Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Awesome Fat Blasting Kettlebell Challenge

Hey guys,

Looking to ramp it up this week! Try this awesome fat blasting kettlebell workout, sure to be fun and effective. You will get every muscle burning so no need for anything else! That is the best part, it gets the job done in a small amount of time! Hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to get started!

Here we go, get those kettlebells ready! This circuit will be done 3-4 times.

Step-out and Swing: 30 sec to the left, 30 sec to the Right


Squat Windmill: 30 sec on the left, 30 sec on the right 


1,2,3 Draw Lunge: 15-20 reps each side 

  • When you are down in your lunge make sure to rotate your pelvis under so that you feel a slight pull in your hip flexor and quad. 
  • Also, make sure you get a nice bicep curl when you bring up your kettlebell 

Push-press: 30 seconds each side, 30 sec rest in between each side 



Kettlebell High-Five Burpee



I hope you enjoy this workout and it really gets you sweating. It is always nice to mix up your routine and do something new. You don't want to plateau and be kicking your butt for nothing. Your workout should NEVER be easy you always want it to be challenging. 

Have a great week and we'll talk on Thursday! All the best. 

Pistols...Out! 
Xo 








Thursday, June 20, 2013

100 Snacks Under 100 Calories

Hello!!!

This week we are going to look at 100 different snacks, that are under 100 calories. These are good eats and treats that can satisfy your hunger without making you feel guilty. Every now and then people give into temptation on diets and opt to have a cheeky snack, but finding the right ones that will satisfy your cravings without ruining your waistline can be tricky! 

Remember to always double check the labels of your chosen foods for calories and to always keep to moderation.

20 Olives

68 calories – If you like something to nibble with your treat glass of wine, why not steer away from the crisps and have some olives instead? At only 68 calories for 20 they’re a far healthier option. Olives are a great low calorie option that are also good for the liver.

14 Almonds

98 calories – A perfect snack for keeping at your desk when you need something to snack on, almonds is an ideal substitute for the savoury snacks people usually reach for and with heart protective monounsaturated fats (MUFA’s) and some vitamin b why wouldn’t you?

2McVities Jaffa Cakes 

90 calories – Tasty treat that is calorifically low and with just one gram of fat per cake. Low calorie heaven!

‘Be Good To Yourself’ Cool flavour tortilla snacks

93 calories – Having friends over and want low calorie party food? These are perfect for sharing and won’t spoil your diet either.

Elizabeth Hurley’s Guilt Free Orange and Chocolate Oat Bars

100 calories – indulge in some chocolate orange (not a ‘chocolate orange’) without the hefty calories.

Two bags of Lightly Salted ‘Snack-a-jacks’ Popcorn

98 calories – Fancy a munch at the cinema? You can have two of these bags of ‘snack-a-jacks’ for under 100 calories (you may need to sneak them in however!)

100g of ‘Rod & Ben’s’ Pea & Mint soup

62 calories – Soups are satisfying, making them a great diet snack if you’re peckish.

Aero Bubbleball

99 calories – These ice-cream treats are based on screwballs and with much less calories than most ice-cream snacks!

An apple

100 calories – “An apple a day can keep the doctor away.” Apples are rich in soluble fibre which helps protect against environmental pollutants and eliminates cholesterol. Go for one of the sweeter variety and you can skip a less healthy sugary snack.

1 ‘Skinny Cow’ Ice Cream

100 calories – You can still enjoy a frozen treat and keep your ‘beach body’ thanks to these low fat iced desserts, and they come in a variety of tasty flavours, like berry and chocolate.

Miso soup

57 calories – You can buy miso soup in powder sachets so they make a quick and easy mid-afternoon snack for the office.

One ‘party size’ sausage roll

61 calories – pastry is no friend to a dieter, but luckily just one bite sized sausage roll won’t eat much into your calorie allowance.

Mini vegetable samosa

70 calories – Will count towards your 5 a day and the carbs in the pastry will help lift you from the 3 o’clock slump.

