A-listers watch their carbs and portion sizes while experimenting with every diet fad they can find. Whether they’re attempting to get into shape for a future role, lose the final couple of pounds of bothersome baby weight, or want to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress at the Met Gala.

These well-known individuals frequently draw inspiration from anything. Whether it’s some celebrity diet guru who randomly threw some ingredients in a blender or one study that showcases the benefits of weird food, celebrities will flock to it like crazy.

When they’re not going to Pilates classes, yoga classes, or doing flexibility or mobility workouts, celebrities are indulged in one or the other diet trends. Let’s look at what is trending in the celebrity world and which stars are following those diet trends.

The Zone Diet

Looking to lose some weight fast? Well, Dr. Barry Sears has a diet just for you. This plan is popular among celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Aniston, and Sandra Bullock.

The followers are instructed to consume less than half of their daily calories (40%) from carbs, 30% from fats, and the remaining 30% from proteins. Consuming necessary fatty and amino acids aids in hunger regulation and accelerates fat burning. This is why this diet has been proven successful and accredited to work.

The Magic Number 5

Are you hungry throughout the day? Well, ditch the three-meals-a-day idea and get into the diet based on number five. In this regimen, you must consume five meals daily, including five food pyramid components. Well, four out of them.

This diet followed by Kanye West, Megan Fox, and Alicia Keys, among others, call for fibers, proteins, healthy carbs, and fats along with a sugarless drink. The instructors also ask these individuals to take 25 minutes out of their daily routine for 5 days and exercise. This could be anything from dance classes, Pilates classes, and workout yoga to flexibility workouts. It all depends on them. Plus, you get to have one cheat day per week. What more could you ask for?

Veganism Is The Way To Go!

Many prominent personalities like Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman vouch for such a diet. Due to this, it is beginning to acquire acceptance among the common people. As the name suggests, this diet stays far away from any animals, and any items originating or containing meat are a complete no-no.

Some people have to adhere to this diet as part of their religion or do so because they care for the animals. They can consume legumes, fruits, grains, and vegetables. It seems to have plenty of advantages like rapid weight loss and reduced cholesterol.

If you’re inspired to lose weight and become toned, check out FitEngine. We have various workout reviews, informative blogs, and guides to help you in your fitness journey. If you want to find affordable fitness classes like Pilates classes, yoga classes, stretching class, insanity workouts, or dance classes in New York, get in touch with us today!

The post The Good, The Fad, and The Crazy: Crazy Celebrity Diet Trend Edition appeared first on Fitengine.

Losing belly fat is one of the toughest things to do, as it’s very difficult to lose fat around the abdominal area. No matter how hard you work out or how many social dance classes you’ve been to, you still can’t get rid of belly fat easily.

Attaining a slimmer waist and a flat tummy wouldn’t only help you look nice, but it also keeps you healthy and free of diseases. Abdominal fat can also lead to sleep disorders and digestive issues. If you wish to get a leaner stomach and lose belly fat quickly, this blog is for you!

Here are a few simple and valuable tips you can follow to get rid of your stubborn belly fat!

Eating Soluble Fiber

One way to get rid of belly fat is to incorporate soluble fiber into your diet. Soluble fiber is beneficial for your digestive system as it absorbs excess water and helps the food pass through your digestive system.

According to a study, soluble fiber also helps people feel full quickly and boost weight loss. This way, you wouldn’t feel hungry very often and reduce your food intake naturally.

Soluble fiber in the diet also burns belly fat effectively. In a study, over 1100 adults ate soluble fiber regularly, which helped them reduce belly fat by 3.7 percent.

Here are a few sources of soluble fiber you can add to your diet:

• Legumes
• Blackberries
• Flax seeds
• Avocados
• Brussel sprouts

Avoid Trans Fat

Another tip that can help you reduce belly fat is avoiding trans fat in your diet. Trans fat is unsaturated fats that are mostly present in packaged food items. Trans fat not only increases belly fat but also causes heart diseases, inflammation, and high insulin.

To help boost the belly fat loss process, make sure you read the ingredient list of every food item you buy from the grocery store. Trans fat items are also listed under hydrogenated fats. This way, you will be able to lose belly fat fast.

