Motivational Thursday + Update on Squat Challenge

Hey NeverEver's!

Today was the first day that it felt like December. It was misting after raining all night. Which I missed as I had passed out by 9:30 my time, which is insanely early for me! I am going to put my early bed time on the fact that I woke up early on Wednesday and worked out in the morning. Just like I am putting my late raise today as to the fact that the bed was just more comfy then it has a right to be ^_^.

See why I wanted to stay in bed! This is why, it was sooo nice and toasty. But work called so I got out of bed and headed into work.

Anyways, it was time for work in which nothing happened because everyone is getting ready for vacation. Which has anyone gotten a turkey yet? Its on my list of things to do this Sunday is to get a Fresh Turkey!

However, I did look into my LIKE = 5 SQUAT Challenge. Here is the verdict!

Tonight when I get home from my 2 hour OT, I will be doing 120 squats. Now because there are so many I am not going weighted. But it will be done!

But I couldn't forget about my Wall Sit Challenge that I am doing w/ Rhodes of Fitness from Facebook.

I did it during my break at work. 6 minutes and 10 seconds of fun. The first 3 minutes went by pretty fast since I was browsing FB. However, the 2nd 3 minutes...I felt every second. Still I never thought I could Wll Sit for so long when I first joined this challenge so that in itself is a victory!

Now its time for Motivational Thursday!

Ok NeverEver's I will see you tonight for my Squat Challenge until then stay warm!! 

Motivational Thursday

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Thursday! The week is almost done and the weekend is almost here. Not to mention that Thanksgiving is coming soon.

Seriously, its coming and I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Cause I am the one in the family that cooks the dinner. Last year it wasn't a bad turkey if I do say so myself but this year I want to do even better. How?

I am thinking about making my first pie!

Yup a pie! I haven't made the decision if to do it or not but its there...in the back of my head...making me think about pies at random moments.

Anyways, on to my day so far and then...Motivational Thursday!!

So I started my day off right! Shakeology, Coffee and Water. Plus my Shakeology is in a Saints Cup!!

I killed my lunch workout for the #LBDWorkout! I even did 15 close squats and 15 wide leg squats at the end of my Thursday workout. Plus some left over soup from SkinnyTaste, a Broccoli, Cheese and Potato Soup

 

But I had almost forgot about my wallsit challenge. Well I am going to do it when I came home but I decided that it wasn't a good idea to wait. Especially since I am going to be doing my spin class tonight. So in comes the work wallsit! 

Now on to the Motivation!! 

Okay NeverEver's! It is time for me to get back to the grindstone! I will see you all late! Have a great Thursday and even better weekend! 

Bad Day's / Good Day's

Hey NeverEver's!

Ever had one of those days where you just wanted to crawl back into bed? Well I had that day on Tuesday. And I let it get to me. Really Really get to me.

I shouldn't have. I know that I can turn a bad day into a good day. I know that my reasoning for having a bad day was just plain stress from some family drama. In fact, I was responsible for making something that was only a small hill into a big freakin mountain. It didn't need to be a mountain. In fact, that small hill could have been handled with some deep breaths and a good nights sleep.

So what happened?

I over thought it.

I have a habit of over thinking when it comes to stressful situations. I remember things that have happened in the past, that was in the same situation, and then I get re-stressed by those past events. As if the current drama wasn't enough, I add more.

So once I came home I tried my stress reliever. Reading. It helped while I was reading but as soon as I stopped I felt the bad mood coming right back. My next course of action was just to go to bed.

And you know what.

It helped. I woke up this morning with a better mood. And it felt amazing!

So bad days come. They always do. When they happen sometimes you can change that mood. Turn your frown upside down. And other times you just can't. You can't shake that bad mood at all. That is when you should sleep it off.

All you can do after having a bad day...is to have a better day the next day. And that is exactly what I did.

During Lunch I did my #LBDWorkout and since I was such a pain yesterday I did both Tuesday's and Wednesday's workout. I will tell you I felt it...and still feeling it! 

Once I came one, it was time to start dinner and workout! I did the Slim in 6 w/ the Hubby for 30 minutes and still had dinner ready by the time it was done! 

Then of course I had to make up for my wall sits I missed yesterday. So it was time to pull out the #RTF30daysofthanks and do my 1:00 min wall sit! Thank you Hubby for the pic! 

And after all of that physical activity I can only feel happy again. I have my Shakeology ready for Breakfast, My gym bag ready for tomorrow's Lunch Workout / Spin Class and my dinner soup ready to go. So there really is nothing that I will allow to stop me from having the rest of this week a good week! 

