tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31088638893903138092023-11-15T22:56:45.555-08:00Live healthier. Live longer. Live happier.Live healthier. Live longer. Live happier.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-67996991369242055332012-03-14T14:39:00.004-07:002012-03-14T15:03:27.183-07:00Healthy Snacks<div align="center">Maybe I'm the only one, but getting through the day without munching on everything in sight can be hard! When I find healthy snacks that I love, I stick with those. Keep these snacks around and kick the unhealthy snacks out so that you won't be tempted!<br /><br />• Frozen grapes - This is my favorite, especially in the summertime!<br />• Berries in yogurt<br />• Celery or apple slices with Peanut Butter<br />• Dark Chocolate -<span style="font-size:85%;"> I like to buy the Hersheys kisses, and limit myself to one or two.<br /></span>• Banana dipped in small amount of chocolate or peanut butter<br />• Applesauce<br />• Juice smoothies - Try <a href="http://www.smoothieweb.com/jamba-juice-banana-berry-recipe/">this</a> healthy Jamba recipe<br />• Grilled pineapple</div><div align="center">• Fresh sugar snap peas</div><div align="center">• Rice with soy sauce</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Remember, the BEST thing you can snack on is fruits or veggies. Especially those veggies!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And also, check me out here to see the results of my 6 weeks to a flat stomach:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://meandmine-blog.blogspot.com/2012/03/6-weeks-to-flat-stomach-results.html">http://meandmine-blog.blogspot.com/2012/03/6-weeks-to-flat-stomach-results.html</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-75815891876672221752012-03-09T13:21:00.003-08:002012-03-09T13:25:47.016-08:00Workout at home<div align="center">I love my gym membership, but sometimes I just need those at home, no equipment workouts. On those days that I sleep in and want to do a quick workout on my lunch break! I found this, and love it. Try it out! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIz3YFUPlDs5bdU5S4aSnfixq_OAIFUfRYfwO_sox_dtG_n7hfSNjzZKJd9WRHss7xzNbd6m4N3Y4ysJ9C1GjfzHz_7t4xHMaePCsCa7_oOJNxY7b7DmDJpXOkPCrsj0lFrsLy2zZYik/s1600/no+equipment.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 1600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718010950740906034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIz3YFUPlDs5bdU5S4aSnfixq_OAIFUfRYfwO_sox_dtG_n7hfSNjzZKJd9WRHss7xzNbd6m4N3Y4ysJ9C1GjfzHz_7t4xHMaePCsCa7_oOJNxY7b7DmDJpXOkPCrsj0lFrsLy2zZYik/s1600/no+equipment.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-29050484316396563322012-02-21T15:00:00.003-08:002012-02-21T15:47:24.220-08:00Kick the addiction.<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Why hello there friends, missed me??</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I'm back to blog about something that is a personal weakness of mine. My best friend and my worst enemy.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>SODA.</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Before I dive into some motivational facts on why we should all jump off the drinking soda bandwagon, let me first bring up something else:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>SELF DISCIPLINE.</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">This is the one thing that I am constantly working on, because with this all things are possible. And this is one thing you need to have if you are a soda lover like me.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If you really want to be healthy and lose weight, cutting out soda is a must. Get it in your head that you are going to do it, and just <em>do it.</em> You can't dilly-dally forever thinking that <em>some</em>day you <em>might possibly </em>think about <em>maybe </em>trying to cut back a little.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Make a decision and do it. Easier said than done, yes, but still possible to do. Anything we do in life is just making a decision and doing it. Done.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If you drink soda often, the quickest way to lose pounds as well as bloating in a short amount of time is to cut out your soda intake. Shall we look at some convincing facts now? Mmmmkay.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>1 - Empty and Useless.</strong> There are no nutritional benefits to soda. None whatsoever.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>2 - Weight Gain.</strong> I've read research that says each soda consumed increases risk of obesity 1.6 times.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>3 - Diabetes.</strong> Anything that increases weight gain is going to increase your risk of diabetes, but there are also new studies on the effect of the High-fructose corn syrup. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823094819.htm">Read up here.</a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>4 - May cause osteoporosis</strong>, due to being highly acidic.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>5 - Rots your teeth.</strong> Your dentist will thank you for quitting!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>6 - Don't follow the crowd.</strong> One of the biggest reasons that people end up drinking soda, myself included, is because it's just there. This is a very rich industry that does a very good job of advertising and slapping vending machines on every corner of every building in every town. Be aware that it will always be around you, there will always be people drinking it next to you and offering it to you and tempting you with delicious looking pictures of the dripping, ice cold beverages. It's convenient and easy. But remember, don't follow the crowd-<span style="font-size:130%;">you're better than that!</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">And this all goes for Diet Soda as well. Just because it's low in calories, doesn't mean it can't lead to weight gain. Don't be tricked! Diet soda is also still 100% nutrition free, and daily diet soda drinkers are linked to diabetes as well.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">So let's all kick this nasty addiction. Even the first week without it you will notice a huge difference.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">If I can do it, you can do it.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">To see what I'm doing along with kicking my soda habit, </span><a href="http://meandmine-blog.blogspot.com/2012/02/6-weeks-to-flat-stomach.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">click here.</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-32122244720671038002011-09-30T09:58:00.000-07:002011-09-30T10:15:28.977-07:00Don't believe everything you read<div align="center">This applies to all areas of life. I think we need to remember that just because you read something, doesn't mean it's true. No matter where you read it!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Some people say you need to get 8 hours of sleep. Some people say you shouldn't eat meat. Some people say 6 days a week is exercising too much. Some people say 3 days a week is too little. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The list goes on and on. I read an article recently on how "all things in moderation" is a bunch of crap. I read the whole article and thought to myself, <em>well I don't agree with that at all! </em>Why? Because it works for <em>me. </em>And I had a realization:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Bag what you read. Bag what people tell you. Take good advice for what it is, but when it all comes down to it-do what's best for <em>you.</em> Follow your heart. Do what works for you, and don't give a you-know-what about what other people say or think or do. Don't compare yourself to other people. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Work on yourself, be happy with yourself.</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">For me, all things in moderation works fabulous. I once started keeping track of my calories and after a few months of doing this I realized there wasn't a single day that I went over my recommended calorie intake. And I wasn't even trying not to. So why keep track? I'm very good at eating small amounts often. Who cares if I splurge on a Dr. Pepper here and there or some yummy chocolate cake? <span style="font-size:130%;">It works for me.</span> And if I notice my stomach becoming something I don't want it to be, I change my habits quick! <span style="font-size:85%;">Stop drinking soda for a few weeks, lower my sweets, or workout harder at the gym.</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Working out is my key. As long as I'm working out 3 - 5 times a week, I find I am happy with my body. I stay healthy that way.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">BUT this doesn't work for everyone! Some people have a weakness of junk food, some people over-indulge and eat too much, some people hate working out, some people work out constantly and still gain weight. EVERYONE is different.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You need to find what works for you!</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If you have a hard time with eating in moderation and need to diet, I recommend <strong>Weight Watchers</strong>. It's the only diet I've seen with people in my life that really works, and keeps the weight off if continued. I know many people that have lost a lot of weight using this method.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If you have a hard time with motivation to work out, I recommend getting a gym buddy or splurging and getting a personal trainer. Having someone push you is a key to being motivated.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">And the key to this <strong>all </strong>is self-discipline</span>. If you can <strong>master self-discipline</strong>, you will find a way to do anything. This is something that I will be working on my whole life!