Fat-fat-fit

So today's mission was to calculate body fat percentage!

When it comes to being fit, the best way of measure would be this. BMI and your weighing scale cannot speak the amount of truth your body fat percentage could tell. You may be skinny-fat, or a case like Arnold Schwarzenegger who had a whopping BMI of 30.2 ,classified obese yet
 had a very minimum body fat.

There are a few ways to calculate body fat percentage. One of it would the calculator available in numerous sites which requires your waist, wrist, hip and forearm circumference apart from your weight. The results are explained briefly in the table .

My result is at fit-level, 23%! I guess that a good news! My waist circumference used to be 27 inches and now it has reduced by 7 inches. I realized it's not all about the number on the scale. I feel stronger, more energetic and I fit better into my clothes.

My next mission is to strive for 20-21%. All I have to do is stay committed to the gym, eat healthy and get enough rest.

Definitely a happy kid today!

Renuka G

Read More

Dancing with weights

Yesterday of all the days got me swinging to the peak of happiness. It was those times you feel so much joy and the reason seems to be plenty to name. Perhaps because I have always been away in the past that this long long stay home has gotten pretty overwhelming.

I love enjoying the moments in my life. Be it the rough ones or the sweetest happenings, I always take some time to muse over things and embrace whatever that's happening. It was indeed the happiest thing to be home and taste homemade ponggal after 5 years, at the same time realising that I might not have this luxury in the coming years. Ok it may have sounded like a military man returning to his camp but a teacher too possibly has the same reality. Some of the teachers serving in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak have their family back in the peninsular. It's not easy to travel back and forth setting aside the expenses for one journey home. Yet they are making it happen! Every single day in the jungles where even a phone call is a matter of luck and blessings.

But I'm happy even if that shall be my destiny. And by god's will I will be happy. I leave that to time. Who knows, I might get posted somewhere near, right?  Back to my story. I love watching the way people show their love and care. Home is the best place you are privileged to see both. I'm enjoying every single moment of it. Sometimes you just don't need to demand, fuss or try at all. You are sent the best people to be with. They stick with you no matter what. I have my dad, my family and the people I have met in the past two years. They are gems! And yes I will always specifically mention my dad because he deserves every single  praise and he will always be the man who  only gave the best to me. 

I was happy like really happy, so happy that I could even cry. It's amazing to be feeling all this. On top of all, it's amazing to just be me. I even skipped cardio and held the dumbbells dancing in the room yesterday  which probably torched more calories  or at least I assume so. 

Gratitude is of dire importance! A day like this absolutely earns itself a post. It's not like a bad day doesn't deserve one. From my perspective, I strongly believe things that I put up on the net should be motivational and positive. I had come a long way to realise how important it is to only see things that makes me happy. Hence I want to grant my readers or random strangers who stop by the same privilege through my blog which is, to read good thoughts. None of you random people knows me but if my words could shine your day with positivity and hope, the blessing will somehow come back to me. I always have faith in that.

Another day of happiness shall follow.

Renuka G

Read More

Chicken and calories

Lately I have been feeling like a sick chicken even though I'm nowhere close to a hike in temperature or a reduced appetite. Low haemoglobin count could be the culprit but I have decided to not bring that to the stand. A felon on lease always since, I'm too scared of visiting the doctor's office. Blame the medicinal smell! (Dear kids in any government schools please disregard  the previous just to save my rapport at all future encounters that may exist)

I specifically chose to describe myself as a sick chicken because I feel tired for no reason and chicken seems to be an animal that is both adorable and feeds me well in many ways. I love chickens, therefore it is an honour I gave myself via comparison.  

Being home and attempting to cook various dishes would make  me prone to weight gain on daily basis. Hence, this time once again I'm abiding by my fabfitfun (that's the name of a celebrity blog I stole) principle which makes exercising a daily routine. Prickly since it has been close to two months that I was busy pampering my body, it seems to rebel against the calorie burning efforts leaving me like a sick chicken right after a 15 secs-plank. Today I was even about to fall asleep on the mat! Geez!

Why am I complaining? 

Just so it sticks better to my brain as I  rewrote the  scenario. 

