Why Sports Clothing Doesn't Need to be Purely Sensible and Serious

Selecting the right sports clothing is an important business - you need something practical that will adequately support you in your chosen activity and your performance, but that doesn't mean your outfits have to be dull or boring.

Sports clothing can be fun, fabulous and functional and there's an increasing number of ranges available that tick all of these boxes, both online and on the high street, for example JD Sports. So, what should you be looking for? The type of clothing or items you choose will of course depend on your chosen activity, but breathable fabrics and adequate chest support should be at the top of the checklist for ladies. This means a well-fitted sports bra for any cardio or impact exercise, synthetic fabric tops, shorts or running leggings that draw moisture away from the skin and running or training socks.

The type of training shoe you need will also be determined by the activity you choose - for example, you will need decidedly different shoes for tennis, skateboarding or running and it's important to buy the right kind of shoe for the job. Failure to get support in the right places could end up in injury and even long-term problems, so it's best not to skimp on shoes! If running or jogging is your activity of choice, buying the right kind of shoe becomes even more of a priority; this type of training shoe should be matched to your running style or 'gait'. You can have your gait measured in specialist running shops with no obligation to buy then order online if this suits your budget better.

Finally, if you want to include some of your own style sense in your exercise outfit, why not take some inspiration from the celebs? Former glamour model and avid jogger Katie Price lets her love of pink impact intensely on her workout gear selection and wore a nearly all pink outfit when she took part in the Brighton Half Marathon earlier this year (see here). Model turned professional bodybuilder Jodie Marsh seem to have a similar attitude to her training gear and has published a number of pics of herself recently in pink shorts, cropped pink t-shirts and pink sports bras - once again highlighting that sportswear can be pretty as well as practical!

Healthy Snack Ideas

Guest post written by Tanya Harris of www.MyFood.co.uk.

Summary: Is unhealthy snacking keeping you from losing weight? Stock your fridge with these delicious bites to help keep you on track.

The Rules

Following a diet is hard enough for anybody, no matter what the aim. Most of us find it impossible not to eat after 6 p.m., have a big breakfast early or drink at least two liters of water a day. However, these requirements are extremely vital for your success in losing weight. If you are still in the beginning, you might slip off track every now and then. Here are a few suggestions for off-schedule snacks, which, most importantly, are healthy and allowed anytime.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Not only are apples healthy, but they are also considered a great substitute of all kinds of sweets, cakes, chocolates and everything rich of calories that you might want to resign to between meals. Their natural sweetness satisfies your desire for desserts and also contributes to the positive effect you want for your body. Moreover, its contents make you feel fresh and healthy. Apples lower the risks of getting livers, lungs and breast cancer, as well as Alzheimer and cholesterol issues. Another benefit is that apples can offer an energy boost stronger than coffee.

Fats?

Another popular snack among children, teenagers and happy-go-skinny people is chips. More health-conscious people replace it with wholesome nuts such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil and Cedar nuts. Although they are almost all a calorie-bomb, they are extremely nutritious and help the prevention of heart disease, development of brain and bone functions, and are rich in minerals and vitamins. It is essential to remember to always consume nuts in a raw state, not roasted, nor salted. Then, they will be a great contribution to your diet which betters the metabolism and helps you lose the unwanted weigh.

Yogurt

And a protein priority should not be ignored – yogurt and all kinds of dairy products should also be included in a balanced diet as they are a great source of proteins. In order to vary the taste and try something new, you can combine it with fresh nuts and fruits, which, as we mentioned, are no less healthy. As a result you will have a fabulously tasty snack of less than 150 calories that almost makes you forget about your desire for chocolate or cakes. Eating yogurt is a perfect way of giving the organism calcium and vitamins which are incredibly vital.