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Today I do have some healthy advice. I read this yesterday and I whole-heartedly agree with it!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">"Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince, </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">and dinner like a Beggar."</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center">That works for me. That works for A LOT of people. Try it out, see if it works for you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-79842845751996088992011-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:002011-09-09T07:56:55.176-07:00Meal Plan ChallengeI have big plans for next week, and I'm posting it here for anyone who wants to follow along. The reason I'm posting this today is because I use the weekend to go grocery shopping for whatever I need to buy for my meals next week. So if you'd like to follow along on my meal plans, write a list of what groceries you need and plan on some shopping today or tomorrow!<br /><br />I just started scribbling my ideas down on paper, and this is what I came up with:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwQrAhI1PVeklV7xA8e9MxbYmXVbj0Z-HgSqJWNeMHUlvRsf5L9pYGZ3wTo_BaWss6QALA6xR6gryHiB_s3M0AJpAIP7JtQxB1lCtA3E0Lmr2Ge0NQzsACU3XGgJMq_thqleFy1wCZIU/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650370855974291986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwQrAhI1PVeklV7xA8e9MxbYmXVbj0Z-HgSqJWNeMHUlvRsf5L9pYGZ3wTo_BaWss6QALA6xR6gryHiB_s3M0AJpAIP7JtQxB1lCtA3E0Lmr2Ge0NQzsACU3XGgJMq_thqleFy1wCZIU/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" /></a><br />The left sheet is my meal plan, the right is my grocery list.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvGyJtVNC4S7E69W5-uS1zkzAH5iEQVNEPzmNFvEin9Ig2faRjT1H1bY_fkADvBiVjtMaiczuCUlQd1XjWt-LqpCU28IymHCZzhczeLpSge7HzT4Vd3UVTYt5J1OTmF6LoMiFl2ChHPg/s1600/IMG_5166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650370862365102098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvGyJtVNC4S7E69W5-uS1zkzAH5iEQVNEPzmNFvEin9Ig2faRjT1H1bY_fkADvBiVjtMaiczuCUlQd1XjWt-LqpCU28IymHCZzhczeLpSge7HzT4Vd3UVTYt5J1OTmF6LoMiFl2ChHPg/s320/IMG_5166.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p>On the right side of my meal plan I also scribbled ideas and goals. Like how next week I want to make homemade honey wheat bread and homemade salsa with fresh tomatoes. I have a "grow my own cilantro" goal, and if you notice I also mapped out my workout schedule for the week.</p><br /><p>You can find all of the following recipes in my "Recipes" tab at the top of this page. {I got my recipes from: allrecipes.com, budgetbytes.blogspot.com, and self.com.} </p><br /><p><strong><u>Sunday September 11</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Apple Flax muffins</p><br /><p>Lunch: Pizzadillas</p><br /><p>Dinner: (insert your own dinner here. We are doing a family steak dinner this night.)</p><br /><p><strong><u>Monday September 12</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Leftover Apple Flax muffins</p><br /><p>Lunch: Fresh vegetable and green salad with Italian dressing</p><br /><p>Dinner: Hummus & Grilled Vegetable pizza with balsamic fries</p><br /><p><strong><u>Tuesday September 13</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Southwest Frittata</p><br /><p>Lunch: Veggie sandwich on homemade honey wheat bread</p><br /><p>Dinner: Roasted Vegetable Couscous</p><br /><p><strong><u>Wednesday September 14</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Apple Cheddar Melt</p><br /><p>Lunch: Fresh salad with veggies and italian dressing</p><br /><p>Dinner: Maple Salmon</p><br /><p><strong><u>Thursday September 15</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Berry-Ginger Parfait</p><br /><p>Lunch: Balsamic Caprese Panini</p><br /><p>Dinner: Leftovers</p><br /><p><strong><u>Friday September 16</u></strong></p><br /><p>Breakfast: Strawberry/Banana/Peanut butter shake</p><br /><p>Lunch: Fresh tomato sandwich</p><br /><p>Dinner: Tacos<br /></p><br /><p>**Note: along with my grocery list, I placed an order at Bountiful Baskets for all my fresh fruits and veggies. If you're interested in this go to bountifulbaskets.com, they have pick ups every other saturday. This is my first time trying it, I'm excited!</p><br /><p>If you'd like to do this with me, feel free! Or you can make up your own meal plans and substitute whatever you like. I don't have an exact calorie count on all of these meals, that's something I will work on for next week.</p><br /><p>I hope you all have a happy, healthy week!!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-6834661372156390112011-09-06T12:42:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:47:03.540-07:00No Equipment WorkoutIf you have days where you don't make it to the gym but you still want to sweat a little, here is a great at home workout I found. Easy to squeeze into your day, no excuses.<br /><br /><strong>12 situps</strong><br /><strong>12 pushups</strong><br /><strong>1 minute wall sit</strong><br /><strong>60 jumping jacks</strong><br /><strong>repeat 3 times.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-28604925679770345282011-08-31T19:54:00.001-07:002011-08-31T20:15:41.265-07:00Love your breakfastI love finding healthy ideas for meals. Dinner recipes are everywhere, but I often forget about breakfast. I usually end up slipping into the habit of grabbing a granola bar or eating a bowl of (sugary kids) cereal. The time to break those habits is now!
<br />
<br />Breakfast is so important people. The reasons why go on and on, but my favorite reasons: you'll be more energetic and awake throughout the day and you'll boost your metabolism. Don't skimp on breakfast. This is the best time to fill up, remember you're burning calories all day long!
<br />
<br />I found and tried some of these fabulous healthy breakfast recipes. I dare you to try them: (About 350 calories)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mediterranean Wrap<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br />
<br /></span></span></span></span>Whisk 1 egg and 2 egg whites with 1 tbsp of water. Pour eggs into a nonstick skillet (coated with cooking spray) and scramble over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives (I left that one out, ew), 1/4 c reduced-fat cheese (try feta), and 1/4 c chopped tomato. Lightly fold into eggs until spinach wilts. Fill one warmed whole-wheat wrap with egg mixture.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Banana-Pecan Cereal
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>Top 1 1/4 cups whole grain flake cereal (Post Bran Flakes) with 3/4 cup skim milk (I substituted vanilla soy milk), 1/2 medium banana sliced, 1 tbsp chopped pecans, and cinnamon. You can also substitute yogurt for milk to make a thick mix.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southwest Frittata
<br />
<br /></span>Whisk 1 egg pluss 2 egg whites in a bowl. add 2 tbsp shredded reduced-fat cheese, 1/3 cup corn (thawed or frozen), 1/3 cup black beans and 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Saute 1/4 c chopped red bell pepper and 1/3 cup chopped onion with 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet until veggies are soft, about 3 minutes. Add egg mixture to pan and cover until eggs are set, about 8 minutes. Serve with 1/4 cup salsa.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Apple-Cheddar Melt
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Spread half a 3-oz whole wheat bagel with 2 tbsp plain hummus. Top with 3 slices apple and 1 slice reduced-fat cheddar. Broil until cheese is golden and melted, 1 minute. Serve with a cafe au lait made with 6 oz skim milk and 6 oz coffee. (You can use swiss cheese in place of cheddar.)
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pineapple-Ginger Parfait
<br />
<br /></span>Layer 6 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice, drained), 1 tbsp sliced almonds and 1/4 cup granola. (Pineapple hurts my mouth so I replaced it with berries, and it was delish!)
<br />
<br />*TIP* I have found the best way to stay consistent on eating healthy is to plan out my meals for the week ahead of time (I try to do it on Saturdays) and then go grocery shopping for everything I'll need for that week.
<br />
<br />AND REMEMBER healthy snacking in between meals. Stay away from the sugars and sodas. I have a great list of healthy sweets I'll share with you all soon, so if you need to get your sweet kick you'll have some options!
<br />
<br />I'm still working on perfecting this, so let's all work on it together, yes? Next post I'll share some healthy lunch recipes.
<br />
<br />This feels soooo much better then dieting. Stick with it, you'll be glad you did!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>
<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-44953391661390092922011-08-12T10:09:00.000-07:002011-08-12T10:52:38.767-07:00The truth about MILKA few years ago I bought and read a popular book called "Skinny Bitch" "a no-nonsense, tough love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and look fabulous". I love this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who 1. Isn't offended easily and 2. Wants to get health smart and skinny.
<br />
<br />As we have been unpacking I found this book and started reading it again. What a great reminder of things that I have forgotten! Granted, this book is a tad extreme for me. One chapter encourages you to be a vegetarian, and I have to skip this-because their reasoning is so right, but I just know that's not something I could do!! Maybe one day I can work into that. For now I have to take babysteps, or I'll fail miserably!
<br />
<br />Today I wanted to post on a specific chapter I read last night that I think is information everyone should know. <strong>Milk does a body good.</strong> True or false?
