Post Surgery-Pre Brazilian Butt Work Out

I am 11 days post knee surgery and I am getting better each day that passes.. I did think I would have been able to walk or drive by now but this is still a million times better than my last knee surgery recovery time.

I start physical therapy tomorrow and plan on getting in a few sessions a week of swimming to my routine until I feel comfortable to get back into my Kick Ash state.. While I was home I decided to order this Brazilian Butt Work Out DVD http://www.amazon.com/Brazil-Butt-Lift-Workout-English/dp/B00337MOMO. I have never ordered a work out dvd in my life but for some reason this caught my attention and has received many great reviews. So while lying on my butt for many hours thought what a perfect present to my behind!

Just a little extra reading material for those of you who sit all day long:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/phys-ed-the-men-who-stare-at-screens/

Since it does require a lot of squatting I wanted to make sure my knee is 100%.. I hope to start the work out next week and will be updating you guys on my progress!

In the meantime I continue to eat healthy, get lots of sleep and keep a smile on my face...

xo,

Kick Ash

Zucchini and Apple Slaw Day:

Happy Monday!

I am still home recovering from my recent knee surgery and as I am limping around the house I decided to make myself useful and create some raw food dishes with what's in the fridge. As I have written in the past I do not follow a Raw Food Diet 100% but I do like to incorporate into my life and eat clean as much as possible.

2 Zucchini"s

2 Golden Delicious Apples( I prefer these apples for the taste of the slaw)

1/4 Tsp of Sea Salt

1/4 Lemon Juice

1/4 Cumin

1/4 Cinnamon

I took a cheese grater and grated the zucchini and apples in a big bowl. Then I took a fork and mixed the two together and added in the salt, lemon juice and cumin. I mixed around for another few minutes and put into a ceramic bowl and placed it in the fridge for later.

It is so easy and healthy. You can add it to an entree as a side or eat alone. Either way you will be happy and feel great!

Cold Avocado and Cucumber Soup

I just made in less than 2 minutes the most delicious summer soup.

Depending on how many people you are making the soup for you can mess around with the measurements. It does not have to be precise.

1 Ripe Avocado

3-4 Persian seedless cucumbers (peeled and chopped up)

1 Cup Water

1/4 Cup of lime juice

1/4 Tsp. of ginger

1/4 Tsp. of sea salt ( more depending on how much salt you like)

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

1 Ice cube

Blend and Serve!

Tips and Facts about Sugar :

1. Be in the "know" about sugar and how it reacts with your body.

Just as with all carbs, you eat sugar and it's absorbed by your blood, where, if you have the right amount of it, the insulin in your system converts the sugar to energy. However, if you introduce too much sugar into your system, the insulin stores it as body fat. A little stored body fat is fine; the body likes some emergency fuel. However, if your blood sugar spikes too often and the insulin has to work too hard converting fat, this can lead to a variety of health issues, including type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

Consuming too much added sugar can cause a host of other problems, including tooth decay, increased triglycerides (or stored fat), and malnutrition (from overconsumption of foods filled with empty calories and deficient in nutrients).

2. Less is More

One teaspoon of table sugar has 15 calories. That can add up through the day if you are drinking multiple cups of tea and coffee with sugar.

3. High Fructose Corn Syrup is the ENEMY

"High-fructose corn syrup" is a highly refined, artificial product. It is created through an intricate process that transforms cornstarch into a thick, clear liquid. White sugar and "high-fructose corn syrup" are not the same. Industry advocates for corn growers say that they are the same. But nutritional science studies say that there is a big difference between the two. They say that "high-fructose corn syrup" is worse than sugar.

This manufactured fructose is sweeter than sugar in an unhealthy way, and is digested differently in a bad way. Research has shown that "high-fructose corn syrup" goes directly to the liver, releasing enzymes that instruct the body to then store fat! This may elevate triglyceride (fat in blood) levels and elevate cholesterol levels. This fake fructose may slow fat burning and cause weight gain. Other research indicates that it does not stimulate insulin production, which usually creates a sense of being full. Therefore, people may eat more than they should. Indications also are that the important chromium levels are lowered by this sweetener which may then contribute to type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a contributor too.

4. The sugar in fruit isn't bad for you

Yes, fruit is loaded with sugar, but it's also usually loaded with fiber, which slows sugar absorption, making it an ideal way to get your simple carbs without straining your little insulin buddies. Fruit is also loaded with easy-to-absorb vitamins and minerals. Most fruit is also filled with water, yet another benefit.