Thursday, November 7, 2013

slide to the left, slide to the right

AT HOME WORK OUT!!!

Personally I know how hard it can be to make it to the gym. Between work, school, and kids it's nearly impossible to breath let along go to the gym. I love my at home workouts. I honestly prefer them over the gym at times. One of my secrets for my at home work outs are furniture sliders. They typically come in a pack of 6 at most home improvement stores for just a few bucks.
Furniture sliders
There are SO MANY workouts you can do with furniture sliders. The example pictured below (excuse my ugly feet) is a fairly simple one. All you do is start in a crouched down position with your knees drawn in and hands flat on the ground. Next you slide your feet straight back into a plank position. After that you begin to slide one leg at a time up then slide back to plank. You are basically doing mountain climbers but using furniture sliders. This is a great ab work out. There are all kind of exercises you can do with these. Don't be afraid to experiment with them and see what you come up with. A few exercises are pikes, an inward/outward leg rotation, just bringing legs from plank to crouch continuously. I hope you try this out and see results from it. I love love love my furniture slider workouts!! one last thing.... when you first get started you may lose balance a lot. It's okay, I promise, everyone starts off that way but one your body gets stronger you won't lose balance as often. You will be surprised how quickly your body get stronger!!


knees drawn in
slide one foot forward then
back and repeat with other leg

slide straight back

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wishing, Hoping, Dreaming!

  We all wish we could do things a little different. Hope things turn out a certain way. Dream of our future and how it will be. Very few of us actually end up doing what we said we would be doing. Example, I'm suppose to doing what Erin Andrews does... I'm far from that!

   Today I have done a lot of reflecting on myself, my  past, and my choices. I'm happy with few and disappointed with many. So today (as I cleaned my house and jammed out with Pandora) I decided I wasn't going to live that way anymore. I am going to live opposite of that! I will be happy with many and disappointed with few from this point forward. I know I should have thought about that six years ago when I was 20 but I waited until I was 26 and jamming out to Bare Naked Ladies on Pandora's 90's Pop station. Talk about flash backs!!! I really really enjoyed my reflection time for the few hours I listened to the N'SYNC, 2000's Pop, and 90's Pop stations on Pandora.

   I am about to do my work out and I'm going to grind hard! I'm going to take that hour and push myself so hard that I sweat out ALL of my disappointment and ALL of my "failures" and ALL of my wrong decisions. With every drop of sweat will be me letting go of all of that and leaving it on the mat to wipe up and leave behind. A new dedication has started! Not just with my workouts but with my life, my goals, my wishing, hoping, and dreaming!



 












  I will be doing a 2 part work out. First one will be HEAVY cardio then some endurance/ resistance training. I'm pumped and excited..... Here we go!

Cardio:
25 jumping jacks
15 jump squats
:30 high knees
10 burpees
30 skaters
50 mountain climbers
(2x's)

Undecided on my second half of the routine, will probably make it up as I go.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

We All Need A Passion!

     Let's admit it, we all love saving money but we also love to have what we want. Almost everyone I know LOVES either Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts. When we figure out where to meet and catch up/grab a coffee it's usually one of those places. People also use these places for the wifi, or to have not so fancy meetings with clients or partners, or a casual first date to break the ice. Now that it is the summer most of those people have converted to iced coffee, chillers, coolattas, and teas that these places offer(such as Tazo teas). I too love me an iced Passion Tea that Starbucks offers however my funds aren't what they use to be! I am a very social person and like to go out with friends, hang out, and have a good time but I have to make sure it's in the budget. So it got me thinking!!!

     If I can be so dedicated to do prep meals each week and not eat junk and workout every day then I sure as heck can make my own tea and save a little money. Here is what I found out after doing the math and realizing I wasn't missing out on anything... except money. Now I get to keep that money and spread the money saving tips to you!! You're welcome.

     One box of Tazo Passion Tea cost $4.39(plus tax) and one bottle of Vanilla Stevia cost $16.99(plus tax). Now I know you are thinking $16.99 for sweetener?!?!?!? Just hang with me and let me explain and show you how much money you are actually SAVING! Let me break both of those down for you. One box of Tazo Passion Tea comes with 20 tea bags so each tea bag is only .22 (mind is blown, isn't it). Now this is the tricky part when figuring out how many of what and the cost. One serving of Stevia is 5 drops. Each bottle is a total of 240 serving so that equals 1,200 drops. That is a lot of drops in one bottle, but that isn't relevant just interesting, so when you break it down it cost .07 per serving of Stevia (remember that is 5 drops). So in total you spend a GRAND TOTAL of .29!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!? Too good to be true???? NO!!!!!

 
   Let's break it down a little more. You are thinking how on earth are you going to break it down more than you just did, all I can say is keep reading and watch the savings! So we already know that it's .29 for us to make our own tea so let's do the whole box. You will spend $5.80 to drink 20 of your own made from home tea! If you were to buy a Passion tea every time you went to Starbucks or at least 20 times you went to Starbucks you would spend anywhere from $29-$40. I just showed you how to spend $5.80 for 20 teas no matter the size! At Starbucks you have your choice of Tall @ $1.45, Grande @ $1.75, and Venti @ $2.00. Multiply each of those by 20 and you get $29-$40. That's also before taxes. So go ahead and add a little to those totals.

    Real quick lets go back to the shock of $16.99 for the bottle of Stevia. You get 240 servings per bottle so after one box of teas you still have 220 servings left to use on whatever you choose OR you can use the remaining 220 on twelve more boxes of teas! Choice is yours!

     But wait all this talk about making our own tea but we still want to go out with our friends!!! I totally feel you. I still do but still save my money. I make sure I keep a few tea bags in my purse or in my car and if I know I'm going out I'll drop the bottle of Stevia in my purse as well. It's small enough to put in there and not take up any space. I'm just going to Starbucks so it's not a big deal. You can order a water and it is usually free but some times they will charge .50 depending on the Starbucks but even still it only cost you .79! Better  than $1.45-$2. I hope this helped you because I know it has me! From time to time I will show you this mom's frugal ways to have what I want but not break the bank.



Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Traveling

  Traveling seems to always be a challenge for people trying to eat healthy. For me it's the easiest to eat healthy. I pack a cooler full and go. I have my fruit, hummus, guacamole, Greek yogurt, pita, organic all natural pb, oatmeal, and almonds counted out to 14 in a baggie. For drinks I have bottles of water and tea bags. I also have Stevia to add to my drinks and yogurt and oatmeal. I love Tazo passion tea (you can get it at Starbucks but they don't use Stevia to sweeten it they use regular sugar). When you get gas or have to go pee at a rest stop do a little exercising. Do some jumping jacks, burpees, tuck jumps, or what ever you want to get a little exercise in! So because I am on vacay I am keeping this short and sweet but I hope this helped you with your next trip!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Going Bananas!!!

    As a kid I HATED bananas. Thought they were the nastiest thing I had ever eaten and honestly that didn't change until I decided to train my palate to enjoy the foods that were good for me. Now I eat bananas every day. Either straight up peeled or in a recipe. They are so good for you and they are pretty cheap to buy which is always good!

Some of the benefits are:


    There are much more benefits than these 10 but these are 10 great reason to start adding bananas to your diet. I'll touch on a few personal reasons as why I now don't mind and actually crave them on occasion. 1) Helps over come depression- bananas have a high levels of trytophan which turns into serotonin which makes your brain happy! Who doesn't want their brain to be happy? After my divorce I was down for a bit and I'm not claiming that bananas brought me my happiness BUT I'm glad I was eating them to help with making my brain happy. 2) Helps protect against cramps during workouts and leg cramps at night. Being a personal trainer I work out all the time. I love working out and don't know what I would do with my time if I didn't.... what is it that people do that don't work out? I guess that's a topic for another post... 3) Improves PMS symptoms. Bananas help regulate blood sugar and produces stress relieving relaxation. Now I don't deal with serious PMS symptoms (other than wanting to eat EVERYTHING) but the stress relieving benefits I'll take all day! 4) High in potassium and low in salt. Great combo because just about all bodily functions depend on potassium to some extent. 5) High in fiber so that helps if you are dealing with any constipation. I don't have that issue however when I was pregnant it was a serious issue and I found relief through eating bananas. Thank goodness because being pregnant is already full of discomfort so you don't want to add constipation on top of that! Ask any pregnant women I'm 99% sure they will agree. 6) Bananas help in preventing anemia. I have a very big problem with this and have to take iron supplements to help with that so when I found out that bananas helped with that I was all for it! Pass a banana please! 7) Provides us with energy!!! Bananas have B6 in them so that will give you some energy....being a single mom and having two kids and two jobs I need all the energy I can get! (I also have coffee that helps with that, not sure where I would be without it! Matter of fact I have my iced coffee right beside me as I type.) 
    So those are some of the benefits and personal reasons why you should incorporate bananas (or nanas as my 3yr old use to call them) into your diet. If you are an absolute hater of bananas then try putting them in smoothies, or spread some all natural peanut butter on them, or dip them in some dark chocolate if you need to! No one is saying you have to eat them all day every day but you should try to eat them and don't give up on them, maybe one day you will bite one and be like hhhhmmmm I guess this isn't THAT bad. 

   One of my fave things to do with bananas is slice a banana and melt all natural peanut butter and drizzle on top then sprinkle some unsweetened coconut on top. YUUMY!!! Every now and then I will also drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top and some times I also add chia seeds. Just depends on my mood but that is a snack I have often! So try it out and hopefully that will help you get them down if you aren't the biggest banana lover.  

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Believe In Your Dreams!

Nothing in life comes easy! That is so true on so many levels, however so many people give up right before things happen and never know how something could have affected them. They give up because it gets so hard that they don't see the end result anywhere close and just give up. Lately I have been in that "I just want to give up" mood and that is NOT acceptable. So I have lit my own fire under my own butt and decided I will not give up! I will continue to push forth no matter how hard or how long it takes because for all I know what I'm striving for could be right around the corner or even through the next door that opens up for me and I would never know because I didn't keep pushing!!! I have to keep believing in my dreams because I refuse to be ordinary. I hope you do the same if you are feeling that lost hope. I promise you things will get better and easier but until then stay strong!! You got this and no one can do it for you so push on my friend push on. This post is short and sweet and to the point and I am sorry for my long absence but I'm about to make some major changes that I have been working on behind the scenes for my blog! Hint: videos!!!!! So happy to be back and in full swing!


More to come,
     Stay Fabulous

Monday, April 22, 2013

This and That

   I have been MIA for a few days so thought I would update about a few things... I've been sssssooooo busy I haven't had time to sit and think on here. Sorry.

    Weather is beautiful and Spring is in full swing! Looking pretty and making people sneeze. Thankfully I don't have issues in the Spring time but I will in the Fall. So for now I will just enjoy the beautiful weather and sunshine! April is my favorite because that is when you see all the tulips. Pink tulips are my favorite flower. One of my other favorite things is to sit in the park area of Atlantic Station (community where I work) during lunch and people watch! Everyone is so consumed in themselves and what they have going on. I see all types of people in the short hour I have to enjoy my yummy lunch! I have people that look at me weird from time to time when they see me sitting on a bench eating my lunch from a lunchbox. I guess they would find it more normal if I was sitting there eating food from the local eateries. I'm too dedicated to my lifestyle to do that. I do my prep meals on Sunday for the entire week unless I'm eating fish then I cook it the night before. For example today for lunch I had  salmon, asparagus, and sweet potato fries (home made with a tiny bit of olive oil and baked, so yum!). For dessert I had vanilla Greek yogurt with black berries, blue berries, raspberries, and strawberries. Right now I'm a little obsessed with berries. SSSOOO tasty and SSSOOO healthy for you! Full of antioxidants and loaded with fiber.    

