Boost Your Brain Power With These Foods...

A healthy brain is something we all need! Whether you are a student or not, you still need to keep those thinking powers strong and increase sharpness and retainability! So you can keep healthy, exercise well and fell great! What you eat plays a large role in this. Here is a list of foods to try out to keep your wits about you and to sharpen up the old thinking cap!

1. EAT SAGE TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY

Sage is a flavorful herb that many of us don’t consume much of. Try incorporating more into your diet, especially if you need to focus on improving memory skills! You can even reach for sage essential oil and diffuse it into a room to reap the benefits if you aren’t inclined to ingest sage.


2. MUNCH ON NUTS 

Nuts are yummy, easy to pack, and pretty much all of them have some sort of health benefit. But they all prevent cognitive decline, since nuts are high in vitamin E. I like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, but reach for whatever strikes your fancy!



3. HAVE SOME FISH FOR YOUR HEALTHY HEART AND JOINTS

Fatty fish has lots of Essential fatty acids and DHA. Your body can’t make this on it’s own, so it’s important to eat foods rich in fatty acids! Try some salmon, mackerel, or herring occasionally! Healthy hearts and joint contribute to brain power because if your body is sore or lacking in an area (even if you don’t know it) that is more energy being spent on repairing or compensating for that spot and less that can be focused on brain power!

4. PUMPKIN SEEDS TO INCREASE YOUR THINKING POWER 

Pumpkin seeds are an awesome snack to keep at your desk for school or work. They are portable, tasty, and brimming with zinc. Zinc is excellent for helping your memory skills and to boost thinking power. Best of all, you can eat pumpkin seeds quietly and they don’t leave you with strong breath like peanuts or other salty, flavorful snacks can.

5. TRY CHICKPEAS TO DECREASE STRESS LEVELS 

Our bodies need magnesium. Magnesium is very beneficial for brain cell reception, and also relaxes blood vessels allowing blood flow to feed our brains! The average American diet is quite deficient in magnesium because it is found in unlikely or unpopular foods. Chickpeas are a great source of magnesium, so chomp away for decreased stress levels and better brain reception!



6. EAT BLUEBERRIES TO IMPROVE YOUR LEARNING SKILLS 

You’ve probably been told before that blueberries are good for you, but do you know why? Blueberries are stuffed full of antioxidants. These are what we need to help us focus and retain information! Antioxidants are also great for your immune system, obviously if you are sick you won’t be able to focus as well as you can when your health is up to par!



7. RED MEAT TO ENCOURAGE OVERALL BRAIN HEALTH 

Red meat is very high in vitamin B12, which is an essential vitamin for brain health and development! In addition, there is a lot of iron found in red meat, which is necessary for healthy blood pressure and energy. Since we need a healthy blood flow to our brain, you can see how red meat has lots of components to boost overall brain health!

If you are an expectant mother, or trying to conceive, you almost can’t eat too much of these foods listed above! Your baby will benefit in brain development from all the goodness contained in these delicious brainpower-boosting foods. I hope this list has been helpful and inspiring! As always, thanks for reading, stalkers!

Keep Healthy! See you in the ballet studio!

www.balletbodysculpture.com

Wishing you a great week! See you in our studios to gain progressive results!www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Sunday, August 30, 2015

10 Effective Tips to Keep Weight Off For Good

There's no fad diet or miracle pill that will change your body overnight, but losing weight is within your reach—it just might take a little longer than you'd like. Consider this: when you lose weight at a slow and healthy pace, you'll be more likely to keep it off for good. If you're done with the days of yo-yo dieting, these 10 tips are the emotional stepping stones to a healthier lifestyle.

1. Start small: Chances are, if in the past, you’ve tried to change everything all at once, few of your intentions have stuck for good. The answer to staying committed for the long haul is to start small. Make one positive shift every week, instead of overwhelming yourself with a bunch of changes at once.

2. Find healthy foods you love: It’s true! Healthy food that supports weight loss can also be delicious! If you’ve been on a solid sugar- and salt-laden diet for years, it will take a little getting used to. But sooner than you think, those cravings start to dissipate, and clean, natural foods sound much more palatable.

3. Don’t focus on deprivation: According to celebrity trainer Heidi Powell, anytime you deprive yourself of food, or of anything, “all you want is what you can’t have!” Take your mind-set away from sacrifice and start celebrating the fact that you’re cultivating a healthier, happier, more energized life.

