With varieties like Cherry-Grape and Strawberry-Orange, different taste buds are pacified. I chose my standard, default flavor of Mango-Peach and saved it for the end of an especially strenuous Muay Thai class. Served well-chilled, it had a pleasant flavor and the bits of fruit that I’d been skeptical of were refreshing. (Although, oddly enough, the fruits in the Mango-Peach juice that I’d sampled were not those named, but instead pineapple and pear.)

No matter. After I’d had about one-third of the juice, I added in a scoop of protein powder and was delighted by the yumminess that ensued. It was every bit as good as a Tropical Smoothie, my treat of choice after class – and much cheaper and I think healthier. It was also a smaller portion and something I could keep in my boxing bag.

Each 6.75 ounce bottle has 120 calories, 0 grams fat, 2 grams fiber, 40% RDA of Vitamin A and 60% RDA of Vitamin C. All-natural, low in calories and with two servings of fruit, this is a beverage that I’ll cheerfully buy again.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

We Love Fruit 2 Day

The study of martial arts is far more than an extracurricular activity -  it’s a unique training program that empowers children with techniques and strategies for lifelong success. Martial arts classes help children learn discipline, self-control, self-confidence, respect, concentration and courtesy. It’s awesome to see a group of 30 kids stand at attention and belt out, “Yes, SIR!” Kind of gives me hope that the grunts and groans I usually hear will not last forever!

There are other benefits as well:

• Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

• Martial arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

• Many do not realize this, but martial arts training is safer than most school sports. My kids have learned how to fall correctly to minimize injury and also how to successfully overpower a much larger opponent without fear. The gym that they train at is well padded and maintained.

• Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques. I’ve seen this first hand with my son, who has a slow processing speed and needs extra time to focus; his speed has improved dramatically, as well as his overall ability to focus.

Not only all of those benefits, but the kids just look so gosh darned cute taking class!

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

The Benefits of Martial Arts For Kids

Capoeira is a form of dance-inspired martial arts. (via FortuneCity)

When I realized I had been successful with my weight loss, I knew that the hardest part of the entire endeavor was ahead of me. Losing weight is very hard, but I think that maintenance is even more difficult. I lost weight walking and running, but I knew that I’d need to mix up my exercise choices so that I’d stay interested and off the sofa.  While reading an exercise magazine one day, I saw an article discussing Capoeira – a dance form incorporating martial arts elements, originating in Brazil as a system of physical discipline and movement. Having taken years of ballet in the past, I was intrigued. So I looked online, found a studio near me that taught it, and went for a trial class.

And, somehow, I wound up becoming a lover of the martial arts. Currently, I’m belted in both Capoeira and Muay Thai. I never thought that I’d be a martial artist, but, as a woman, I think it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done. Martial arts help a woman develop self-confidence and assertiveness, two characteristics that go a long way toward keeping her safe as she goes about her daily life.

The classes that I take are some of the most physically demanding that I’ve ever experienced, and pushing my body to the absolute brink (and beyond!) has helped me to see that I’m so much stronger than I ever thought possible. I’ve developed self-confidence as I mastered the ladder of skills required to move to the next belt rank. Sparring against men twice my size scares me to death, but I can make it through and I’ve learned valuable skills that I can take out in the world to help stay safe. I leave each class physically and mentally exhausted, thrilled and pumped at the same time.

There are many different forms of martial arts – karate, aikido, muay thai, judo, and kung fu are just a few. If you are looking for a way to ramp your exercise up to the next level and challenge yourself more than you thought possible, why not look for a gym that offers a trial class? I think you’ll be surprised and delighted at what you will find!

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Kickin’ Butt and Takin’ Names with Capoeira