Alcohol? Drugs? No thanks.

As you all know, I am not of legal age to buy alcohol nor purchase cigarettes. And honestly, it would not matter to me even if I was of legal age because I have no intentions of ever getting involved with this stuff.

I see so many teens either posting on Facebook or Twitter of pictures of themselves getting wasted or high or just posting statuses talking about (and pardon my language here) how "fucked up" they either are or are going to get.

Their pictures holding up a bottle of vodka or with a blunt in their hands do not impress me or make me think that they are "cool." Even if they do not intend to make people think this, it's still really stupid because they are seriously damaging their futures.

When they go to find a career, their future bosses can find these pictures or posts by them which will ultimately deter them from being hired. Not to mention the fact that alcohol, smoking and doing drugs has so many negative effects. One night of fun is not worth all the damage that is being done to the body.

I wish teens were more responsible and recgonized that fun does not equate to drinking, smoking, or getting high. 

Outside of my school, there is a crushed car that is a REAL car from a car accident. They do this around prom time because we all know that prom may ignite the partying spark in most people.

Here's the story behind the accident:

With that being said, I completely understand that people who are of AGE want to have a glass of wine or a pint of beer every now and then.  Without going excessively crazy, I don't see that as a problem. I do see it as a problem when it messes up your judgment and can put other people's lives in jeopardy, especially on the roads.

Smoking may be a choice a person of age decides to do, although I would do whatever I could to convince them not to smoke anymore. Getting high shouldn't be an option for anyone.

For me, I don't think I will personally ever drink or smoke. Ever. I don't judge anyone that does but it's my personal decision and I know it will be best for me in the long run. I simply wish that especially teens would realize how they are really destroying themselves by getting drunk/high and posting all over the internet about it. Just don't do it. Your life is worth more than that.

Random Blob of Thoughts

If you're in school or have been, I'm sure you know just how WONDERFUL the last month is. Sure, teachers, pack on as many projects and assignments as possible while simultaneously reminding us how essential it is to study for finals and AP exams.

Thank you, AP Econ text, for stressing me out like no other.

WELLLLL where do I begin. The weather here in the Chicagoland area has been seriously SUCKING. It's amazing how we got 80 degree weather in March and now we're getting 50 degree weather in April. It's almost May. Mother Nature, get your crap together!

Anyways, I am really excited for the summer. I already have plans of doing a whole load of nothing, a.k.a. laying my lazy booty on the beach catchin' those glorious rays. Ahhhh, that's the life.

I find it comical how everyone is like "AHHH I need to do cardio; I need that beach body!" Me? Meh. I do cardio, but it's not hell bent on 6 days a week like it is for some people. Typically I do 1 day a week. Yup, that's it. But if I'm feeling sassy, I may do 2 or 3! And for the record, I'm not 'fat' because I choose strength over cardio. ;) What a misconception, let me tell you. 

YES, if you want to be completely shredded you should add cardio to your routine. But if you want more muscle like me, you shouldn't make doing cardio so frequently a priority. Save that energy for the weights.

Also, I know many people with the goal to be 'skinny' do cardio because they want to burn as many calories as possible. This can be said for many girls my age. I really want to educate them so they know that doing cardio for 3 hours a day will get them nowhere in terms of feeling confident. I would rather be 'fit' than be 'skinny' in terms of HEALTH and not VANITY. The standard of beauty shouldn't be based on looks. It should be based on who you are as a person.

When I do cardio, I prefer doing plyometrics. They are so much more fun than strolling away on the elliptical for a mindless hour. Uh, no thank you. Get me a step and I'd much rather do some box jumps! For this reason I really like the idea of HIIT. It intrigues me more. But that doesn't mean steady state cardio should be eliminated. Always switch it up! I admit, on a very rare occasion I will go on a run simply because it is one of the BEST ways to clear a clouded mind.

In simple terms, I'm not stressin' over getting that perfect 'bikini body.' I have a pretty fast metabolism, I workout like a wildabeest 5 days a week and I'm not focused on what people think of my body. I'm focused on relaxing and not having to worry about a damn thing this summer. I don't workout for vanity, I workout because I consider myself an athlete who thorughly ENJOYS being active and weightlifting, just like other girls my age may have a hobby of drawing or baking. 

