I seem to be always struggling to stay healthy. Last week I was talking with Arae about our workout woes and decided I needed to kick my butt into gear. I love to walk and I’m in the perfect city for that, but I needed to add more to my workout than a couple multi mile walks each weekend. So I did. So here are a couple things I wanted to share with you: supplements and no hate workouts (and some workouts you’ll hate but are amazing for you).

First, I want to share some of the healthy things I do daily. I always take vitamins- always! Currently I take a multi-vitamin with extra iron, calcium tablets (Tums), and Biotin. I also drink hot green tea every day. Normally 2-3 cups a day. I’ve cut caffeine out of my life so I do the caffeine free stuff which is great before bed! I also try to eat fruit 3-4 times a week- this is really hard for me, but I try to change it up between a variety of red apples and strawberries. I also drink a lot of water. I filled 3 small and 2 large bottles of water to keep track. I try to drink them all each day- I normally drink more than that. (I come out somewhere around 90-100 oz of water a day!) I’m not the best at getting protein in my diet so while I’m snacking on an apple I’ll have a table spoon or two of peanut butter.

I also cheat on my diet. Ok, technically I don’t stick to a diet, but I try. I just love sugar and chocolate too much. I have to indulge, but when I do I also force myself to workout harder.

Speaking of workouts…here are some easy at home workouts that you won’t hate (or at least I don’t)!

Easy Cardio Circuit: This is my go-to workout whenever I have some spare time in the apartment. It is really easy- 1 minute of jumping jacks, 1 minute of high knees (in place obviously), and 1 minute of butt kicks (also in place). That’s 3 minutes! Do it during every TV commercial or a couple circuits before each meal. It will get your heart rate up and burns calories.

Bicycle Crunches: Maybe it’s just me, but I love bicycle crunches. If I’m stressed I’ll knock out a couple Cardio Circuits and then do crunches. These crunches are great because they help work off the most annoying thing on your body- love handles! So do bicycle crunches. And if you’re not me, suck it up and learn to love them so you lose those love handles!

Stretching: I love to stretch. Stretching is a great way to wake yourself in the middle of the day when that 3 pm nap starts creeping up on you. I incorporate some easy yoga poses in my stretching. The Sun Salutation is easy, calming, and will burn calories without breaking a sweat in the office (that is if you have a door into your private office)!

Now I hate to do this to you, but here are some great workouts that you’ll hate. But, if it’s any consolation they’re quick and short ones!

Planks: Planks are hard. Planks hurt. The Devil invented planks. But planks are the new craze! They are an amazing ab workout without having to do any crunches! There are a variety of plank positions that help with your workout and that’s awesome- but I promise you that these will burn. And if it doesn’t then you are doing it wrong. Below are some plank positions to try. And please…don’t hate me! I promise it’ll be worth it.

Yoga: I said it once, I’ll say it again- YOGA! The video below will kick your butt, it is a weight loss and fat burning routine. Do it- at least once just to try it! (Also, yes, I know the lady is kind of strange but you will learn a lot and hopefully find some yoga moves you’ll love.)

ALSO!!! Check out my Workout Tips and Plans page for some new Link Love for some great (and free) workouts to check out- all of which can be done from the comfort of your own home with my equipment.