The Key to Weight Loss That Most of Us Overlook

What's the biggest barrier to weight loss? If you cited a lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet, you're not alone. You're also wrong. 

Psychological factors are the key when it comes to dropping pounds. Experts say we've got it all backward and without working out our emotional relationship with food and fitness, we'll never see results.

Most people focus almost entirely on the physical aspects of weight loss, like diet and exercise. But there is an emotional component to food that the vast majority of people simply overlook, and it can quickly sabotage their efforts.

The key is figuring out when we eat to regulate emotions, so we can consciously uncouple from our go-to comfort foods. If we're aware of it or not, we are conditioned to use food not only for nourishment, but for comfort. In order to lose weight and keep it off long term, we need to do more than just think about what we eat; we also need to understand why we're eating.

Keeping a food diary where you also jot down your emotions can help. But you don't even have to be that intense: just focus on the healthy food you actually enjoy and cut down the carbs as well as sugars. 

Also, try Ballet Body Sculpture class that will make your body to change very rapidly, having fun with our unique exercises, so you can forget to focus on your weight but enjoy the tighter shapes, more elegant posture and most importantly gain confidence that will allow you to look great at all times!

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NEW - BBS Online Class "Perfect Waistline & Sides!" : https://t.co/av8KE63q8I
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Sunday, November 29, 2015

7 Best Fruits For Your Diet

First off, let’s just state that all fruit is healthy. Some people worry out the sugar content, but fruit sugar (fructose) is not something you should be concerned about. The nutritional value of fruits is not in their sugar but their lack of calories, lack of fats and all their good things, including dietary 

fiber, vitamins, folate, minerals and antioxidants. Having said that, not all fruits are equal and there are some that are better to increase your intake of when you’re trying to lose weight.

1. WATERMELON

Watermelon is one of the absolute best fruits for weight loss. Though it tastes delicious and fruity, watermelon, as the name might suggest, is actually made up of 90% water. This means a filling 100g serving of the fruit only contains about 30 calories! It is also rich in something called arginine, which is an amino acid that helps to burn fat. Watermelon is perfect for keeping you hydrated and encouraging the pounds to shed!

2. APPLE

Though apples are often overlooked today in favor of trendier and more exotic fruits, they actually possess of some of the best benefits that fruit can offer. One medium sized apple has no fat, no sodium and will only set you back around 50 calories. They can also make your teeth whiter, reduce certain cancer risks, boost your immune system and keep your heart on a healthy track.

3. GUAVA


Mostly associated with India and Portugal, the delicious guava fruit is packed full of important health benefits. Guavas are incredibly high in fiber and also make for effective weight loss due to their low glycemic index. This low glycemic index also makes guava a great choice for diabetics, and thanks to the high fiber, the fruit will help to keep your bowel movements healthy and regular, which really aids overall weight loss.

4. PEAR


Just a single pear can meet one whole quarter of your body’s daily fiber requirement, and this makes them great for your digestive system. Pears have also been proven to be able to reduce cholesterol levels and work against type II diabetes and the risk of coronary heart diseases. The high fiber content of a pear means that you stay feeling fuller for longer, which is something that is really important when it comes to dieting.

5. BANANA


Containing just 105 calories per fruit, bananas are the perfect source for a quick and longer lasting energy boost during the day, beating in health and diet terms any pre-packaged diet bars or workout snacks that you could buy. Bananas are also great for helping to regulate your blood pressure, preventing too much acidity in your system and easing muscle cramps.

6. TOMATO


Yes, that’s right, I’m counting tomato as a fruit, not a vegetable! It is an argument that can divide many, but something that is undeniable is the positive effect that tomatoes can have on a diet. First of all, they are delicious, secondly, they reduce water retention and thirdly, they are chock full of beneficial antioxidants. Another really important fact is that tomatoes work to reverse leptin resistance, and leptin is a protein within the body that actively prevents the body from losing weight.

7. ORANGE


We all love the juicy, summer taste of an orange, and with only 47 calories in a 100g serving of the fruit, it is pretty much the perfect snack to be diving in to if you are trying to lose weight and follow a quite strict diet plan. An orange’s natural sweetness will also help to curb sugary cravings for unhealthy snacks.

All fruit is good for you, so just eat more of your favorites. Which are?

Enjoy the favourites and I look forward to see you in our classes, ballet workout, ballet barre, private, group lessons as well as online classes!

www.balletbodysculpture.com

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You can't put limits on your goals, the more you dream, the farther you will get. - Look forward to seeing you for more classes!www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Thursday, September 17, 2015

3 Ballet Exercises To Help You Shape Up This Autumn

Autumn is here, and ballet can help you stay in shape. If you’re desperate to flaunt your new outfits but you want to trim up, these three exercises will help you reach your goals.

1. Pliés

Got saddlebags? Pliés are a foolproof way to stronger, leaner, butt and legs. Like fancy lunges, they work your gluteals and quadriceps, helping to tighten your thighs and those stubborn areas around your backside. Not a Tchaikovsky fan? Blast some Beyoncé while you tone your tush. Practice 8 sets of 8 in first position, and take it slow. The slower you go, the more you engage and strengthen your muscles. Want more of a challenge? Practice 8 sets of 8, in all positions, first through fifth. The summer sun won’t be the only thing burning!