Quavers crisps

87 calories – a cheesy snack at a fraction of the calories of a chunk of cheddar.

10 salted peanuts

74 calories – Nuts are high in calories, but as a ‘Low GI’ food they release their energy slowly, so a small amount will keep hunger pangs at bay for a long time.

Three celery sticks stuffed with cottage cheese

75 calories – Celery may seem like boring diet food, but filled with soft cottage cheese it makes a great savoury treat.

Five ‘Werthers Originals’

100 calories – How long does it take to suck your way through five boiled sweets? It’ll be dinner time before you know it!

‘Be Good To Yourself’ Sweet Chili Cassava Snacks

76 calories – If you love crisps and can not think of anything better than a bag to snack on, opt for a low calorie choice and avoid temptation.

Three chicken satay sticks with smooth peanut butter

98 calories – Yum.

Two stuffed vine leaves

100 calories – an alternative party snack.

Five squares of ‘Green and Blacks’ Butterscotch chocolate

85 calories – you can diet and eat chocolate (see our article on dieting and chocolate) Just make sure it’s high in cocoa and don’t graze too much.

Two lightly buttered oatcakes

100 calories – The energy given to us from oats gets used very slowly, so this should keep you going until dinner time.

‘Weight Watchers’ Frozen Chocolate Eclair

76 calories – Chocolate, pastry and cream at just 76 calories? It’s true!

Three potato wedges with ketchup

100 calories – It’s almost as good as being allowed chips. Just make sure you don’t put more than three in the oven and don’t overdo the ketchup…

30 grapes

100 calories – Last’s all morning and counts as one of your 5 a day. Grapes help in the treatment of anaemia, fatigue, arthiritis, gout, rheumatism and especially for recovery from illness.

Fun-size Milky Way

76 calories – “The red car and the blue car had a race… All red used to do was stuff it’s face; it ate everything it see’s from trucks to prickly tree’s… but good old blue he took the milky way!”

One melon

88 calories – Melons are the ultimate diet snack! They have such a low calorific value as they are made up mostly of water; go ahead and eat a whole one if you like!

Six dried apricots

100 calories – Convenient snack to have in your handbag, plus they’re full of fibre too.

Tomato soup

74 calories – a low calorie soup can be a filling snack and full of goodness.

Prawn cocktail Skips

89 calories – A light snack to calm your savoury craving.

Sugar-free jelly with two scoops Wall’s Vanilla Light Ice Cream

100 calories – re-visit your youth with this classic kids’ party pudding. Good for sore-throats too!

25 cherries

100 calories – Full of vitamins and low fat, cherries also take a while to eat as you have to avoid the stones, so your morning snack lasts.

‘Special K’ Chocolate Chip Cereal Bar

84 calories – Fewer calories than the standard chocolate bar; a great sweet fix and craving killer.

125ml red or dry white wine

85 calories – this one’s probably best saved for after work however!

2 crackers lightly spread with smooth peanut butter

93 calories – nuts release energy slowly (thanks to their low glycaemic index), plus crackers always take ages to chew, just don’t try to eat them in under a minute.

1 Birds Eye Potato Waffle

94 calories – a treat the whole family can enjoy (although probably best to multiply the quantity by the number of family members).

2 Tuna nigri sushi

98 calories – A very healthy snack for sushi fans!

Stewed apple with 1tbsp fromage frais

83 calories – Make in batches and keep in the freezer. It makes a healthy dessert for that kids will like!

Portobello mushroom stuffed with roast veg and feta cheese

100 calories – Packed with healthy veg and tasty cheese.

3 giant sea salt pretzels

93 calories – Filling treat to pick you up from your mid-afternoon slump.

2 satsumas

42 calories – low-calorie snack packed with vitamin C and awkward to eat which means your snack lasts longer!

Mini Babybel with two Nairn’s Mini Oatcakes

98 calories – sometimes it’s hard to resist cheese when you’re dieting, but you don’t need to as long as you stick with the ‘light’ option.

2 Poppadums with salsa

94 calories – spice up a poppadom with hot salsa!

