Astaxanthin

I was recently introduced to a supplement called Astaxanthin.  I was raving about it in class the other day, so I figured I would write a post about it.  What is it?  (From WebMD):

"Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

Astaxanthin is used for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, “brain attack” (stroke), high cholesterol, and an eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used for preventing cancer.

Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin for protection against sunburn.

How does it work?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This effect might protect cells from damage. Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions."

As someone who burns on even a sliver of skin I may have forgotten to apply sunscreen on, I have seen a noticeable difference.  Even after hours and hours in the sun during the Ragnar relay race (and fairly inconsistent sunscreen application), I walked away completely burn free!  As with any supplement, always consult a professional before use.  Still don't believe me?  Check out what Dr. Oz has to say about it:

Dr. Oz Show Features Astaxanthin Pin It

 Fantastic Food Friday

QUINOA - Heard the buzz, but still haven't tried it?

Why this energy-rich seed should be your "whole grain" of choice:  1) Packed with Fiber 2) A Complete Protein - containing all nine essential amino acids 3) Excellent source of Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Copper and Phosphorous 4) Subtle Flavor - perfect for sweet and savory recipes.  Need a little more convincing?  Check out this amazing sushi recipe using quinoa in place of rice!

Quinoa Spring Sushi + DIY Quick-Pickled Ginger


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Wednesday Wisdom

Wednesday Wisdom

Here's a "Wednesday Wisdom" for you, animal studies show that MSG can cause lesions in the hypothalamus region of the brain and leptin resistance (meaning tested animals don’t respond to the hormone signal letting them know they’re full), which leads to unhealthy weight gain. Then there are other studies that show mice become overweight when injected with MSG. A GREAT GOAL for this week would be to read the food labels and keep a food journal!

Happy Wednesday Wisdom!!!

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Motivational Monday

Motivational Monday

If there is one thing we have all learned from our fabulous fellow Boot Camp Babe member Teddy is never take life for granted!   There's never a good time to learn you have breast cancer, but for Teddy who is an amazing strong women who enjoys life to the fullest did have to learn this, 5 years ago and this past year. For many women, the diagnosis also crystallizes a determination inside of them that they always felt, but couldn’t articulate. They march forward with more confidence, more assurance that they will do what they have to do.

Despite the difficulty, she never paused in her determination to make it past her cancer diagnosis and treatment and is a two time cancer survivor. After treatment, Teddy had surgery and then she decided to take on another big task: Attending and cheering on the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk with Boot Camp Babes, she viewed it as a way to inspire others and to move forward.  Just a few months later Teddy ran the Color Run, Mountain to Fountain run which she achieved her fastest PR, and the Ragnar relay race with other fellow Boot Camp Babes “You felt like you were finishing the marathon at the Olympics,” she remembered. “You were walking through a tunnel of people who were cheering for you and slapping you on the back and giving you high-fives. It was really rewarding and inspiring.”

Today, few people even know that Teddy is a two time breast cancer survivor. Her life is full and she is filled with joy and gratitude towards others.  After speaking with Teddy one day I remember this motivating and inspiring statement from her “Having breast cancer doesn’t define me but gave me the opportunity to grow.  Plus, being around these women inspires me; they're a daily reminder that I, too, can live a full and happy life after overcoming this breast cancer” The women at Boot Camp Babes were a huge source of support and strength for Teddy. She was humbled and filled with such gratitude by all the support she received, that was a huge part of recovery and moving forward for Teddy.

Teddy is an inspiration to all and is loved by so many, we are so proud of her determination and courage!!

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Fantastic Food Friday

Refresh, Replenish, Fortify... with food

As the weather starts to heat up, post workout nutrition and re-hydration is essential.  With coconut water to balance and replenish electrolytes and some of the best brain building and heart healthy fats on the planet, this refreshing raw soup is a must try.

Chilled Avocado Soup

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Wednesday Wisdom

 Wednesday Wisdom

Here's a simple, quick little "Wednesday Wisdom" for you. The majority of studies showing the effectiveness of green tea for fat loss have used green tea extract. One study confirmed that the EGCG from the extract was absorbed significantly better than the EGCG from the tea. Take about 500 mg of green tea extract in the morning and afternoon before meals. Still drink your green tea though! Every little bit helps and for a great way to sneak in some iron, include fresh spinach with those egg whites. Babes with the right attitude and a little bit of ambition, you can achieve all you dream!

 

Have a FABULOUS Wednesday!!!

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Motivational Monday

Motivational Monday

Whether you’re trying to eat healthy, trying to lose weight, or training for an athletic event, you’re only going to succeed if you can stay motivated. (That’s particularly true of goals where you haven’t got a boss/parent/mentor checking up on you…)

So, here’s how to keep going:

Step #1: Break Your goal into Small Chunks

If you get a little way towards your goal then flounder, there’s a good chance that you’ve not broken your goal into sensible chunks or milestones.

Sometimes your goal is already segmented for you – for instance, if you’re trying to eat healthy You might want to create a list of healthy foods, snacks and keep a food journal so you can monitor your eating.

Do it: Even if you’re not sure of all the steps to get to your goal, write down the next five major ones. You might want to add a deadline – make it a bit challenging, but realistic.

Step #2: Take the Time to Learn – and Implement

Whatever your goal is, you’ll get there faster if you spend some time learning things that can help you. And the more you learn, the more confidence (and hence motivated) you’ll be.

• If you’re writing a food journal, get a good “how to” guide to help you
• If you’re starting a new training program, learn about good training techniques
• If you’re trying to lose weight, take some fun boot camp babes camps or find a training/workout partner

Do it: Find one good book, trainer, or website that can help you. As you read it, jot down any ideas, questions or new tasks that relate to your goals.

Step #3: Keep the Big Picture in Mind …

Whatever your goal is, you’re probably motivated by the end result. You’re thinking of how great it will be to eat healthy, have more energy, and lose weight which will help you take your fitness and health to the next level.

Do it: Find an image that represents your goal. Keep it somewhere visible – you could set it as the wallpaper on your computer, or put it in your wallet or on your refrigerator.

Step #4: … But Focus on One Piece While You’re Working

Once you start to work on your goal, you need to mentally “zoom in” to look at just one piece. If you keep on thinking about the whole finished thing, it can be hard to concentrate on what you need to do right now – and you might start to get overwhelmed.

For each “chunk” of your goal, write down specific action steps, like “read article X” or “attend camp so many times a week”. Focus on one of these at a time, and don’t let yourself get distracted. If you can see yourself making clear progress, you’ll stay motivated.

Do it: Write down three – five tasks that will help you meet your next goal milestone.

What health and fitness goal(s) are you working on right now? Have you got any motivational tips to share? If so, let us know in the comments!

If  you have an inspirational story or goals that you would like for us to share on Motivational Monday to help keep all of us fellow babes motivated and inspired please email details and or photos to Nicole@bootcampbabes.com

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Welcome to the new Boot Camp Babes Blog!!  We'll update this page regularly with all sorts of posts about fitness, great recipes, motivational thoughts, and whatever might be going on in the Boot Camp Babes Universe.  You can expect content from Jamie and I (the owners) as well as from our talented trainers, Nicole, Apryl, Trudi, Cherith, and Alisha. This is the perfect way to stay connected outside of camp!

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