4. Find out what fuels you: Whatever your true motivation is, tap into it, and use it. Is it about fitting into a ton of clothes tucked away in the back of your closet? Is it about being lighter and more active, so you can run around outside with your kids? Getting serious about your long-term goals will keep you committed to your lifestyle change.

5. Learn to love consistency: When you have a regular mealtime schedule and fridge full of fresh produce and healthy staples, making choices that support your goals won’t feel like a constant battle. Remember, this isn’t a quick fix — this is a lifestyle change. After a few weeks, these things will feel like second nature.

6. Seek out exercise you enjoy: Heading to the gym shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. Keep on trying #new group fitness classes, cardio machines, and different styles of #exercise. When you find that one activity that flies by and feels like fun, you’ll know you’ve met your match.

7. Plan ahead for indulgences whenever possible: Occasionally enjoying a sweet treat or special meal out are essential parts of sustainable weight-loss plan. When you know you’re going to want a burger at your BBQ or an ice cream cone when you’re at the beach next weekend, keep your diet extra clean leading up to your special indulgence. It will make the whole experience that much sweeter.

8. Have compassion for yourself: Sometimes, we’re triggered by foods around us, we haven’t planned ahead, and slipups happen. Instead of being hard on yourself after eating a food that’s “off-limits,” forgive yourself, and move on. When you treat yourself with kindness, you’ll be able to bounce back and stay on track. Let’s skip the downward spiral of a whole day (or week) filled with junk food, shall we?

9. Keep setting new goals: As you’re evolving and progressing on your weight-loss journey, your goals have got to keep up! There’s so much to celebrate beyond that number on the scale, and setting specific and personal minigoals like training for a race (or slipping into that pair of old jeans) will help you stay connected.

10. Picture the new you: If you’ve struggled with your weight for a long time, it can be hard to visualize a new, healthier life. You might not be able to find the words right now, but creating a tangible reminder, like a healthy vision board covered in inspirational images, will help you start to recognize what your dreams look like.

And lastly, always choose #true professionals to help you achieving your goals fast and precise:

www.balletbodysculpture.com

Enjoy the weekend! And more great, challenging & fun classes!:www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture 

The Concept Behind Using Hypnosis For Weight Loss

Weight loss and hypnosis happen to be worlds apart; however, the emerging concept of hypnosis for weight loss is rapidly bringing these two fields close together. Typically, dieting and performing strenuous exercises seems to be the only natural ways in which people can shed the extra pounds. However, people are not always pleased about depriving them of the food they like to eat and straining themselves every single day in the gym. There is no doubt that these are the healthiest and natural ways of losing weight, however, as unbelievable as it might sound, weight loss can also be achieved through hypnosis as well.

Most people are under the misconception that they need to forcing the body if they want to lose weight. However, the truth is that if they want to lose weight quickly then they should start by focusing on their brain. This is what the concept of using hypnosis for weight loss is based on. It is a known fact that everything in the body is controlled by the mind; similarly it is the mind that can help people control that craving they have for foods that can make them fat. There is no doubt that people can go on a diet and follow a workout routine in order to lose weight, however the habit of eating junk food and the cravings can always come back. Therefore to truly succeed at losing weight and continue leading a health life, there is nothing better than to influence the mind through hypnosis.

Weight loss and hypnosis are in no way related to each other, however, if used properly weight loss can become dependant on hypnosis. The state in which an individual’s consciousness is altered such that they go into a trance is known as hypnosis. While it is a centuries old practice, it is, however, also very well known in the present times too. Another thing that many people are mistaken about is that they believed that being hypnotized will directly allow them to lose weight within no time. The truth is that hypnosis simply helps in altering integral behaviors of individuals that help them lose weight. Rather than directly promoting weight loss, hypnosis in fact increases the effectiveness of the regular weight loss methods that are used by the people of today.

When people typically fail at losing weight, it is not the weight loss method that is at fault but the mind of the individual that is not giving them the edge to succeed at achieving weight loss. Through hypnosis however an individual’s mind and perception are altered as a result of which they feel far more encourage to accomplish the task of weight loss. Losing weight is definitely not an easy task and can take a lot of time; however hypnosis can help motivate people into not giving up and carrying on till they manage to shed those unnecessary pounds. So, all those people who are tired of trying and trying again but are simply not able to lose weight, should consider undergoing a weight loss hypnosis session. Therefore, this is how weight loss and hypnosis are interconnected and this is how weight can be lost through hypnosis.