Meringue nest with cream and strawberries

71 calories – This snack will certainly kill that sugar craving stone dead!

2 Grissini breadsticks with houmous

97 calories – Dipping snacks keep your hands busy!

Eight cashew nuts

100 calories – eaten in sensible quantities, nuts can be a dieter’s best friend, as they keep you fuller for longer.

‘Tunnocks’s’ Chocolate Teacake

91 calories – A chocolate marshmallow biscuit treat. What more can you ask for?

20 Chocolate coated raisins

80 calories – You can pick at this snack all afternoon, and not only is it chocolate but it contributes to your 5 a day. Bonus!

Four marshmallows

90 calories – Toasted until gooey or popped on top of your coffee, marshmallows are a fantastic low-fat sweet.

Carrot batons with extra-light mayo dip

65 calories – low-fat and nutritious.

Small bag of Twiglets

97 calories – Filling and full of flavour, perhaps not if you don’t like Marmite!

Pink wafer biscuit

72 calories – the perfect partner to your cup of tea or coffee.

Bio-Synergy Caramel Skinny Protein 15 Bars

99 calories – Fruity sweet fix without the guilt.

Flute of champagne

90 calories – This may not be in your daily, or even weekly budget, but every now and then it’s nice to treat yourself to a glass of bubbly.

Double vodka and slimline tonic

100 calories – Never forget the calories in drinks (You can read our article about alcohol and dieting here). Vodka and slimline tonic is however relatively low, though, so you can enjoy one occasionally.

One slice Warburtons bread toasted and soft cheese

100 calories – Toast with a delicious cheesy topping doesn’t have to be calorific. If you use healthy bread and spread your soft cheese thinly.

Thin slice Soreen malt loaf

86 calories – Sticky and sweet.

Mini pitta with 1tsp tzatziki

97 calories – A savoury delight, cut into pieces to help it last.

One mini Toblerone

21 calories – I bet this one is a realy shocker! Yes, bite sized chocolate with crunchy nougat chunks can be a mere 21 calories each believe it or not. (note MINI toblerone).

A crumpet

100 calories – We usually advise staying away from baked goods, however you can toast yourself a crumpet (avoiding butter) and dust with a tiny amount of grated low-fat cheese for a filling snack.

A pear

100 calories – Next time you fancy a snack, why not reach for a refreshing pear? One of your 5-a-day and less than 100 calories too.

A small baked potato

100 calories – Jacket potatoes are filling and very low in calories if you choose the right toppings. Try with two teaspoons of fat-free sour cream and/or half cup of salsa for less than 100 calories.

A ‘Slim-Fast’ Heavenly Chocolate Delight bar

95 calories – A tasty chocolate bar without the guilt. They also come in Chocolate Nutty Nougat and Caramel Treat flavours, too.

150g of Fat Free Vanilla Onken Yogurt

74 calories – Pop one of these yogurts in the fridge and you’ll always have a tasty snack when you’re feeling any hunger pangs.

A ‘School’ Bar

67 calories – These bars are a convenient snack for an energy boost. They don’t melt either!

‘Weight Watchers’ Luxury Layer Chocolate Brownie Pot

90 calories – If you feel like a treat after dinner but don’t want to ruin your diet; one of these iced desserts is perfect (and it’s much less fattening than ice cream).

A medium corn on the cob with seasoning

100 calories – It’s good to know that you can have a corn on the cob with a little salt and pepper for less than 100 calories!

2tsp hummus with a carrot

100 calories – Enjoy hummus with some crunchy carrot at any time for just 100 calories.

Four slices of mango

90 calories – You can enjoy four slices of juicy mango. They’re also sweet so great as a treat if you’d usually reach for something with more calories!

A cup of blueberries

83 calories – Blueberries (as well as being a strong antioxidant) are tasty, refreshing and a great way of getting one of your ‘five a day’. Also considered a ‘superfood’ for it’s ability to slow the aging process and protect against heart and circulatory disease and many forms of cancer.