Quality workout is crucial because my meals seem to be the richest of quality and, generous of calories. I can't afford to lay on the floor or lay eggs on the yoga mat. If I don't sweat it out enough then I can live on smoothies for the rest of the month! 

Brain, you heard that? Happy? Or you still want that cheesy sphagetti?

Game face on!

Renuka G 

Read More

Time held captivate

The way things are going, I just wish the world would cease for an hour or two so I could a take a break from the irksome load of courseworks, lesson plans and tasks. I even think about them as I eat, jog and even before I fall asleep. Well, that might have sounded like I have found my new beau in orthography etched papers, trust me, even I was, for a second convinced of the slapdash information. And ‘No!’, we are not declaring it on facebook or any social networks for there’s another 56  who are pursuing the mentioned ‘beau’ as well.

Amidst the around the clock schedule and routines which frazzled even my shoe soles, the one thing which I’m missing very much is reading. It’s like I can’t recall where I placed which anymore, I mean the books,  for all that is in my sight right now is ‘The confession’ by John Grisham only. Others? I certainly am clueless since it has been some time you know. The guilt, my god! When you are used to reading then you stop, you would definitely feel it especially if you are dealing with language every day. Even though I still read newsletters via email and online mags, they are nothing compared to sitting down with a good book and a highlighter, mesmerizing the sentences and get blown away.

However, being fully conscious of what’s approaching after the courseworks bid adieu, which is the semester exam, I can pretty much conclude there is zero chance of finishing up even one book in the nearest future. SO  let’s save it for the year-end holidays! 2 months is incredibly long to appease my  literature cravings and of course my HUGE appetite for shopping.

Hang on Renuka!

Whatever it is, I’m not distracted and also am not giving up for elbow grease is the best polish. Reading can wait, leisure can take a rain-check but a dream I’m giving my all to, that for sure demands all my attention.

Yes I’m not there yet but I just wish to share this one thing. Maybe most of you already know, for all I care nothing wrong in reminding good stuffs. So here you go,

 If you want something so bad, dream. Everything starts with a dream. I have read about successful people, and they all had a dream and lived it the best. The world has thousands of ways to remind you why you can’t, shouldn’t and musn’t, just smile.  Circumstances would beat you down, it’s ok dust it off, start moving again. If you can dream, if you can protect it, you are so close to achieving it. And always remember, life isn’t all about success, it’s who you were once, who you are and who you can one day become.

 Hence,

 Live to inspire, not to impress.

Renuka G

Read More

Brain-boosters

Hold your breath folks, I'm about to surprise you with some shocking yet heart-soothing facts!

i Was THIS shocked!

Recently, Glamour released its list of food rich in brain-boosting nutrients. The chosen ones are said to make you think quicker, concentrate harder and of course be smarter. Strawberry, blueberry, yogurt, prawns and spinach are some which made the entry. They were the ordinary, commonly-known ones, causing no impact to my system. Apart from the mentioned, the list did shock me with 2 extraordinary names and that is what going to constitute this canvas today.

No matter how hungry we are, we often never forget to alienate the red-spicy foes but who knew they could make us focus better. Yes, chillies beside being crowned for their fat-burning abilities is said to possess brain boosting powers. Capsaicin the natural compound in chillies, capable of giving the vegetable its heat, when collides with its' receptors in our brain release good hormones known as endorphins. Endorphins apart from helping us maintain focus, do promote calmness and reduce stress. Pretty shocking uh?!  Chew over that and stop sending them to the bin, they belong elsewhere I suppose!

Coffee lovers, this is for you. Your beau is included as well in the top 30. Despite years sustaining its bad rep in the diet world, caffeine grins to ears when applauded for its ability to stimulate brain cells eventually helping them to work faster and efficiently in the short term. Turning the spotlight on coffee beans, they are full of antioxidants which assists in transporting oxygen to the brain. Even more shocking, and rather exciting to the coffee lovers, studies have proven that drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day can even reduce the risk of degenerative mental illnesses  later in life. All hail coffee!

Having read what you should, the next time you meet the two Cs, make sure you 'hello' them right! And you know exactly how, don't you?

