Weight Loss Smoothies

If you are looking to lose weight but are bored of the same old products, then why not try something a little different? Home made smoothies are absolutely delicious and providing that you use the right kind of ingredients, they can be nutritious and low in calorie too. They are great to have at breakfast time, or just as an energy boosting snack whenever you need it. Another benefit to these is that they keep you full for hours and are really easy to prepare, all you need is a blender and you’re ready to go. Below you can find some healthy smoothies, so give them a try and see what appeals to you the most. Next time you feel like a naughty snack, prepare one of these smoothie instead - it will still feel like you are being naughty, but you’re not.

Peanut butter and banana smoothie

This smoothie has so much protein and is therefore great for a pre or post workout snack, it’s basically the healthier version of a peanut butter and banana sandwich. The only thing that you have to be careful about with this smoothie is watching the amount of peanut butter you put in or it could become rather calorific.

- Blend one banana with 3 tablespoons of the peanut butter of your choice, 1/2 cup of non fat milk and ice cubes.
- Serve and enioy once it gets to your preferred consistency.

A vegan friendly smoothie

As smoothies go, this one is probably the most healthy one that you can have and it is perfect if you are a vegan. If you love everything green and are quite constrictive with the foods that you eat, this will seem really indulgent to you.

- All you need to do is blend together 1/2 cup spinach leaves, 1 pear, 15 green or red grapes, 2 tablespoons avocado, lemon or lime juice and vegan friendly ice cream.

Summer watermelon smoothie

This smoothie is perfect for treating yourself with and best served in the Summer months. It is filled with antioxidants so perfect for giving your body a detox and it’s low calorie too, which is always a plus.

- Blend together watermelon chunks, 1/2 cup of strawberry’s, 1/2 cup low fat yoghurt and ice cubes for the perfect chilled smoothie.

Energy boosting smoothie

Forget a cup of coffee or fizzy drink to give you an energy boost when you need it, this smoothie is much healthier for you and delicious too. It also has plenty of protein so is the ideal post workout snack.

- Blend together 1 orange (peel removed), 1 lemon (peel removed), 4 spinach leaves, 2 carrots, 1 peach and 1/2 cup of almond milk.
- Enjoy this smoothie with a kick and you will reap the benefits.

Banana and mango breakfast buzz smoothie

Although delicious in the morning, this smoothie can be had any time that you feel like it. It is packed full of vitamins and will keep you full for hours.

- Simply add together 1 banana, 1/2 mango, cup of low fat milk, cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of frozen yoghurt.
- Blend to your ideal consistency, serve and enjoy

Pilates Physical Fitness System

Pilates is a safe and sensible exercise system that enhances muscle-strength, posture, flexibility and balance by strengthening the whole body. The exercise system was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1990s and it incorporates martial arts, elements of yoga and some forms of Western exercises. Pilates was initially used by professional dancers in the US. However, in the recent past, the exercise system has increasingly gained popularity among women around the globe including celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Madonna.

Pilates has several benefits including increased flexibility, posture, circulation and abdominal strength. In additional, the exercise system alleviates neck, joint and back pain. Pilates promotes a refreshing mind and body. It achieves this by improving breathing, correcting pelvic and spinal alignment as well as enhancing the quality of your movements. Proper breathing reduces stress and assists you in executing maximum body efficiency and power.

Another benefit of Pilates exercise system is developing a strong core, flat abdomen and a strong back. The core is composed of the abdominal muscles, the muscles close to your spine, the shoulders and pelvis girdle. Other than developing a stronger back and body, the workout program promotes a flatter midsection/abdomen by trimming down the body. This is essential in enhancing the functionality, balance and flexibility that the body requires to function optimally.

Most workout programs tend to work on the same muscles. As a result, the strong muscles become much stronger while the weak muscles become weaker. This causes muscular imbalance which is the major cause of chronic back pain and injury. However, by using Pilates exercise system, your whole body is conditioned. Pilates does not under-train or over-train certain muscle groups. Your entire body is evenly conditioned and balanced to enable you enjoy sports and normal daily activities with greater ease, less chance of injury and improved performance. Numerous professional teams use Pilates in their training programs to improve joint mobility and muscle elasticity.

According to health and exercise experts, Pilates has increasingly gained popularity because it creates body awareness. It shapes your life and provides lessons when you are doing your daily activities. Whether you are brushing your teeth, mowing the lawn or doing dishes, Pilates will always teach your body and mind to create coordination and build symmetry. As your body tries to achieve symmetry and coordination, you learn to control your activities or practice willpower.

This exercise program is suitable for people of all ages, gender and at all levels of fitness. A qualified teacher can tailor the workout program to the needs of an individual. For older people, the program can be tailored to increase posture, balance, breathing and coordination. Older people require gentle exercises to boost their mobility. People of all fitness levels can use this workout program. You don’t need to be fit to start the exercises. In fact, Pilates can also challenge people who are very fit. However, before you can start this exercise program, you need to consult your doctor or a medical professional especially if you got an injury or health concerns.

Pilates on Mats or Pilates with Apparatus?

Joseph Pilates rarely worked with groups. His exercises were tailored to meet an individual’s specific needs. However, Pilates used both equipment and mat exercises with his students. The mat exercises were meant to allow the students to practice at home. Experts recommend the use of the whole system (both exercises with equipment and on the mat) for maximum benefits and results. Pilates on Mats allows you to exercise on the mat while at times using small equipment like gym balls and stretch bands.

If you have certain medical conditions or limitations, equipment-based Pilates is more suitable for you because the apparatus can offer a variety of movements and the workout program can be tailored to your needs. Pilates with Apparatus is more expensive. But if you can afford it, experts recommend both Mat Exercises and Exercises with Equipment.

Pilates significantly transforms the way your body works, feels and looks. This exercise program builds strength, creates a strong core, develops a toned body and helps alleviate neck, joint and back pain. Whether you a runner, new mom, professional athlete, golfer or tennis player, Pilates will improve your abdominal strength, range of motion, circulation, posture and flexibility.