A ‘Weight Watchers’ Mini Chocolate Stick

95 calories – There’s nothing better (and usually horrifically calorific!) than a tasty ice cream in the summer months, but if you don’t want to ruin your diet why not try one of these?

70g ‘TOTAL’ 2% yogurt with 80g strawberries

69 calories – Enjoy them with some creamy yogurt for only 69 calories. Strawberries also have the amazing ability to increase the body’s elimination of uric acid (a substance which irritates inflamed joints).

A bag of Fruit Flakes

66 calories – ‘Fruit Flakes’ would be more than three times heavier if they were non-dried fruit, which just shows how much fruit they pack in! Great for a nutritional boost.

A Brooklea Fromage Frais

87 calories – These fromage frais are handy for your lunchbox when you fancy a treat.

Opies cocktail gherkins 30 calories per 227g jar (seriously!)

30 calories – At an amazing 30 calories per jar these gherkins are a good substitute for any snack (and filling I imagine).

A ‘Monster Puffs’ cereal bar

83 calories – Based on the cereal ‘Sugar Puffs’, these bars taste delicious and are a great morning snack.

A bag of Slim Fast Cheddar Flavour Bites

95 calories – Cheesy snacks are notorious for being high in calories, but these cheddar-flavoured bites are only 95 calories a bag.

One Strawberry ‘Weight Watchers’ Mini Swirl Pot

92 calories – If you fancy a tasty snack in the evening, why not reach for one of these? They’re under 100 calories per pot and less calorific than a bowl of ice cream.

One Starbucks Tall Cappuccino with skimmed milk

76 calories – Coffees can be surprisingly high in calories, but if you’re dependant on your caffeine fix then why not opt for Starbucks ‘skinny cappuccino’? You can finally enjoy your hot drink without too much guilt!

10 Pringles

100 calories – At a party you can tuck into 10 Pringles without the guilt. However don’t be pulled into the addictive ‘once you pop you can’t stop’ slogan (pretty sure it’s not true).

A ‘Dole’ Pineapple Pot

62 calories – Pineapple is a great sweet and these pots are handy any time. Being both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial; Sore-throats, digestive problems, bruising and blood clots all respond to Pineapple’s natural ingredients!

2 Cadbury’s Roses

100 calories – There’s no need to be scared of the box of Roses, you can have two of your favourites for under 100 calories, just make sure it is just ‘two’.

A ‘Slim Fast’ Sour Cream and Chive Flavoured Pretzels snack bag

95 calories – Pretzels are a great substitute for fatty crisps and will still give you that savoury kick.

2 kiwis

58 calories – Kiwi fruit’s not only contain as much vitamin C as an orange, it’s a great fruit to take to work or have at home and make a nice change from the more common fruit. Also an aid to digestion and skin problems.

A glass of orange juice

100 calories – Orange juice is the best way of getting your vitamin C and they are also low in calories.

A ‘Müller’ Light yoghurt

96 calories – With flavours like cherry, blueberry and raspberry what’s not to love?

One bag of Ryvita Salt and Vinegar Mini Bites

100 calories – If you fancy a packet of crisps with your lunch you can avoid the guilt with these bites.

16 strawberries

58 calories – Strawberries are one of Britain’s favourite summer fruits and they’re low in calories too. You can dig into 16 for a mere 58 calories! Strawberries also have the amazing ability to increase the body’s elimination of uric acid (a substance which irritates inflamed joints).

Half a pint of lager and seven peanuts

99 calories – There’s no need to miss out on that Friday drink and peanuts or substantially increasing your beer belly when you visit the pub. Half a pint and a few peanuts shouldn’t hurt your diet.

A ‘Slim-Fast’ Chocolate Nutty Nougat bar

95 calories – Keep one of these in your desk won’t be tempted to reach for a calorific chocolate bar next time you have the ‘choco cravings’.

A Frozen banana

95 calories – frozen bananas: They taste great! Simply push a lolly stick into a banana then just freeze it, and you have a cheap, healthy and tasty iced snack for around 95 calories. Take that ice-cream!