2. Relevés

If you would like more defined calves, practice heel raises, or relevés. Standing with feet parallel, or in first position, lift your heels off the floor, rise to the balls of your feet, and hold for one count. Lower your heels down to the floor. Again, repeat 8 sets of 8. If your legs start to cramp, shake them out and take a minute to stretch your calves and achilles tendons. Want more of a challenge? Place one foot behind the other in coupé, and rise up on one foot! When practicing relevés, maintain good posture by staying on top of your hips, and keeping your knees straight. This will encourage proper alignment and decrease risk of injury.

3. Port-de-bras

So, you say the only muffin top you want has blueberries? Practice some crunches, ballerina-style: Sit on the floor in straddle. This means your legs are open in the letter V. Lean your body to each side, reaching for your foot. Want more of a challenge? With your hands behind your ears and your elbows outstretched, lower your upper body until your right elbow touches your right knee. Don’t allow your spine to twist and your midsection to fold inward. Activating your core, lift your body upright and repeat to the left. This exercise targets your oblique abdominals, slimming your waistline and helping you firm up. Practice 8 sets of 8.

If used correctly and consistently, ballet technique, in combination with a healthy diet, can help you create a leaner, stronger body.


But most importantly, if you want to see good results, exercise needs to be persistent! 2-3 times a week for about 60-90min or 15-30min daily. 

See you in our studios! Or online! :)

www.balletbodysculpture.com

You gain confidence and grow stronger by every experience in which you really push yourself to do something you didn't think you could do. - See you by the barre!www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Friday, September 4, 2015

7 Fabulous Post Work Foods Helping Your Lose Weight!

Looking for some good post workout foods for fat loss? If you’re trying to lose weight and fat, it comes down to more than #exercising. Nutritional supplementation, especially after working out, is essential to burning fat and putting on some lean muscle mass. Instead of reaching for an extra-large pizza or giant fudge brownie sundae, remember that working out doesn’t give you license to eat whatever you want. Try these top post workout foods for fat loss that can actually help speed up your metabolism.

1. Eggs

Eggs are by far one of the best post workout foods for fat loss. They’re cheap, readily available, and can be prepared about a million different ways. You can scramble your eggs, poach them, or even fold them into a veggie omelet. Eggs are also packed with loads of protein, which is definitely something you want after a hard session at the gym. If you swear by eating only egg whites, remember that the yolk of the egg contains most of the vitamins, minerals, and protein.

3. Chicken Breast

If you’re trying to lose weight or cut fat, chicken is another lean protein source that should be a staple in your diet. Muscles need protein to fuel your recovery, meaning you’ll get stronger in less time. With 20 grams of protein and practically no fat, chicken breasts are a great post workout food to help you shed excess weight. Like eggs, you can make chicken in a bunch of different ways too. Bake it, braise it, lightly pan fry it in a little coconut oil—the possibilities are endless.

3. Cottage Cheese 

Sometimes, you just don’t feel like cooking after working out. And that’s totally okay! When you’re having a lazy day after working out and just want to hang out, cottage cheese is a great post workout food. A ½ cup serving contains a whopping 13 grams of protein, making it comparable to two eggs. Better yet, cottage cheese doesn’t require any preparation. Just spoon into a dish and eat!

4. Avocados

Who would have thought that fat could #burn fat? When it comes to avocados, this is completely true. We used to think that eating too much fat was the reason for weight gain. But studies actually show that moderate healthy fat consumption can actually boost our body’s ability to burn fat, specifically belly fat! Adding a little avocado to your salad, eggs, or grilled chicken might be just what you need to satisfy your appetite and help you shed fat.

5. Sweet Potatoes 

Most health and fitness gurus shy away from eating loads of carbohydrates. But I think the right combination of protein AND carbs is what actually leads to more fat loss. The key to eating carbs after working out is picking a carb that is loaded with fiber to prevent spikes in blood sugar. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic post workout food. Their high vitamin A content also makes them an excellent part of any healthy diet.

6. Oatmeal 

Sweet potatoes aren’t the only carb that has fiber. Play your cards right and you can find a ton of other healthy carbs to fuel recovery and help nourish your body after working out. If you like to work out in the morning, oatmeal is a fantastic choice. It’s high in fiber and low in refined sugar. Jazz it up with nuts, dried fruit, a drizzle of raw honey, or any other healthy topping that floats your boat.

7. Leafy Greens

Few people talk about eating leafy greens after a #workout. But leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help you recover at a faster pace. Greens aren’t very high in calories, so you’ll most likely need to pair them with some protein for a truly satisfying post workout meal. Otherwise they’re a great post workout food to ease muscle soreness and keep you healthy.

Proper nutrition is one of the most important parts to a consistent exercise regimen, but few people know exactly how to fuel their bodies pre and post workout. What are some of your favorite things to eat after exercising?:)




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"Don't be afraid of being different. Be afraid of being the same as everybody else" - Great start of the week! More classes on the way:www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Tuesday, March 24, 2015