Blackberries and Raspberries each contains 8 grams (g) of fiber in one cup
Blueberries contain 20 types of anthocyanin – antioxidants that give berries their blue-violet and red colors. Other berries contain only three or four types.
Strawberries contain more vitamin C in a one-cup serving than one orange and are particularly high in folic acid.

The other night the kids and I had tacos made with ground turkey, spinach for our lettuce, diced tomatoes, home made guacamole, and the kids had some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Wrapped up in whole wheat tortillas. I took it for lunch the next day but with more spinach and no tortilla (made it into a salad, left overs don't have to be the boring same ole thing you had the night before)
... Here is the recipe of my salt free taco seasoning!

1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika 
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper

Enjoy!


More to come,
       Stay Fabulous!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Green...

We hear so much about going green and improving the planet and all that but we don't hear so much about eating greens! Green foods such as kale, avocado, broccoli, kiwi, bell peppers, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, green tea, green olives, and spinach are so good for you and act as a super food for your immune system. Here are the benefits to these foods:

  Kale: # areas of nutrients: antioxidant nutrients, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. It has effective cholesterol-lowering abilities and helps the body's detoxification processes.

  Avocado: has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Supports cardiovascular health. Anti-caner benefits and promotes blood sugar regulation.

  Broccoli: high amounts of potassium. Contains magnesium and calcium (which helps regulate blood pressure). Vitamin C and K. In one cup there is a large dose of beta-carotene. Antioxidant and high in fiber. B6 and folate reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

   Kiwi: excellent source of vitamin C. Good amount of fiber and eye health.

   Bell Peppers: excellent source of vitamin C (twice the amount of a regular size orange). Good source of vitamin E. Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Also has amino acids.

   Green Beans: antioxidant properties such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Also has omga-3 fatty acids.

   Brussels Sprouts: helps the body in 3 body systems: detox, antioxidant, and inflammatory. Vitamins C, E, and A. Also provides cardiovascular support and digestive tract support.

    Cucumbers: helps the body in so many cancer fighting ways

    Green Tea:reduce the risk for heart disease. Helps block bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Also improves artery function.

    Green Olives: it is actually a fruit (I think that is neat). High monounsaturated fat associated with reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

    Spinach: rich in vitamins and minerals. Helps to protect body against inflammatory concerns, oxidated stress-related concerns, cardiovascular concerns, bone concerns, and cancer concerns all at the same time! (Pretty much a super food)

So there are 11 foods for you to incorporate into your daily diet. The benefits are too good not to!!! Your health is the number one thing and if it's not on point nothing else will be either. You will notice a difference after you start incorporating these things into your diet. If we are going green with everything else might as well go green with our food too!


More to come,
      Stay Fabulous!


Kale – Kale’s nutrient richness stands out in three particular areas which are antioxidant nutrients, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates. Kale contains effective cholesterol-lowering ability and a definite role in supporting the body’s detoxification processes. Avocado – Research shows that people who consume avocado on a regular basis weigh less and have a lower body mass index than non-consumers. Total fat intake, total monounsaturated fat intake, and total polyunsaturated fat intake was higher in people who eat avocado, even though overall calorie intake was not significantly different from those who do not eat avocado. Avocado has tremendous anti-inflammatory effects on the body, supports cardiovascular health, promotes blood sugar regulation and has anti-cancer benefits. Green Tea – Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder. Additional benefits for the regular consumption of green tea includes a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea. (1) Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C at a whopping 117 milligrams per cup — more than twice the amount of vitamin C found in a typical orange. Bell pepper is also a good source of vitamin E. In addition to these antioxidant vitamins, bell pepper is also a good source of the antioxidant mineral manganese. Alongside of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of bell peppers’ anti-cancer benefits there is a second component. This second component involves the metabolism of sulfur compounds in bell pepper, and in particular the metabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. Several recent studies have taken a close look at the presence of enzymes in bell peppers called cysteine S-conjugate beta-lyases and their role in a sulfur-containing metabolic pathway called the thiomethyl shunt. These enzymes and this pathway may be involved in some of the anti-cancer benefits that bell pepper has shown in some animal and lab studies.

Read more at WPBeginner: Ten Super Green Foods to Eat Every Day http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/ten-super-green-foods-to-eat-every-day-601/



Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C at a whopping 117 milligrams per cup — more than twice the amount of vitamin C found in a typical orange. Bell pepper is also a good source of vitamin E. In addition to these antioxidant vitamins, bell pepper is also a good source of the antioxidant mineral manganese. Alongside of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of bell peppers’ anti-cancer benefits there is a second component. This second component involves the metabolism of sulfur compounds in bell pepper, and in particular the metabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. Several recent studies have taken a close look at the presence of enzymes in bell peppers called cysteine S-conjugate beta-lyases and their role in a sulfur-containing metabolic pathway called the thiomethyl shunt. These enzymes and this pathway may be involved in some of the anti-cancer benefits that bell pepper has shown in some animal and lab studies.

Read more at WPBeginner: Ten Super Green Foods to Eat Every Day http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/ten-super-green-foods-to-eat-every-day-601/
Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C at a whopping 117 milligrams per cup — more than twice the amount of vitamin C found in a typical orange. Bell pepper is also a good source of vitamin E. In addition to these antioxidant vitamins, bell pepper is also a good source of the antioxidant mineral manganese. Alongside of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of bell peppers’ anti-cancer benefits there is a second component. This second component involves the metabolism of sulfur compounds in bell pepper, and in particular the metabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. Several recent studies have taken a close look at the presence of enzymes in bell peppers called cysteine S-conjugate beta-lyases and their role in a sulfur-containing metabolic pathway called the thiomethyl shunt. These enzymes and this pathway may be involved in some of the anti-cancer benefits that bell pepper has shown in some animal and lab studies.

