My dear friends,
Today I want to encourage you to not only reach your goal, but to make the right kind of goal for you as an individual. Be realistic and never make your goal a "skinny" goal or try to look like someone else. Skinny is not always best and we all need to realize that we were awesomely and wonderfully made, but each in our own unique way. There is a different frame for each perfect art work. A beautiful frame will enhance and sometimes make a picture look much more beautiful than it would be on it's own. Your frame is who you are and that you cannot change. Embrace your beautiful curves or your hip-less body. Take what you have and make the best out of it!
I am often mistaken for a skinny person, but my body mirrors my hard work. I am not just a skinny person. I didn't magically get fit by sitting on the couch and eating chips all day. Good genes can definitely play a big part on how fast your metabolism works, but if you mistreat your body it will eventually get run down, no matter how wonderful your genes are. If you don't have good genes, then that is an even bigger incentive for you to work hard and prove to yourself first, and then others that you ARE awesomely and wonderfully made!!
Ladies and GENTLEMAN, embrace who you are! Get off your comfort zone and stop using excuses to why you cannot loose weight or get in the shape that you want to be in. Many of us have reasons, but most of us are full of excuses. Don't cheat yourself from having a life of feeling wonderful just because you might think it's no use due to your genes or your body frame.
This world would be a boring place if we all looked the same, don't you think? To me fit is beautiful no matter how big or small your frame is or how large your muscles are. Fit is just beautiful!
Love, Karina
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Cardio Fun!
Dear friends,
Before making any drastic change in your exercise routine or even before beginning an exercise journey, it is wise to consult your doctor to find out what your limitations and restrictions are.
With that being said, LET'S DANCE!!
It is very important to enjoy whatever exercise you choose for yourself, regardless of your fitness level. As for me, I will do this once in a blue moon, but I cannot stand the treadmill and have found myself quite board before moving on to doing things that I love to do. If that were my only option, I don't think I would be very happy. That's why I am writing you today, to remind you that this is NOT your only option. After consulting your doctor and knowing what is the best type of exercise for you, don't be afraid to try new things and to simply have fun!! Okay, so I admit that you cannot get results without a little hard work, but let us look on the positive side of things and make a change.
I want to encourage you to try new ways to burn fat and make your heart strong without going into depression mode before even beginning your exercice. Cardiovascular exercises are not only important for weigh loss, but it is a crucial choice to help your heart and lungs function properly and to improve muscle mass. It's important to do, but it should be fun!
Use positive thinking and broaden your view. Try to go beyong the gym and a simple walk on the treadmill. Of course there will be days that you won't have a choice but to use a machine, but remember that your options are endless!
One of my favorite things to do is to run. I love the challange and the way it makes me feel afterwards. Running helps me to realease stress and tension, not only that, but it is my time to think, pray and even unwind. When I run, I go into my own little world where I can just be me. Running time is my time! Unfortunatly it is not something I get to do all the time, so I found a new and super fun substitute... rope jumping! Rope jumping makes me feel like a kid again. When I was little I use to love to jump, climb, run and always, ALWAYS sing at the same time! So, it is fun to do things that bring back those sweet memories.
Another thing I love to do is to dance and jump around with my kids. Now, that is on the top of my list because you don't even have time to think. You just watch their little smiley faces and forget about the world and it's ugliness while burning lots of calories and their energy! Hiking is another favorite one of mine. I love to explore nature and the change of scenery. This is something you can do with your children, alone or even with a loved one.These are just a few things I like to do to stay happy and active. What will yours be? I would love to know!
Just remember that in order to get that machine burning fat you will need to do a cardiovascular workout for 30 to 45 minutes at least every weekday and to stay hydrated. It might sound like a lot, but nothing goes by too slow when you are having fun, so remember to do something that you love and that will benefit your body and your mind!
With Love, Karina
Before making any drastic change in your exercise routine or even before beginning an exercise journey, it is wise to consult your doctor to find out what your limitations and restrictions are.
With that being said, LET'S DANCE!!
It is very important to enjoy whatever exercise you choose for yourself, regardless of your fitness level. As for me, I will do this once in a blue moon, but I cannot stand the treadmill and have found myself quite board before moving on to doing things that I love to do. If that were my only option, I don't think I would be very happy. That's why I am writing you today, to remind you that this is NOT your only option. After consulting your doctor and knowing what is the best type of exercise for you, don't be afraid to try new things and to simply have fun!! Okay, so I admit that you cannot get results without a little hard work, but let us look on the positive side of things and make a change.