Keep Moving

Physical activity is a major help in the weight loss process. You don’t only have to be mindful of what you eat but also be physically active. Exercising and moving around helps burn abdominal fat in your body. Belly fat increases insulin levels in the body, and workouts and exercises will help circulate it, preventing fat from accumulating on top of your muscles.

The amount of workouts and physical activity you should do depends on how much belly fat you want to lose. On average, you should at least work out for 300 minutes every week.

Stress and Anxiety

Not many people are aware of this, but mental stress and anxiety do more damage than you think. Stress level also impacts the way your body looks. Stress aggravates stomach fat and disturbs the digestive system as well.

Many people also experience stress eating in an attempt to control their emotions. To avoid stress eating and anxiety, consider enrolling in a fitness Pilates workout or a stretch and restore yoga class in NYC. This way, you will be able to stay calm, avoid too many carbs, and lose weight and belly fat.

Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol in smaller amounts doesn’t do any harm, but it does suggest that losing belly fat while consuming alcohol regularly can be difficult.

Studies show that people who consume alcohol daily are at a higher risk of obesity and gaining fat deposits around the waist. This is why cutting back on alcohol can help lose belly fat. You don’t have to get rid of it entirely, but rather limit the amount you consume and perhaps switch to healthier alcohol options.

Detox

Another golden tip you must try to get rid of your belly fat is detox. Detox helps remove fat across the body and eliminates all the toxic elements. It also strengthens the digestive system and improves bowel movement.

Detox water (lukewarm water and lemon juice) early in the morning flushes your system and supplies essential nutrients to the body. It also keeps you hydrated and recovers the electrolytes you lose during your dance training or workout yoga classes.

You can also add other vegetables like cucumber and mint into your detox water and drink it throughout the day.

Eating Five Times a Day

Yes! You heard it right. Eating smaller meals but more frequently is better for your digestive system. It also reduces cravings and keeps you full all day long.

Eating frequently throughout the day will keep you from overeating, which will only end up being visible on your waistline. So, if you want to achieve a trim body with a flat belly, eating frequently and mindfully is the key!

Say No to Junk Food

When we say junk, we mean processed and deep-fried food with no nutritional value. Food like sodas, cheesy pizza, baked items, and processed food makes your waistline bigger and is the root cause of heart diseases and diabetes.

Avoid Too Much Salt

Last but not least, we’d recommend you avoid food items with excessive salt. Too much salt leads to water retention and bloating. If you’re trying to get rid of your belly fat, salt is the last thing you want on your plate!

If you want to lose weight and get rid of your belly fat, working out and HIIT can help you achieve your fitness goals! Whether you’re looking for beginner yoga classes in NYC, mobility workouts, dance classes, Pilates classes, or regular fitness classes, Fit Engine can help you out!

They write reviews about the best yoga workout and dance training classes in NYC. Check out their website to find the best workout classes in town!

You can also contact them for more information!

The post 8 Golden Tips to Reduce Belly Fat appeared first on Fitengine.

Many people know that alcoholic drinks and the weight loss process don’t go hand in hand. But what if we told you there is a way you can continue drinking (in moderation) and still lose weight?

The idea that you have to get rid of food and everything good in your life to stay healthy is not the one we preach. We believe that you can drink and eat whatever you want (strategically) and still be able to shed pounds.

Now don’t get this wrong. Just because drinking alcohol is okay during weight loss doesn’t mean you should open up a new bottle of wine every night or chug beers after work. A balanced diet is key!

Let’s learn more about the relationship between alcohol and weight loss!

Excessive Consumption of Alcohol and Weight Loss

The truth is, too much of everything is harmful. This goes for alcohol as well. Even if you’re always eating healthy and working out regularly but get carried away when it comes to alcohol, you wouldn’t be able to lose any weight. Too much alcohol can sabotage your weight loss journey and have the opposite effect.

When you’re losing weight and eat calorie-deficit food, your body burns the reserved fat in your body, resulting in fat loss. When you’re drinking too much alcohol, it makes energy accessible to the body, due to which it doesn’t burn the reserved fat. Another side effect is that alcohol doesn’t contain the right kind of nutrients that you’d want to put into your body.

Hence, too much drinking can lead to weight gain, so you need to find a healthy balance and make sure that you’re not consuming too much alcohol.