<br />
<br />You see the ads in every magazine and the commercials on tv. We have all been ingrained to know that milk is healthy, we all need milk! Isn't it amazing how much we read and believe without any studying or research? I know I do this all the time. Well take a seat because you might be shocked when I tell you that the answer is...<strong>FALSE!</strong>
<br />
<br />Think about this: when we have babies, we breastfeed them until they are a certain age. And then we stop, right? And that goes for cows and <em>all </em>other mammals on earth. They produce milk only when they give birth, they feed their young, and then they stop. In the book they address the fact that we are the only species <strong>on the planet </strong>that drinks the milk of another species. Why? Because the multi-million dollar dairy industry has convinced us that we need milk to have strong bones.
<br />
<br />If you actually look at statistics, Yale researchers found that countries with the highest dairy and meat intakes also suffer the highest amount of osteoporosis rates. <strong>What?! </strong>I had never once doubted the ads that tell me milk makes strong bones. I have always pushed myself to drink more milk, even though I've never loved the stuff. (Until I got prego, imagine that...) I just "knew" that if I didn't drink my 2 glasses of milk everyday my bones would be brittle and break. Everyone knows that, right??
<br />
<br />The <strong>truth </strong>is, we can get adequate calcium from leafy greens, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, and beans. And another plus? All these foods come without the steroids, hormones and antibiotics found in dairy. This is something I've been a huge fanatic on lately. Watch the documentary "Food Inc.", you will seriously die. All of the hormones and steroids that are being pumped into the animals we eat via meat and dairy, it's <em>disgusting</em>. It will totally give you a new perspective on watching what you eat!
<br />
<br />Farmers pump their cows up with tons of steroids and hormones so that they will produce much more milk then they are designed to produce. Do you think that farmers in this business milk their cows every morning by hand, just like a movie? No way-they hook their animals up to machines that pumps the milk all day long. Their udders get swollen and infected from the machines, but do they stop pumping? No way! (Infection=puss and open sores. Yummy.) Sure they pasteurize the stuff, but that just adds to the fact because pasteurization kills all the enzymes and natural antibiotics that would make our bones healthy in the first place!
<br />
<br />Have you ever tried Soy Milk? When I was single I bought soy milk because I could drink it in the mornings before the gym and I wouldn't get side aches. I remember the first time I tried it and I was so worried it would be disgusting, but I loved the stuff!
<br />
<br />If you eat a lot of cereal, like me, try soy milk instead of regular milk. Then try cutting milk out of your diet-no more drinking the stuff! Eat your veggies, nuts and beans. No calcium pills, no milk. And try to get the "milk=healthy bones" out of your mind, because it's just not true.
<br />
<br />If you are interested, I recommend picking up a copy of the book and reading it. If you aren't, stay tuned and I will post more from the book on my blog!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-70329984251398963182011-07-28T13:00:00.000-07:002011-07-28T13:40:45.666-07:00Size MattersTodays motivation is something I've written about before, and I'll write about it again. I just can't say it enough-it's all about portion sizes! All things in moderation people, that's the key!<br /><br />Imagine you are ordering a small coffee from Starbucks. When you get your coffee, do you ever think <em>"That's a small?!" </em>I sure do. Last weekend we went out to eat icecream at a local shop. I ordered a small, and when they handed it to me over the counter I was almost positive they must have made a mistake and given me a large. That is, until I saw the woman behind us ordering a large cup. It was ridiculously HUGE. Why in the world do we even offer such a large amount of ice cream for one person?!<br /><br />When I go out to eat these days I often order kids meals and kiddie sized things. The problem with this is that a lot of places won't let you buy a kid size unless you are 12 years old or younger. Again, <strong><em>ridiculous</em></strong>. So either I have to buy a huge amount that I won't eat even half of and waste the rest, or I have to eat up and stuff myself overly full?! No thanks.<br /><br />In europe they don't even <em>have </em>cups as large as our <strong><em>small cups</em></strong> here in America, unless it is a beer mug. And it's not just the portion sizes that differentiate us from Europe. It's also the fact that we have so much processed, synthetic, high carbohydrate and sodium filled foods for preservation and fast availablitly. That's not something they do much in other countries.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwMpDB8mJLJ4APljbY0HkmXIiXb9WAlTb2K_EiZNEvSKyeTDw2uTvBwMALVkxH139XBoGdiftofJdsWZY04RwcWKxQ4OTaNXJJ4CAnVy8N0KJ2G7jpK2RxaWaXvKeua1y2P_6M5mQUgI/s1600/european.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634498784597952594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwMpDB8mJLJ4APljbY0HkmXIiXb9WAlTb2K_EiZNEvSKyeTDw2uTvBwMALVkxH139XBoGdiftofJdsWZY04RwcWKxQ4OTaNXJJ4CAnVy8N0KJ2G7jpK2RxaWaXvKeua1y2P_6M5mQUgI/s320/european.jpg" /></a><br />This gorgeous european model is great inspiration right? </p><br /><p>We live in America, but that doesn't mean we have to conform to these HUGE American portion sizes. I found a chart once to understand portions sizes better, and it's been very helpful for me. Let me share:</p><br /><ul itxtnodeid="95" itxtharvested="0"><br /><li itxtnodeid="124" itxtharvested="0">A baseball or size of your fist- would be one serving of vegetables or fruit</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="123" itxtharvested="0">Tennis ball- measures to about ½ cup of food (for example, ½ cup ice cream)<span id="more-4464" itxtnodeid="125" itxtharvested="0"></span></li><br /><li itxtnodeid="122" itxtharvested="0">Golf ball or large egg- is about a ¼ cup of dried fruit or nuts</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="121" itxtharvested="0">Six dice or one domino- would equal one serving of cheese</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="120" itxtharvested="0">Deck of cards or the palm of your hand- equivalent to a serving of meat, fish or poultry</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="119" itxtharvested="0">Tip of your thumb- about one-teaspoon of <a title="peanut butter" href="http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/12/the-best-low-fat-peanut-butters/" target="_self" itxtnodeid="126" itxtbad="1">peanut butter</a></li><br /><li itxtnodeid="118" itxtharvested="0">Computer mouse- one serving of a baked potato</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="117" itxtharvested="0">CD (compact disc)- equals the serving size of a waffle of pancake</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="116" itxtharvested="0">Check book- equals a 3 oz. serving of fish</li><br /><li itxtnodeid="115" itxtharvested="0">A rounded handful- about one half cup cooked or raw veggies or cut fruit, a piece of fruit, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta</li></ul><br /><p>This is so important people. Portions! Moderation! Practice self disipline, in the end it will be so worth it. Stay healthy, don't starve yourself. Small amounts often, that's the key!</p><br /><p>I have plenty of weaknesses. If I buy a Dr. Pepper, I only buy a small can. (Have you noticed how hard it is to find just a can of soda these days?!) And then I only drink half the can. If I buy a candy bar I eat a third of it and give the rest away. If I decide on dessert at the resteraunt, I split it or get a small personal sized dessert. Get the idea?</p><br /><p><strong>ALWAYS LOOK AT FOOD LABELS. </strong>This is where you will find the serving size, amount of calories (don't forget that's per serving size, which is often a few per package!), Nutrients, and ingredients. If you can't pronounce an ingredient listed, you should probably rethink eating it!</p><br /><p><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" /></a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-57546219571698293032011-07-05T17:18:00.000-07:002011-07-05T17:39:55.691-07:00My Secrets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I am borderline perfectionist when it comes to being in shape and staying healthy. My disclaimer to this post: I am not full of myself and I am soooo not perfect. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The only time my scale has been over 130 pounds is when I was pregnant. I had my baby three and a half months ago and I now have 7 pounds until I’m back to my pre-baby weight of 120 pounds. Some people say things to me like "You're probably one of those girls that just does whatever she wants and is naturally skinny, ew." Well that's just not true <span style="font-weight: bold;">at all</span>. I work for what I have. I have some habits that I think play a huge role in my ability to stay healthy, and today I am going to share those secrets with you!