To find out how hypnosis can help you to achieve desired personal goals:

http://harleystreethypnosis.clinic

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"Don't be pushed around by your problems. Be led by your dreams."www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Monday, April 20, 2015

7 Great Ways To Improve Your Self Control

While not unattainable, self-control can sometimes be difficult to achieve, since, just like a #muscle, our willpower can become too strained or too “flimsy” when not trained properly. With that in mind, let's take a close look at some of the most efficient methods to improve self-control.



1. RESPECT THE EGO

We have a limited amount of willpower, and when it's close to depletion, it becomes easier to slip into temptation, forgetting about the things we need to do or achieve. Respecting the ego and realizing when willpower levels are low will help prevent loss of control by maintaining inner balance through rest, entertainment and other activities geared to help you disconnect and feel more empowered.



2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR SLEEP HOURS

Sleep deprivation is a significant problem that needs to be avoided at all costs. While you might believe sleep isn't productive, it actually has a strong impact on the brain, allowing it to reduce stress and operate more efficiently. Moreover, sleep deprivation has been found to reduce glucose levels from the pre-frontal cortex, making it difficult to enact self-control. As a result, any decision can be made more easily after a good night's rest, without the danger of losing your self-control.



3. PRE-COMMITTING TO YOUR GOALS

Pre-committing is one of your most effective tools for improved self-control. By enforcing your decision prior to engaging in an activity that could lead to temptation, you will feel more empowered and focused. As long as you commit to relevant goals that your future self can handle, while keeping a balanced schedule, you will be able to maintain and improve your self-control.



4. MEDITATION & RELAXATION

When self-control levels are low, relaxation is important for replenishing your energy and restoring willpower. Aside from improving attention, memory, sensory response and stress-management abilities, meditation is also known for helping to increase willpower reserves. If you don't like the idea of meditating, a few simple mental and physical relaxation exercises should help you achieve similar results.



5. HAVE POSITIVE REWARDS

Encouragement and positive rewards will often help you stick to your activities and fend off temptation. Instinctively, we always try to achieve what we believe is best for ourselves, so that the perception of a significant future gain – even if self-imposed – can lead to positive results.



6. STICK TO YOUR PLAN THROUGH GRADUAL STEPS

This is one of the most important techniques for improving self-control. While you might have a plan in place, it is crucial to avoid focusing too intensely on the difficulties and challenges of the bigger picture – which could make you end up discouraging yourself due to fear of failure. Breaking down your activities into small, easy to follow steps can help you focus less on the difficulty of achieving the ultimate goal.



7. SEEK ACTIVITIES THAT ENCOURAGE

Choose things that you enjoy but also the ones help you to improve yourself. So you will consistently replenish your willpower reserves and challenge yourself through positive reinforcement.


Although self-control can be difficult to achieve, it's not impossible, see how Ballet Body Sculpture classes can help you to achieve more self-control:




www.balletbodysculpture.com

"Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." - Lets aim for more great achievements this week!www.balletbodysculpture.com
Posted by Ballet Body Sculpture on Wednesday, April 15, 2015

HOW TO REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE & CARB CRAVING WITH NATURAL FOOD

Life is sweet… isn’t it? Unfortunately, many of us take that way to literally, consuming nearly our #body weight in sugar every year. Real sugar in and of itself is not bad. It is the quantity of sugar consumed that is the real problem. Although some research points to sugar addiction, most of us just like the taste of these goodies, and when they are readily available it’s hard to say no. Fear not, learning how to reduce sugar intake is as easy as understanding the science of sugar and following some simple tips.

The Science of Sugar

Our #bodies and brains need sugar in the form of glucose to survive. However, our bodies only need about two teaspoons of sugar in the blood stream at any one time. Unfortunately, the quantities most people consume, puts them at risk for obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, liver disease, diabetes and heart disease.

Here are some practical things you can do to help reduce sugar cravings.

Avoid processed food. Many processed foods often contain harmful sugars such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS masks an important satiation hormone in our bodies called leptin. When the body doesn’t recognize that leptin is present, the brain doesn’t get the message that the body is full; so we continue to eat.

Eat naturally sweet real food. Fruits, vegetables and some spices are naturally sweet. Nature provides us with all of the sugar we require. The more real food you eat, the more you will be able to taste the natural sugars contained in these nutritious alternatives. Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber, which allows the body to slowly absorb the natural sugars they contain, which in turn provides a steady stream of energy. Try them raw, lightly cooked (less than 3 min), or even frozen. Look for richly colored produce, which contain higher amounts of antioxidants that are naturally anti-inflammatory.