Meals vs. Alcohol

Another thing you need to know is that if you choose to consume alcohol, you’ll need to cut back on fatty snacks and heavy meals. If you’re trying to get rid of belly fat or lose weight in general, you need to focus on avoiding drinking or eating high-calorie items.

If you’re consuming high-calorie food and drinking beer or margaritas, it will lead to weight gain. Fatty food increases appetite and triggers sugar cravings. Before you know it, you’re having late-night snacks and sugary items that will increase the fat deposits in your body.

Therefore, if you’re planning on going to a social event and consuming alcohol, it’s best to eat your greens and avoid high-calorie food and snacks.

How To Enjoy Alcohol and Lose Weight?

Weight loss programs that restrict your diet and make you avoid all the things that a body craves naturally aren’t sustainable in the long run. While we believe it takes a little bit of discipline and willpower, you can certainly lose weight effectively and enjoy all the good things in life, i.e., alcohol.

Here are a few tips for drinking alcohol without stalling your progress:

Drink in Moderation

As mentioned earlier, make sure you’re drinking in moderation and not drinking so much that it affects your weight loss in any way. Staying healthy and maintaining your weight is all about having a balanced diet.

Before you go out with your friends or head to a party, keep in mind that you’re only allowed one or two drinks at most. Commit yourself and try to stick to it. If you went overboard and had three glasses, stop there instead of throwing caution to the wind and drinking like a fish.

Healthier Drink Options

If you must have drinks on occasion, try to choose a healthier drink option than, say, a chocolate martini. A drink option that isn’t packed with calories will do the trick. Healthy drinks will allow you to drink on social occasions without consuming too many calories.

Here’s a list of alcoholic beverages you can choose from to limit your calorie intake:

• Vodka and soda
• Light beer
• Tequila with lime
• Champagne
• Gin and diet soda
• Dry martini

Stay Hydrated

For every glass of beer or red wine you drink, make sure you’re drinking a glass of water and staying hydrated. This will keep you hydrated and full, so you don’t drink more than you’re supposed.

Often, we carry around a glass of wine or beer in social gatherings even when we don’t need one and end up drinking the whole thing while talking to other people. Instead, carry around a glass of water, lime, or even soda to steer clear of alcoholic drinks.

Don’t Skip Workouts

The morning after your night out or having a drink is when you need to push yourself out of bed for an early morning exercise. If you have enrolled in a dance workout or yoga class in NYC, ensure you don’t miss it!

Skipping Meals

Some people try to make up for the alcohol calories they consumed the night before. This will only make things worse because you will starve yourself and eventually have a bigger and high-calorie meal.

Regardless of how much you drank last night, make sure you have healthy meals and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Drinks to Avoid

Here’s a list of drinks you should avoid if you’re losing weight:

• Pina colada
• White Russian
• Long island iced tea
• Margarita
• Mulled wine

If you’re looking for a beginner yoga or social dance class in NYC, you’re in the right place! At Fit Engine, we review yoga classes, mobility workouts, Pilates classes, and dance classes in NYC to help our readers choose the best!

You can also book a workout class offered by our studio, Lifespan Pilates!

You can read our reviews here or contact our team for more information and details!

The post Can You Drink Alcohol And Still Lose Weight? appeared first on Fitengine.

While choosing between yoga and Pilates, remember Pilates has an additional element of strength building to it. In Pilates, you don’t necessarily use heavy-duty gym equipment. Some popularly used equipment includes an exercise ball, an arc barrel and light weights. Popular among the Pilates community is the Reformer which can be used for multiple purposes throughout the training.

FitEngine has the best group of professionals writing authentic content about Pilates as a workout regime. Scroll through our website to read more engaging content about Pilates classes in New York City.

Here’s what to eat during your Pilates workout.

Proteins Before Pilates

A 45-hour Pilates session needs all the attention you have. Always go with something light before a Pilates session. Experts recommend you go with lean protein before Pilates. Avoid carbs at all costs, and don’t overeat. You don’t want to end up bloated in the gym right before a strenuous Pilates haul. Eggs and chicken in small quantities before the workout would be a good choice.

Whole Grains Post-Pilates

Eating healthy after a Pilates session is equally important. During a workout, your muscles eat up most of the deposited glycogen. Whole grains, toast, beans, and oatmeal are easy to manage post-workout food options.