Renuka G

 

Read More

Daffodils for the Depressed

Many embarked on a journey in search of happiness backpacking their life baggage, accompanied by bummers and loneliness. While the exact destination is still a quest, some researchers suggest a pit stop to the nearest flower shop to book a quick date with the much craved state of mind, eventually calling off the whole expedition with only.....blossoms?

Flowers for felicity, are you buying it?

Well, it is definitely a cliche that flowers were also once considered the mood booster, however, this one without a doubt elevates the old notion to a whole different level.

Perhaps the term flower is too general, thus, yielding doubts in your mind. To be specific, the celebrated-flower is none other than the yellow-lemony scent, daffodils.

A recent study conducted by the scientists of University of Copenhagen, proved the compounds of yellow daffodils especially of South-African breed to be able to penetrate a crucial layer of the brain which many other failed to pass. The mentioned layer has in fact created barrier ceasing the ability of most drugs to reach it thus halting easy cure for long loathed brain conditions like depression and anxiety. Now with daffodils in hand, depression better behave!

Hmm who knew a mere springtime cheer-blossom could trick the defense line ? You knew?

A florally discovery indeed  !

Nevertheless, not to get too excited as the study is still at an early stage and would consume highly on time to be developed into useable drugs.

Fingers-crossed! And all hail the mighty Daffodils!

Renuka G

Read More

Run in hues

Wanna run a marathon?

Just assume me, randomly throwing at you the request, how would you guys react actually?

Let me guess, half of you would raise your brows and leave, a few would turn down politely or who knows brutally, while a handful agrees for new-shoe-sake, recent break up and of course if i'm you new crush. (That's a lil fame-shower there, so ignore!) The conclusion being, most of you would resist it with an iron-shield !

Nobody really wants to sweat it out, isn't it? In lieu, people pass it on to their daily energy-consuming activities (which includes breathing and sleeping)  to do wonders and keep themselves fit. What a world full of surrogates!

Coming back to the main issue, in a society ruled by workaholics and perfectly baked couch potatoes, can a little colour on the sweat make a difference?

Would you run a 5km for hues?

Color runs are a spreading trend in the U.S which is indeed offering a rainbow shower to boost the spirits of the participants further pushing them to hit the finish line with a pretty cornstarch glow on their faces. The marathon progresses like this, for every kilometre you proudly cross, a splash of colour is a reward you can't turn down. At 1km, your will be sprayed yellow, at 2km anticipate blue, at 3km comes the gorgeous green, 4km is the treat for the pinkies and at the finish line, viola a pigment-party indeed!

Just in case you worry about the colour-indulged-stains, cheer up, it all washes out impeccably. However, if your mannequin look is you concern, better curl up with your smartphones as the runners launch a vibrant sweat-shop worth every pound shed.

Can't deny running is officially a celebration now, better not forget to lace up this summer !

And for Malaysians like me, keep your fingers-crossed because trends they say, are flaw-proof permeable membranes. =p

Renuka G

Read More

A Fat-free post

this is what we call the 'frame' =p

Weight and physique are topics which provoke many to morph into crazy misanthropists , especially girls. The scenario being, size 2 envies at size 0, as size 0 wonders if her 0 is better than the girl next to her, leaving the plus size beauties to muse whether these weight watchers are actually threats to their ’I don’t give a F!’ principle. And  as expected, the mentioned has somehow made losing weight everybody’s agenda. Or to be more realistic considering the dare to not care bunch, we shall say ‘most people’s agenda’. Oh for fame-sake, mine as well ! =)

Some battle it out in the gym, a few opt for dancing, some let their active work-routine rule the scale, and interestingly, another group starves and cut meals expecting to lower down a size or two, or maybe blindly 3. Ambitious uh? 

Well, well, starving is of course a no brainer technique to get thin but trust me you lazy bums under annihilating mission, it makes you UGLY! Yes I have never been so sure about anything. You think our honest , sweat-gland stimulating efforts is inferior to your 1 meal per day routine??!!!! Fair justice I choose to call it.  We work out, watch our meals, wait and get shaped while you get skinny with a wan face and untoned body. I’m not kidding! Just starving and skipping meals only rewards you the post-operation face. So sick and worn out! And if you are lucky enough, meet those rings on your physiognomy.  I bet they crave more colour!

seriously??