1 Cadbury’s Highlights Mousse

60 calories – Satisfy those chocolate cravings with a chocolate mousse, and at only 60 calories you can go to sleep content.

Two medium peaches

76 calories – Lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure, regenerates skin tissue and containing many essential vitamins, peaches are great for you and yummy too.

1 McVitie’s chocolate digestive

83 calories – There’s nothing like a chocolate biscuit with your afternoon cup of tea, and you can have a chocolate digestive for only 83 calories.

1 bag of ‘Walkers’ Salt and Vinegar French Fries

82 calories – If you fancy some crisps, snack on a bag of these and you can enjoy your crisps and avoid any guilt.

1 slice of Marmite on brown toast

100 calories – If you love Marmite and fancy something quick and filling, a piece of toast and marmite is still only 100 calories. Marmite (love it or hate it) is also a fantastic food for vegetarians as it contains vitamin B which is mainly found in meat, eggs and fish.

1 ‘Fruit and Fibre’ bar

95 calories – Under 100 calories and convenient for on the go, pop one in your pocket for when you’re out and about.

A hard-boiled egg

78 calories – Not only are they high in protein and amino acids, but hard-boiled eggs are a filling snack. Second to none for that protein boost. Also a wonderful source of zinc and vitamins A, B, D and E!

25 ‘Jelly Belly’ jelly beans

100 calories – Have a sweet tooth? Why not dig into some jelly beans next time you fancy a snack? You can have 25 of these and still not go over 100 calories.

I hope that these snacks help you stay on track and you found more then a couple that you will enjoy! Have a fun weekend! Until next week, stay happy and healthy! 

Much love, 
Pistols...Out! 
Xo 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Partner Training Madness!!!

Hello everyone,

Hope your week is off to a great start and you were able to relax and enjoy your weekend. It always important to find time for yourself so you can reflect and take a moment to appreciate those little things that make you so happy!

On that note, most of us enjoy the company of others. Working out is hard work and it makes it a lot easier when you have a workout buddy! I know it definitely keeps me going. My buddy helps me push through those hard moments when you want to give up, and helps me go to the gym when I don't want to. In honor of all of our workout buddies, here is a workout that you can do together!

This week I don't have a lot of pictures, just really good descriptions! I hope you enjoy!

Squat Jump: 3x10-12

With both partners holding one end of a resistance tube or band, stand facing each other, far enough apart to create some tension in the band. Next, lower down into a squat position, synchronization is key here, jump up as high as you can. Land in a stable squat position. 

 Lunge and Full-Body Rotation: 4x8-12

Each grab an end of the resistance tube, and stand beside each other, far enough so there’s some tension between you. In perfect sync lunge forward with the outside leg while simultaneously rotating away from one another (moving in a diagonal patter away from each other. Press back up and back staying on the same side for the full rep count. 




Mid-Row with Tubing: 3x10-12

 With two tubes intertwined, stand facing each other far enough apart that the tubing is tight. Next, lower in a squat position with the core engaged and back flat. Maintaining the squat bring the elbows straight back with the palms facing in, and squeeze the shoulder blades together. Return to start position, counting it out with your partner until you reach your desired goal.



Tricep Kickbacks: 3x12-14
Start facing your partner, your partner will have their right foot in front of the left, holding one end of a resistance band in your right hand. Your partner will mirror you with the left foot front and the band in the left hand. While contracting the abs, bend forward at the hips with the knees slightly bent, and slowly straighten the arm to pull back the band. Be sure to stay in sync for maximum resistance, return to start. 


External Rotation: 4x10-12
To strengthen the rotator cuffs, stand side-by-side with your partner, facing the same direction. Both will grab one handle of one tube with the outside arm, and have the outside elbow, bent at 90 degrees, anchored at the waist. Keeping the upper arm at your side, slowly rotate your forearm away from the body. If anything feels uncomfortable, there’s no need to push through! 