Well that was a random blob of thoughts. But I hope you enjoyed! Until next time (I know, just contain your excitement) And, I am by NO MEANS an expert on any of this information; this is just what I have learned and although I know quite a lot about things in the health and fitness world, I certainly do not know everything.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

My Ode To Legs

I find it funny that most girls always say they love working legs (notice I said MOST and not ALL) but when you ask a guy about legs, they'll tell you they'd rather hit their head against a concrete wall then do leg day.

Sorry boys but I love working my legs!

Here's a little letter I wrote my beloved legs:

Dear Legs,

I know I push you hard, but how can I not when you are just so strong! I don't like seeing you slack off, so push harder! I know you hate squats as well. But I mean come on, they're only making your quads, glutes and hammys stronger! And besides, I like squats so we're stickin' with them, okay? And I know you hate those walking lunges that seem to take centuries. But they're worth it. All those Bulgarian split squats, lunges, full squats, glute bridges, good mornings, leg exensions, leg curls, leg press (okay I'll stop there) that I have you do are for good reason, I promise. I know it feels like when you get me out of bed in the morning the next few days it feels like you were hit with a sledgehammer, but I promise it's all for good reason. I abuse you because I love you dearly and I am always thinking how I would much rather spend time with you then working on the dreaded upper body. You're my favorite, don't tell the other muscle groups. They'll get jealous.

Love,

Brittany 

My Top 11 Food Staples

Here, I list a few products that I always have in my pantry and/or fridge! Here's a note though, I am giving specific products so I didn't include fruits or veggies because I honestly buy whatever brand is cheaper for those! 

1. Bob's Red Mill High Fiber Coconut Fiber

I love this stuff! It's seriously so yummy and so healthy! It's a great source of fiber and it has some protein! It's great to make pancakes and baked goods. Just a tip though, if you're using this specific brand of coconut flour for pancakes, add slightly more liquid than normal because it hardens fast.

2. Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Unsalted Peanut Butter

Okay, if you know me you know that my favorite food by far, be it 'clean' or a 'cheat,' is NUT BUTTER. I love ALL nut butters, especially cashew butter. But I can't get cashew butter all the time because that stuff is expensive! I gotta save some money! So, this is what I turn to. This peanut butter tastes so good but is so healthy! (FYI I'm not hating on the salted variety I just like the taste of unsalted better!)

3. Earthly Choice Chia Seeds

Okay so I buy this stuff in bulk at Costco... and it lasts me for MONTHS! Chia seeds are so versatile and nutritional powerhouses. You can add them to pancakes, smoothies, oatmeal, whatever! I also like the brand Mila!

4. Harvestland Chicken Breasts

 I usually like to buy my red meat or wild fish for whatever is cheaper. But I am really particular about THIS chicken. No, I am not that picky like I NEED to have this chicken when I eat chicken, but I seriously love these! They are hormone free and nearly all the fat is cut off so you don't have to. I have to stop myself from eating the whole package! Protein power!

5. Trader Joe's Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

 I have tried nearly every almond milk brand there is out there. None have even come close to the taste and quality of this stuff. I don't drink regular dairy milk because I think it's bleh, so this is my saving grace. It's SO GOOD.

6. Trader Joe's Natural Toasted Oat Bran

 I love, love, LOVE oats. I do eat regular oatmeal but I actually prefer oat bran. This is because it has more protein and nutritional benefits compared to steel-cut oats. It's also so tasty and I love porridge, so I typically make myself somewhat of an oat bran porridge for breakfast. I still eat regular oats on occasion too, but it's all about variety.

7. Lactaid Lowfat Cottage Cheese

This stuff is lactose free and super yummy! I love adding nut butters to this (duh) for a snack before bed. I also enjoy Dean's Probiotics Lowfat Cottage Cheese, but I typically go for this.

8. Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

 Oh yum. For some reason, this stuff doesn't affect my stomach too bad like dairy milk does. And to me, this stuff tastes like ice cream, especially when you add nut butter (here we go with the nut butter again) and freeze it. I don't buy the pre-sweetened stuff because I like to add my own berries and whatnot to it.