I want to encourage you to try new ways to burn fat and make your heart strong without going into depression mode before even beginning your exercice. Cardiovascular exercises are not only important for weigh loss, but it is a crucial choice to help your heart and lungs function properly and to improve muscle mass. It's important to do, but it should be fun!
Use positive thinking and broaden your view. Try to go beyong the gym and a simple walk on the treadmill. Of course there will be days that you won't have a choice but to use a machine, but remember that your options are endless!
One of my favorite things to do is to run. I love the challange and the way it makes me feel afterwards. Running helps me to realease stress and tension, not only that, but it is my time to think, pray and even unwind. When I run, I go into my own little world where I can just be me. Running time is my time! Unfortunatly it is not something I get to do all the time, so I found a new and super fun substitute... rope jumping! Rope jumping makes me feel like a kid again. When I was little I use to love to jump, climb, run and always, ALWAYS sing at the same time! So, it is fun to do things that bring back those sweet memories.
Another thing I love to do is to dance and jump around with my kids. Now, that is on the top of my list because you don't even have time to think. You just watch their little smiley faces and forget about the world and it's ugliness while burning lots of calories and their energy! Hiking is another favorite one of mine. I love to explore nature and the change of scenery. This is something you can do with your children, alone or even with a loved one.These are just a few things I like to do to stay happy and active. What will yours be? I would love to know!
Just remember that in order to get that machine burning fat you will need to do a cardiovascular workout for 30 to 45 minutes at least every weekday and to stay hydrated. It might sound like a lot, but nothing goes by too slow when you are having fun, so remember to do something that you love and that will benefit your body and your mind!
With Love, Karina
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
To My Busy Mommies
Dear Mothers,
Let us first begin this by taking a deep breath and leaving the past behind. Your diet and exercise life from the past is over, let's start clean from here on. It is never too late to start over. One of my favorite sayings that I tell myself over and over is that every second is a chance for a new beginning. It is important to live day by day, but also to have a goal and to be determined to make a change. No giant steps, baby steps and a mind set to change is all we need.
Today's blog can be for anyone, so why do I call all my mommies? It is because I can relate to you. We give so much to our families and often put ourselves last. We want to please everybody, therefore sacrificing ourselves and specially our bodies.
I just want to remind you though that if momma is not happy, no one is happy. When we are lacking energy and irritable we cannot be all that we want for our loved ones, so taking care of our health and our bodies is important for us to be all that we can be for them.
Ladies, take some time for yourself each day, even if it is only 15 minutes, take the time. Exercise, eat right and drink plenty of water. Love your family by keeping momma happy!
These 15 minutes sometimes may be impossible to take alone and that's ok. Be creative, specifically with your kids! Encourage them to eat healthy and to exercise, but also teach them to encourage you. My four year old son and my 1 year old daughter had a blast with mommy in our kitchen last night. With dinner on it's way I thought to myself "it is now or never!". So I grabbed my sand bag and went to town, doing squats, push ups, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, etc... all with my son counting for me and saying "go mommy, you can do more" and my daughter cracking up (probably thinking, "that's it, she is definitely a monkey"), lol!
Regardless of what they thought of me at the moment, we were together, having fun and I was getting my workout done.
Mommies, have fun, be happy! Your kids will notice and you can't go wrong with these wonderful memories!
Love, from one mommy to another! ♥♥♥
Let us first begin this by taking a deep breath and leaving the past behind. Your diet and exercise life from the past is over, let's start clean from here on. It is never too late to start over. One of my favorite sayings that I tell myself over and over is that every second is a chance for a new beginning. It is important to live day by day, but also to have a goal and to be determined to make a change. No giant steps, baby steps and a mind set to change is all we need.
Today's blog can be for anyone, so why do I call all my mommies? It is because I can relate to you. We give so much to our families and often put ourselves last. We want to please everybody, therefore sacrificing ourselves and specially our bodies.
I just want to remind you though that if momma is not happy, no one is happy. When we are lacking energy and irritable we cannot be all that we want for our loved ones, so taking care of our health and our bodies is important for us to be all that we can be for them.
Ladies, take some time for yourself each day, even if it is only 15 minutes, take the time. Exercise, eat right and drink plenty of water. Love your family by keeping momma happy!