Be mindful of your emotions. Many of us are emotional eaters, and this is especially true this time of year when emotions are running high. Sugar can act as a natural anti-depressant as it has a direct effect on a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine. When you eat sugar, dopamine is released causing a bit of a sugar high. The problem is that it is short lived and when dopamine levels drop, you may crave more sugar to regain the feeling that high levels of dopamine provide.

Skip the artificial sweeteners. New studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can make us crave more sugar. Research has showed that consuming artificial sweeteners it actually increases blood sugar levels more than natural sugar.

The best way overall to kick the sugar habit is to just eat real food. Nature has provided us with all of the sugar our bodies need in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. You may find that the more you eat real food, the less you will crave the added sugar. The next time you get that sweet tooth, reach for a delicious apple or a crispy carrot. Overtime, you will begin to notice that your sweet tooth isn’t quite as sweet as it used to be.

Remember sugar is a great quick energy source, so why not to burn it #exercising? Try something unique and healthy - ballet exercise based workout class, to burn out those extra sugar calories:)

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Post by Ballet Body Sculpture.

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The Importance Of Body Language & Posture

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a #posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
See full article here...

To learn how to improve your posture & confidence:

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7 Ways To Be At Your Best

1. DON'T GIVE UP

If you want to learn a new skill, exercise,(or #ballet), you can't give up after your first #lesson. One of the ways to be the best you can be is by not giving up after failing a few times. Some people take longer to learn certain skills than others do. If you give up, then you'll never learn anything new.

2. BE PATIENT

You can't rush anything. If you want to #learn how dance, #coordinate your body, or to play an instrument, it's going to take practice. Nothing happens overnight. You have to be patient if you want to turn into someone that you're happy with. The new things you will try will take some focus, the more effective that will bring you the best results, will take the most of your concentration, is a simple 80 - 20 equation. 20% of effort for 80% of results, but the not the other way round..

3. HAVE A ROLE MODEL

Find someone successful to look up to. It can be a celebrity, a parent, or a neighbor. Just make sure that they have positive traits that will make you want to become a better person. If they set a poor example for you, then it could negatively impact you. Use #NLP exercises to increase the effects.

4. FIND A REASON

If you don't think that being a good person will get you far in life, then you're not going to bother to be the best that you can be. You have to realize why being your best self is so important. As soon as you do so, you'll have an easier time doing what is #healthy for you.

5. TALK TO POSITIVE PEOPLE

Have you ever heard that your boyfriend should make you want to be the best person that you can be? That's because the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your personality. If you only hang out with slackers, you'll become one of them. You need to find friends who strive to succeed, and will push you to do the same. Try our #group classes!:)

6. DO WHAT'S RIGHT

It's easier to look up some beautiful pictures of ballerinas or celebrities, admire, but think you can never be anything like them. Of course, by taking the easy way out, you won't be challenging your mind. You should stop doing the easy thing and start doing the right thing. It might make your schedule a little busier, but it'll help you become more worldly. Plus, you won't feel guilty for doing something you know you shouldn't be doing.

7. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

You need to be optimistic if you want to be successful in life. If you assume that only bad things are going to happen to you, then you're setting yourself up for failure. A #positive mindset can turn your whole world around. Try it and see how much your situation changes.

If you put your mind to it, you really can accomplish anything. Give yourself credit, and stop assuming that you'll fail at anything that you try to do. What skill have you always wanted to learn, but never thought you'd be able to do? #Try it this week. No exceptions.

See you in the studio! ( Or you are welcome to join for our #online classes!) 

www.balletbodysculpture.com

Post by Ballet Body Sculpture.

Exercise & Improve Your Brain Work

Physical movement improves mental focus, memory, and cognitive flexibility; new research shows just how critical it is to academic performance.

Mental exercises to build (or rebuild) attention span have shown promise recently as adjuncts or alternatives to amphetamines in addressing symptoms common to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Building cognitive control, to be better able to focus on just one thing, or single-task, might involve regular practice with a specialized video game thatreinforces "top-down" cognitive modulation, as was the case in a popular paper in Nature last year. Cool but still notional. More insipid but also more clearly critical to addressing what's being called the ADHD epidemic is plain old physical activity.

Read more of this article here...


So not just improving your body appearance, fitness results and general well-being, regular exercise routines have an amazing impact on your brain. 

Try it for yourself our unique workout classes for women:

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Or if you have a very demanding schedule, keep yourself in shape doing exercises with our online classes :

http://www.balletbodysculpture.com/online-classes.html

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