On a side note I have changed my workout schedule. I went to the Kickboxing on Monday and found that it just wasn't my cup of tea. The owner was nice enough where I am exchanging my groupon to someone else (seriously awesome guy!). So instead on kickboxing on Wednesday / Friday I am coming home to do a BeachBody Workout DVD. I have Slim in 6, Hip Hop AB's and now Brazilian Butt Masters. So there are plenty to choose from. 

Okay NeverEver's, it is time for me to head to bed! I will see you all tomorrow for Motivational Thursday! 

What do you do when you are having a bad day? 

Guest Post - Top 4 More Weight Loss Myths Debunked

Hey NeverEver's!

First I am sorry this is a day late. It was a horrible day for me yesterday, while not an excuse it is just the truth. However, I really had to share this Guest Post. Why? Because we have all been there. Yo-Yo'ing on our weight or googling 'Fast Way to Lose Weight' even though we know better. So here is some of these weight loss myths taken away!

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Top 4 More Weight Loss Myths Debunked

You’d think that by now the whole subject of weight loss would have been blown wide open with all the various studies and research carried out over the decades, but you’d be wrong. Even in 2013 there are still more myths and misunderstandings about weight loss than there are comprehensively understood facts, which leads to the perpetuation of myths which only stand to hamper the efforts of those with the best intentions.

So once again as a means by which to address some of the more common examples that for one reason or another just won’t quit, here’s a look at a few more weight loss myths and the actual truth behind them.

Eating at Night is Bad for you

One of the longest-standing weight loss myths of all, there are still millions who for one reason or another are convinced that every last crumb they put in their mouths before bed will turn into fat. Nonsense – like the rest of the day it’s all about what you eat before you go to bed as opposed to whether or not you eat at all. Go to bed starving hungry and your body won’t respond well at all during the night, but eat something easy to digest and low in sugar to keep your whole system moving as it should and encourage restful sleep.

Rapid Weight Loss Is Impossible

This is a bit of a tricky one as rapid weight loss is indeed 100% possible, but the trick is knowing how to lose it healthily and in a way that sticks. Crash diets prove that the body can lose weight like lightning, but they’re so dangerous for your health and always lead to the dreaded yo-yo effect. Healthy weight loss over a short period of time therefore is not about starving the body, but instead giving it exactly what it needs combined with serious efforts to improve and increase exercise and training. Lose weight this way and you can rest assured it won’t be coming back to bite.

Carbs Make you Fat

Somewhere along the course of the past few years, carbs developed a reputation for being the single biggest enemy of dieters all over the world. As of right now, there are millions going about their business under the impression that carbs make you fat and should be avoided at all costs – some going so far as to cut them out of their diets entirely. In reality however, carbs will only ever make you fat if you binge on them without taking into account their calorie content. Eaten in sensible quantities, carbs provide efficient slow-release energy that can keep you feeling fuller for longer and thus naturally reduce the amount you eat.

The Fewer Calories, The Better

And finally, it might seem like a good idea to cut your diet from 2,000 calories a day to 1,000 from the word go, but it isn’t. If you don’t take in enough calories then your body will think it’s going to starve to death and make sure every calorie you do consume gets stored safely away as fat reserves. It’s hard to believe, but there are so many people across the UK that could lose weight if only they’d eat more!

By Lisa Morton

Lisa Morton has sought the help of Tim Hayes Fitness, a well-respected fitness centre in London, to achieve her fitness goals.  She exercises not to become skinny but to become healthy.  For more info about THF, you may click here.  For more about Lisa, you may add her in Google+.

November 1st

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to the first day of November. Wait its November already? Seriously, wasn't I just talking about July and EDC? I can't believe that we only have 61 days until the end of the year. That just seems crazy to me and from what I have read on other blogs crazy to them as well.

But I am starting off the new month right. In plaid. I have always wanted to wear plaid but never really had the guts to pull it off. Well that and I was never sure what to wear with patterns. But I would like to think that I pulled it off today!

So besides my awesome fashion sense (slightly using sarcasm fyi) I am also working on what my month is going to look like. I have it planned out, mostly, and I do not want to see myself not making this happen.

Lets do my runs first.

11/2/2013 - Awesome 80's Run in San Diego
Side note I am really looking forward to this run for 2 reasons.
1. I get a Darth Vadar Medal at the end
and
2. This run is professionally timed. I never had a timing chip before!

