Healthy Ramadaan: Part 2

Alhamdulillah, we only have a few more days left until Ramadaan is on our doorsteps. Are you prepared? You should be prepared by now, if not, there is still time to do so in'sha Allah. 

In Healthy Ramadaan: Part 1, I gave you a brief on how your metabolism works during fasting as well as the types of foods you should opt for when preparing your Ramadaan meal plan. So you're meal plan is now sorted, but you still want to know if you can exercise during Ramadaan. The good news is, yes you can exercise during Ramadaan and Health24's Fitness Expert, Habib Noorbhai says that if you follow certain guidelines, it is perfectly safe. Read his tips here.

So Noorbhai says you should continue exercising because if you miss one month of exercise, its equivalent to losing four months of hard work. Yes you read correctly, four months gone. He also mentioned that you should maintain your current workout programme, but not intensify your routine. If you suffer from a chronic illness, injury or complication, then exercise with caution. 

Now that you have your exercise plan in order, here are some tips to follow to ensure you have a healthy Ramadaan.

• Plan your schedule and meals ahead of time in order to make sure that you get the nutrients, hydration and rest that you  need. It's important that your body gets enough rest because fasting can take its toll on your body.

• Eating suhoor/sehri is important and also Sunnah. There are many rewards and benefits of having suhoor so therefore make sure that you don't miss it and have an unhealthy 'dry fast'.

• Drink plenty of water if you can during suhoor and focus on foods that are rich in carbohydrates and proteins because that's where you'll get your energy from.

• Don't stuff your face during iftaar, instead break your fast the Sunnah way with dates and either milk, water or fruit juice. After maghrib salaah, continue with a light starter like soup or haleem and a cracker cos' nothing goes down well like hot soup on a cold winter evening. While still enjoying the feeling of eating after a long day of fasting, don't overeat. Have a light dinner and drink as much liquids as you can. Now don't mean caffeinated beverages and sodas.

• Avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn and indigestion.

• Use this opportunity to eliminate bad habits like smoking.

• Have an assortment of dried or fresh fruit and nuts instead of the caramel treat desserts. Reserve that for Eid, I'm sure aunty Fatima will understand. 

• And after having all those yummy foods, don't forget to brush and floss your teeth for healthy teeth and gums. 

• Maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index): Ramadaan is the perfect time to absorb the spirit of fasting and become more aware of your consumption and eating habits. A common way to identify a healthy body weight is through the BMI. The formula for calculating your BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared: BMI= Weight/Height x Height. For example: 56kg/1.7x1.7=20.76

Underweight = 18.5

Normal weight = 18.6-24.9

Overweight =  25-29.9

Obesity =  BMI of 30 or greater

Remember to plan your schedule properly so that you can make the most of this blessed month by reading and reflecting on the Glorious Qur'aan and the purpose of Ramadaan because you never know if it may be your last. May Allah make it easy for you and me and allow us to reach full potential during this auspicious month. 

I will post recipes soon in'sha Allah, so stick around, but until my next blog post:

Peace, Love, Unity MwaHugs ;)

  

Healthy Ramadaan: Part 1

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatu

With Ramadaan just around the corner (a few weeks to go), all I'm hearing is "yes, I'm gonna lose weight," "time to get rid of this fat," "the only time I can lose weight is in Ramadaan," "I can't wait for Ramadaan so that I can lose this weight." Let's get one thing straight, the beautiful and holy month of Ramadaan is not a weight loss challenge or diet to make one lose weight. The month of Ramadaan is not like any other Islamic month. It's purpose it to rid man of those habits which he/she has accumulated throughout the year. It prepares us for the remaining months by teaching us discipline and self control. Acts such as eating, drinking and fulfilling ones desires have been made haraam by Allah. If we can control our desires during Ramadaan, then we can control it any other time. So if you've ever fasted, you know that losing weight doesn't happen so easily in fact, some us gain weight. 