This makes up most of your time throughout your Pilates training. Don’t give up yet. You will NOT want to quit your training once you read about the many long-term benefits of Pilates. FitEngine provides the most reliable information about Pilates classes in NYC.

Smoothies and Juices

Muscle recovery is essential to a Pilates regime. Don’t let your muscles break down protein. Keep your body hydrated at all times to avoid over-exhaustion, burnout or muscle fatigue. Shakes and smoothies should be your go-to items after a strenuous Pilates session. Dehydration is the worst enemy of all workout routines and should be kept at bay.

At FitEngine, we provide all the authentic content about effective dance workouts, affordable yoga classes and Pilates sessions in NYC. We offer workout reviews written by ace gym instructors and quality writers. Our site has content on the importance of yoga, Pilates training and exercises and details about the easiest ways to lose weight.

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The physical benefits of working out are plentiful and well known, but did you ever stop to consider how powerful exercise is for your mental health?

We’ve listed down some of the benefits here:

1. Helps with Anxiety and Depression

Forty million adults suffer from anxiety and depression in the U.S. and exercise has proven to help alleviate their symptoms. While working out your endorphin levels automatically boost up, which makes you feel good and happy. Several doctors have even compared exercise to antidepressants and reported that both were equally effective. This is why it’s best to workout instead of turning to medication.

Read More: The Benefits of Full Body Stretching Exercises – Infographic

2. Reduces Stress Levels

When you work out, your heart rate automatically increases and boosts stress-busting endorphins. A simple 20-minute walk out in the park will help in alleviating all stress and keep your mind more clear and relaxed. It’s essential to stay consistent with exercise to notice the effects.

Read more: No Pain, No Gain – Myths About Post-Workout Muscle Soreness

3. Helps With ADHD

Along with stress and depression, exercise is equally effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. This helps sharpen memory, improves concentration, and motivation. A regular workout can work as well as medications to help boost the brain’s serotonin levels, increasing your brainpower and making you more focused.

Read more: Unlock Your Chakras With Spiritual Pilates

4.  Increased Self-Esteem

Generation Y and Z, in particular, tend to have low esteem as they compare their physical appearances to the ones that are projected on social media. A regular workout can help you shed pounds, tone your muscles and make you look and feel great overall. This is not only an investment in your body but in your mind as well. You’ll feel confident, powerful and be able to work in public with much ease.

Read more: How Body Types Affect Fitness Training

5. Improves Your Quality of Sleep

Insomnia is another common problem experienced by Americans. Including an hour of physical activity in your daily routine will help regulate sleeping pattern.

Looking for more on latest trends in fitness? You’ll find everything on FitEngine. From fitness insanity workouts in NYC, to dancing for weight loss and stretching classes in midtown Manhattan, we cover it all!

The platform also posts reviews for fitness classes across New York City. Check out our latest dance blogs today!

The post Working Out For Your Mental Health appeared first on Fitengine.

Good ol’ Oats

Oats are one of the healthiest grains, a source of essential vitamins, fiber and minerals. Kick start your day with a bowl of creamy, crunchy oatmeal and say goodbye those midmorning vending machine visits. Take half a cup of old-fashioned oatmeal and put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Then add one cup of milk, water or even a combination of both. Using milk and water together gives the best consistency. You can add a dash of vanilla extract for some flavor, and stir gently. Place the bowl in the microwave for two to three minutes, on high heat, until done. Finish it off with some finely chopped nuts or chia seeds, and you’re all set for a workout!

Read more: Reasons You Should Exercise Regularly

1. Avocado on Toast with a Chili Twist

You’ve probably noticed avocado get trendy over the past couple of years, but why? This fruit (yes, avocado is a type of berry!) is packed with fiber and healthy fats making it a delicious and healthy breakfast option. Remove the avocado from its shell and put it into a bowl. Now using a potato masher or fork, mash it until it forms a creamy consistency. Toast two slices of bread and spread the avocado generously. Next, poach or fry an egg and place it in the center of the toast. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and chili flakes and voila! — A power-packed treat to start your day.

Pro tip: Avocados are great for a Keto diet; you can switch the white bread for Keto friendly version.

Read more:  Are Keto Diets Really Effective?

