Beat late night cravings…you can!

We all do it, we eat really, really well all day, then the moment we sit
down to enjoy our evening, we want something sweet – or a cheeky
glass of wine (or three!). Many people find that this is the hardest habit
to break when they start a new healthy eating plan, barrecore instructors
included (we’re not saints!). But on a positive note, you don’t have
to go hungry, with just a few tweaks to your diet during the day, you
can balance your blood sugar levels so you’re not craving as much at
night. And if you still fancy a nibble, then there are lots of healthy and
TASTY alternatives out there.

Here’s a few tips to get you started…..

Eat little and often during the day
The key to fighting cravings is to balance your blood sugar levels
by eating a small protein rich meal or snack every three to four hours.
Not only have studies found that six mini meals create a feeling of
fullness but also that letting your blood sugar levels get too low
(because you are too hungry), will be accompanied by hunger and a
sudden rush to the sweet shop for that chocolate bar, laden with
high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars. Don’t do it!

Drink Tea
Boil up some water for some comforting herbal tea. It keeps your hands
busy, so you’re less likely to snack on junk food, and the warm water
will fill you up. Clipper Teas (clipper-teas.com) have a great range of
organic teas in unbleached tea bags so they don’t have any harmful
chemicals.  After Dinner Mints and Snore & Peace flavours are
soothing enough to curb that sweet tooth.

Go nuts
Fancy something crunchy and sweet? Then take some almonds,
which are full of healthy fat and protein and coat them in a couple
tablespoons of water, then dust with your favorite protein powder.
You can also add mineral rich, Himalayan pink sea salt to give it a
salty/sweet flavor.

Ants on a log
Ever tried celery sticks and almond butter? It’s a great combo and
really filing. To make them a bit sweeter, add some raisins to make
the famous 'ants on a log' snack. Make sure you always have celery
sticks cut up in the fridge too - so you have no excuse but to reach for
something healthy and delicious.

Don't Stock Your Cupboards

This is a sure-fire way to totally eliminate late-night snacking. You
can't eat what's not there, so just don't keep unhealthy foods in
your house. If you go to the supermarket for your weekly shop,
then make sure you don’t go when you are hungry, or you are
more likely to throw tempting treats in to the trolley. This goes for
online ordering as well!

Brush (and floss) your teeth
Nothing will taste nice when mixed with the minty taste of toothpaste
and mouthwash – plus who wants to dirty up their clean mouth by
eating again? Try and brush your teeth straight after your main meal
– it will soon become a habit and sweet things won’t even come into
the equation.

Final note…., if you find yourself desiring snacks nearly every night,
examine whether you are truly hungry, it’s probably more boredom
than hunger!
Before you do anything reach for a glass of water – fizzy or still -
and then wait a little while to see if you are still hungry; thirst often
triggers feelings of hungriness. If you still feel the need to snack, then
paint your nails – you won’t want to smudge your varnish now will
you?

Rediscover Balance Through Your Daily Routine

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower ~Albert Camus

This week everyone is frenzied getting back on track after summer holidays.  Getting the kids back in school, filling the fridge with healthy foods and solidifying schedules for the autumn. This time of year is as Albert Camus said above “a second spring”.  It is a great opportunity get back on track starting fresh with fitness goals  and eating right.  The beauty of September in London is that it is often one of the nicer months of the year which keeps motivation high after a long and usually gluttonous summer break.

It is said that most people actually gain more weight during the summer months than over the winter holidays.  We usually go to hot and sunny locations when just walking down to the pool feels like a workout and ice cream sounds like a perfectly wholesome snack each afternoon.  Booze is usually a huge culprit when it comes to summer poundage - sugary cocktails and pale pink rose sing their sweet lure from midday into the late evening.  Don’t get me wrong, there is no harm in indulging. It’s part of the fun in life to let go and have that extra glass or scoop...but at some point it is nice to get back on track and find your balance.

If you are finding it hard to get back to your center and take charge then setting your intentions for what you want your life to look like is a great way of self inspiring. Different things work for different people and experimenting to find what works for you can be a fun way to find your focus! Here are some tips to help you get started...

• Each morning and evening when you brush your teeth, think about and visualise what you want for yourself.  Be clear and stay positive.
• Every Sunday night sit down and take some time to write down what you want and what you are grateful for.  Showing gratitude and clearing stating what you want in written form are very powerful tools for manifesting.
• Set your schedule.  Book in your fitness classes in advance, consult with a nutrition expert or set up a food delivery of only healthy foods and book yourself into a course to learn something new and inspiring.  

However you decide to get back on track be clear with what you want.  It just takes a few weeks for something to become a habit but only one day of focus to feel you have regained control.  It’s time to reel it in and start now......Ready. Set. Go!

We're back to the barre!

We're back! That's right, we're back from the summer break with a vengeance - and that includes a swanky new reception, a brand new studio and an all new timetable full of barrecore classes to suit every level and ability - there is seriously no excuse not to join us at the barre and get in the best shape of you life!

Starting from next week we'll be pulsing and tucking in both of our studios, following our extended timetable. Look out for our 30-minute stretch classes to help keep you lengthened and limber, our more advanced classes for those who have done at least 15 classes and want to push their bodies that little bit further and our 30 minute arms and abs class and thighs, glutes and back. Oh and don’t forget our prenatal classes for those who want to carry on exercising safely whilst expecting.

We also can't wait to launch our teen classes, catering for 13-17 year olds who want to tone and lengthen their muscles, improve their posture and boost body confidence in a fun, safe environment. There is so much going on!

Opening times have now extended from 6am to 7:45pm and we have got six brand new trainers to keep you on your toes, who we’ll be introducing shortly on the website. Don't forget to say hi - we're sure they will have you grimacing in a class soon enough - that's if they haven't already!

So, as you can see, it's all go, go, go at barrecore, we can't tell you how excited we are right now. Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting challenges in the fall, and some themed sessions as the Xmas season draws near. So for now, happy pulsing and bottom squeezing and we'll see you at the barre.....xoxo