Read more at WPBeginner: Ten Super Green Foods to Eat Every Day http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/ten-super-green-foods-to-eat-every-day-601/
Kale – Kale’s nutrient richness stands out in three particular areas which are antioxidant nutrients, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates. Kale contains effective cholesterol-lowering ability and a definite role in supporting the body’s detoxification processes. Avocado – Research shows that people who consume avocado on a regular basis weigh less and have a lower body mass index than non-consumers. Total fat intake, total monounsaturated fat intake, and total polyunsaturated fat intake was higher in people who eat avocado, even though overall calorie intake was not significantly different from those who do not eat avocado. Avocado has tremendous anti-inflammatory effects on the body, supports cardiovascular health, promotes blood sugar regulation and has anti-cancer benefits. Green Tea – Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder. Additional benefits for the regular consumption of green tea includes a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea. (1) Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C at a whopping 117 milligrams per cup — more than twice the amount of vitamin C found in a typical orange. Bell pepper is also a good source of vitamin E. In addition to these antioxidant vitamins, bell pepper is also a good source of the antioxidant mineral manganese. Alongside of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of bell peppers’ anti-cancer benefits there is a second component. This second component involves the metabolism of sulfur compounds in bell pepper, and in particular the metabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. Several recent studies have taken a close look at the presence of enzymes in bell peppers called cysteine S-conjugate beta-lyases and their role in a sulfur-containing metabolic pathway called the thiomethyl shunt. These enzymes and this pathway may be involved in some of the anti-cancer benefits that bell pepper has shown in some animal and lab studies.

Read more at WPBeginner: Ten Super Green Foods to Eat Every Day http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/ten-super-green-foods-to-eat-every-day-601/

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Everyones got to eat!

   I have published a cook book on Kindle with clean eat recipes. This is the first of many. This book just has 20 random recipes to get people started and give them a sample of how yummy clean eating can be and then the rest will be food specific (snacks, desserts, lunch idea, fro-yo pops, for the kids ,and so on). The link is provided below. If you are unable to click on the link you can copy and paste to your browser.

  Also some people have said they do not have a Kindle, smart phone, or an iPad so I have decided that people in those situations can pay using PayPal and I will email the book to them! Let me know which way works best for you can we can get you a copy!!! Hope you enjoy the recipes.



http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Eats-Recipes-Eating-ebook/dp/B00C1JHBRS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365990097&sr=1-1&



More to come,
     Stay Fabulous!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Some Times You Need A Reminder!

   I think we all have those moments where we feel incompetent. We don't think we are as good as others. We feel we should be able to do certain things or lift a certain amount in the gym. Run a certain speed. We subconsciously compare our self to others. Why? Why can't we feel good about where we are. Why can't a beginner be happy that they are just starting? Why can't someone who just moved up in weights be happy with that? Most of us have the mind set of "yeah I did that BUT..." OR "but I'm still not as good as ________". We are constantly seeking approval from others and not rejoicing in the small victories! We need to learn how to be happy and excited about our accomplishments no matter how big or small! 

   I follow many people on Instagram  that are super serious about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. I started following them to be encouraged and inspired on days that I might need a push. A good bit of them are on such a higher level than I am and for a while their post started discouraging me and making me feel incompetent. I had to remind myself these people have been in the game a lot longer than I have. I had to stop myself from comparing my progress to theirs. I'm back to being encouraged by them. It's all based on your perception of the situation!

   As of lately, I have been slacking a little on getting my work outs in (only going two days a week and not my usual 4 days. Also why I haven't been on top of posting every day, I promise that will change! New post every day!!) from juggling both jobs and the kids. Having clients several times a week and working at Athleta (check them out!!!! www.athleta.com) and getting the kidos to and from where they need to be has become a little overwhelming and I let that keep me from getting MY workout in. I noticed that yesterday when I went to the gym and struggled a little at something I have totally masted and should be moving up on weights in. I got a little upset then had to say "okay Noel, life happens and you have a little bump in the road from time to time. Tonight you will sit down and write out what all you have going on and figure out how to keep your passion alive for yourself!" I did just that after the kids were in bed. I wrote down all the things I had going on and what was coming up with it being the end of the school year for the kids (it gets sooo busy this time of year). It's tough being a single mom but I am learning each day how to deal with things as they come and incorporating them into my lifestyle. I want to stay prepared so I don't have to get prepared!

   I encourage you do the same! If you are feeling overwhelmed or crunched for time and missing out on your fitness routine or workouts or meal preps take the time to sit, relax, and figure out your schedule. Get back on track. Set goals, make schedules, and cut out unnecessary stress that is keeping you from getting the important things done! Your health and fitness are the most important things! Without a healthy you there is no you doing anything for yourself or others! 


More to come,
    Stay Fabulous!

Monday, April 8, 2013

3 strikes you're out

Wanted to start by sharing photos of the hike my kids and I went on the other day. The weather was beautiful (a little breezy at times) and we took full advantage of it!
beautiful view!

leading the way!

almost there!
Trying to find the way!


Today I went to the Braves game (the Braves beat the Cubs btw) and it amazes me how much people play life like a game of baseball! As a fan I was watching the game of course but watching people as well. At one point in the game one of the Braves player was trying to steal a base and get to 2nd, he did, but before he did the people in front of me kept talking about how he needed to hurry and steal it before he lost the chance. So many people try to do that in life. They try to "steal bases" and get ahead without waiting and letting things happen the way they are suppose to. “Patience, Grasshopper”.

