Health and Fitness

Our girl Elle said it best

A Food Journal:

It may seem like a far fetched idea, or something that will take up way to much time, but it's not! I just went to Target and picked up a really cute small journal. Inside on each page I have written the date, calories, carbs, protein, fat, and sugar at the top. Now here's the hardest part: write down everything you eat. Everything. This isn't to say you need to have X amount of calorie intake a day, it's just to keep you aware of what you're putting into your body. The first day I did this I nearly cried at the end of the day. I was eating and drinking so much I swear I could have fed an army.

Measure Your Food:

I know it doesn't sound like fun, but it really will help. Serving sizes tend to be a lot smaller than the actual amount we eat and that's a problem. If you measure your food, not only will it be easier to log, but it will also continue to keep you aware of what, and how much is really being consumed.

Don't Be Cardio-Exclusive:

I am so tired of seeing girls in the gym spending hours upon hours on cardio machines. Yes, cardio is great for you and you should do at least 30 minutes a few times a week, but cardio alone is not going to make you lose dress sizes quickly. Think about adding in two to three strength training sessions a week. It's a proven fact that you will lose inches faster through strength training than cardio alone. This is because strength training promotes muscle growth and muscle burns more calories than fat. So, grab some dumbbells and get to stepping!

Don't Over Exert Yourself:

The biggest concern when starting a new weight loss program is going too hard, too fast. I remember when I first started running cross country in high school, my first day I tried to keep up with my friends. Those friends had been running for years and did races on the regular, none the less. My advice is to slow your roll at first. You only have to focus on yourself and what your body can handle. If that means starting from the bottom, so what?! You have to start somewhere and, lets be real, at least you're doing something. 

Also, don't forget to stretch. Not only is it important to keep your muscles flexible so they can recuperate faster, it will also give you a leg up in yoga and other trendy exercise routines.

Be Realistic:

If you're trying to lose weight you need to remember that you didn't gain that weight in a day, so you won't loose it in a day either. Give your body time to adjust to the changes you're making and keep in mind that you are perfect the way you are. Love yourself. If you do it will be easier to do this for yourself. The realistic weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week. Remember that. The same goes for if you're just trying to be healthier. Any result takes time, so be patient and keep pushing.

Now go eat a celery stick!

XOXO

-Ashely Wewers 

Crafty Corner

What do sorority girls love more than just about anything else? That's right...crafting! As an art minor, I spend countless hours finding new things to craft and I've compiled a few projects I have been working on lately.

Gripper Socks:

            What you'll need:

                     -Socks (whatever kind your precious heart desires)

                     -Puffy Paint

Step 1:

Lay out the sock bottom up. Think about the designs you want to do. I was thinking school and sorority spirit!



Step 2:

Get creative! The main thing to remember is just to have fun; that's what crafting is all about.

Step 3: 

Let them dry and then put them through a wash and dry, then they are ready to wear!



 Make-Up Brush Holder:

                 What You'll Need:

                          - Aquarium rocks/beads/sand

                                   - Spray Paint (I used gold and gold glitter)

                                   - Glass bowl or container 

       

Step 1:

 Empty the aquarium rocks into a box. I slipped a shopping bag over my box so that when I spray painted the rocks they wouldn't stick to the box.

 

Step 2:

Spray paint rocks and let them dry. Then shake and repeat until rocks are covered with desired color.

Step 3:

Once they dry, they may stick together. If this happens, just put your hand between the bag and the box and crumple until they are loose again.

Step 4:

Pour the rocks into a glass container of your choice. I got one at Walmart that is deep and has a square top. It goes with the theme of my other bathroom things.

When you're done, stick your make-up brushes in and place on the counter! This is a super cute way to keep your brushes separate so you don't have to constantly dig for them, and it doubles as a cute decoration.



These are simple but fun crafts to do this summer and the best part is, the materials used are usually bought in multiples giving you more reason to craft for your Bigs or Littles!

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO

-Ashely W.