These 15 minutes sometimes may be impossible to take alone and that's ok. Be creative, specifically with your kids! Encourage them to eat healthy and to exercise, but also teach them to encourage you. My four year old son and my 1 year old daughter had a blast with mommy in our kitchen last night. With dinner on it's way I thought to myself "it is now or never!". So I grabbed my sand bag and went to town, doing squats, push ups, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, etc... all with my son counting for me and saying "go mommy, you can do more" and my daughter cracking up (probably thinking, "that's it, she is definitely a monkey"), lol!
Regardless of what they thought of me at the moment, we were together, having fun and I was getting my workout done.
Mommies, have fun, be happy! Your kids will notice and you can't go wrong with these wonderful memories!
Love, from one mommy to another! ♥♥♥
I am back!
Dear friends,
Forgive me for my absence for this past year. My life has been incredibly busy, but I am so glad to be back with much more experience and wisdom to share. I can't wait to begin this journey once again with you! Here we go!!
Much love, Karina
Forgive me for my absence for this past year. My life has been incredibly busy, but I am so glad to be back with much more experience and wisdom to share. I can't wait to begin this journey once again with you! Here we go!!
Much love, Karina
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Why Awesomely and Wonderfully Made?
Psalms 139:14 says "I will praise You, for I am awesomely and wonderfully made: Your works are wonderful. and my soul knows it very well."
Dear friends,
I truly believe that we are a master piece in many aspects. God made us and our bodies in such a perfect way that it amazes me! On a physical stand point our bodies are truly awesome!! If you have ever studied anatomy and physiology you know that the body is full of details and that each system has a very important function; they all work together as a team to keep everything running as it should. For example, the hypothalamus gland in our brain communicates with our digestive system, sending signals to the brain to say that we are full. Our blood platelets know exactly when to react and what to do when we are loosing blood, they will initiate the clotting process to keep the body from bleeding out. Let's not even mention how awesome and wonderful the reproductive system is and how intricate the nervous system is! To this day I have a hard time fathoming that a life grew inside of me. I had two different heartbeats inside my body while pregnant, who can explain that?! My body and the way it functions alone is a reason to believe that there is a God and that He does loves us in order to have made such perfect and detailed homes for us to live in while we are on this earth. We are like an industry full of workers inside of us who know exactly what their job is and can do it very well and efficiently without us even noticing! This is one of the few reasons I have titled my blog Awesomely and Wonderfully Made. With that being said... God made this awesome machine which is our bodies and along with it He provided the proper fuel to keep it functioning the way it is suppose to. Keep that in mind before you put something in it that is cheap and not real. Be conscious that you are not nourishing your body and making it very difficult for it to work on something that is so foreign. It's like putting diesel in a car that should only have gasoline... one little mistake and everything gets messy and confused!!! Most important don't make nutrition a religion whether you eat healthy or not, let Him guide you. He does care and I believe He would appreciate our complete dependance on Him. You may think that He has more important things to worry about, but remember that He knows exactly how many hairs you have... that's how much He cares. The Beloved knows every detail about His beloved, when you're in love everything about the other person matters. He loves us, He loves you!
With love, Karina
Dear friends,
I truly believe that we are a master piece in many aspects. God made us and our bodies in such a perfect way that it amazes me! On a physical stand point our bodies are truly awesome!! If you have ever studied anatomy and physiology you know that the body is full of details and that each system has a very important function; they all work together as a team to keep everything running as it should. For example, the hypothalamus gland in our brain communicates with our digestive system, sending signals to the brain to say that we are full. Our blood platelets know exactly when to react and what to do when we are loosing blood, they will initiate the clotting process to keep the body from bleeding out. Let's not even mention how awesome and wonderful the reproductive system is and how intricate the nervous system is! To this day I have a hard time fathoming that a life grew inside of me. I had two different heartbeats inside my body while pregnant, who can explain that?! My body and the way it functions alone is a reason to believe that there is a God and that He does loves us in order to have made such perfect and detailed homes for us to live in while we are on this earth. We are like an industry full of workers inside of us who know exactly what their job is and can do it very well and efficiently without us even noticing! This is one of the few reasons I have titled my blog Awesomely and Wonderfully Made. With that being said... God made this awesome machine which is our bodies and along with it He provided the proper fuel to keep it functioning the way it is suppose to. Keep that in mind before you put something in it that is cheap and not real. Be conscious that you are not nourishing your body and making it very difficult for it to work on something that is so foreign. It's like putting diesel in a car that should only have gasoline... one little mistake and everything gets messy and confused!!! Most important don't make nutrition a religion whether you eat healthy or not, let Him guide you. He does care and I believe He would appreciate our complete dependance on Him. You may think that He has more important things to worry about, but remember that He knows exactly how many hairs you have... that's how much He cares. The Beloved knows every detail about His beloved, when you're in love everything about the other person matters. He loves us, He loves you!
