So at coffee with a few friends the other day, SoulCycle came up. Apparently everyone in the city is doing it… and are quiet happy with the results.

Shortly after Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler (owners) relocated to New York City from LA & Chicago, they began searching for some type of cardio exercise they could fall in love with. But unfortunately, no luck. There were certainly enough ways to burn calories, but nothing that made their hearts sing. Ultimately they realized they would have to create it! Elizabeth and Julie met at a lunch and the rest was SOULhistory! They both believed indoor cycling could be inspiring; they both believed you could incorporate upper body and core workout into the routine; and finally they believed with some great branding, a beautiful environment, and outstanding customer service, the 45-minute class could be transformed into a special experience each time.

Voted ”BEST hit-each-body-part fitness class” – New York Magazine

”By the end of the sprints… you’ve actually shaken the cellulite of your thighs” – Time Out New York

Ok so to set the record straight, I do not have a six pack, haha, BUT definitely want to strive for one… Here are a few reasons to strenghten your core and reduce body fat by Dr. Mercola:

1. You look and feel good

   ”How you look and how you feel about your body can have a big impact on your psyche. When you feel good about your body, that feeling good spills over into other areas of your life.

   Mind, body, and soul are all connected. Feeling good is a prerequisite for going out and having good flow back to you. So when you feel good about your body, it helps you become more successful in other areas of your life; as long as you’re not too vain and hyper focused on your waistline.”

2. Your spine is more stable and pain free

   ”When you build your ab muscles, it’s like developing an internal corset that holds your gut in. When you tighten your ’Inner Weight Belt,’ you create more stabilization for your spine, vertebrae and discs. We have had dozens of clients vastly improve, and many totally eliminate back pain, simply by developing stronger abdominal muscles.”

3. You gain the ability to become more athletic, doing functional activities.

   ”Having a strong, athletic abdominal wall is very important for optimal body movement. This is very important at any time of your life but especially in your 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Being able to work, play, and move is a big part of aging gracefully. Having pain or limited range of motion in your core can be very challenging.”

”One big misconception that many of people have about building a strong, sexy midsection is that all you have to do is sit-ups. The more sit ups you can do; the better your abs will look. This is called ’Spot Reducing’. You can build up an incredible abdominal wall with the best exercise program on earth; but if you do not bring your overall body fat level down, you will not see your abs.”

”The truth is, it is impossible to reduce your mid-section by just doing abdominal exercises. For tight abs you must also reduce overall body fat. To accomplish this, you need to focus on Food – Nutrition!”

”Make sure to eat unprocessed foods; organic when possible. If it is made in a plant, stay away; if it comes from a plant, eat it. Remember the axiom, ’Lean, Green, and Marine.’ Green colorful leafy veggies, and fish, are all good foods to include in your nutrition program.”

Get more tips on excersie, food and lifestyle choices that can help on his website: http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2011/07/21/how-to-get-rid-of-belly-fat-and-build-strong-and-sexy-abs.aspx

YOU have the power to change this very minute!

For centuries, Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many reasons. In fact, Indian ginger is said to have the most potent medicinal properties. Here is what it can help you with…

• Ovarian Cancer Treatment
• Colon Cancer Prevention  
• Morning Sickness
• Motion Sickness
• Remedy Reduces Pain and Inflammation
• Heartburn Relief
• Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
• Migraine Relief
• Menstrual Cramp Relief (try ginger tea for this)
• Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy

It’s also a mood inhanser and helps release stress. I mean… could be worth a try right? I put some in my green juices everyday (mainly to reduce the bitter taste of the greens, but also for the benefits listed above).

(Information from healthdiaries.com and image from diggingri.wordpress.com)

Found this on my friend Sammy’s Facebook page – she always posts wise sayings that make me think. I like this one – even when life is hard, try to see the postive, or at least the light at the end of the tunnel.

So what do you grab for the road? For me it’s fruit, easy to pack and avaialble at most little stores. Grabbed this pretty peach in Gothenburg! See you in Kungsbacka.

I’m very into Natalia Rose’s book Emotional Eating S.O.S. right now… She has a few rules she recommends everyone living the raw food lifestyle to follow. These rules will help you stay focused… leading to a healthy body!

“Prepare, prepare, prepare, especially for restaurants and social situations. Do not make excuses such as “Oh, I was just so hungry” or “That’s all there was at the ball park” or “The salad didn’t satisfy me so I picked at everyone else’s plates.” The best way to prevent such excuses is never to go to a restaurant starving. Have some carrots or other crudite (perhaps with a yummy dip like homemade guacamole) or cabbage-and-goat-cheese wraps, olives or other favorite vegetable-centric snack to take the edge off your hunger beforehand. Restaurants and social events are rarely designed to serve your highest good or ensure complete nutritional satisfaction, particularly if you have a big appetite. Know yourself; know what you like; know where you’re going (go online and read the menu or call). Don’t be afraid to take a few things along with you, like a baggie packed with extra baby greens, goat cheese, avocado, lemon, stevia, carrots, and chocolate. That’s what I do! Too embarrassed? Get over it. This is your life. Social programming is what got you into this mess of emotional eating; don’t let it prevent you from getting out of it. I’d rather draw a few sideways looks or even critical comments than sacrifice my sovereignty. If people think you’re too difficult, you’re hanging around with the wrong crowd. Preparation ensures satisfaction,” (Emotional Eating S.O.S., page 55). 

Discovered a little treasure in Stockholm – Ecoist. They serve a beautiful array of breakfast choices. Check out my favorites from the menu below.

ecoist´s  nyttiga frukost – en bra start på dagen!

Komponera din egen Smoothie!
Välj mellan yoghurt, sojamjölk eller juice som bas och addera:
Bär – hallon, blåbär, jordgubbar
Frukt – melon, mango, banan, passionsfrukt, ananas
Juice – apelsinjuice, äppeljuice
Sötning – agavesirap, honung, stevia eller sukrin
Vassle eller hampaprotein
Extra näringspulver – nypon, nässla, vetegräs, spirulina, blåbär, maca, guarana acai, havtorn

Vitaminshots
Vitaminkick – Holistics Supervitalis, Aloe Vera, fruktjuice
Holistics Supervitalis – innehåller 193 näringsämnen och är en av marknadens mest kompletta, helt naturliga och välsmakande näringstillskott.

Detoxshot – Mighty Greens, apelsinjuice
Mighty Greens – innehåller exempelvis korngräs, vetegräs, spirulina, bipollen, dulsealg, chlorella, rysk rot, bidrottninggelé m m.

Vetegrässhot – Vetegräspulver, apelsinjuice
Vetegräs – renar blodet och bidrar till en bra matsmältning. Innehåller antioxidanter, enzymer, fibrer, A-, B-, C-vitamin, kalcium, järn, magnesium, zink och proteiner.

I try to eat a scoop of green vibrance everyday – just add it to my smoothie with lots of froozen berries! It’s so freakin good for you. Don’t worry about the color…

Fueling up for golf this morning, oh trust me, I’m no pro. Basically being forced by my fanatic boyfriend and family… hehe.

In my glass today is spinach, strawberries, banana, flaxseeds, bee pollen, and H2O.

Foreeeee!!!!

Made a simple salad for lunch today – with avocado, red onion, hemp seeds, cucumber, tomatoes and mushrooms. Drizzled with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.