I also noticed that every player that would strike out always did with a HUGE swing of the bat because they were trying for a home run every time. A lot of people (myself included) try to hit a home run the very first time at bat. Very few want to take the time and slow down to get it exactly right and 2 times out of 3 we all strike out at something. We don't want to practice our swing and go to the "batting cages" of life and spend time learning to keep our eye on the ball and perfecting our swing. We want to be great the moment we step up to the plate. It doesn't work like that and I personally have to remind myself to slow down and take the time needed to get it right. Most people I know that start working out or even a new eating plan always get so upset and disappointed because they think they should hit a home run after the first few times. They feel as if the decision of just starting should make them great. That is why so many people stop after a week or so. They get so mad if they "strike out" a few times. Yes, in baseball it is 3 strikes and you’re out but in life it's not. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Most people do not understand that. They think "I've done this a few times and I didn't get it so I should just stop". When a person starts having those thoughts that's usually when they start getting good at what they are doing and don't even realize it. They have been practicing and may have struck out a few times but they have improved each time. You have to look outside the box at times and really evaluate where you started and where you have come. You should have goals on top of goal to achieve. Once you achieve one goal you already have another one to start. They don't have to be huge goals either but you need more than one to go on and continue making home runs. Baseball is 9 innings but life is unlimited innings. There is no 7th inning stretch or bottom of the 9th to worry about. But don’t worry, you can always stop and do the wave and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” anytime you want!  Just make sure  you do it the right way.

When watching the crowd I couldn't help but laugh a little when the wave started. I'm not into the wave but the kid sitting next to me said "you have to put your hands up and do this (stood up and then sat back down) when it comes over here to us ok?" So of course I did it from that point forward and it's just my luck that all the fans would be super excited about the wave at this game and it successfully went around 6 times...... But it just goes to show if the majority of people are doing something the people who usually wouldn't will. I couldn't tell a little boy no!

Last thing about my day at the game: The amount of junk food and alcohol that is supplied at an alarming price rip off is RIDICULOUS!!  People don't care and are willing to pay it. I saw people with 2 hotdogs (foot longs) loaded up with chili and cheese and any other topping possible with chips and a 16oz beer everywhere I looked. We had others who got the nachos and poured chili and cheese on top of that!!! The vendors walking around only supply junk. Popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, beer, coke, and more beer! I have never been so disappointed. I brought snacks that I knew they wouldn't provide such as an apple, a banana, and almonds. Also brought 2 bottles of water but ended up buying a third. It's not hard to make the right decisions when it comes to food and it saves you money but people don't want to take the extra 15 min to throw something together before they head out! Most people say "let's just grab something quick on the way" or "we'll grab something when we get there". They are trying to save time but if you grab something quick on the way you wait in line at a drive thru and if you grab something when you get there you stand in line (miss parts of the game) and wait. You save no time and you make horrible food choices. Be smart and plan ahead!! Please you, your body, and your wallet will thank me!!!

More to come,
    Stay Fabulous!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Tropical Morning

I'm so excited for spring to be here! I know that the last few days have been unseasonably cold for April but that's okay because I know soon we will all be crying about how hot it is here. The people in Georgia are so funny. We are never happy with the weather. There may be 15 days out of the whole year that no one complains about the weather. So in being excited about spring I've decided to give you guys a juice that is so yum and refreshing and gives you good energy (no stopping at the gas station for your Red Bull or Monster).  

Tropical Morning Energy Blast
1 kiwi-peeled
6 med strawberries
1 orange or 2 clementine – peeled
½ mango peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
½ cup coconut water

Put all ingredients in juicer and enjoy! 

More to come,
    Stay Fabulous! 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Feeling the burn!

On April 1st I talked about what new habit will you take advantage of and I realized after talking to a few people that most people are afraid of change. Most people think of change as a negative thing. As if breaking their old habits will end their life. They think nothing good can happen if they do something new.

I'm not one of those people. I welcome change with open arms and cannot really understand how others can’t. It's exciting to me to see what's next.  I find myself often wondering “What's out there that I haven't tried”. When I try something and FINALLY master it, it becomes a bittersweet moment for me because I have finally done it but now it’s no longer a challenge for me. Then, to keep my skills honed, I either find a new form of what I have learned to make it more challenging or move on to something else. That is one reason I have started to really like yoga because once you master a pose there is another harder one that will challenge you for a while... (right now I am trying to master a handstand off the wall. Wish me luck!!)

We can get very content with our comfort zone and before we know it we have been there so long we aren't really sure how to get out of it. We freak out and think "if I do something different I may have to push myself more than I want". When people start working out they are so excited and ready to go. Then they feel the burn during the exercise and start getting nervous and then the next 24-48 hours they  feel the pain and think 'WHAT DID I DO TO MYSELF???" and then decide to give up. They do not realize that the burn and pain that they are feeling is the change happening to their body. If it was easy everyone would do it!!!
My challenge for you is to push hard (don’t over exert yourself) and feel the burn and feel the pain days after and embrace it!!! Get excited about it! I am addicted to the pain from a good workout. Anyone that has been working out for a while can relate to that. I'm excited for when you start getting addicted to the pain too. Remember, Rome was not built in a day.
 


Here is a leg work out that will have your legs SCREAMING!!!! Enjoy!
(make sure you stretch before and after)

20 butt kicks
25 squats (get low but keep form)
30 lunges (15 each leg alternating or one leg at a time)
35 calf raises
45 sec. wall sit
50 jumping jacks
60 sec burpees (as many as you can in that time)
*repeat 1x

More to come,
    Stay Fabulous! 

Monday, April 1, 2013

New Beginnings


     Today is the first day of a new week and the first day of a new month! How will you take advantage of the new? 


Starting something new can be pretty scary. The frustration of not knowing whether you are doing “it” right, not feeling comfortable while doing “it”, scared of failure, or straight up scared of the unknown can be downright stressful. Right now in my life I am trying to make the best decisions for me and my kids and it's hard because they are MAJOR life changing decisions and I'm just not sure on what to do. First thing first is prayer. Make sure you pray about everything. When starting something new my advice is to always pray. Pray about “it” even when it comes to the fitness aspect of life. Starting new eating habits? Pray that God will give you strength to stick with it. Starting a new routine? Pray that God will allow you patience to not give up after going through a few weeks of "no major results". No matter what, always pray first.