Finally to top it off with a cherry, as soon as you are appeased with your ‘aneroxic’ look, slowly ditching the starving culture, you gain worse than a pregnant cow! (Well not to specifically scorn that animal, it just came with the flow. So you may replace it with elephants, buffalos or any huge animals you know, cats may be used as well. Clear?)  And that’s why I bid goodbye to the growing trend and high fived a hale routine like exercising.

The latest addition to my healthy routine is the much anticipated  advent of my pink Kettler dumbbells which weighs a humble 1 kg each. Why 1 you may ask, don’t worry I will explain. I don’t desire a sinew physique nor I want to further stress myself by carrying too much weight. Plus,I use the dumbbells to assist my cardio routines only, so 1 kg should be just fine. And guess what, my dumbbells are the reason I went back to loving pink even when my life has a lot of black in it. (a milion-dollar statement, totally =p)

I’m apparently basking the fruits of my ongoing effort, hence, leaving no space to talk about quitting what I voluntarily took up. The main aim being, I want to be stress-free and healthy. What size, I don’t care much. 

To the girls out there who are struggling to tone their body and look better, my advice is, take baby steps. It’s not going to be a one day affair, it’s very time consuming indeed. For that reason, be easy on yourself and remember to always listen to your body. Stop when it’s time and do not force it. I bet you don’t want trade your hot fitness-instructor for a nerdy doc in a clinic full of creepy ‘metals’!  Do you??

Think twice =o

Renuka G

Read More

Craving-A-Craze

The one thing harder to resist than Gerard butler I should admit cravings, especially for food. This intense desire to consume a certain variety of food drives many crazy while stacking a few pounds to those drop-dead curves. Deadly uh? But if you were to say you can slam the door against it, you either deserve a salute or perhaps an addition of, liar to your CV. 


Salty, Sugary and Fatty are the 3 deadly variation of food cravings which trigger our happy hormones and compliments extra kJs on the treadmill the next moment muffin-top decorates our washboard abs.


Girls all over the world I should say, are able to hate and at the same time secretly enjoy food cravings like gossips they share in their grapevines. 

Moving on to the main cause, people often blame, its all in the head. Researches and of course some of us ,exclusive of me for sure, claim the mental imagery of certain type of food is what induces this self-destructive desire. Adding further, the more vivid the images formed, the more intense the craving gets. However, the truth behind the aforementioned is of course, thankfully, questionable. To prevent us from trying all sort of meditations and techniques to gain mental strength, the rest of the expert-bunch have suggested a far more soothing cause. They have indeed proved food craving to be the siren indicating the lack of body nutrients. Further simplifying it, we crave because we don't consume enough of a particular nutrient. So,the next time you crave, make sure you scream 'What the hell have I done to my body?' 


Hey don't think I'm kidding or trying to provide support as you self-loathingly weep standing on your weighing scale. Trust me that's not the case. Craving for diet vices is really an indication that your meals may be missing vital nutrients.


A salt craving might be a sign that you are dehydrated. If this sensation baits you particularly after your work out session, then a few glasses of water is a must. Apart from keeping you boosted, regrets and fats which tags along as a result of munching on a bag of potato chips can be saved for good.


The one craving that kills and hard most to resist is of sugar. When your hand itches to reach for the confections, be alarmed that your body now  cries for either more lean protein or carbohydrates. To stave off and survive this tricky hunger, stick to protein sources like fish and egg-whites. Yes you are also allowed to appease your sweet-tooth with  healthy sugary treats like granola bars or perhaps dark chocolate. 


Indulging in the sea of fatty food can be heavenly but the longing sensation for this type can be an indicator denoting your body's need for, of course, fat. No, don't panic! Fats are of 2 types, good ones and the bad, pain-in-the-neck type. Here let's stick to the goodie good version of it.  To your relief, nuts can come for rescue in this case. 


Well since I have now made 'craving' a subject to be attended to and not a road to indulgence or ruin, don't cringe the next time your body sends you those signals. Instead, treat your body well by fulfilling its' requests in a humble manner and in the right proportions. 


Bottom line? Crave, consume, trigger those happy hormones it's OK but never fill your waistlines! That is the ultimate rule!

Renuka G

Read More