Let's look at what happens to your body during Ramadaan. While you are fasting, you become more dehydrated at rest than usual, but less than if you had exercised aerobically for over an hour. Your main metabolic fuel source for bodily function during fasting is mainly fat, which is a good thing. So what you want to do in Ramadaan is to maximise metabolism even though your metabolism slows down due to less frequent meals; preserve and enhance as much lean muscle mass as possible which will increase your metabolic rate and allow you to burn more calories at rest. Don't put all your hopes on Ramadaan to hep you get slim and trim because that is setting yourself up for disappointment instead focus on staying healthy and not gaining unwanted fat due to all those pastries. If you want to make this Ramadaan a healthy one, set goals and stick to them.

Here are a few things to choose from and a few things to avoid to keep you energetic and nurtured throughout Ramadaan.

Meat and other protein sources
Choose:

• Fish
• Grilled skinless chicken
• Lamb
• Moderate amount of prawns
• Legumes such as beans, lentils and peas
• Eggs at least 3 times per week

Avoid

• Fried chicken
• Fatty meats
• Liver and other organ meats
• Sausages and Wors
• Large amounts of prawns, shrimps and shellfish

Milk and dairy products
Choose:

• Skimmed milk
• Skimmed or low fat yoghurt
• Low fat cheese

Avoid:

• Full cream milk
• Whipped cream
• Creamy and cheesy sauces
• Yellow full cream cheeses 

Fruit and Vegetables
Choose:

• All fresh vegetables cooked with a little olive oil
• Fresh fruits and natural fruit juices

Avoid:

• Coconut
• Fried veggies
• Veggies boiled or steamed in butter
• Juices with added sugar

Bread and grains
Choose:

• Whole wheat or brown bread
• Plain brown rice or spaghetti
• Whole grains

Avoid:

• Pastries that contain large amounts of fat like doughnuts
• Fried rice
• Slap chips, French fries or fried potatoes
• Sweetened desserts

With such an assortment for you to choose from, this Ramadaan journey will surely be a pleasant and healthy one. Do remember that whatever you decide to eat, a balanced food plan containing healthy ingredients, cooked the right way will help you enjoy Suhoor and Iftaar giving you more energy and staying healthy.

Look out for part 2 of the Healthy Ramadaan series which will include more tips and recipes.

Until my next post: peace.love.unity

MwaHugs :)

The #Gimme5Challenge

I'm always on the look out for new workouts to try because I'm one of those people who gets bored after doing the same thing over and over again.
I stumbled across the #Gimme5Challenge on Womens Health online mag and I decided to take the challenge and challenge you to do the same. I'm looking for something that will challenge me physically and mentally and give me killer results. I am already built athletically since I grew up doing sports, but I'm not yet at that 'fit' level that I want to be at.
So, here's the link to the #Gimme5Challenge, get your weights, get your gear and let's get fit and fabulous together #Gimme5Challenge Don't forget to eat right and drink lotsa water.

I'll be posting results after the first 30 days of the challenge on my Facebook page Le Mis Mimz so make sure you check it out.

Time to get fit. Toodles. MwaHugs

Yoga March

We all like to look our best because when we do, we feel our best, but when it comes to working out and getting to that 'best', we always find making excuses the better thing to do.

If you feel that you're no longer as motivated to get where you want to be, perhaps revisit your past. What made you quit the first time? Was your diet too strict to follow? Were the exercises just too much to cope with or too difficult to handle? Were you just too busy to fit exercising into your daily routine?
Follow a simpler diet, something that works for you with a 'cheat day' now and then (don't over-do the cheating though).
If the exercises were just too difficult, cut them down and do what you can. Don't overwork your body and push it to limits that it can't handle, that's why there are workouts for beginners.
Don't make flimsy excuses not to workout like: "I just don't have time in my busy schedule" or "I'll do it later." Your schedule can fit a workout in, trust me... it can. If you have to get up extra early, do so.

Before you quit, try everything you can to stay on track. Get a minimum of exercise in.
Park your car far from the entrance so that you can walk and don't take the lift... the stairs will do wonders for your legs.
Find a workout buddy or get a personal trainer if you can afford one.
If you're like me and can't stick to one exercise routine all the time, then change it. Do what you like to do and enjoy doing it. I like to do exercises that will challenge me and I always do a new challenge every month.

I am not a fitness guru for you to look up to because I also lose motivation now and then, so I look up to others who have been in the same boat. So look for people who motivate you to get better. People who want to see you achieve your goals and help you get there. As Bradley Martyn always say: "Let's get better together,"

Here's this months workout:

Let's get stretching with these yoga poses... They are guaranteed to help you with all those aching muscles...

