The Reality of Health and Weight Loss

It’s no secret that high-tempo music can increase your endurance and help you burn calories.

Here’s some of my favorite workout songs that make workouts like a dance party.

(Singing along loudly required.)

Click on the links to buy the song for today’s workout!

1. Sexy And I Know It by LMFAO. Ridiculous? Maybe. 
2. We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) by FUN. You know that feeling when you’re running slow-mo into the rising sun, drenched in sweat like the winner you are while some epic, uplifting song plays in the background? This is that epic, uplifting song.
3. Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5. If this song doesn’t get you pumped for a workout, I don’t know what will!
4. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson. This song got me through my half marathon. It’s a pep-talk ensconced in Clarkson’s signature poppish style.
5. Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO. Yes, I know. Cliched? Overplayed? Absolutely. I regret nothing!!

Total time of this playlist: 18.04 minutes.

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Is a low-carb diet really the answer for weight loss?

What about exercise level? How does that factor in?

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARBOHYDRATES

My half-marathon training is at full intensity, and I ate a whole frozen Amy’s organic mushroom pizza before my 9 mile run today. So, naturally, I have a vested interest in carbohydrates after my “I CAN’T BELIEVE I ATE THE WHOLE THING” moment. Seriously, I can’t believe it. I hate mushrooms. And pizza, usually.

Carbohydrate facts:

• If you’re training for a race and running upwards of 15 miles a week, you’re going to need to eat more carbs and more calories. Check out this AWESOME guide about  CARBS FOR RUNNERS from Runner’s World Magazine. Cutting carbs during your training will NEGATIVELY affect your performance.
• Where are carbohydrates found? Pizza, bread, fruits, veggies, rice, milk, cookies — all the good stuff. Read this guide from Harvard Health. It has a ton of great information.
• Will a low-carb diet help me lose weight? Short answer: yes, if you eat the right amount of calories and don’t consume too much animal fat and protein. Fruits and veggies are important, everybody! Put more plants in your face! Long answer: check out this article by the Mayo Clinic. Basically, making healthy choices will always yield favorable results, but there has been some evidence that low-carb diets have lasting long-term effects. 

Tools:

Use this calculator to help you figure out how many carbs you should be eating a day. It’s the only one I’ve been able to find thus far, so use it with a grain of salt. Above all, make healthy choices, guys!