11/28/2013 - Turkey Trot in Los Angeles.
Never done a Turkey Trot before (I wasn't running last year sooo ya) Oh and did I mention that I get a Medal w/ this run as well!!!

I also have 3 Virtual Runs that I need to do this month but I haven't exactly planned them out. Usually they just happen. So be on the look out for 3 mile runs happening in the middle of the week ^_~

*****

Next is my workouts. Now that I can walk up my work stairs without gasping for breath I am ready to go hardball again!

Monday - Wednesday
Kickboxing Class at Marcelo Cavalcanti Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
6 pm to 7 pm

Tuesday - Sunday
KettleBells at Long Beach Kettlebell Club
Tue - 5:30 pm / Sun - 8 am

Thursday - Saturday
Spinning Class at Studio Pulse
Thur - 5:30 pm / Sat - 11 am

Saturday
Brazilian Butt Lift DVD at a Friends House
12:30 - 1:30 pm

I am also doing 2 different side challenges.

The first one I am going to be doing in the morning before heading to work.

Hey even my sleepy head has 4 mins and 30 seconds to spare ^_~

So I will be working on my wall holds in the morning. If you want to join me make sure to post on FB Rhoads To Fitness or you can tweet to join with # RTF30daysofthanks .

The next one is my lunch workout. I personally don't think it will be strenuous but it will get me active for at least 20 minutes during my lunch. Its from ChallengeLoop and its called LBD Workout and you can follow along w/ #LBDWorkout

But here is the workout.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday I will be doing

1. Shoulder Raises - 3 sets of 15
2. Hip Hinge - 3 sets of 15 on each leg
3. Reverse Fly  - 3 sets of 15
4. Sit up with a Twist - 2 sets of 20
5. Squat & Swing  - 3 sets of 20

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday

1. Press & Reach  - 3 sets of 10
2. Booty Bridge -  3 sets of 10 ( each leg and 1 w/ both legs on ground )
3. Step-ups  - 3 sets of 15 ( 3 sets each leg )
4. Hip Drop Planks  - 30 seconds
5. Hi Pulls  - 3 sets of 10

 Ok that is it. I swear. Gonna start all of this on Monday...except my run of course. That is still on for tomorrow! But now it is time to finish up Friday and to get ready for a really early wake up call for tomorrow.

What are your plans for this November?

Halloween Motivational Thursday

Hey NeverEver's!

Please note that this post should have been up yesterday as it was scheduled to however, it didn't. But I decided that I am still going to run it still. So here was my Halloween. 

Its Halloween!! Its time for tricks, treats and costumes. It isn't my favorite holiday, actually around my 3rd or 4th, but it is one of the most fun ones of the year. I am more of a Christmas type girl but the Hubby loves this holiday!

Okay so on to the day before I get into the motivation!

So I was re-using my costume this year. Hey no one at this job has ever seen it sooo it was worth it! I was the pirate queen of the day and really the only pirate of the office. How awesome is that! 

As you all know I baked cookies on Wednesday for the bake off sale. Hey I wasn't going to win any prizes with my costume but I still wanted to win something! And my cookies did win! I got 3rd place, which isn't tooo bad at all. I got the recipe from Averie Cooks (who I LOVE) and the cookies were delicious!

Once I got home from work it was time to get comfy. Hubby as Superman and me as Batman. It was comfy and still passable as Halloween. We finished up the night passing out candy to the trick o' treaters.

Oh and I made this.

First time ever making French Onion Soup. I got the recipe from SkinnyTaste who has allowed me to awe my family with my healthy and delicious cooking expertise. Thank you Gina for making this possible!

Okay so on to the motivation!

Hey now if Pumpkins can do it...

You know its funny...I feel the same way

This one touched me. I have never blamed anyone else for me being over weight. 

Okay NeverEver's, I am about to hit the bed. Candy has all been passed out, kids have been awed at (there was some cute ones this year) and I have had way too many baked goods at my company's Halloween party. So its time for me to hit the restart and sleep it all away. 

Happy Halloween! 

Guest Post - Easy Tips To Help Anyone With Kidney Disease Remain Super Positive

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Tuesday! I have to be honest with you all today the weekend can't come fast enough...or at least 4 pm so I can go home and take a nap. I have been feeling exhausted but I know that is just my cold leaving my body.