Until my next post: peace, love, unity MwaHugs ;)

I CHEATED!!!

I cheated on my diet!
I cheated on my workouts!
I cheated! That's what I did... I cheated!

So what if I cheated? We all do right?! well, maybe not all of us, but definitely most of us. Anyway, I fell off the bandwagon, but I'm getting back up and YOU'RE gonna join me :) cos we're all in this together.

So because I didn't complete the Burpee challenge, I'm going to do it again and this time, it will be done properly, come hell or high tides.

Click here to view the burpee challenge. Also make sure that you print it out and stick it behind your door or on your wall or wherever you will be able to see it and make use of it.
 In Bradley Martyn's wise words "Getting better together!"

Oh oops... what's that?! I just thought I'd share a pic (or two) of Bradley Martyn

Motion Sickness: The good, the bad and the vomiting!

You know that queasy-uneasy-heavy-hot-world-swaying feeling, when everything seems to moving in circles and it makes you nauseous. Flying is quick, effective and sometimes fun, but there is nothing fun about flying for the first time and getting sick along the way or going on that cruise you planned for months and having to throw up for most part of the trip, or what about those road trips?! This is all caused by Motion Sickness

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition that occurs in some people who travel by car, train, airplane or boat. Many people suffer from this condition if they ride on a roller coaster or other similar amusement park rides. Motion sickness progresses from a feeling of uneasiness to sweating and/or dizziness. This is usually quickly followed by nausea and/or vomiting.

Motion sickness is caused by the mixed signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear (semicircular canals). If you cannot see the motion your body's feeling, or conversely, if you cannot feel the motion your eyes see, then it is likely that the brain will get mixed signals and the person will develop some aspect or symptom of motion sickness.

I remember the first time I got motion sickness from the dreadful amusement park ride... talk about a sick date. After that ride, I wanted to do nothing more than to throw up and go home (yes, in that order). I hope to never get motion sickness again and if I do, I'll definitely be taking these with me and following these tips.

Crackers: Take these snacks along and nibble on them every couple of hours to help prevent nausea and vomiting. An empty stomach makes it more likely that you will get sick.

Ginger: Ginger has long been known as a herbal remedy for nausea, but modern science has proved this spice has merit, especially for motion sickness. One study discovered that ginger was actually better than over-the-counter motion sickness meds. Make a ginger tea to take along with you when you're traveling by cutting 10 to 12 slices of fresh ginger and placing them in a pot with 1 quart water. Boil for ten minutes. Strain out the ginger, and add 1/2 cup honey for sweetening if you like. You can also get any other form of ginger. Just ginger up.

Low-fat foods: If you eat a low-fat meal before you head out on your trip, you may avoid getting sick. Eating something before you leave makes your stomach more capable of handling the ups and downs of the road. Experts say not eating destabilizes the stomach's electrical signals, making you susceptible to nausea and vomiting.

Peppermint flavoured sweets or lozenges: If you start feeling sick, get out the mints. Not only will you end up with fresh minty breath when you arrive at your destination, you'll also calm your queasiness. And if you're traveling with little ones, try placing 1 drop peppermint oil on their tongues before the trip. It may quash the queasies.

Tea: Sip on some warm tea if you start feeling sick. Warm beverages tend to be easier on a nauseated tummy than a tall glass of cold water. Go for the decaf brew; caffeinated drinks aren't a good idea for unstable stomachs.

Apple juice: Drink a glass of apple juice with your pre-travel low-fat meal. Giving your body a bit of sugar with fluids before you start your journey should help you down the road. And if you start feeling ill, sipping (not gulping) some juice may help you feel better. Almost any non-citrus juice will do. Citrus juice irritates an already unstable stomach.

I hope these tips will help us all travel fun and free from that queasy nauseating feeling until we arrive our destinations.

Behold... THE BURPEE

Err, what's a burpee?