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{ Water }</span> I love water. I drink <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">a ton</i> of water. Depending on your age and weight it is recommend you drink up to 4 liters of water a day. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">That being said, I drink tons of water but I also have a huge weakness-soda. Dr. Pepper, Coke, 7Up…they are all so delicious to me! I try to only drink soda when I’m out to eat for special occasions, but it’s seriously something I have to fight everyday to stay away from! If you are like me and you need some motivation to stay away from the soda, check out <a href="http://verdavivo.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/14-reasons-not-to-drink-soda/">this article</a>. No bueno!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{ Exercise } </span>We obviously have to exercise in order to stay healthy and lose or maintain our ideal weight. This is something I do consistently. I do not, however, work out 7 days a week. Most of the time I don’t even work out 5 days a week! Generally I am at the gym 3 to 4 days a week, and I have found this is perfect for me to feel good about myself. Don’t push yourself to be at the gym every single morning. Shoot for a few days a week, that’s all we really need!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ll state the obvious: running is the best way to get skinny. Because it’s so hard on my bad knees, I have to keep running to a minimum. But if it works for you, do it! The majority of my work outs as of late are body sculpting classes at the gym. This is my suggestion for anyone who isn’t quite motivated enough to show up to the gym and do their own workout routine with weights and cardio. This is a 60 minute class that incorporates cardio and weights all in one. I love it! I get a great workout while toning all at the same time. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">For my main cardio workouts I mix up Spinning, Zumba, and running. I generally do one spin class, one zumba class, and one three mile run each week along with body sculpting to tone. If you have a hard time being motivated to go the gym here are my two secrets: </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Classes.</b> Going to classes is almost like having a personal trainer, but with a group of people. When a fitness instructor is there going through the whole class with me I get a much better workout because I’m pushed to the max.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Workout buddy. </b>Having a workout buddy gets me to the gym a lot more often. When you plan on meeting someone there every morning you won’t be able to talk yourself into sleeping in instead!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And don't forget to mix things up a little bit. That's the only way I stay so motivated!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{ Eating habits }</span> Some people eat as little as possible to stay skinny, even nothing if they have to. Some people fight everyday to choose healthy food instead of junk food. Everyone has their own weaknesses. My weaknesses: cookie dough, chocolate, soda pop. But rather then do without my weakness, my secret is: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">everything in moderation. </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I keep this easy by having five small meals a day. This is seriously a huge deal that I know without a doubt has contributed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">immensely </b>to my being able to maintain my weight so well, especially after having a baby! Breakfast is a must. Then I always have a midmorning snack. Some examples of a good snack might include: a bowl of fruit, a small baggie of crackers, a yogurt, string cheese, etc. Then comes my favorite meal of the day, lunch. Mmmmm I love me some lunch! Salads and sandwiches are great healthy options for lunch. (I have large lunches and smaller dinners, which boosts my metabolism.) Then an afternoon snack, then dinner! I stay away from eating after 8:00 at night, and I try and make sure I have some sort of greens with my dinner every night. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>But remember, don’t completely stop eating the foods you love or you will probably give in at some point and over indulge yourself. For example: I made cookie dough and portioned it out into very small pieces and stuck it in my freezer. Then I’m only allowed to eat one small portion for dessert and I don’t end up accidentally eating the whole bowl! That’s my secret.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Side note: Starving yourself doesn’t work to lose weight girls. It may show some drastic results on the scale initially, but the more you lower your calorie intake per day the more you become fatigued, unable to concentrate, lose energy, get cranky, and then of course you have a serious health hazard on your body. And the less you eat on a diet of starvation, the more your body holds on to every bit of fat it gets and the more you actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">gain </i>the weight you are trying to lose! It’s a vicious cycle that you should not try! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{ Stay Active} </span>TV these days is a killer. I only know this because I recently had a 2 month maternity leave in which I had th oppurtunity to see everything on tv. It sucks you in! My secret: stay away from adicting tv shows and get out and do something! Rock climb, hiking, going on walks outside, boating, camping, play some frisbee, …anything that gets you out and moving. My husband and I are active, outdoor kind of people and that is a great way to stay skinny and healthy! Avoid the couch and the tv!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So to sum it up in short, here are my secrets to being happy with my body and staying healthy:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Drink lots of water.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Exercise 3 – 4 days a week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eat all things in moderation, 5 small meals a day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stay Active, avoid tv.</p><br />Another thing I am is a happy person. I'm a glass half full, optimistic kind of girl. I love life and I'm so happy with my life. If I was adding some of my secrets for my happiness (which goes hand in hand with being healthy!): do what you love, make sacrifices for other people, find something you are passionate about, be true to yourself, don't just follow the crowd, be a hard worker, read books and learn new things, travel, surround yourself with the people you love and be good to them.<br /><br />I hope you are all living healthy and happy, because I tell ya what-that's the best way to live!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-45600565903635958642011-06-20T12:51:00.000-07:002011-06-20T13:46:50.516-07:00I'm back, with some YOGA for the soul!I'm sure everyone who had at one point been reading my health blog has now given up on me. I didn't have the intention of starting a health blog and then abandoning it, I swear! But the farther along I got in my pregnancy, the less time I had. And, of course, once the babe came I had no time at all!<br /><br />But now I have a healthy, beautiful, sweet little (not so little, BIG chunker!) 3 month old baby boy and I have a schedule down, which means I have much more <span style="font-style: italic;">TIME</span> then I've had in a while! Which means...I'M BACK! Yippee!<br /><br />YOGA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkXW6Bi645SNg8nRcjdz6oyZ7fx3qXIRFvdT9lg9dj9XWPO8nUt3gfxgt56IqGB097CM6exO03PlFiTEbdOUNY61UPrlpxoKaQnMP2Au_9aEq6QlrIWzR-FCvnQ67o6rmfZLyO88QNpA/s1600/sun+salutation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkXW6Bi645SNg8nRcjdz6oyZ7fx3qXIRFvdT9lg9dj9XWPO8nUt3gfxgt56IqGB097CM6exO03PlFiTEbdOUNY61UPrlpxoKaQnMP2Au_9aEq6QlrIWzR-FCvnQ67o6rmfZLyO88QNpA/s320/sun+salutation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620402777943425202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love Yoga. I love Pilates even more, but I got into prenatal and postnatal yoga recently and I loved it! Let me give you some motivation: we've all seen Jennifer Aniston, right? Gorgeous! What's her secret? Yoga! (Well, and a little bit of money, yes...) I know this because I'm a little bit of a Jennifer Aniston fanatic, it's true. But she has an awesome bod, and knowing Yoga contributes to that is good motivation to try it, right??<br /><br />What I want to teach you today is something that is actually used as a warm up pre-Yoga sessions, but when I don't have time to pop in my dvd's in my busy life, just doing this twice every morning has proved to be super beneficial! I want EVERYONE to try it. From personal experience, I guarantee this will make a difference in your life!