9. Pride Nutrition Respect Protein -- Vanilla Ice Cream

This protein isn't JUST whey protein. It also has casein and egg albumen protein in it, as well as an impressive amount of BCAA's. You can get the Iso-Respect which is whey protein isolate, but I get this stuff because I can take it before or after a workout, in my oat bran and pancakes, and as a pudding before bed (because of the casein). It's versatile for whatever your protein needs are! Pride Nutrition by far has the best products so check them out! I like testing out many protein powders, but this one has been many appearances in my house.

10. thinkThin Gluten Free Protein Bar -- Crunchy Peanut Butter

 I LOVE these bars. They have other flavors that I love like white chocolate, chocolate brownie and creamy peanut butter, but I adore the crunchy peanut butter. I eat often and it's not like I can bring a can of tuna into my classes (can you imagine the smell!?) so these are so easy for me. They are so yummy and sugar free as well as gluten free with 20g of high quality protein! I don't eat these all the time, don't worry. I understand the importance of eating real food whenever possible but when it's not, I turn to these. I still have yet to try the espresso flavor because the grocery stores around here don't carry that flavor!

11. All Whites 100% Liquid Egg Whites

I use these egg whites probably at most of my meals. They have a high quality source of protein and are extremely versatile. Don't get the wrong idea that I don't eat the yolks of eggs, because I do, I just don't like the yolks in my protein pancakes and oat bran so I use this! I hate wasting a yolk and just taking the egg white so this spares me some guilt. 

I hope you all enjoyed and are contemplating adding any of these products into your diet! Have a great night!

FEED ME

I can't tell you how bothersome it is that people don't understand the necessity of FOOD.

(*WARNING* this post is a rant.)

There's this large spectrum. On one side of the spectrum are those who feel that food is the enemy, so they restrict, slow their metabolisms, and essentially turn off their bodies.

Now on the farrrr other side are those that don't take into consideration that FOOD is FUEL, not a HOBBY. So they eat in abundance.

I am by no means judging these people. I know our lives get crazy sometimes and we take food and make it something that it's not. What's my mission? I want to teach people the necessity of exercise and nutrition.

I'm a teenager. I go to school. I bring Tupperware containers to my school cafeteria filled with chicken, veggies, fruit, whatever healthy food I decide to prepare for the day. 

I literally see girls my age who refuse to eat for fear of getting fat. I want to hug these girls. I have no idea what kind of personal issues they might have, but I want to help.

I also see girls and boys who I know for a fact train a lot, whether that's for a school sport, an outside of school sport, or for personal recreation. I see them not eating ENOUGH for their needs.

Gosh, did I used to be one of these people. I love to lift weights. I hit the gym when I can. In old times, I would eat the same on my training days as my off days. I was wondering why I wasn't seeing more definition and feeling sore and fatigued all the time.

Well no freakin' wonder why! I wasn't eating nearly enough! Especially as a TEENAGER who is still growing and needs more food than adults anyways, I didn't realize I needed even MORE than I was getting.

I trained the legs today, for example. And I'm not going to sugar-coat it, I went HAM. I felt great afterwards, no doubt about that. But I knew this required me to eat more, more, MORE throughout the day to provide my body with the energy it needs. Even on my 'off' days, I still need to eat a lot because of my training. I need to keep the machine (a.k.a. my body) burning! 

I need MORE calories than an adult who trains (unless their a professional bodybuilder of course). I see women who eat for their needs during training, which can be anywhere from 1,600-2,500 calories. I need to be cognizant that I need more though, and not fall for the trap that I am like these adults.

FEED ME!

I just wish that teens understood this. Food is FUEL. If you're not eating enough, you slow the metabolism and let your body eat up its muscle. Imagine your body as a fire. In order to keep the fire burning, you need to keep stoking it and adding wood. This is the FOOD.

And I love Oxygen, FitnessRx and Muscle & Fitness Hers magazines but I also read everything with the thought in mind that I am different than these lovely ladies and my needs are individualized.

EAT. Plain and simple. Okay, rant over. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. :)

Optimism!

I'm on a quest of sorts, you could say.

Yes, I am venturing out of my bubble and seeking what we all want: inner peace.