The burpee is a full body exercise used in strength training and as an aerobic exercise. The basic movement is performed in four steps and known as a "four-count burpee":

1. Begin in a standing position.
2. Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)
3. Kick your feet back, while keeping your arms extended. (count 2)
4. Immediately return your feet to the squat position. (count 3)
5. Jump up from the squat position (count 4)
I haaaate burpees. Whenever I have to do burpees in an exercise routine, I always end up doing like 2 or 3 or 5 (cheating in-between). Burpees are actually good for you and one of the best exercise routines, why? Because:

1. They work your entire body.
Unlike isolation exercises like biceps curls and triceps kickbacks, burpees are a full body exercise. That means you’ll work pretty much every muscle in your body while doing them, so you’ll actually burn more calories in less time when you do burpees.
Do them quickly with intensity and you’ll get an even bigger calorie burning effect that will last all day long.

2. You can do them anywhere.

Since burpees require nothing more than your own body to do them, you can really do them anywhere. Such exercises like burpees are awesome because they give you no excuse not to work out.

3. They’ll get you stronger.

Burpees are the ultimate example of functional fitness, meaning they'll not only help you meet your weight loss and fitness goals, they'll also help you perform better during everyday activities like carrying groceries, lifting a suitcase over your head, carrying a bucket of water (when the water woes start) etc.

With every rep, you’ll work your arms, chest, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles. After a few sets of burpees, your legs will feel a bit like lead, your arms will shake and you’ll feel your muscles getting stronger. (My body always feel like jelly).

4. They boost your endurance (no treadmill necessary).

Want to get fit in a hurry? Whether your goal is to train for a race, try a new sport, get in shape for spring hiking season or just to look good, burpees will get you there, fast.

In fact, burpees are one of the best exercises EVER to boost your conditioning and endurance for sports and other activities. Even just 10 burpees in a row will make your heart pound and your breath get quicker. Do them consistently and watch as your conditioning level skyrockets!

5. They’re a great addition to any workout

Burpees are a dynamic, fast-paced, never-boring exercise, and a perfect addition to any workout, whether you’re doing a HIIT-style workout or need a quick tabata workout any time of the day.

Okay, okay, the burpee does wonders, I still don't like them. Well, I guess I will try the burpee challenge.

DECLARATION

I, Mariam AM, vow to take and complete the burpee challenge to commence on the 1st of November 2014.
I challenge ya'll to join me in my quest for 'liking the burpee'
It will do wonders for all of us, so why not. :)

Natural Home Remedies for Heartburn & Severe Acid Reflux

My good friend (whom I won't mention and who happens to be expecting), was the inspiration behind this post. As a person who is expecting, you can 'expect' a lot of things to happen and heartburn is one of them. Before we get down to the remedies of heartburn, we need to find out what we're dealing with.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a mild to severe pain in the chest that you may feel after eating a meal. It can be a burning or tightening sensation, and bending over or lying down can make it feel worse. The term “heartburn” is somewhat of a misnomer because the heart actually has nothing to do with the pain. Heartburn actually occurs in your digestive system, specifically in the esophagus. Heartburn is quite common. Most people will experience it at some point in their lives, usually after eating or at bedtime. You may take medication such as an antacid, to help relieve the pain if you experience it periodically. While over-the-counter and prescription medications are available, if you suffer only from occasional heartburn, lifestyle changes and heartburn home remedies may be the route you want to take.

1. Baking soda/sodium bicarbonate

A spoonful of sodium bicarbonate, or teaspoon-full to be exact, can help put an end to the gnawing, burning, sensation of heartburn caused by acid reflux.
You will need…
-1/2 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon of baking soda
-a glass of fresh water

Directions
Mix either a ½ teaspoon or 1 single teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water that is no more than 1 glass. Give it a good stir and drink all of the mixture. You can repeat this as needed but should not exceed seven ½ teaspoon doses in a 24 hour period. Also, avoid using this as a remedy for more than a week straight, as it is high in salt and can have side effects such as swelling or nausea.

2. Avoid tight fitting clothes

Things cinched tightly about your waist or middle can worsen heartburn. If you have super tight jeans on, when you sit down, the waistband is going to sink into your abdomen region. Same goes for tight belts-and even shirts can be a problem for some. This is because all of the above puts extra pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter, which make it more likely stomach contents, will push through and you’ll experience reflux.

3. Chew gum

This is because chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands, and increases the flow of saliva. Any acid that has built up in the gut is diluted and washed away or cleared out more quickly. Make sure you chew for 30 minutes and it must be sugar-free gum.