<br /><br />It's called "Sun Salutation". It's super easy! It builds strength and increases flexibility. There are 12 postures in the set, I'll go ahead and give you the step by step instructions:<br /><br />(**One important thing to remember if you're new to yoga is to inhale as you extend or stretch and exhale as you fold or contract.)<br /><br />1: Mountain<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeWH3ehrL8SafwPdSK4QSZPbjounQ8mATtA-fRQPyegTVfb9s7kEhYMC9hXgmyxtgM0hxZ0sP6sVGfzrf3xTm7Z0ycVLHcfdv_MqrKEQWVoL9jgIhetr1fkD2EJojJop9I7ujkPgqwr0/s1600/Mountain.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeWH3ehrL8SafwPdSK4QSZPbjounQ8mATtA-fRQPyegTVfb9s7kEhYMC9hXgmyxtgM0hxZ0sP6sVGfzrf3xTm7Z0ycVLHcfdv_MqrKEQWVoL9jgIhetr1fkD2EJojJop9I7ujkPgqwr0/s200/Mountain.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620394611076924786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Begin by standing in Mountain pose, feet about hip width apart, hands either by your sides or in prayer position. Take several deep breaths.<br /><br /></span><br />2. Hands Up<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvET4OCmYTy8Sq5xQRRV4DD4QZlrhVyb8Uv55Im_99E5PlVPEpYAExyo7GDesz01xsFVhzLNE-UOUDq1dg0lUJvypX0cvIvV7H_Y-XXl3Q1R_AxDx2pzP9hCFTBS_fdAujiK45XDS6Y3I/s1600/hands+up.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 76px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvET4OCmYTy8Sq5xQRRV4DD4QZlrhVyb8Uv55Im_99E5PlVPEpYAExyo7GDesz01xsFVhzLNE-UOUDq1dg0lUJvypX0cvIvV7H_Y-XXl3Q1R_AxDx2pzP9hCFTBS_fdAujiK45XDS6Y3I/s200/hands+up.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620395137983344738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">On your next inhale, in one sweeping movement, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.</span><br /><br />3. Head to knees<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJDG89XejwaFaQcTBrNm4xAw7XWbkupP_ghkvei5UlC-PWdqBsBICL_rfd59g4aVA5e0NIpnaeig1WCDa8yVaDqQCASLBhdjC6UzaUL7vWSg3px0MFore8wnZ4_6ASn46yUv72_SL8oA/s1600/head+to+knees.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 54px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJDG89XejwaFaQcTBrNm4xAw7XWbkupP_ghkvei5UlC-PWdqBsBICL_rfd59g4aVA5e0NIpnaeig1WCDa8yVaDqQCASLBhdjC6UzaUL7vWSg3px0MFore8wnZ4_6ASn46yUv72_SL8oA/s200/head+to+knees.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620395741347496162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">As you exhale, bend forward, bending the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet. </span><br /><br /><br />4. Lunge<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S3vf_sWKUH2nT7IRVGlhDqgnlIkiLE8y28SApdO53_0ALSi_YoDciF-gZyHOgoYACkFNK7tQUP5tmqQWdNQI8Xrltc0i5HVVWTyfczMziOSRSjB5oZIyraUfpUxeMHJWWFY2A4zrMu4/s1600/lunge.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 109px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S3vf_sWKUH2nT7IRVGlhDqgnlIkiLE8y28SApdO53_0ALSi_YoDciF-gZyHOgoYACkFNK7tQUP5tmqQWdNQI8Xrltc0i5HVVWTyfczMziOSRSjB5oZIyraUfpUxeMHJWWFY2A4zrMu4/s200/lunge.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620396098467546194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Inhale and step the right leg back<br /></span><br /><br />5. Plank<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgrl1JZRmz_xF__vfHRYh1BHEd4AuGGBiaQs3Ba71WBndewX66LgvL7lCfgdvwMXseXsA8gc0tn8QKYNCc_RgEtz3w0MQr9ccdd9E3FbpUxoKzfYu7BBGcX1JviBjdfRKXVc3tVfSxFY/s1600/plank.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgrl1JZRmz_xF__vfHRYh1BHEd4AuGGBiaQs3Ba71WBndewX66LgvL7lCfgdvwMXseXsA8gc0tn8QKYNCc_RgEtz3w0MQr9ccdd9E3FbpUxoKzfYu7BBGcX1JviBjdfRKXVc3tVfSxFY/s200/plank.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620396485289373618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Exhale and step the left leg back into plank position. Hold the position and inhale. </span><br /><br /><br />6. Stick<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxae9P_-V3No14hVnJ9czJU5jwNUi5sOKvQkU4GGM2gpwmUeBwzH9Afjz_aemkgCSn8Ex-KbEZVnsAM9KvFUzyn9dVyKn1MEdwT-ydQ_YoqoqRUwRsBjQmDtT4F0mImgbs46D9KJSRwU/s1600/stick.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxae9P_-V3No14hVnJ9czJU5jwNUi5sOKvQkU4GGM2gpwmUeBwzH9Afjz_aemkgCSn8Ex-KbEZVnsAM9KvFUzyn9dVyKn1MEdwT-ydQ_YoqoqRUwRsBjQmDtT4F0mImgbs46D9KJSRwU/s200/stick.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620396836150124994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Exhale and lower yourself as if coming down from a pushup. Only your hands and feet should touch the floor. </span><br /><br /><br />7. Upward Dog<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIipVO7gJ4P5qiHTxr1xi5q1P42D4qCvLJdZd4iaHOGvhXatCGoq5h_MhROveCKBTHIHZjAnvNe0evf8vUWiwwE8bcNolxchfhR0l69oDDYUR5FskYOTU1eBcwcVtsZQZhJSrKgTiKC-Y/s1600/upward+dog.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 95px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIipVO7gJ4P5qiHTxr1xi5q1P42D4qCvLJdZd4iaHOGvhXatCGoq5h_MhROveCKBTHIHZjAnvNe0evf8vUWiwwE8bcNolxchfhR0l69oDDYUR5FskYOTU1eBcwcVtsZQZhJSrKgTiKC-Y/s200/upward+dog.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620397194033224514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Inhale and stretch forward and up, bending at the waist. Use your arms to lift your torso, but only bend back as far as feels comfortable and safe. Lift your legs up so that only the tops of your feet and your ahnds touch the floor. It's okay to keep your arms bent at the elbow. </span><br /><br /><br />8. Downward dog<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGce4L6RBHOJ_d_lk4Nf4ZC9KASptp3JWuvKtYumG70lYMMm6S9xfVrrXu2g3F3nccv7QCvGHVRkdJwh3dIvtdP1BS4965K15Z_r1oFq8Go9xT6M_pNpDEmwfqiefoVswY__CAHCR2d9U/s1600/downward+dog.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGce4L6RBHOJ_d_lk4Nf4ZC9KASptp3JWuvKtYumG70lYMMm6S9xfVrrXu2g3F3nccv7QCvGHVRkdJwh3dIvtdP1BS4965K15Z_r1oFq8Go9xT6M_pNpDEmwfqiefoVswY__CAHCR2d9U/s200/downward+dog.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620397532278195314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Exhale, lift from the hips and push back and up. </span><br /><br /><br />9. Lunge<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExQnQJgW0ZBkbmUROumZ0Tbhbc9qXVN0TjnnPthHGKJ4rt1F0CuBBQkoHMSWGipXVKcIntdtWdIwC7bAzUmgI1zOcRhhU3VMf4z7UPGLUQELtjC1vuFIdyuUHr-vKXU3VLv_koKria30/s1600/lunge+2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 109px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExQnQJgW0ZBkbmUROumZ0Tbhbc9qXVN0TjnnPthHGKJ4rt1F0CuBBQkoHMSWGipXVKcIntdtWdIwC7bAzUmgI1zOcRhhU3VMf4z7UPGLUQELtjC1vuFIdyuUHr-vKXU3VLv_koKria30/s200/lunge+2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620397839995563346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Inhale and step the right foot forward</span>. <br /><br /><br />10. Head to knees<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6X5sSHO3FMNM21kguAkl9fPWXTsyoEVbEY-wdAMWR2Ku0Y1Xrrf8Hjg6UTpADxgUfyjOA7pIKPYFSXRM1tZFm0T-mCuL-4o1Jmh_8Gf676sNbmpBAqgAYrHzVgLNwtCs0ZgjjKLSlFk/s1600/head+to+knees+2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 54px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6X5sSHO3FMNM21kguAkl9fPWXTsyoEVbEY-wdAMWR2Ku0Y1Xrrf8Hjg6UTpADxgUfyjOA7pIKPYFSXRM1tZFm0T-mCuL-4o1Jmh_8Gf676sNbmpBAqgAYrHzVgLNwtCs0ZgjjKLSlFk/s200/head+to+knees+2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620398296305691714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Exhale, bring the left foot forward and step into head-to-knee position.</span><br /><br /><br />11. Hands up<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0GUzS3juzm_oJgCPVbn1fGd0h9BAfKqyi_4-HIn1UQBxXchsvzNmQvmrE-XD20Uar37FOAQ1gZvdbNOLeVTvddy9PWN6L9XaDsO2fF4SzT1lfzohOC8zkwxPodTiJpLIK6YyXn1uHMU/s1600/hands+up+2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 76px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0GUzS3juzm_oJgCPVbn1fGd0h9BAfKqyi_4-HIn1UQBxXchsvzNmQvmrE-XD20Uar37FOAQ1gZvdbNOLeVTvddy9PWN6L9XaDsO2fF4SzT1lfzohOC8zkwxPodTiJpLIK6YyXn1uHMU/s200/hands+up+2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620398601053008866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Inhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended . </span><br /><br /><br />12. Mountain<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDYcPfuZPu-3V48wpUP6IYUQdOxtf2a50xfDssgYyUxEjRfBzTHK1rIBYR2keXXMZSvoXGjLg9DANGYjF981wpHUiHVSSv5GuYeeFdKvpwSqXFbTIVh_zSoZtjiyEXX4rlmJfAYYUlm0/s1600/Mountain.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDYcPfuZPu-3V48wpUP6IYUQdOxtf2a50xfDssgYyUxEjRfBzTHK1rIBYR2keXXMZSvoXGjLg9DANGYjF981wpHUiHVSSv5GuYeeFdKvpwSqXFbTIVh_zSoZtjiyEXX4rlmJfAYYUlm0/s200/Mountain.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620398898989220226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;">Exhale, and in a slow, sweeping motion, lower your arms to the sides. End by bringing your hands up into prayer position. Repeat the sequence, stepping with the left leg.</span><br /><br />A single round of Sun Salutation is two complete sequences of this, one for the right side of the body and one for the left side.<br /><br />For a visual, check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGXgoW70IB0">this</a> video. (Be prepared for some awesome African tribe song in the background!)