A few years ago when my husband left I didn't know what to do. As sad as that is it's the truth. I got depressed and wasn't able to figure things out. The only thing I knew how to do was pray. I remember at one point almost every minute of my day was spent in prayer. I prayed and asked God to give me direction and guidance. I prayed He would give me the strength I needed to do this by myself. I prayed that He would open doors to places I didn't even know I needed open. And He did! God always answers prayers. It may not always be the answer you're looking for (because I prayed and prayed and prayed for God to fix my marriage, that didn't happen) but He always answers. A good friend of mine has a song by Garth Brooks that she loves called “Unanswered Prayers”. Sometimes you have to thank God for those unanswered prayers as sometimes we may be setting ourselves back by not continuing to have faith. I think it's kind of funny how we always think His answer should be yes. Our answers to our children aren't always yes so why do we expect His to be?

I get excited when things like today happen. I always feel it means something important. A new day, a new week, and a new month! What else will be new? Whatever new thing you are starting I'm excited for you. I hope and pray it turns out the way you want it to! New beginnings... nothing better than new beginnings!



If you are looking for a new routine here is one to try:

30 walking lunges
15 calf raises
10 deadlifts
(repeat 2x)

Jumping jacks
mountain climbers
bench jump ups
(as many as you can in 60 sec)
 
15 bent over rows
15 standing dumbbell curls
10 push ups
(repeat 2x)

Little rest in between all circuits!


More to come,
    Stay Fabulous!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter!!!!

When it comes to eating clean most people think they aren't allowed flavor, or sweets, or anything yummy. So not true!!! Here is one of my FAVORITE recipes and it is sssooo flavorful, sweet, and yummy!!! 
(The Easter Bunny left a few of theses in some eggs for the kids this morn!!!)


Almond Joys
Coconut filling:
1 ¼ cups unsweetened organic coconut finely shredded
¼ cup melted coconut oil
2 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
Dark Chocolate Coating:
5 oz. (72%or higher)dark chocolate
12 almonds
In med. bowl combine all of coconut filling ingredients very well. Evenly divide the filling between 12 muffin cups or you can just use your hand to shape them as you please. Press them tightly to make sure they stay together. Place almond on top by lightly but firmly pressing it on the top of mixture. Place in freezer. Make sure it is laying flat. Freeze until solid (about 45min.)
Take out of freezer and use a butter knife to go around the edge and pop them out and place them on wax paper. Put them in fridge while making chocolate topping.
Melt chocolate either on stove top or in microwave. If in microwave make sure to stir often. Only 10 sec. at a time.
Take out of fridge and you can either dip the whole coconut mixture in the chocolate or drizzle over top(that's my fav. Way).



"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
John 11:25 KJV


More to come,
      Stay Fabulous!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

yum yum yum!

Sweet Potato Dessert!
 
 
1 sweet potato 
1/2 tsp. cannamon
2 packets Stevia
2 tbsp. natural peanut butter
 
 
*Slice sweet potato to desired thickness. 
*Bring water to a slight boil on stove top
*Add sweet potato slices, 1 packet Stevia, and cinnamon
*After the slices have boiled to desired tenderness remove and place on a plate. 
* Melt peanut butter
*Sprinkle desired amount of Stevia packet over potato slices and drizzle with melted peanut butter
 
Enjoy with a glass of almond milk, YYYUUUMMMM! 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

haters gonna hate!

No matter what you do someone WILL always have something to say about it. Bottom line: good or bad. It seems that these days everyone thinks that everyone cares about their opinion. I can’t recall the number of times  I hear "you need some meat on those bones" or "you're so skinny you're lucky". Well yes, I do have meat on bones. It’s called lean muscle and I work out 3 sometimes 4 days a week and I always eat clean. I work hard for my body and I am disciplined to do what is needed to have the body I want. There is no luck involved, just hard work and dedication! I still feel there is room for improvement with my body and soon I will be where I want with it, but until then, I keep grinding. People will also always have something to say about what I'm eating. If I were eating badly they would also have something to say about that too, lol! No matter what we will all have critics that will have something to say. It’s like you can't win for losing these days!

So what should you do about it? Absolutely NOTHING! Keep doing you! Keep up the good work and if you are in the middle of changing your lifestyle then you need to continue to do just that! Forget about what everyone has to say about it. Like I stated in an earlier post you deserve the best you and you cannot have that if you are pleasing everyone else. I know it is hard to shut all the negativity out but you will need to learn how to channel that into fuel and let it drive you, not stop you. Let the things you are being told you can't, allow you to KNOW  you canI I can say this because I used to allow other people’s comments control me. I would always say "I wanna do this but so and so said I wouldn't be good at it" or "I think I want to do that but I don't know how so and so would feel about me if I did that" DO YOU KNOW HOW EXHAUSTING THAT WAS!?!?!?!? I was hardly ever happy and when I was "happy" I was really just making sure that the people around me were happy and had nothing bad or negative to say about me. I was always stressed and anxious.
 In high school I was elected to be on homecoming court for my class. I was a freshman and SO EXCITED about it. (I was also asked to prom that same day. It was a very good day for me). However the other girls that wanted to be on homecoming court were not as excited. So, what do high school jealous girls do? They make that person's life hell. For further reference, watch the movie Mean Girls with Lindsey Lohan if you are not familiar with high school drama. In high school I was called fat (I weighed 110lbs at 5'4), I was called ugly, I was called pasty, and anything else they thought would bring me down. (On Christmas Eve I got a phone call from one of the girls and she said "do you know what the best Christmas gift would be for me?" I said "no" she replied with "if someone came to school and threw acid in your face! Then NO ONE would like you". The only thing I could do was hang up the phone.) Well they succeeded and I went from 110lbs to 83 lbs in just a few months with the help of eating disorders. I had anorexia and bulimia. I wouldn't eat and if I did I would vomit shortly after. I would also take laxatives on the regular.... goodness looking back now I can't believe I allowed myself to go through that. I still have times where I feel guilty for eating certain things and there are trigger foods I just stay away from. Only difference now is that I know how to properly satisfy those urges to vomit and I know how to deal with the sadness and guilt if I decide to indulge. I take my frustrations and feelings out in the gym. It helps me to know that I am giving it all I have and at the end when I am so exhausted I can't stand it those feelings are gone! I did all of that harm to my body because I was trying to please people who meant nothing in the long run! There are other stories I could tell you to show how I use to try and please everyone else but I would be writing until I went to bed. "Ain’t nobody got time for that!" Now that I am not concerned about making everyone happy I am happy.  I know that people are probably talking about me, trust, I see and hear the comments but it doesn’t bother me anymore. My circumstances, my experiences and my drive for success have led me to realize that they do not matter. I am taking all of those things and creating my own happiness!

