugar to go up especially when you eat them on an empty stomach. Because higher blood sugar is literally toxic to your body this causes insulin to be released to control those sugars. But the insulin also causes the crash you feel 30mins later and it tells the body to store fat!!! Before long you are in a heap feeling hungry and cranky and feeling very sorry for yourself.
The answer is keeping your blood sugar and insulin level all day. The best way to do that is eat a proper breakfast like porridge or eggs or sugar free yogurt and ONLY have a treat after a meal. Say no to the pick me up snacks that catch your eye in between meals. If you really need a snack choose a healthy one like an apple or nuts. Good luck and if you need more advice email me at aideenreidy@hotmail.com

​

Post

1st-Sep-2012
ZumbaGalaxy Food

​Anyone who does Zumba Galaxy classes knows that you burn tons of energy during your class. But how can you make sure that you burn off the bulge(around the waist line) for energy as a result?

 

Unfortunately, our bodies tend to either burn fat for energy or starch and sugar for energy!! If you eat starch like pasta, pizza, bread and cereal then your body is less inclined to burn off body fat. Even the little treats we sometimes give in to will prevent weight loss. It's like the treat of sugar or starch is a key that locks body fat away and causes the body to store it instead of using it up.  I hope you're getting the picture!

To really see your waist line come in after all the sweat and screaming at your Zumba fitness class... you need to consider restricting sugars and starches. Luckily, there is no need to starve yourself!  Just eat three healthy meals with good fats and protein and green veg to see a difference. Then, you'll get into shape faster than you dreamed possible! Everyone will notice and your confidence will jump right up just like you do in your Zumba Galaxy class. :-)

How about starting the day with delicious scrambled egg seasoned with paprika with wilted spinach leaves and some feta cheese. Maybe a mixed salad dressed in olive oil with stir fried turkey and avocado for lunch. For dinner a steamed fillet of cod sprinkled with parsley, with broccoli and cauliflower.
For more info contact Aideen at aideenreidy@hotmail.com or 0872901829



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Post

1st-Aug-2012

Zumba Galaxy Food

​

Here's a quick low down on what works for a fit and healthy Zumba Galaxy Body.
The most important food for toning up is PROTEIN. Protein comes from meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and poultry. Most Irish women especially eat too little protein. You may eat meat or fish most evenings but how many people eat much protein for breakfast, lunch or snacks. Every meal based on protein will help you to tone up. Protein also helps stop cravings for sweets and keep your energy as Zumba level all day.
Here are a few examples;
Breakfast- 2 eggs scrambled with green peppers and rye crackers
Lunch- fillet of salmon on a bed of rocket, spinach and baby leaf lettuce with chives and pine nuts
Dinner- stir fry turkey breast with courgette, green beans with a small portion of wild rice
Snacks- natural yogurt with raspberries and walnut pieces or green apple and emmental cheese on rye crackers
Look you may feel that this is a lot of food but I promise after a few days you won't even want sweet snacks and you'll be Zumba Galaxytastic!!
Aideen