Good Vs. Bad Carbohydrates!

Most people think that carbohydrates are bad; they make you fat, cause
diabetes and enhance a persons appetite. But in all reality our body
needs carbohydrates for energy. Carbohydrates are the body’s
preferred energy source, it can be consumed as a ready source. An
example of this is pasta and bread you consume them and later they are
converted into protein and fat. A lot of people believe that carbs are
fattening but that is not true, when you talk about food being
fattening, you are referring to the calories. Some believe that
cutting carbs from your diet is a good choice, but this will only make
you feel worse This is because you are taking away an important energy
source. Fats and protein are converted into carbs but it takes a
longer metabolic period in order for it to do so. Therefore, carbs in
your diet will make you feel more energetic throughout your day.

Now there are BAD carbs which are the ones you should stay away from
or limit the consumption of. The GOOD carbs are those found in
fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are two kinds of
carbohydrates: starchy ones which are found in potatoes and whole
grains, and non-starchy ones that are in fruits and vegetables.
Therefore you should try to focus on fruits and vegetables as your
main source of carbohydrates. It is recommended that you eat at least
five fruits and vegetables a day. The BAD carbs are the processed
ones. An example of this is white flour or white rice, in these foods
the high-fiber shells has been removed. The calories are the same, but
without the fiber, you lose the metabolic satisfaction of a grain.
Also stay away from carbs that are combined with white sugar
(sucrose). Such as white bread, doughnuts, cake, and pasta contain
white flour. There is also a group of carbs called UGLY carbs, these
are the ones you should avoid. These consist of low-carb pasta and
breads. You’re better off consuming smaller amounts of a fiber-rich
product, like whole wheat pasta or whole wheat bread.

The most IMPORTANT Emotion is LOVE ..

Quotes can often INSPIRE and MOTIVATE people to live life a certain way. One quote that has consistently done that for me is "the most IMPORTANT emotion is LOVE" by Sonia Sanchez. I remember the first time I heard this quote; it was about two years ago during an inspirational speech given by Sonia Sanchez. For those who do not know who Sonia Sanchez is, she is an African American poet who has had a huge impact on the Black Arts Movement. After hearing this quote, I was concentrating on the power and meaning behind her words, I could not stop replaying the quote in my head trying to justify whether this quote related to me. I knew there was something special about these words and I still do.

"The most IMPORTANT emotion is LOVE" because without LOVE there’s no PASSION, without LOVE there’s no DETERMINATION and without LOVE there’s no MOTIVATION. So if LOVE is associated with all these great qualities than without LOVE there is NOTHING. If you are not PASSIONATE, DETERMINED, or MOTIVATED by anything in the world than what is your PURPOSE? LOVE builds relationships, LOVE builds businesses, and LOVE builds US as individuals that ARE PASSIONATE, MOTIVATED and DETERMINED to do SOMETHING in life on this earth.

If this is not true than why are we here? We are all put on earth for a PURPOSE. To LOVE one another UNCONDITONAL, to find what it is that we LOVE so we can use that to DRIVE us to the things we are PASSIONATE about. So let me help you understand, my LOVE for basketball and fitness is what MOTIVATES me to be the best I can be in those aspects of my life and to help those around me live to their HIGHEST POTENTIAL. I am MOTIVATED, PASSIONATE and therefore DTERMINED to be SUCCESSFUL at those things that I LOVE. I hope this makes sense and if not I hope this gives you something to think about, just a little food for thought. I will leave you with another quote "Who you are is Love itself, even if you do not recognize it; for LOVE has NO LIMITS, it just IS, and just as you are, ONE WITH EVERYTHING!" ~ UNKNOWN

INSANITY - Week 2

Today is Thursday and I am almost at the end of week 2 of INSANITY- 60 Day Total Body conditioning program. When I decided to start this program I did not know what to expect. One of my co-workers asked me one day if I ever heard of INSANITY and at that point I have never heard of it. So, I checked out a youtube clip. After watching it I knew it was going to be challenging but I was up for the challenge and here I am almost done with week 2. I look forward to working out, I know its weird to some. But, when you find something you really enjoy and are passionate about, its easy to say things like that. During my journey through this 60 day program I plan on inspiring those around me to become more physically active. Often times people need to see an active person doing something for themselves in order to take action in their own life. So far everyday I have exposed someone different to this new type of training. I think its important to explore different styles of training so you are never bored. I know how hard it is to train and maintain a fit body shape but it is all about finding the things you enjoy.