With love, Karina
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Kids and Obesity
Dear friends,
Child obesity is a very serious matter in our culture today and it breaks my heart to see so many children in such state. The sight of a little one that is completely out of shape is very sad to me. As a child I remember being a tree climber and running in the rain kind of girl and I can't imagine being a kid and not being able to do those types of things because of extra weight. I don't judge parents by any means, but we are the ones in control here. I once prayed to the Lord asking Him to help me because it was so hard to discipline my son. It broke my heart to have to tell him no, but the Lord clearly showed me that not disciplining him was a selfish act. We as parents are all that they have to guide them, teach them and be an example to them. If you have to break their little hearts by saying no to something that could potentially harm them is not mean of you... that is what I call love. The foods that they eat and what they do with their day is pretty much on us. We are the ones buying the chips full of chemicals or video games that are so addictive. We are the ones to blame, not them!! Pardon my honesty here, but we have to start acting more responsible in this area of obesity. If we don't we will be leading them towards a life without energy and full of health problems, mentally and physically. Also, think about this: you are only a child once! How sad it is to not enjoy this time that they are so innocent and so full of energy! A child really knows how to enjoy life, they giggle at the silliest things, they skip around for no particular reason and they love just because. Let's help them to enjoy this precious time which is their childhood by encouraging them to. It is never too late to change their diet and to say no because I love you. They may not understand now, but they will one day and you as parent will not regret it. The main thing too is to live by example, eat the way you want them to eat and be active the way you want them to be active. Remember that they are children, so make eating a fun thing and be creative with the fruits and veggies. Educate yourself about what foods will benefit them the most, but you can't go wrong with the fruits and vegetables! When it comes to exercise it is very simple... let them have fun!! There is no benefit in putting a child on a treadmill and tell them to walk because it is good for them. Weight lifting is not appropriate until a certain age and if there comes a point that they show interest (usually in their teen years) then it should be done under the care of a certified and knowledgeable professional specialized in child training. Being active is easy, specially when you are a kid, all they need is a little encouragement. Television and video games is very limited here at our home, but if my son asks to go play outside I rarely hesitate to say no, unless we have school work or chores to do. In fact I love playing with him and watching his little face glow as we play and bond together. Some examples of fun activities is playing catch, racing, kicking a ball back and forth, riding bikes, dancing, climbing a safe tree (with parent assistance of course) and putting them in sports if you can. Sports not only keeps them active, but it teaches them to interact with others, morals and it gives you opportunities to have many "talks" with them, like the importance of sportsmanship or respect towards their coach and teammates. Regardless of what you do with them they will simply appreciate that you are taking the time from your precious busy day to be with them and do something that they love to do. Don't force them, just encourage them and try to find what activity makes them smile and say "that was fun!". Taking care of our children's future is not just making sure they get the best education, their well being and the memories with us are much more important and will last a lifetime. Enjoy this time with them and keep them healthy, it will benefit them for the rest of their lives!