<br /><br />Try it, twice every morning. Once you get used to this you can sneak in some actual Yoga sessions into your busy schedule, even just once or twice a week. You'll see, life is much better with some Yoga in it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-79944514215533323002010-12-09T14:49:00.000-08:002010-12-09T15:30:55.481-08:00Fast Food Anyone?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8lieZ1YtwolmI9j46wDz0jqspvGGF0o1qXDUeVjCq5xKXrkus0REf9u-ReSYEvnmUlq-bsJpkkqRbqouZqnODNr3kHwrL6S1bamklE4bHk8hk1KxZG61CykByx10ekhOEY9Yvud_Jaw/s1600/fast-food.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548824100624710866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8lieZ1YtwolmI9j46wDz0jqspvGGF0o1qXDUeVjCq5xKXrkus0REf9u-ReSYEvnmUlq-bsJpkkqRbqouZqnODNr3kHwrL6S1bamklE4bHk8hk1KxZG61CykByx10ekhOEY9Yvud_Jaw/s320/fast-food.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm honestly not a huge lover of french fries and burgers, but I will admit that every now and again I have the craving for fast food. My favorites for the unhealthy cravings are Wendy’s and Arby’s. Mmmm. But are we aware of what we're really eating when we decide on fast food? Let’s look at some healthy options and advice, just in case you get the occasional craving like me.</div><br /><div>What to <strong>AVOID</strong>:</div><br /><div><em>SUPERSIZED PORTIONS</em> – Don’t supersize anything! At a typical restaurant, a single serving provides enough for two meals. Take half home or split it with someone else.</div><br /><div><em>SALT</em> – This is tough for me, because I LOVE salt! But the high sodium items that fast food restaurants are known for are a major contributor to high blood pressure.</div><br /><div><em>BACON</em> – Few nutrients, high in fat and calories. Are you wanting to add more flavor? Instead of adding bacon try extra pickles, onions, tomatoes, or mustard. Flavor without the fat!</div><br /><br /><div>Some extra <strong>TIPS</strong>:</div><br /><div><em>DRINK WATER</em> with your meal. Soda is a HUGE source of hidden calories.</div><br /><div><em>Be aware of calorie and fat packed “extras”:</em> salad dressings, spreads, cheese, sour cream, etc. You can even ask for no mayo or ketchup, then get the packets and put it on yourself so you can control how much goes on your food. And instead of the fat packed salad dressings, try oil and vinager!</div><br /><div><em>EAT SLOWLY</em>. If you haven’t already heard, it takes time for our bodies to register what we have eaten. Eating slowly relaxes you and prevents you from overeating.<br /><br /></div><div>Here are just a few meal options to keep in mind next time you end up at a fast food joint when grabbing a quick meal:</div><br /><div><strong>Salads:</strong></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbsajOvJ-cpiZwyCihtwM8eKW6ZWOE9YlRQ7nYnhdIPD19uRF0_80QCInZUe3SaCQfOw65xlAX-zF0ZoPO1R6nMTBj522bX2P8XpYFoi1zgtHLcIkQrZxUeOi3Y-w7osduYW5icwBxQE/s1600/salad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548827003451560370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbsajOvJ-cpiZwyCihtwM8eKW6ZWOE9YlRQ7nYnhdIPD19uRF0_80QCInZUe3SaCQfOw65xlAX-zF0ZoPO1R6nMTBj522bX2P8XpYFoi1zgtHLcIkQrZxUeOi3Y-w7osduYW5icwBxQE/s200/salad.jpg" border="0" /></a>Don’t be fooled by thinking salads are always healthy. Obviously most salads tend to contain mostly whole unprocessed food - and those who eat salads do have a higher nutrient intake. But fast food restaurants (and others, as well) tend to have a lot of calorie-dense salads. Stay away from the following, to name a few: Wendy’s Mandarin Chicken Salad (520 calories), Arby’s Sante Fe salad (844 calories), Dairy Queen’s Grilled Chicken Ceaser Salad (800 calories), Café Rio Pork Salad (700 calories).<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Sandwiches:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GGNAPAbnZUpBuuwEqNmq8BDWH7IGy4Wsv6rBs-AgsbIw2HAIwF6Sc8YOu36p5RBdPe9I1WUIFdzViwHwtQBOYx8Dzc2mMvZ0lL9oMpDd1IPgiwv_cOsXplnTAWz0JX8lhWJXz-Velag/s1600/chicken+sandwich.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548827410693485842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GGNAPAbnZUpBuuwEqNmq8BDWH7IGy4Wsv6rBs-AgsbIw2HAIwF6Sc8YOu36p5RBdPe9I1WUIFdzViwHwtQBOYx8Dzc2mMvZ0lL9oMpDd1IPgiwv_cOsXplnTAWz0JX8lhWJXz-Velag/s200/chicken+sandwich.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ask to hold the mayo and cheese on any sandwich or hamburger. It cuts out unnecessary calories and fat! Try some of these:<br /><br />Wendy’s Jr. Hamburger: 230 calories (without cheese)<br />Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Go Wrap: 250 calories<br />Arby’s Market Fresh Turkey & Cheese: 235 calories (Same with the Ham&Cheese. Avoid the Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Fresh Market Sandwich at 834 calories!)<br />Arby’s Junior Roast Beef Sandwich: 273 calories<br />Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich: 280 calories<br />Chick-fil-A: Spicy Chicken Cool Wrap: 390 Calories<br /><br /><br /><strong>NUGGETS:</strong><br /><p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBlhg7dpcsdN5Vs4MbHXlU8qqALdfzuGheULYSaQLkLbg7lVArkDysGvLFx-YMDBXWDZF9-RGsKC_ENqPbPDtm7-tlxY9PKORODtxwZW5l4cph3vQBJxGb_MMQs9GfrhEEHSnar6SbOE/s1600/nuggets.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548827723186969234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBlhg7dpcsdN5Vs4MbHXlU8qqALdfzuGheULYSaQLkLbg7lVArkDysGvLFx-YMDBXWDZF9-RGsKC_ENqPbPDtm7-tlxY9PKORODtxwZW5l4cph3vQBJxGb_MMQs9GfrhEEHSnar6SbOE/s200/nuggets.png" border="0" /></a></strong>Avoid the wings altogether…they are all over 500 calories!<br />Wendy’s 4 piece chicken nuggets: 190 calories<br /><br /></p><strong>SIDES:</strong><br /><strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-GFHIZa4yBjMDAFZQ4l7uqXZ_0CmJxy07a7ZLI4pz5AayuDz3C8RDkhlkzVhzpocnOyk5xbDtwoEWATdmauMS7NS2whimyQ5we3lsuKbr1aNj5c8JEm0wf9mmXrA-MNcvK4h40TZFqI/s1600/chili.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548827965790002706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-GFHIZa4yBjMDAFZQ4l7uqXZ_0CmJxy07a7ZLI4pz5AayuDz3C8RDkhlkzVhzpocnOyk5xbDtwoEWATdmauMS7NS2whimyQ5we3lsuKbr1aNj5c8JEm0wf9mmXrA-MNcvK4h40TZFqI/s200/chili.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></strong>Wendy’s small Chili (my personal fav!): 190 calories (Large chili 280 calories. Avoid the crackers and cheese, these add just about 100 calories.)<br />Wendy’s baked potato: 380 calories (WITH sour cream and chives)<br />Burger King frozen yogurt vanilla: 120 calories (130 for chocolate)<br />Chick-fil-A Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup: 100 Calories<br /><br /><br />{And on a side note, just remember...SUBWAY rocks. I know it’s not the French fries and hamburger fast food we sometimes crave, but it’s delicious…and it’s fast! And you can find the amount of calories on every sandwich at the restaurant. Genius.}<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-18970961809417144962010-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:002010-11-29T18:49:03.577-08:00Getting some Zzz's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ8zv2w6JGgTyio9Lbe-5TLrpxKMxLI0IFGOOdHqusakzThhx92hcrvIrotKrE_fvzw-hRdW1aOrOu3TeqIWOB4d-he_9cf5516Kt9gbnNbDpnvZN-2yTzwpeGTHV_GFQSGy9A18w1cI/s1600/sleep-mask.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ8zv2w6JGgTyio9Lbe-5TLrpxKMxLI0IFGOOdHqusakzThhx92hcrvIrotKrE_fvzw-hRdW1aOrOu3TeqIWOB4d-he_9cf5516Kt9gbnNbDpnvZN-2yTzwpeGTHV_GFQSGy9A18w1cI/s320/sleep-mask.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545169056244063170" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p>I know, I know…we’ve all heard it a million times. I don’t want to put you to sleep by writing a long, boring and typical article on getting enough sleep. So I’ll keep this short and simple, but listen up! This is probably more important than you realize.</p> <p>Lack of sleep can lead to many things: moodiness, absent mindedness, irrational decisions, trouble focusing, bad eating habits and weight gain, a poor immune system, anxiety, bad skin, lack of energy, etc.<br /></p> <p>On the same note, getting <span style="font-style: italic;">too</span> much sleep may be hazardous to your health. It may lead to higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and even premature death. We’ve been brainwashed to think we need 8 hours of sleep a night, but remember that sleep requirements vary by age, stress level, and health. A lot of research actually suggests that 7 hours is closer to the amount of sleep that the average adult needs.</p> <p>The optimum amount of sleep has been defined as<span style="font-weight: bold;"> the least amount of sleep possible while still feeling physically energized and mentally alert</span>. So how do you know how much sleep you need? Here’s a test I found online:</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">First</span>, start with 8 ½ hours of sleep. Make sure you get the full 8 ½ hours. No more and no less.