New season, new habits
 Lithe Instructors Amy Larkin and Heather Burt: Totally different, totally beautiful. Loving your body is one of those things that’s sometimes easier said than done. As the weather begins to turn and we slip into those jeans from last year—even if they’re a little tight from all the summer indulgences and missed workouts—I’d like to inspire you put the thought into action and pave your own body-loving path.
Make a choice to get into the habit of focusing on the positive. We all have bad days. I work with some of the fittest women in Philly, and trust me… they all have them too. The next time you catch yourself battling the mirror or saying something like, “Ugh, my arms are looking so fat,” change your focus to what you love about you. There are a few things that I do when I have one of those days: Instead of focusing on my thighs, I’ll say, “Wow, I have a great waist; I’m going to show it off with a belt.” Or, “ I have big, beautiful eyes.” I’ll play them up, and put some eyeliner on them.” When I’ve gained a few pounds, I won’t torture myself, but I will put on a pair of heels and see how great I feel. I love wearing heels. It’s my feel-good-immediately go-to. Focus on the positive, and eventually your mind will start to change. It does take time—it’s a habit—but just like anything else, over time, you can change your mindset. READ MORE
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From local grub to grab when you're on the run to what to dish up in your own kitchen, here's how to snack smart
 Illustration by Justin Renninger I’m running back and forth to my Lithe studios almost all day every day, which means I have to snack smart to keep my energy up. I avoid morning and midday crashes by reaching for my seven protien and healthy carb mainstays. Some I make at home, some I grab from my favorite Philly spots when I’m on the run.
PB Ricotta Roll-Up: Peanuts are full of protein and resveratrol, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and fights hunger. To make at home: 1 small whole wheat wrap, 1 tablespoon of almond or peanut butter, 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese + 1 tsp of honey or agave. Mix the ricotta, honey, and peanut butter, then spread on the wrap. Roll it up and enjoy … I make a batch of these on Sundays so I can grab and go during the week. If you’re on the run and in Northern Liberties, check out the Elvis Special or Honey Nut sweet toast at the Soy Cafe (630 North 2nd Street, 215-922-1003)! READ MORE
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Lithe's Lauren Boggi shares where to stop when you're on the run
Everyone is always in a rush these days and, unfortunately, our bodies pay the price. As much as you want to prepare and cook wonderful, healthy meals, sometimes you need a good meal when you’re in a pinch. But eating healthy on the run is not only about carbs, fat, and calories. The quality and the source of the ingredients are so important. Lucky for us, Philly has some great options—you just need to know where to look. Try to think out of the box for the most nourishing meals when you’re on the go. Click through the slideshow to see my Top 10 Healthy Fast-Food Options and tell us your favorite go-to spots below!
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Try this power-pumping playlist for a killer workout
 Lauren Boggi Music definitely effects performance, and a great playlist can up the burn of any workout. When you need to give it your all, pick playlists that will inspire, energize, and get you moving. I love a well rounded, multi-genre, hi-energy, international mix that spans a few decades, and I like to start with a low tempo for my warm up, bring it high the middle, and then go back down to a low for my cooldown. My tastes range from alternative and Brazilian, to Rap and Reggae Dancehall. I mix it up so that the different beats guide my workout. Here are some tunes that currently keep motivated when I’m working with the bands at Lithe or running down Broad Street. Listen on iTunes, take ‘em for a spin on your next workout, and let me know what you think! I’m always looking for new songs to add, so let me know some of your favorites, too! READ MORE
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Doing the same routine over and over? Can't stand the thought of yet another run? Lauren Boggi shares how to slim down while shaking things up
 Lauren Boggi Mix it up: If you’re like most people, you like routines (manicures on Mondays, shopping on Sundays). Unfortunately, strict routines shouldn’t apply to fitness. Doing the same exercises day in and day out can bore both your muscles and your mind. In my experience, when many people get bored with workouts, they stop. Try varying your exercise routine on a regular basis. Aim for a combo of cardio exercises, strength training, and classes to stay interested.
Have fun: No matter how many strategies you use, it’ll be super-hard to stick with a program and become fit and healthy if you aren’t having any fun doing it. If you don’t enjoy “working out,” playing sports is a great way to bring back the good ‘ole days of gym class and practice. Besides, combining sports and socializing is fun! Try your skills at hip-hop dancing, Flamenco, kickboxing, and self-defense. READ MORE
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Lithe's Lauren Boggi on building a better body image
I love to workout. I love feeding my body healthful foods. I apply both of these every single day of my life and I take great care of myself. Sadly, there are so many women here in Philadelphia and around the world who don’t have such a great relationship with themselves. Here are my five steps to loving yourself through thick and thin.
Get fit to feel good. I learned to love my body when I turned my focus from appearance to appreciation and respect for everything my body enables me to do. I am so fortunate to be able to Lithe, jump, run and ski without limitations, and every time I do something active, I think about how grateful I am to be able to do so. Try and change your mindset from getting fit to become skinny to being fit whether or not it makes you “skinny” and you’ll see how good being healthy and strong feels. READ MORE
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Local fitness guru Lauren Boggi on why you shouldn't stress over swim season—and how to look good in a bathing suit now
 Summer is chasing us at the heels, and now is the time that many women go into what Lithe Instructor Carrie Gero recently coined “Summer Bikini Panic.” But suddenly going all out at the last minute is a surefire way to a sports injury and fad dieting or restricting calories can cause destructive yo-yo-ing (weight cycling) which is unhealthy on so many levels. No matter how tempting it might be to try and do lots of last-minute rehab, remember that slow and steady weight loss is best for keeping it off long term and for losing fat, not all of that calorie-burning muscle you want to keep around.
So if you’re looking to get in shape for summer, know that your goal really should be to arrive at this time next year and not be panicking. Start a safe, smart—and feasibly sustainable—program now, and then check out my tips for buying a bikini below that’ll make you look like you just lost five pounds—without hurting your health. READ MORE
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Why spending time in the kitchen can be the best thing for you
 I was recently in Jamaica for ten days and was lucky enough to live and eat off the land the entire time. I had Fifty-five meals and not one food item came from a package or a typical “restaurant.” It really brought me a sense of joyful calm and satisfaction that I really can’t quite describe in words.
This week I’d love to talk about the pleasure of preparing your own food and … eating in! I love to cook and I’m passionate about Slow Food, sustainable living and eating. I always prefer natural, whole-foods and ingredients. I’m also just as passionate about visiting the latest celebrated restaurant, but I try and prepare all my meals at home Monday through Thursday. READ MORE
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Local fitness guru Lauren Boggi on why biking to work is the bomb
 When the weather gets warmer in Spring-time, I find it’s much easier to enjoy a healthier, active lifestyle beyond Lithe. It all starts when I get out of bed and cut some fresh wheatgrass from my rooftop garden. Then I jump to the kitchen, grab a cup of java, blend a fresh fruit smoothie, blog, and watch the weather. If it’s nice out and the day, I bike to the studio and beyond. I don’t even worry about my hair or what I’m wearing. READ MORE
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