However, today is the day for Guest Posts and it is all about the Kidney! Now that little organ in our body is something I never really thought about too much before until about 3 years ago I got a Kidney Infection. And then suddenly everything I thought about was the Kidney. So when I was approached to have a Guest Post about Kidney Disease and how to be positive throughout it I jumped at it. Because, maybe if there was something like this before I got my infection it wouldn't have been so hard.

So without further ado I present the Guest Post ---

You've just been diagnosed with kidney disease and the news has just totally flipped your life upside down. You’re sitting there and you really don’t know what to do. What’s going to happen and will your life ever be the same again? 

Once the initial shock is over, you start to have a lot of talks with various different kidney disease specialists but no matter what advice they give you… deep down you just feel like nobody understands what you’re going through. You just want this whole mess to disappear and for your old life to come back to you.

In official terms an individual that goes through illness will actually experience 4 different phases which include denial, anger, depression and acceptance. These phases together are known as the Kubler Ross cycle.

But if you want to overcome kidney disease and move into good health you need to go from the denial phase to having an extremely positive outlook for your future. This will not only make it easier both mentally and emotionally but it will actually help you get into good health a lot faster too.

There are various research studies out there such as the work done by Dr Candace Pert which shows that the mind has an extremely powerful affect on the body.

This is why it’s so important that you make sure that you remain in a positive frame of mind at all times. Whether it be good times or bad times you have to stay positive at all times.

You also want to avoid being one of those people that keeps bouncing about from being happy one moment and sad the next. This will surely just leave you physically and emotionally distressed. Instead of this why not just follow the tips below to remain in a positive mental state at all times!

Work To Get Rid of All The Negative Labels You Have On Yourself!

The truth is that whenever anything goes wrong in people’s lives the first thing they usually do is start to mentally torture themselves over and over again.

Instead of just accepting the failure as part of life and moving on they keep thinking about it and keep telling themselves that it was because of them that everything seems to fail. But calling yourself a failure is not going to do anything but result in you getting sad and depressed. Stop doing this to yourself… focus on the positive and on moving towards good health.

Your Current Problems Are Your Greatest Assets

Take 5 minutes of your time and study the most successful people on this planet and you’ll realise that they all have one thing in common. That is that they all went through periods of extreme hardship and instead of letting the situation get them down they used it as motivation to move forward and get amazing results.

Your current situation with kidney disease is no different. You have the opportunity to actually move forward, overcome kidney disease and get into the best health of your life. Not only that but you actually have the chance to make some amazing discoveries about yourself.

I’ve found that every single person out there is different and so depending on who you are, you’ll make unique discoveries about yourself. I’ve known people who as a result of their experience with illness have gone on to really start paying attention to their loved ones… others have actually gone on to start appreciating their own lives on a whole new level!

So what discoveries are you going to end up making about yourself? Well, only you can really answer that! But keep in mind that this disease is merely a blessing in disguise!

Begin To View Every Problem As a Challenge You’ll Solve Step by Step

You see if you analyse the Great Pyramids of Giza then you’ll notice that it was the result of putting one brick on top of another, again and again until the whole pyramid was done. 

There was no shortcut, and it wasn’t done overnight. But if you take a look at people today then it’s really sad to see that most people end up giving up well before they even get started because they feel that the journey ahead of them is just going to be too hard or just impossible.

But I want to tell you right now that nothing on this planet is hard as long as you’re prepared to put in the work and stay committed to getting the job done.  Not even kidney disease will be able to stay around if you’re persistent and never give up!

But you must remember that the only way to achieve anything is to take it one step at a time until you have gotten to where you want to be.

Start To Really Appreciate All The Good Things in Your Life

You seriously need to develop a sense of gratitude because doing so will help you to constantly focus on the good things in your life rather than all the things that aren’t going so well. 

To make this a regular part of your life, I’d recommend that you start each day by writing a list of all the things that you are seriously grateful for. 

Whatever it is that you feel really grateful for, just write it down. Keep repeating this habit every single day and you’ll get to a point where you’re going to feel great all the time. Being at this point is really amazing because it’ll help you focus completely on the things you need to do in order to get into amazing health in record time… instead of just focusing on all the negative elements and end up getting nowhere.

So there you go folks, all the tips you need to implement to get into a really positive frame of mind. Remember it’s only when you’re in a positive state that you’ll be able to make all the best choices in regards to your health! So get out there and make sure that you are implementing the advice I’ve shared here.

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If you enjoyed reading this article then be sure to check out Jenny's blog over at kidneydietcure.com where she tries her best to help as many people as possible overcome kidney disease and live a healthy and meaningful life :) You can also find her over at Twitter.