Your goal should you choose to accept it: Please try to not focus on others and what they have to say or not say. See how you feel after a week. Say “no” if you have to. Don't always be a “yes” person. Don't be taken advantage of. Push hard in your work outs, make better choices when eating and don't stress!!! After one week see if you can tell the difference and when you do take that into the next week and the next and the next until it's just what you do and how you do. Don't totally change who you are but make small adjustments toward your goals and just be happy!

Today I will just give you one exercise that you can incorporate into your routine! It's a good one and you can also use sliders on your feet to make it a little more challenging!





1) start in plank position...

2) drop down into push up position...
3) back up to plank
   4) bring one leg up then back to starting position.



After step 4 repeat 1-4 but switch your leg each time. Do 3 sets of 15 reps (each leg, total of 30). Once you have mastered those add some sliders and switch up the leg motion to either bringing both legs in at one time or bringing both legs in and then out to a wide "v" with your legs when doing the push up. Have fun with it and enjoy the exercise! Good luck!!!!


Also only a few more days left for the squat challenge!!!!
 (go check that out in earlier post if you are like huh?)


More to come,
    Stay Fabulous!!















Saturday, March 23, 2013

So Yum It's Stupid!

Clean Eat Mac-n-Cheese
2 ¼ cup whole wheat elbow macaroni
¼ cup whole wheat flour
¼ tsp. Sea salt
1 cup skim milk
3 oz. Low fat Swiss cheese, shredded
5 oz. Low fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Cook macaroni to package directions. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In med. bowl add flour and salt and whisk in enough milk to make paste. Whisk in remaining milk until no lumps remain. Place a med. saucepan over med. heat and add flour milk mixture. When milk is warm add Swiss cheese and stir until melted. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted mixture begins to thicken. Stir in cooked noodles. Stir until noodles are covered evenly.

Yeah, you're welcome! Enjoy!!!!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Spring Is Here!!!!

Happy first day of Spring!! I'm so excited Spring is here. Flowers, warmer weather, birds chirping, picnics, playing at the park, lunch on patios, and Spring clothes!! Everyone always freaks out during Spring to hurry and get those abs in check. I'm going to give a few tips on kicking it hard to get those abs where you want them by summer. I will say that abs are hard to get and they do not come easy. That is why it's such a great feeling when they start to show. The pic below is me about a month ago. I need to take a more recent pic but this is when they were starting to come through.

One thing you have to make sure you do to get your abs ready for summer is eat right!! Make sure your plate is as colorful as possible! Also keep it clean (not talking about the plate either). Eating clean isn't as hard as people think it is. Make sure you have plenty of veggies, lean meats, fruits, and whole grains. Also water, water, water! Eating clean is all I know, if you need help with eating clean I'm here to help. 

Exercises you can do:
crunches
bicycle crunches
toe touches
reverse crunches
side plank hip dips
russian twist
oblique v-ups
leg lifts
in & outs
scissors
mountain climbers
plank
 

All of those will make you have banging abs! 20-25 reps, repeating which ever combo you choose 2-3 times and you will be hurting but have abs for dayyyyyssssssss after a while. It's all about hard work though. Sitting at home thinking about working out never got anyone anywhere. Also remember nothing happens over night it will take time but keep at it because once you start seeing those results it's a feeling you don't want to lose. So get up and get started!! Today is the first day of Spring so you have until June 21st (first day of Summer) to get those abs in the best shape possible!!! Good luck!

More to come,
     Stay Fabulous!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Shine Bright

  Being a self proclaimed “girly” girl I absolutely love sparkle! I probably love it more than I should at 26 yrs old but I do not care. My seven year old daughter loves it just as much as I do so that makes it even easier for me to have a reason to buy such things!!  So what does “sparkle” have to do with this post? I honestly believe every person has an inner sparkle. He or she possesses that feeling of pride and accomplishment, that feeling of "look at me" and owning it. However so many people have let others dull their sparkle and it saddens me.
Not too long ago, I was one of those people. I relied on everyone else to define who I was. If I was good enough, skinny enough, sexy enough, pretty enough, cool enough, smart enough, tan enough, tough enough, fashionable enough, fierce and fabulous enough, and so on. I allowed my happiness to be based on that and let me tell you.... that was not a fun way to live! I was the main cause of my eating disorder when I was younger. I tried to make myself so perfect in every way. It was exhausting. I never felt good enough, EVER! I have made it a private (well, I guess not now) mission of mine to never let my daughter or son fall into that horrible pit of self doubt. I am raising them to be proud of who they are and what they do no matter what! Failure is a part of life and you have to fail at a few things to be successful at many. I no longer have that need to be accepted by people. Honestly I'm actually to that point asking those who criticize me "oh I'm not good enough for you? So glad your opinion means nothing to me".  That may sound rude but I'm there and not ashamed!!!
Do not let anyone take your sparkle away from you. It's yours, you own it! Someone can only take it if you allow them. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt famously stated “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Don’t be a prisoner to others and their opinions. I know you are thinking it’s probably easier said than done. True! It took me from the time I was in 6th grade until last May to let my sparkle truly shine; and it shines bright!! Rihanna doesn’t sing “Shine bright like a Diamond” for no reason! This last year I have gone out of my way to put myself in situations that I knew would hit my insecurities and make me feel uncomfortable so I could overcome them! I have made myself look like a fool at times but if you are having fun who cares? The only person that truly matters is YOU! Once you start living for you that's when change will happen! That's when you will realize your true worth and happiness. I'm not saying turn into a selfish person who is all about themselves all the time. I'm pretty sure everyone understands the gist of it. You are an amazing person no matter your circumstance, no matter your situation, no matter your past! You are you.  YOU deserve the best.
 This weekend (didn't say this week because during the week with families, jobs, and responsibilities it may stress you out more trying to find me time) I want you to do one thing for YOU! It could be starting to prep and plan meals in advance so you aren't tempted to go with the easy junk food. It could be pushing yourself a little harder in your workout because you know you have 1 or 2 more in you. It could be contacting a personal trainer to get something started. It could be sitting in the quiet comfort of your favorite spot after a busy day and doing nothing for 5-10 min. It could be lunch with a girlfriend you haven't seen in a while. No matter what it is make sure it is something that is for YOU!