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second step</span>: The next day, complete the <a href="http://i.bnet.com/blogs/sleep-optimization-form.pdf"><strong>Sleep Optimization Form</strong></a>. This is a simple form to gauge how you feel (physically and mentally) at different times during the day. Because stress, eating habits, and a host of other factors can influence our energy levels and outlook, try to keep all other variables constant.<br /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third</span>: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for four nights in a row.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step four</span>: Reduce your sleep by 30 minutes and start the sleep/test process again for four nights in a row. Keep cutting your sleep in Step 1 by 30 minutes until you reach 7 hours.</p> <p><strong>Step five: </strong>Analyze the data. Review your Sleep Optimization Form and identify which days you felt the best (based on higher scores). If you find that you feel good on 8 ½ hours of sleep, but you also feel good on 7 ½ hours of sleep, you’ve just saved yourself an hour a night and given yourself an extra 30 hours a month to create something.</p> <p>If you really want to get fancy, you can test 15 minute increments (e.g., 7 hours and 45 minutes versus 8 hours). Remember, we’re trying to identify the absolute minimum amount of sleep you need because every minute you aren’t sleeping is another minute for you.</p><p>Once you've figured out your optimum sleep amount, start changing your habits and getting into a routine. Set a regular bedtime and stick with it. Don't drink caffeine six to eight hours before going to bed. De-stress yourself by taking a relaxing bath or doing some relaxing yoga poses. Try some soothing music before bed.</p><p>For more sleep advice, try looking <a href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org/">here.</a><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;">{FYI: I find that my sleep cycle plays a HUGE role in my ability to exercise as well. It's a cycle: sleeping more will help you exercise more and exercising more will help you sleep better!}</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-52978817791882866342010-11-23T12:21:00.000-08:002010-11-23T12:34:51.418-08:00Happy Healthy Thanksgiving!Well folks, the Holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is now two days away, and counting! I love Thanksgiving and everything that comes with it. Being surrounded by family, lots of yummy food, games and traditions...what's not to love? <em>Maybe</em> the average <strong>over 2,000 calorie</strong> Thanksgiving dinner? Yep, it's a bummer when you hear the numbers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGTYj404mHVRwKdOHRjAeBITD3HySRzzmwJWSKW9l8B83LViCD4EcMd6PKlULUOBYqBMC4Lu7tupyy0jWqvWt9abnFEcQKujwY7l1l7ZTHUfSWiyCDQ3766aajoUu8S7axjNOmd8ZbyA/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542845066508147394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGTYj404mHVRwKdOHRjAeBITD3HySRzzmwJWSKW9l8B83LViCD4EcMd6PKlULUOBYqBMC4Lu7tupyy0jWqvWt9abnFEcQKujwY7l1l7ZTHUfSWiyCDQ3766aajoUu8S7axjNOmd8ZbyA/s200/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Let me share a few tips so that you can have a great Thanksgiving Holiday while not feeling guilty!<br /><br />First of all, make sure you <strong>start the day with breakfast</strong>. Don't starve yourself before the feast! By starting with breakfast you'll actually get your metabolism fired up and eat less throughout the day. For a healthy breakfast try having two eggs, some fresh fruit and a bowl of warm oatmeal.<br /><br /><strong>Do Thanksgiving excersizes</strong>. Some people are hard core and start the day by hitting the gym. <span style="font-size:85%;">{I have to admit, I am not one of those people.}</span> Just remember, you can still stay active while taking the day off! Play some football instead of just watching it, or go on a walk around the block. If you live where I do, the weather will be freezing cold this year and going on a walk or playing football might not be an option... Don't be discouraged, you can still burn some calories inside! Try doing body squats, push ups, sit ups and resistance band excersizes. Go ahead and get creative, turn up the radio and dance around the house! Anything to get a few calories burned before the big meal.<br /><br /><strong>Watch your portion size</strong>. Like I've said before, <em>moderation is always the key</em>! Go with smaller portions. And keep in mind there are health benefits in your dinner. Turkey has little fat, is full of protein and is an important source of B vitamins. Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, and contain compounds that are believed to block certain bacteria that cause infections. Pumpkin is a terrific source of beta-carotene and fiber. Eat plenty of vegtables for your pre-dinner appetizers. And remember to drink plenty of water!<br /><br />Don't try to deny yourself dessert, or I bet you will end up eating it and over-indulging. Plan on a small slice of pie. Remember, <strong><em>moderation</em></strong>! After the big meal, avoid sitting the rest of the day. Keep active and have fun!<br /><br />I'm sure we all have plenty to be thankful for this year. Be grateful you are able to have such great food, such a great family and the means to get together to celebrate. Happy <em>Healthy </em>Thanksgiving everyone!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-34397463470730682412010-11-16T11:50:00.001-08:002010-11-16T12:43:01.489-08:00Tracking CaloriesWould you believe me if I told you that a Nutrition Professor at Kansas State University lost 27 pounds in 60 days on a "Twinkie Diet"?? Well it's true! Click <a href="http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/11/08/just-asking-nutrition-professor-drops-27-pounds-on-a-twinkie-diet">here</a> to read the article.<br /><br />I don't think this is a diet to go on by any means, but I love the results: if you burn more calories then you eat, you'll lose weight. I've always been a firm believer in "all things in moderation" rather then depriving yourself of foods you love.<br /><br />So even if you're not in it to <em>lose </em>weight, keeping track of your calories will help you maintain your weight and stay healthy. Try this: register at <a href="http://www.thedailyplate.com/">http://www.thedailyplate.com/</a>.<br /><br />Registration is <em>free</em>, and the site gives you an estimate of how many calories you should be obtaining every day, and an easy way to track those calories. Try it, I dare you!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{And if you're pregnant, like me, you get to add 300 calories a day to your daily calorie intake. *smile*}<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-85026594837838573242010-11-13T12:46:00.000-08:002010-11-13T13:42:46.558-08:00How to clean your face NATURALLY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTG0V_7WOlumGF2SsQ8zl15Ks3zR8EAmzW_lD6i6njaB-xqlT_oJyWtZKbs1xl2fTfipmKkR78KB0pjR2JY-xFFhVUObFLeVldH2F2ajJHivz0-AyputafqQFkitEhKJvt4RqDVtzO3A/s1600/Olive-Oil.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTG0V_7WOlumGF2SsQ8zl15Ks3zR8EAmzW_lD6i6njaB-xqlT_oJyWtZKbs1xl2fTfipmKkR78KB0pjR2JY-xFFhVUObFLeVldH2F2ajJHivz0-AyputafqQFkitEhKJvt4RqDVtzO3A/s320/Olive-Oil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539140127549998274" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><i></i></div> <div> </div> <div> Mainstream skin care products have always bothered my skin. Have you ever looked at the ingredients in your skin care products? Try something for me: look on the back of your face wash and look at the ingredients. Here is just a few of the most common chemicals that you do <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> want in your products:<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> Propylene glycol, Mineral Oil, Sodium laurel, Laureth sulfate, Collagen and Elastin, Parabens and Alcohols, Benzophenone, Triethanolamine.<br /><br />Not long ago I read about the <span style="font-weight: bold;">OCM (The Oil Cleansing Method)</span> and decided to give it a try. Why? Because I love the idea of <i>naturally </i>cleansing, no harsh chemicals or weird ingredients on skin. It seems so...right!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>It might sound a little odd to clean your face with <i style="font-weight: bold;">oil</i>, especially if you have oily skin. But it turns out that oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It <span style="font-style: italic;">naturally</span> happens.<br /><br />So I have started using the OCM, and so far I <i>love</i> it! It works like a charm! A lot of people use the OCM twice a day, morning and night. I have found it works best for me just once a night, and in the mornings I use a little <a href="http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/Cleansers.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser</span></a> and OLAY moisturizer. I know that everyone has different skin types, but I highly recommend giving this a try! After just one cleanse I noticed my face was smoother, and even <i>glowing</i>. It's fabulous!