Laryngitis How I Hate You

Hey NeverEver's!

I swear to you there is nothing worse then being sick but not feeling sick...unless you start doing something physical. That is how I am feeling with my Laryngitis. I feel fine. No fever, no headaches, no throat hurting, no coughing (ok some they don't come often) and no body aches. Yet when I am faced with climbing upstairs (like at work) by the top I am winded and dying. So this is why I am seriously hating on Laryngitis. It isn't fair. I hate being sick and I haven't had this particular cold since I was a kid and I remember my throat was hurting a lot more back then.

Anyways, the worst part is the whole 'I can't even go upstairs how am I to workout' deal. I want to workout. I have my barre, bikram and boot camp to finish this month. I wanted to finish strong, I wanted to show myself that I could do it. But nature had other plans for me. Nature (or at least my body) told me NO you are going to take a break. I have tried to fight it, with my 5k last Saturday, and at times I succeeded but for now I have to take it easy.

So what does all of this mean for me? Besides the fact that I can't work out or do anything more then just walk around? Well it means tons of

So admittedly this is my struggle. I mean I have given up Soda's for 2 1/2 months and counting! But beyond that I still have my sweets, I still eat out and although I am cooking more at home it just isn't enough. So while I was at lunch feeling sorry for myself (hey I can't talk and I can't work out I am allowed a moment of self pity) it hit me. Why not make the rest of this week all about clean eating. Do something that your body will appropriate even if you cant do anymore burpees (my boot camp instructor loves these horrible creations) currently.

But I know if I try to do to much at the same time (unlike too much working out) I am going to get over whelmed. However, it does seem to work, at least for me, that if I make 1 or 2 changes at a time with my eating clean that I can stick with it. For proof please look at the fact that I can't stand the taste of soda anymore and I do not even crave it. Oh and I have given up white sugars. Oh and plus no more splenda or white sugar cane. I either do Stevia (which I admit I am still getting used to the taste of it) or Brown sugar cane.

So here are my options.

Now to be completely honest I don't think I am ready for Paleo yet. I mean I still eat In-N-Out for lunch or go out on the weekends. That type of dedication to eating is something to be looked upon with awe but with the knowledge that I am just not there.

So that leaves clean eating. Which is nicely broken down here for me. So what exactly am I going to focus on?

• More Fruits and Veggies in my life. Which includes during lunch, dinner AND as Snacks
• More Water...Seriously I need at least 4 of my purple bottle (20 oz) a day
• Since I am not working out...cook but just for me. Don't want the family getting sick
• Stay away from processed foods. 

I have included a guide on here, for me and for you, on what basically clean eating food is. I am printing this out as I head to the grocery store tonight after work. 

Looking at my list of things that I want to change most of them are doable. Actually, they all are but the one I am probably going to have the most issue with is the 'Stay away from Processed Foods' one. I mean lets me honest it is so much easier getting processed foods even if you don't mean too. I tried getting corn off a cob and it was a pain. A real pain so I still buy canned goods. Maybe I should just stay away from corn...

Anyways, I am ready for this challenge. I am ready to do something else for my body that I have been neglecting. 

So that is my plan for the rest of the week. Or at least until I can go back up the stairs without being winded. Hopefully, that happens soon!

13th 5k & No Voice

Hey NeverEver's!

Its Sunday and I know I should be doing food prep but I have a thing about touching 'family food' while sick. I don't want to get anyone else sick. Soo no food prep today...left overs next week!

Oh ya I am still sick but instead of coughing or a head cold I have lost my voice. No other issues except for a small cough. No sore throat, No bad breathing, No ear pains or anything. Just the lost of my voice. Its a good thing that my blog relies on my typing skills instead of my voice ^_~

But I go to the doctors. And they just tell me that I need to just not use my voice and if it isn't back with in 3 days then come back. Well I have a job that depends on my voice! I am still debating if I should text my boss to let her know that although I feel fine I am not gonna be able to talk with the customers. However, due to my awesome friends I am trying some more natural remedies for now.

I know it looks weird but this is 1 squeezed lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I can talk a little better after spooning this down my throat. Do you have any other home remedies? I am willing to try them all right now!

Ok so enough about my voice...lets talk about this weekend! It started on Friday night ^_~

Halloween party with some of my old co-workers and still awesome friends! It was an awesome night with laughs and drinks to be had! Although I did have to leave a little after midnight because of...