Protein Pancakes

Nothing screams’ weekend like warm, fluffy pancakes for breakfast. If you’re craving some old-school pancakes, this recipe is for you. These pancakes aren’t just your basic box ones but are loaded with protein to keep you going throughout the day. Add eggs, rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, nut butter and some full-fat Greek yoghurt to a blender and blend away. Give it two or three rounds, (it shouldn’t be too watery) and then keep flipping them on a pan until they’re golden brown. Top off with some sliced bananas or strawberries, and we promise, you’ll want more and more!

Read more: Tips For Mass-Gaining Workout

Fitness isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. You can keep up with the latest in fitness with FitEngine. Our experts regularly post weight loss ideas and information on the latest fitness trends on our blog. We’ve recently highlighted dancing for weight loss, stretching classes and workout yoga classes in NYC so that you can get your fitness game on. You’ll also find reviews for fitness classes across New York City here!

The post 3 Breakfast Ideas That Set Your Mood For The Day appeared first on Fitengine.

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It’s easy to find an excuse to skip exercise.  If you prefer group fitness classes, you may have found yourself lost now that COVID-19 has closed gyms and fitness studios. Virtual fitness classes are the safest way to attend instructor-lead exercise classes.

Here are 10 fewer excuses to miss class. And you can count them on your piggy toes!

1. Stay-at-home Hair. Don’t care!
2. Mani/Pedi is out of view. Nails have the right to breathe too.
3. Unshaved legs & under arms. Also out of view.
4. Zero commute time & unlimited parking spaces
5. You can arrive late
6. Free sticky socks
7. Yoga mat is already left at home
8. Stylish workout ensemble. (No pressure)
9. Clean, stylish workout ensemble. Optional
10. YOU CAN’T EMBARRASS YOURSELF!

You now have 10 fewer excuses to miss your fitness class, and you can count them on your toes. Don’t just sit there.  Get moving.  Or you may not be able to see your toes, let alone count them.

The post Ten Unexpected Perks of Virtual Fitness Classes appeared first on Fitengine.

Five Things You Can Do Every Day For Your Internal Self

When it’s difficult to control our external environment, sometimes the best we can do is focus on our internal selves. Now more than ever, it’s important to give our bodies everything it needs to boost the immune system.

Move 30-60 Minutes Each Day

Whether you walk, ride a bike, run stairs or attend a virtual fitness class, the benefits of movement and exercise include improved mood, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased energy and better cardiovascular health. So make movement a daily priority.

Stay Hydrated

Water is found in every cell, tissue and organ of our bodies. Proper hydration improves brain function, helps deliver oxygen to the body and lubricates joints. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

Sleep

Inadequate sleep can negatively impact your immune system. Try turning off your electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help quiet your mind and create healthy sleep habits. If you need a soothing sound but want to avoid using your phone, try a sound machine with a sleep timer.

Eat Your Veggies

Vegetables (and fruits) are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help support immunity. If possible, eat your vegetables raw or lightly cooked to help retain valuable nutrients.

 Consume Essential Fatty Acids

The benefits of essential fatty acids include improved cardiovascular health, muscle tissue maintenance, mental and cognitive improvement and reduced inflammation. Fish and seafood are a great source of essential fatty acids.

The post Five Things You Can Do Every Day For Your Internal Self appeared first on Fitengine.

What’s The Difference Between ON DEMAND Videos and LIVE STREAM Workouts?

ON DEMAND workouts are prerecorded exercise classes accessed anytime from a fitness studio, web browser or fitness app. Select the class and time you want, set up your electronic device and hit PLAY.  Whereas, LIVE STREAM workouts broadcast live videos with a “here-and-now” instructor.  Class attendees interact in the experience on one or more levels. Participation ranges from submitting comments at the bottom of the screen to audio communication in a gallery view.

ON DEMAND videos are great if you need a specific start and end time.  These days, more family members and neighbors are home at the same time. So sharing living space may require more flexible class schedules.  It may not be possible to kick everyone out the family room.  Or to jump up and down on your neighbor’s ceiling, just because your virtual class is starting!

LIVE STREAM exercise classes promote accountability.  If you are the type of person that needs to commit to a certain time (or else you won’t show up), then a live streamed class is more for you.  The other advantage of live stream virtual classes is that in some cases, the instructor can see you and offer cues and encouragement.  Other members in the class may be able to see you too!  This fosters accountability and group motivation. You may be less willing to skip those burpees if the rest of the class is watching!

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