4. Make ginger-root tea

Ginger-root can help ease up a number of stomach woes, from nausea to acid reflux. Sipping a cup of fresh tea about 20 minutes before a meal can help calm down your tummy and act as an acid buffer.

You will need…
-3 quarter sized slices of ginger-root
-2 cups of water

Slice up 3 quarter sized pieces of ginger-root and simmer gently in 2 cups of water, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the ginger pieces, or leave them in, pour into a glass, and drink all of it about 20 minutes before a meal.

5. Snack on almonds

A natural remedy for heartburn from Reader’s Digest, eat some almonds after every meal, every snack, every time you ingest something basically. Try to track down organic almonds if possible. These tasty nuts do something to seemingly neutralize the juices in your stomach, relieving and preventing some instances of heartburn.

You will need…
-3 to 4 almonds

Directions…
Directly after every meal, every snack, basically every time you ingest something, eat 3-4 almonds afterwards.

6. A cup of chamomile

Having a spot of chamomile tea about ½ – 1 hour before you plan on going to sleep can help reduce inflammation in your stomach, and possibly balance out the acidity levels as well. It also does wonders for relieving stress, which can trigger acid reflux, and will help you sleep through the night as well. You can use instant chamomile tea, or you can easily make your own fresh.

You will need…
-1 teaspoon dried chamomile flower petals
-Strainer
-1 cup of boiling water
-Honey or lemon (optional)

Directions
Boil one cup of water in a cooking pot, and then reduce the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile petals, and let them simmer for 45 seconds. Remove from heat and let the petals soak for another minute or two before straining them. Pour the tea into a mug, and add a bit of honey or lemon if you wish.

7. Eat a banana or an apple

Bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acid reflux. If you want to try out the simplest home remedies for heartburn first, try letting a few bananas ripen up nicely and eating one every day. Another option is to try an apple a day. Slice one up and eat it a couple of hours before bedtime to relieve or prevent discomfort.

8. Get more acid

When you have acid burning your esophagus, it seems quite counter-intuitive to ingest even more acid. In many cases though, acid reflux is caused by having not enough acid in your stomach, rather than having too much, as over-the-counter or prescription “acid blockers” imply (although that can also be the case, among other factors.)
You will need…
-3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
-1 cup of fresh water

Directions
Mix 3 teaspoons, or up to 1 tablespoon, of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of fresh water, and drink. You can do this before each meal (probably the most effective,) before bedtime, or 2-3 times during the day. If you feel is worsens your reflux, do not continue to ingest it. Too much may also contribute to the problem.

I hope these tips will help you my dear friend :D and everyone else who suffers from heartburn. If the problem persists, you should visit your doctor and have it checked out. Your problem could be bigger and require more attention. Stay safe, happy and healthy! :) ;)

Foods that destroy belly fat

Have you always wanted to get rid of that belly fat, but couldn't? You do sit ups and crunches every day, but nothing seems to change. You know why? Your diet needs to change. Add these to your nutritional and exercise guide and prepare to see the bulge melt away.

There are certain foods that KILL belly fat and others that CAUSE belly fat and belly bulge. Here are some that will flatten that bulge

1. Avocados: These little suckers are loaded with two nutrients that are KEY to killing belly fat: hunger-crushing fiber (11 to 17 grams per avocado), and monounsaturated fats, which studies have shown to actually “spot reduce” belly fat.

2. Peanut Butter: Okay, not just peanut butter, but mostly any seeds and nuts and these are the best: pistachios, walnuts, almonds (or almond butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. Why? They keep you full and satisfied for long periods of time, and they’re stuffed with healthy, belly-burning fats and minerals. (Lemme grab my pack of almonds).

3. These Veggies: Turns out certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage contain special phytonutrients, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which help to fight against environmental estrogens that can add belly fat. Mom was right…eat your veggies! (but go easy on the cabbage to reduce flatulence.)

4. Omelets: Eggs aren’t bad as some people think. They’re nutrient-dense and loaded with belly-burning protein, vitamins B6, B12, A, D, E, and K, folate, choline, lutein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they keep you full for long periods of time. Choose eggs that come from free-range chickens. You’ll get more healthy nutrients.