With much love and sincerity, Karina
Child obesity is a very serious matter in our culture today and it breaks my heart to see so many children in such state. The sight of a little one that is completely out of shape is very sad to me. As a child I remember being a tree climber and running in the rain kind of girl and I can't imagine being a kid and not being able to do those types of things because of extra weight. I don't judge parents by any means, but we are the ones in control here. I once prayed to the Lord asking Him to help me because it was so hard to discipline my son. It broke my heart to have to tell him no, but the Lord clearly showed me that not disciplining him was a selfish act. We as parents are all that they have to guide them, teach them and be an example to them. If you have to break their little hearts by saying no to something that could potentially harm them is not mean of you... that is what I call love. The foods that they eat and what they do with their day is pretty much on us. We are the ones buying the chips full of chemicals or video games that are so addictive. We are the ones to blame, not them!! Pardon my honesty here, but we have to start acting more responsible in this area of obesity. If we don't we will be leading them towards a life without energy and full of health problems, mentally and physically. Also, think about this: you are only a child once! How sad it is to not enjoy this time that they are so innocent and so full of energy! A child really knows how to enjoy life, they giggle at the silliest things, they skip around for no particular reason and they love just because. Let's help them to enjoy this precious time which is their childhood by encouraging them to. It is never too late to change their diet and to say no because I love you. They may not understand now, but they will one day and you as parent will not regret it. The main thing too is to live by example, eat the way you want them to eat and be active the way you want them to be active. Remember that they are children, so make eating a fun thing and be creative with the fruits and veggies. Educate yourself about what foods will benefit them the most, but you can't go wrong with the fruits and vegetables! When it comes to exercise it is very simple... let them have fun!! There is no benefit in putting a child on a treadmill and tell them to walk because it is good for them. Weight lifting is not appropriate until a certain age and if there comes a point that they show interest (usually in their teen years) then it should be done under the care of a certified and knowledgeable professional specialized in child training. Being active is easy, specially when you are a kid, all they need is a little encouragement. Television and video games is very limited here at our home, but if my son asks to go play outside I rarely hesitate to say no, unless we have school work or chores to do. In fact I love playing with him and watching his little face glow as we play and bond together. Some examples of fun activities is playing catch, racing, kicking a ball back and forth, riding bikes, dancing, climbing a safe tree (with parent assistance of course) and putting them in sports if you can. Sports not only keeps them active, but it teaches them to interact with others, morals and it gives you opportunities to have many "talks" with them, like the importance of sportsmanship or respect towards their coach and teammates. Regardless of what you do with them they will simply appreciate that you are taking the time from your precious busy day to be with them and do something that they love to do. Don't force them, just encourage them and try to find what activity makes them smile and say "that was fun!". Taking care of our children's future is not just making sure they get the best education, their well being and the memories with us are much more important and will last a lifetime. Enjoy this time with them and keep them healthy, it will benefit them for the rest of their lives!
With much love and sincerity, Karina
Change of Heart
Hi Friends!!
As I have mentioned before I am still learning so much that I will probably be updating (not really changing, but making it more complete) my thoughts and believes when it comes to health and exercise. What I truly stand for is the fact that our bodies only need whole foods, natural and as pure and organic as possible. That is the foundation of what I believe in. Recently though, a good friend recommended a book to me that is taking me to another level when it comes to nutrition. The author is Kimberly Snyder, a nutritionist that seems to have a lot of knowledge not only about foods, but it's chemistry. The Beauty DETOX Solution is her book. I love it how she does not give you a diet plan, she simply educates us about our bodies, how our digestive system works and where food plays a very important role on how we feel and look. I am not going to say much, because I am still reading the book and need to read it over and over as my husband have said to be able to acquire so much knowledge. I have read enough though to change and to be excited enough to recommend it to you. Specially since I was so honest with you on my last blog about my food life and I want to continue being honest as I change for the better! My eating habits are cleaner and I am very careful with what I feed my family and the way I prepare the foods since I started reading this book. I am really looking forward to seeing results from this positive change and sharing them with you! I am definitely going towards a more holistic way of training and it excites me to find information such as this book. If you do decide to read it, please let me know what you think.I would love to hear your thoughts.
Some ideas (maybe videos and pictures) on how to include exercise into you busy mommy life will be coming soon.
Love, Karina
As I have mentioned before I am still learning so much that I will probably be updating (not really changing, but making it more complete) my thoughts and believes when it comes to health and exercise. What I truly stand for is the fact that our bodies only need whole foods, natural and as pure and organic as possible. That is the foundation of what I believe in. Recently though, a good friend recommended a book to me that is taking me to another level when it comes to nutrition. The author is Kimberly Snyder, a nutritionist that seems to have a lot of knowledge not only about foods, but it's chemistry. The Beauty DETOX Solution is her book. I love it how she does not give you a diet plan, she simply educates us about our bodies, how our digestive system works and where food plays a very important role on how we feel and look. I am not going to say much, because I am still reading the book and need to read it over and over as my husband have said to be able to acquire so much knowledge. I have read enough though to change and to be excited enough to recommend it to you. Specially since I was so honest with you on my last blog about my food life and I want to continue being honest as I change for the better! My eating habits are cleaner and I am very careful with what I feed my family and the way I prepare the foods since I started reading this book. I am really looking forward to seeing results from this positive change and sharing them with you! I am definitely going towards a more holistic way of training and it excites me to find information such as this book. If you do decide to read it, please let me know what you think.I would love to hear your thoughts.
Some ideas (maybe videos and pictures) on how to include exercise into you busy mommy life will be coming soon.
Love, Karina
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