<br /><br />Here is how the OCM works:<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Make your cleanser</span> - I use a combination of 50/50 castor oil and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). Some people have raved about almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and flaxseed oil. I haven't tried any of those yet, I'm sure I will soon...<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gently rub it in</span> - I use about a quarter size and massage it all over on my face. I don't use any water first, just apply it dry. It's recommended to massage the oil for <i>at least </i>a minute, but longer does no harm!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steam your face</span> - Take a washcloth and wet it with hot water, then put it over your face for a minute. This steams out your pours and removes impurities. I love this part, it's like a mini facial every night!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wipe off the oil</span> - Rinse the washcloth out and then gently wipe off the oil. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Make sure you don't miss any spots when wiping it off!)</span><br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-weight: bold;">That's it, you're done.</span> Your face will immediately feel smoother. Most say they don't use a moisturizer after this, and I can see that you really don't need one. BUT I still use my moisturizer just because I can't ever get my face smooth enough!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>{If you want to read more on this from an experts website go to: <a href="http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr>theoilcleansingmethod.com/</a>}<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZscdDepUBhRZRKVg5y2OL6l5u1Yx3IVXHfcUnrQbx6BKdRJQM-pqAk9wzxWZPJJH0UA8bod0W-s5SkDZF5wzfRPQdljqtkwaHgYR116NlujMAcx7ppTszL2mqEKmPPmsACLlnl9YOFI/s1600/oil_cleansing_method_article.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZscdDepUBhRZRKVg5y2OL6l5u1Yx3IVXHfcUnrQbx6BKdRJQM-pqAk9wzxWZPJJH0UA8bod0W-s5SkDZF5wzfRPQdljqtkwaHgYR116NlujMAcx7ppTszL2mqEKmPPmsACLlnl9YOFI/s200/oil_cleansing_method_article.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539150911691163554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>Soon I'm going to buy some coconut oil and start using it as a shower gel. {Again, read the ingredients in your showering products!} I'm sold on the Oil Cleansing Method. I'm excited to have found such a great result with a natural way to cleanse!<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div><i>I want feedback-Let me know if you try it and what you think!</i></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108863889390313809.post-53895121386820703102010-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:002010-11-11T20:43:30.190-08:00Green Smoothies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU1n1gzsf-wJZNDp5x9PQyHBrrl4z1FD16TrM5mwUuEmWmS39fUzjowACbwCG8VQrmUc3W7qQeSlwhyphenhyphenawhBKhf99POgm5Hl8Lydwnph0BpT8ftNBkjdbTpTR-tQZVtFenR9fs6QF478c/s1600/green+smoothie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU1n1gzsf-wJZNDp5x9PQyHBrrl4z1FD16TrM5mwUuEmWmS39fUzjowACbwCG8VQrmUc3W7qQeSlwhyphenhyphenawhBKhf99POgm5Hl8Lydwnph0BpT8ftNBkjdbTpTR-tQZVtFenR9fs6QF478c/s320/green+smoothie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538517543220140034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What is a green smoothie? Green smoothies are fruit smoothies with a vegetable blend. Sounds sort of...<span style="font-weight: bold;">disgusting</span>, right? I thought it sounded a little iffy as well, until I tried it! The smoothies look green, but don't be deceived...they taste</span> like the <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >fruit</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> in them! I don't know about you but I generally eat more fruits then vegetables in my diet, although I could use help getting the full amount of daily servings on both.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Adding vegetables to fruit in such a delicious way is </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >genius</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, if you ask me...</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Some benefits of drinking green smoothies: I've heard people swear by these smoothies when using them in a weight loss regime. I love the energy you get from these smoothies, it really gives you a boost! You crave less junk food. Some also say that their skin has improved it's "radiance" due to the improvement in your digestive system.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Most recipes call for "a handful of greens", so choose to your liking. Some ideas of the "greens" you can use: Beet tops, cabbage, collard greens, kale, lettuce, radish greens, spinach, mint leaves. Experiment with them and find what tastes best to you! I love beet tops and good ol' fashioned lettuce. I haven't tried mint leaves, but I hear they add yummy-ness (yes, that's a word now) to the smoothies so I will have to try those. I also heard substituting water with coconut water is delicious. Again, I'll have to give that a try!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD66Wz-k_povDmqMRvRFn3-ZXEt11nGN3MxNqMCY8R6a_QZ9d4ltKI51GFmL0nVKl-19h_yYDFT1NmTsnvXSD0yAL31sS7LncXHMsy9joSLtTFHSqHJOWkHkpU6ub-ZCC1dy1JYSvYFZE/s1600/blender+smooth.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD66Wz-k_povDmqMRvRFn3-ZXEt11nGN3MxNqMCY8R6a_QZ9d4ltKI51GFmL0nVKl-19h_yYDFT1NmTsnvXSD0yAL31sS7LncXHMsy9joSLtTFHSqHJOWkHkpU6ub-ZCC1dy1JYSvYFZE/s320/blender+smooth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538518484552382034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To save time, you can prepare the greens beforehand and keep them in the fridge. All you have to do is dump everything into the blender, blend, and go. If you're a little lazy like me, you can just get greens in a bag pre-washed and ready to use at the store. So now we really don’t have the excuse, “I just don’t have time to eat healthy!”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It is recommended to use 40% greens, 60% fruit. And be sure to blend thoroughly. Here are just a few recipes I like, and for a few more click </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.greendivamom.com/2008/12/14/12-great-tasting-green-smoothie-recipes/">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.<br /><br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 bananas</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 c. chopped papaya</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 c. orange juice</span></p> <div style="padding: 0in 0in 1pt; border-width: medium medium 3pt; border-style: none none dotted;font-family:arial;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; padding: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">1 big handful of greens</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 – 3 frozen bananas sliced</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 mango</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 c. water</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 big handful of silverbeet</span></p> <div style="padding: 0in 0in 1pt; border-width: medium medium 3pt; border-style: none none dotted;font-family:arial;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; padding: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">1 tsp vanilla</span></p></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 – 2 c. fresh pineapple chopped</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 banana</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 c. oj</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 c. water</span></p> <div style="padding: 0in 0in 1pt; border-width: medium medium 3pt; border-style: none none dotted;font-family:arial;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium none; padding: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Big handful of greens</span></p></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 – 2 bananas</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 – 1.5 c. frozen or fresh pitted cherries (or blueberries)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 c. water (can use coconut<span> </span>water if desired)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Big handful of greens</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So there you go! An easy, convenient, and not too pricey way of getting more green in your diet! I think you'll be happy with these. Try whipping one up for breakfast tomorrow, or even better-breakfast everyday this week! And again, if you don't like the first recipe you try don't forget to experiment. A little more fruit if needed, or try a different recipe. Some I like much better than others.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Drink up, and ENJOY!</span><br /></p><br /><a href="http://s962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/?action=view&current=daisysig.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae106/megscroft/daisysig.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2