5. Dark Chocolate: Yep, you read correct. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants with nearly eight times the number found in strawberries and it contains stimulants that can have a positive effect on fat burning, including theobromine and caffeine. It also contains a nice dose of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat. Make sure to choose the 78% or higher cocoa levels for best results. Now who said chocolate was bad for you?

6. Oats: Packed with fiber and whole-grain goodness, you can’t go wrong. Just be sure to avoid the processed, high-sugar junk out there and stick to slow-cook oats. Add a dash of cinnamon, some walnuts, berries, and a natural sweetener to taste. BhAM! Good stuff.

7. Green Tea: Not only does it contain a potent antioxidant, many scientific studies have linked green tea to increased fat burning, including a report that found green tea extract boosted the daytime metabolism of test subjects by 35- 43%. Add some lemon juice or honey to combat that bitter taste that comes with it.

8. Beans: Black beans, navy beans, refried beans, and lima beans all have 6 or more grams of fiber per ½ cup. Fiber can clean your system of pounds of “toxic waste” and reduce your belly bulge in a big way. See #5 for details. (Again, go easy on them beans to avoid farts at the gym)

9. Berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are loaded with fiber, which slows sugar absorption, and they’re packed with vitamins that can fight cravings. Note: cravings can come from vitamin deficiencies.

10. Cinnamon: Researchers have found that cinnamon contains a type of antioxidant that increases insulin sensitivity and effectively helps to stabilize blood sugar. Bottom line… you’ll store less belly fat. Some also say blueberries. A study which was done on rats found that the more blueberries they ate, the more belly fat they burnt. (Don't really know how effective that is though)

11. Chillies: Studies have shown that the active ingredient in chili peppers and powder, something called capsaicin, increases calorie-burning, stabilizes blood sugar levels which decreases fat storage, and is a potent antioxidant. Add some of this “spice” to your life.

12. Yogurt: Most regular yogurt is bad for your belly. It’s loaded with belly-bulging sugar that you want to avoid. However, Greek yogurts like Greek Yogurt (plain) are loaded with probiotics that fight belly bulge. See #6.

13. Wild Salmon: Hands-down one of the best belly-blasting foods because of its protein and high omega-3 fatty acid content. This is like a “double shotgun approach” to killing belly fat. Many people are deficient in omega-3s and when they add them to their diet the fat can really start coming off.

14. White preferred- but any lean protein source is a good belly-blasting food. This includes wild salmon, free-range chicken, whey protein powders, and most especially grass-fed beef because it contains natural CLA—a fat that studies have actually shown to burn fat. The interesting thing about protein is your body will burn off as much as 30% of its calories after you eat it.


There you go. Eat these foods and watch the belly bulge melt away. Don't forget to exercise.

My Workout Playlist

I often workout alone and when I do I need something pumping to go in tune with my hopping, skipping, jumping and other workouts I do. Working out without music makes my workout seem much more longer and boring. Okay, I don't mind hearing my heart beating (coz I know I'm doing a good job), but I should be able to get in tune you know. Get into the rhythm of it all. Eventually, my workouts turn out to be quicker than I anticipated. So behold... my workout playlist. You can listen and download these and add them to your workout playlist. These are subject to change on availability of new awesome stuff I come across. ENJOY!!! 1. Eye of the Tiger- Survivor 2. Let's Go- Calvin Harris ft Ne-yo 3. Beautiful Monster- Ne-yo 4. So Excited- Pointer Sisters 5. Final Countdown- Europe 6. Titanium- David Guetta ft Sia 7. I Turn to you- Mel C 8. Black Widow- Iggy Azalea ft Rita Ora 9. Pound the Alarm- Nicki Minaj 10. Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO 11. Work- Ciara 12. Hey Brother- Avicii

I was always an active person growing up, getting involved in sporting activities, outdoor games and other stuff that got me up and moving. 

After school, I just kinda threw that all away and let myself go. But that's in the past now :). If you're like me and just can't stick to one workout, you might wanna try these. 

I stumbled across these workouts after countless searches of exercise I can do at home. I started with the hips, buns and thighs workout last month and after completing that workout, I just wanted to do more. This month is all about cardio and abs. Try it out. You might just like it. I do!

More workouts will soon follow :)