Week 2: Is this real life?

This week has been such a great inspiration and motivation to the changes that I have implemented in my everyday life. Everyone has been sooo supportive in my dedication to the Sky Fit Challenge and I thank them for that.
Just simply sticking to my everyday regimen and showing up to the gym has motivated so many people that has been in direct contact with me. My friends, family, and roommates have been so supportive and are encouraging me to stay on path. They are even coming up with ideas for activities to do with me, like kayaking, hiking, swimming, even running a 10k!
I wanted to do all this before, don't get me wrong...but didn't think I would have enjoyed it to the fullest because of my lack of endurance. Now I can't wait!!

The hardest part has been staying on my diet, but im pushing through!

Some facts about food that shocked me:

1. Spinach, Swiss chard and beet greens should be eaten in moderation because they are high folic acid, which depletes calcium from bones and teeth, which may lead to osteoporosis. Add a rich product like tofu, seeds, nuts, butter, animal products, or oil to help balance the effects of the oxalic acid.

2. Brown rice is a complex carb (good) but is high in phytic acid, which is a naturally occurring organic acid, in the outer layer or bran. When brown rice with untreated phytic acid enters the intestines, the acid mixes with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This chemical reaction prohibits those minerals from being absorbed and utilized int he body. Eating grains with untreated phytic acid will cause the body to lose bone bass and will eventually lead to overall mineral deficiency! To eliminate the acid, simply soak the rice overnight (8-10 hours) and rinse

3. Quinoa has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest out of all grains. It contains all eight  amino acids to make a complete protein! It has the protein content equivalent to milk! High in B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E! Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs! And is delicious!!

<---Quinoa has the best texture! substitute it for rice, and you will have a dish with a much higher nutritional content!

4. Arugula is a great vegetable that stands out as a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. It contains about eight times the calcium, five times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K, and four times the iron compared to the same amount of iceberg lettuce. The alternative choice is easy to make!

<---Try and add this beautiful arugula in your everyday salad, and if you enjoy the flavor, be open to a full arugula swicharoo