Band Sprints:

 For a heart-pumping, high-intensity workout, take turns running sprints with some added resistance. Have the sprinter take the track, or some other open space, with the resistance band across their waist, and their partner holding the ends tightly behind them. Designate a finish line, this should be about 10-20 meters away, and sprint hard all the way through, pumping the arms and driving the knees up high. Switch roles for an extra break, or have one partner rest and power through a few consecutive sets before switching.



 Sit-Ups Pass: 3x15-20

Start seated on the floor next to your partner, facing opposite directions, with knees bent. Holding the medicine ball to your chest, both recline to the floor, come back up, and pass the ball to your partner.  



Their you have it, now grab your workout buddy and get sweating!! 

Pistols..Out! 
Xo



Thursday, June 13, 2013

Boost Your Metabolism!

Hi all,

Weight loss is something many people struggle with. It may be due to time, lack of knowledge, simply over eating, or lack of movement. What ever the case we all need a little help. It is a true fact that you can not speed your metabolism up. It is the rate it is, you can turn yourself into a fat blasting machine, and you can temporarily speed up your metabolism. The way this happens is that certain foods have a very high thermogenic effect. This means that they literally scorch those calories as you are chewing them. Other contain nutrients and compounds that send your metabolism into over-drive, think of it like Nos in a car. You hit the button it speeds it up for a short period of time and them goes back to its normal speed.  

This is the topic today, foods that help that temporary speed! However be careful not to over indulge you don't want to have a burning sensation in your stomach all day. Also, with these foods make sure you stay well hydrated. Let's take a look at which foods can help you out!

Whole Grains: your body burns twice as many calories breaking down whole foods. Especially those that are fiber rich such as oatmeal and brown rice verses processed foods.


Lean Meats: protein has a high thermogenic effect. You burn about 30% of the calories the food 
contains during digestion. For example a 300 calorie chicken breast requires about 90 calories to          break down. 



Low-Fat Dairy Products: These are rich in calcium and vitamin D. They help preserve and build muscle mass. This is essential for maintaining a robust metabolism. 



Green Tea: Drinking four cups of green tea a day can help shed more than six pounds in eight weeks. It had been reported by the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The credit goes toe EGCG, it is a compound in the brew that temporarily speeds the metabolism after sipping on this delicious drink. To insure your intake you can keep a jog of it in the fridge! 


Lentils: one cup packs 35% of your daily need for iron. This is great news since 20% of people are iron deficient. Whey you lack this awesome nutrient your metabolism slows down. This is of course due to the fact that your body isn't getting enough of what it needs to efficiently work. 


Hot Peppers: You know that thing that gives chili peppers their kick? Well you may or may not know it's Capsaicin and it heats your body up, this of course helps you melt away those calories. You can get this by eating them raw, cooked, or dried. In addition, you can add as much as you can handle to eggs, soups, meats, and whatever else you'd like! 



There you have it, some yummy foods, spices, and drinks that can help you burn some extra calories! I hope that this was helpful. Also, if you are looking for some motivation and think that you can't do reach that goal or you have it a wall check out this episode of Extreme Weight Loss. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! Until next week, have a wonderful weekend! 

Pistols...Out! 
Xo 




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Toned and Sexy Arms!

Hi guys,

Hope this week is treating you well and you are making the most of your time! Don't forget to work hard and keep your goal insight. Also, remember to get enough sleep because this will help you reach your goals as well! Take time to relax and treat your mind and body.

This weeks workout is all about toning those arms, it is not a long workout and you can do this 2 x a week if you would like. Let's get started!

Push-ups: 4x12 


Standing Alternating Bicep Curls: 5x8 

Bent Over Reverse Flys: 4x12 




Tricep Pull Down: 3x12 


Plank Walk: 4x12 

Shoulder Press: 3x10



Standing Reverse Curls: 3x10 


Tricep Dips: 


There you go guys, I hope that you enjoy it and get those sexy arms you are looking to get! Summer is here and it is tank top season!! Make sure you keep it up and keep moving! Until Thursday, all the best! 

Pistols..Out! 
Xo