Have a Wonderful Week!


 

More to come,
   Stay Fabulous!
 

Monday, March 18, 2013

There's A Party In My Tummy....

 
 NEVER GIVE UP....... EVER!


 Growing up I had so many dreams and ideas of what I wanted to be when I grew up and how my life was going to turn out. At one point I thought I would be a lawyer, another time I seriously thought I would be a professional ice skater, runway director, visual merchandizing (that may still happen one day), medical coder, dancer, and the list goes on. Well I was slapped by reality at a very young age and had to grow up pretty fast. I had to get what ever job would keep a roof over my head and food in our bellies. My boyfriend (which later became my husband which now is my ex-husband) wasn't in a great financial place either. So it made for a rough go. I had my daughter at 19 (insert gasp here) and didn't get to have the typical life of a young adult. That whole having no real responsibilities right out of high school is a foreign concept to me but everything happens for a reason. So I am now chasing my dreams and making them happen... slowly but surely.

   I am also one of those people that wants everything now. I grew up in the generation of now and fast paced everything. I don't like waiting (I am ashamed but honest). I often get frustrated and irritated that things are working out as I had planned. I am a person that likes to have everything planned out and organized and put together and if something doesn't stick to those plans it throws me off. I am working on that and will over come it. I need to work on letting things take their course because no matter how long something takes or doesn't take the time will pass anyway.

   People often get so mad and irritated that the pounds aren't falling off as fast as they would like but what most fail to remember is that it took time for the weight to pile on so it will take time for it to fall off. You also have to do your part and stick with it. Don't get frustrated and give up. See it through and when you look back and remember the struggles you faced then you will \feel even better about yourself.

Here are two quick mini workouts you can do when time it tight but you still need to get a work out in. 

25 jumping jacks                                                             10 burpees
30 Russian twist                                                              30 high knees
10 squats                                                                        30 butt kicks
10 standing calf raises                           OR                     10 sit ups
10 side lunges (each leg)                                                  20 inner thigh lifts (10 each leg)
5 kneeling (or regular) push ups                                       20 bicycles
         repeat 2x                                                                              repeat 2x



  Because I have two small kids I often get silly little songs stuck in my head. For example when eating something that is pretty much heaven in my mouth the crazy song There's A Party In My Tummy from Yo Gabba Gabba pops in my head and then I usually can't get it out. Look it up if you aren't familiar with it (warning: you will hate me later when you are trying to go to bed and the song wont stop playing in your head, lol).

 Let me show you a few little tricks I use to eat healthy and not feel deprived:
                                                      
   1) Tuna... I love tuna. I eat it often and it never disappoints. I love it because you can do so much with it. When I make my tuna I use an avocado as my "mayo". I don't use mayo or anything like that because it's so not good for you. The avocado is so creamy and delicious it works perfect! Once you get that all worked in and the consistency you like then you can add what ever you want. I like to add walnuts sometimes, onion, pickles, hard boiled egg whites, some times a little yellow mustard, flax seeds or chia seeds. The list could go on and on but just remember to keep it clean and don't start adding things that are going to void out all your healthy add ins.
    A cute thing I like to do is use my avocado shells as my bowl. Cut it in half long ways scoop it all out and BAM! you have a mini bowl to put your tuna mixture into.


   2) Dessert (or just a mid day snacks) are usually something that gets people in trouble. I make all kind of clean eat snacks and desserts but these two I'm about to talk about are probably my fav. Homemade fro-yo pops. Talk about a party in my tummy!!!!!!!!! YUMM-O as Rachel Ray would say. I have many recipes for them but they are pretty much just fruit and yogurt and occasionally I will add protein powder in there. You can make 12 pops for less that buying a box or 6 or 8 from the store. My kids go to town on these things. It's always fun to see which fruit combos they come up with. So far we haven't made a bad combo so the possibilities are pretty much endless with this!!! The only con of these is the time it takes to freeze. My kids don't like that we have to wait until the next day to eat them. I try to surprise them and make a batch when they are at school and most of the time they are ready for them for their after school snack but some times we have to wait until after dinner so I get to hear "are they done yet" a million times until I can say yes.

 3) Fruit! As you can see they look great. Usually if it looks great it taste great. This is a pic of strawberries but you can use ANY kind of fruit. Mango, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, oranges, pairs, bananas, pineapple, and more. All you do is dip whatever fruit you decide to use in plain or vanilla Greek yogurt and freeze for 25-30 min. It is also a very cute set up at parties. Just make sure what ever you have the fruit in when serving can be placed on or in ice to keep the yogurt from melting and turning into just a bowl of yogurt and fruit lol (defeats the purpose).

More to come,
   Stay Fabulous!