I know through my previous posts that I come off as a generally happy person, but let me be the first one to say that I am definitely not always happy and quite frequently find myself having to be pulled out of a slump.

Not fun. Not fun at all.

I've experienced things that most teenagers my age have probably not experienced. No, I'm not saying "I live a harder life!" What I am saying is that I have been through quite the ordeals  that really scared me and made me realize how fragile life is. It's so hard to build up a joyful life and yet it can shatter in all of a minute.

I'm not going to go into the details; personally it's something I don't feel like sharing and I know my privacy is respected. But I will say that what my family and I went through really shook up our lives and we are still recovering. Slowly but surely, we can make peace with the situation.

There are always going to be those days where you just want to crawl into a hole and never be found. Believe me, I have those days. But I do think it's very important to keep your head held high. When you wake up the next morning, you should be thinking: "Wow, I survived that horrible day, and I have a new day ahead of me to smile at and welcome."

I can't tell you "it will get better" because honestly, I am not a psychic and I have no idea. But what I do know is that being optimistic will always get you further. I know it's about ten times easier to be a pessimist and complain about everything. You go on Twitter or Facebook and all you see is all the nay-sayers complaining about this and that. But being pessimistic all the time just makes you feel negative. And it conditions you to always view things negatively.

I love the saying "Look at the glass half full, not half empty." The pessimist views it as half empty, because they jump to the negative side right away. The optimist sees it half full, and feels more content because they see the positive in a situation.

I am always telling myself to be optimistic. I find that when I go through a bad situation, being optimistic calms me down while being pessimistic churns my engines (and I can get angry really fast; you don't want to see me angry). If I forget my homework at home, I can calmly explain it to my teacher instead of having a bitch fit. If I hear someone said something bad about me, I can realize that the person who said what was said doesn't fully know me and should get to before he/she judges, instead of flipping a shit at them.

Optimism is fun. :) And it has definitely helped me on my quest to find peace with myself and who I am. Happy almost Easter everyone. Enjoy the life you live.

Perfect... Or Not.

Hello guys :)

Today’s post is going to be discussing something that I tend to struggle with, and I am sure there are some others out there just like this.

Perfectionism.

Wouldn’t it be perfect to be perfect? Well, no. It wouldn’t be! But for me, I am so Type A. (If you don’t know the difference between a Type A and a Type B personality, read about it here --> http://changingminds.org/explanations/preferences/typea_typeb.htm)

From the moment my trainer met me, the first thing she even said to me was that I was very Type A. And this was just within minutes of meeting her. Am I really that obvious? Sadly. Also, I took a personality test to determine if one was Type A or Type B, and I scored above 120. If you scored 120+, you were labeled “extremely Type A.”

Cool.

For me, I’m very aware of the time and feel I need to be on time with everything. I am not joking. I love giving myself goals and objectives to meet, and 95% of the time I make sure I meet them. The other 5% of the time is due to simply just not being able to. And my Type A mind does NOT like to admit that I couldn’t do something. Me? Not being able to do something? HA! Impossible, my friends.

I am so into competition as well. Ever since I was a little girl, competition was my ‘thang.’ In kindergarten, we would have counting competitions to see who could count to the highest number. I would almost always win and when I didn’t I would throw a tantrum! As I grew older, I competed in numerous spelling bees and won most. I had to know how to spell everything correctly OR ELSE. I always had to make sure my homework and essays were perfect OR ELSE. It's no wonder why I want to compete in figure competitions one day!

Even my hair and make-up have to be perfection to a T; not a hair out of place. It drives me insane when one little hair doesn’t lay perfectly flat. Nuh uh. Not gonna happen. *whips out the hairspray*

It’s one thing that I really hate, and really need to work on. I can’t live life expecting everything to go my way. It’s just not what happens! Besides, it really IS true that when you make mistakes, you learn from them. If I’m constantly trying to not make mistakes, how will I learn?

I know most things are easier said than done. I wish I could just say “Yeah! I’m going to stop trying to be so perfect and dance with unicorns and lick rainbow lollipops!” Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. I will try to accept that I can’t do everything so perfectly, and hopefully it works. :)

So my question to all of you is...

How do you cope when you know you can't do something perfectly?