Egg-cellent Eggs and a Fitness Q&A

Health Benefits of Eggs:

Although I don't eat meat (aside from fish/some shell fish), I do love me some eggs. Fried, poached, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled... Doesn't matter how you cook 'em, I'll eat 'em! Eggs are one of those foods that people caution you about, with their main argument being "EGGS ARE FULL OF CHOLESTEROL!" However, eggs are a great addition to your diet. Here's why:

1. Good for your eyes. A recent study says that an egg a day can help prevent macular degeneration, and this is due to the carotenoid content in eggs. They are also said to help prevent cataracts.

3. A single egg contains 6 grams of high quality protein that contain all 9 essential amino acids.

4. "According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks."

5. Eggs contain healthy fats that are essential to your heart health.

6. "New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol."

7. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

8. Eggs may help lower the risk of breast cancer. Women who ate 6 eggs a week dropped their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

9. Eggs contain a significant amount of sulphur and plenty of vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair & nail health. 

Quoted material was taken directly from Health Diaries

1.Run/workout in the heat and humidity or freezing temps and snow?

 Can I pick neither? I'm a bit of a weather wimp in the sense that if it is boiling hot outside, I won't run outside (but I will indoors on the treadmill with the fan blasting in my face). Same with winter time. If it is freezing outside (and I get cold pretty fast) then I generally won't go out there. However, one day I did run 3 miles and it started snowing on me - that was refreshing though, so I suppose it depends.

2. Would you rather have a washboard stomach or flat abs?

I personally don't like the look of a 65 pack on women (yeah, I joke about having one but I have like a two pack. Let's be real here). So I pick flat abs. Now, washboard stomach on guys is okay!

3. Dr. Oz or The Doctors?

The Doctors, by far! Dr. Oz is great, but The Doctors is more interesting to me.

4. Cardio or strength?

I'm a cardio junkie, mostly because it gets my heart rate up & makes me sweat and feel more "spent" than strength training does. Yes, I could strength train harder and push more to get that feeling, but I love the adrenaline rush after a good sweat sesh!

5. Cravings: Protein or carbs?

Carbs, mostly, however I do get cravings for peanut butter, Greek yogurt & eggs!

6. Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper?

I am team Jillian! "Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going!" Plus I love her workout DVDs.

7. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?

I LOVE frozen yogurt. Love, love, love, love. Mainly because you can pick which kind you want & load it up with your own toppings, whereas ice cream usually just comes how it is with no customization.

8. To train: Lower or Upper Body?

Lately I have been on a 50 squats every day streak (which I had going for weeks before I went away on a mini-vacation, I guess you could call it, but I've since started again). However, I do love upper body too. Buuut... I'll pick lower body. Squats & lunges, baby!

9. Protein powder or food with protein?

Food with protein is always the better option, because as long as it is whole foods & not processed (like protein powders), you are also getting tons of real vitamins and other vital nutrients. That is my first choice. Protein powders are great however to add to smoothies & various recipes for an extra punch of protein.

10. Lunges or squats?

Ha! SQUATS. Hi, behind.

11. Sweet or salty?

SWEET! I have a huge sweet tooth. Candy, please!

12. Work out attire: Cute or comfy?

Cute. Not a full face of make up & boobs bustin' out everywhere kind of cute, but the kind of cute where you still look decent and aren't wearing frumpy t-shirts and shorts. My personal favourite is Lululemon gear, but I don't have the bank account to keep that up, so I find cheaper and equally cute options at other sports stores.

13. Body Pump or Heavy Lifting?

Since Body Pump is a weight lifting class mostly offered in the States, I'll have to go with heavy lifting (50 inch biceps over here, peeps).

14. Yoga or Pilates?

Both, but I have been loving pilates lately! Yoga is great for after running, but pilates on its own offers an awesome workout that creates lean muscles and a super solid core. My pick: Pilates for Dummies

15. Nike or Adidas?

I'm going to go with Adidas, mainly because my first pair of running shoes were Adidas. I do like both of them just as much though - just not Nike for runners (more for the gear).

16. Running on the treadmill or outdoors?

I go back and forth! When it's nice out I like to go outside, but treadmills are so convenient when bad (or too hot!) weather hits.

17. Summer or winter olympics?

So far I have been liking the Summer olympics, mostly for the gymnastics (Stick It! anyone?) and RUNNING!

18. Steamed or roasted veggies?

Roasted, for sure. You can add any spices you want, and they get all crispy and ah. Delicious.