I had a Bubble Run to get to! Yup that is right I ran the next morning w/ one of my friends and current co-workers. Man can this lady run!! But the Bubble Run was so much fun. I mean look at those suds at the beginning of the run!

Ok if I had thought that the beginning was fun it was nothing compared to the rest of the 3 miles! First was pink, then blue, then green and finally yellow. Over at the green area the bubbles were so big that they were over my head! Yes I am that short ^_~

However, the run can only last so long (we all hope) and the fun had to end. I was a little disappointed that I didn't change to the Bubble Run's official shirt (I didn't know that there was color bubbles). But we finished the run strong!

My friend was able to get it done in 25:37 (she is a demon on the track!) and mine was a respectable 39:55. I am ok with that time. Actually pretty darn happy with that number to tell the truth.

However, with this run done. I have officially finished the #13in2013 races that I promised to do at the beginning of the year! It really hasn't hit me that I have been able to do this when last year I never ran. I walked and slowly at that. Now, although I am not fast I am proud to say that I am a runner. Who would have thought that I would say that? Not me from a year ago that is for sure.

So let me say it again. Just to let it sink in for me.

I AM A RUNNER.

Wow. That is something big. Especially since I got another run next Saturday.

Okay NeverEver's, I have to help the hubby get dinner ready ( i.e. I am telling him what to do by the doorway and in no way touching the food) so it is done in time for his Packer Game. Oh and my Saints won!!! Woot Woot!

Have a wonderful Sunday and I promise to have food prep for next weekend!

Guest Post - Boost Your Metabolism With These 5 Veggies

Hey NeverEver's!

As you all know I have been sick the last couple of days with a head cold. Whats seriously bad with a head cold is that you can't remember anything! Feels like your wrapped up in bubble wrap (without the pleasure of popping them). So I had missed my Guest Post Tuesday. However, I loved the post that I was to do so I am sharing it with all of you today!

So without further talking from me, I give you -

Boost Your Metabolism With These 5 Veggies

Anyone trying to lose weight or who just wants to improve their health knows they should eat lots of vegetables. If you've already been eating your veggies, here’s some good news for you: certain veggies can speed up your metabolism, causing you to burn calories at an even faster rate! Boost your metabolism by stocking up on these five veggies and enjoy the health benefits that come with increased consumption of vegetables while losing weight at the same time.

Jalapenos

Spicy vegetables such as jalapenos can cause your metabolism to skyrocket for hours! Jalapenos contain capsaicin, a substance that makes them spicy. Capsaicin also increases your metabolism. You might have noticed that your heart beats faster and you start to sweat when you've had spicy food. This spike in your metabolism can last for hours after eating.

Chilli

Like jalapenos, chillis contain high levels of capsaicin, which can cause a spike in your metabolism that can last for hours after eating. Chillis will not only make you perspire but will also boost your metabolism and oxidize fat. The spiciest part of the chilli is the seeds, and some types of chillis are spicier than others, so if you find yourself unable to handle the spiciness scrape out the seeds and slice thinly.

Broccoli

The more quickly and efficiently your body digests your food, the more calories can be burned and the less fat will be stored. Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and calcium, both of which help to make calorie burning quick and efficient with minimal storage of fat. Calcium is essential for efficient metabolism, and Vitamin C enables your body to absorb more calcium.

Spinach

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach are low in calories and high in fibre. This means your body can expend even more calories digesting the vegetables than are actually contained in them, causing you to burn calories as you eat. There’s nothing quite like losing weight as you eat!

Bell peppers

Vegetables rich in Vitamin C, such as bell peppers, can boost your metabolism by helping your body to oxidise fat. Bell peppers aren’t spicy like chilli peppers and do not contain enough capsaicin to enable you to boost your metabolism in the same way chillis do. However, the high levels of Vitamin C in red bell peppers especially make them a suitable vegetable to add to your diet if you’re trying to lose weight.

If you’re trying to lose weight, you should already be adding more vegetables to your diet. When you’re hoping to boost your metabolism, it is useful to remember that spicy foods tend to cause a spike in your metabolism. Low calorie vegetables that are high in fibre tend to lead to calorie burning due to the effort required to digest them. Most importantly, many vegetables are rich in the vitamins and minerals needed for efficient calorie burning, such as calcium and Vitamin C. There has never been a better time to eat your veggies.

Romayne Warner is an international student coordinator at a local Melbourne university, and spends time advising international students about the importance of overseas students health cover and other ways to stay healthy whilst in Australia.