Green Coffee Bean Extract. . . Svetol!

i am super excited to try this new green coffee bean extract! i got it in the mail about a week ago (really fast service, btw) and i’ve been taking it for about 4 days. i might sound a little crazy buy i already feel like it’s working! woot-woot! it’s like i just feel thinner. and maybe even prettier? haha!… and the best part is i am not jittery at all. i even take it with my last meal (about 7-8 pm) and have not noticed any sleep disturbances. bonus! i’ll keep you posted!

Happy New Year! 2011!

I can't believe it's 2011. And I can't believe it's been so long since I updated my blog. . . . Such a slacker!

Things are good on my end. Same old. Same Old. Still working out every day. Watching the "diet" and doing what I can to stay fit.

One of my new years resolutions (PS I don't generally "do" new years resolutions) is to make a more conscious effort to focus on HEALTH and WELL BEING. Not so much on "weight" or "size" etc. It's been a few months in the making but I have been easing into my new point of view.

It really started last year with a routine doctors apt. Standard CBC blood panel results showed extremely low iron levels and anemia- some other concerns like low calcium as well but other than the iron nothing too serious. I had to have some iron infusions though I never really felt "anemic"... Trying to increase my iron levels lead me to interesting data & studies suggesting that mineral balance in general is a tricky tricky business. Increasing my iron via juicy steaks and little green pills, may not necessarily lead to higher iron levels... Well that's awesome.

Over the coarse of about 6 months of Rx supplements & infusions my iron levels went from 3 to 13. Well that's exciting, right? I don't know. I don't feel any different. I didn't have super human strength or anything like that.

Since my impressive "13", I have added a multi-mineral to my repertoire as well as magnesium shots 2x weekly. Ps- those hurt like a son-of-a-b!+[#! So maybe that will help...

I had a follow up apt last Wednesday and I am anxiously awaiting my blood results. I'll let you know if I'm alive & well. . . . or clinically dead. Could go either way.

My SWEET new Addiction! mmm...

Ok- I have a new addiction thanks to Hungry Girl! It's the Kashi Honey Sunshine Cereal! It is TASTY!!! Splash a little ICE COLD ALMOND BREEZE on it along with a little HAZELNUT COFFEE MATE (sugar free, of course) and voila! You've got a sweet crunchy treat for less than 200 calories! It actually tastes a LOT like Captain Crunch! Yumm! Yeah, I had 2 bowls of it tonight for dinner. . .

And more exciting news from the HG front- Laughing cow cheese is launching NEW flavo'flaves in JUNE! I can't WAIT! I LOVE those hilarious wedges! There is going to be a new blue cheese flavor, a mozzarella something-or-rather as well as a kickin' queso flave. Mmmm... My mouth is watering & I can't hardly wait! Oh! And did I mention that they are all LIGHT too! Dah- the most important part! I giggle with anticipation of the new laughing cow~

"Excuse me, Miss. . . Do you have this in a size 4?!?!"

I have never in my life uttered those words. . . UNTIL YESTERDAY!!! At 5'8" tall, I've never in my life (since I WAS 4!) worn a size 4 but yesterday I went shopping for new work pants and the 6's were just too big! I was actually giggling to myself in the dressing room and crying tears of JOY! No, not really crying, but pretty Freaking excited!

I'm still doing all the crazy things to maintain my weight loss but have not been intentionally trying to lose more weight. I was happy to be a size 6. But I was still working hard to maintain that- maybe a little too hard!

Also- I wanted to just talk for a second about hormones. The more and more I read and learn about hormones, the more I realize how much they play a huge part in weight loss & overall health and well being. About 3 weeks ago I went to see my doctor- During an evaluation in her office she asked me some personal questions & recommended that I use prescription strength testosterone for my energy and sex drive. And I've really noticed a difference already! She also put me on progesterone for the 2nd 1/2 of my cycle to help with PMS. So far, so good! : )

So alas- yet another thing that I deal with. . . . outta' control hormones. But I feel I'm one step closer to feeling my BEST!

HaPpY B!r+#d@Y to ME!

Yesterday I celebrated my 31st Birthday! It was a great day! I started the day off with a 5mile run in 30* weather. And even though I haven't ran since Fall, I'm happy to report that I did GREAT! At 31, I am in the best shape of my life. I'm a little sore today because like i said, I haven't ran since fall but overall feel great!

I celebrated my birthday with some close friends & my husband at one of our favorite restaurants. We indulged in all the fine things in life. And even had my favorite- cake with butter cream frosting. But there's no guilt on my birthday!

I am also to report that for the first time in my life I feel good about myself and about my body. No, I'm not a size 2 or a swimsuit model. But I work hard to maintain a size 6 & feel good about my abilities in the gym. All the calorie counting & buckets of sweat is paying off! I will continue to strive for perfection- although perfection may never be reached, there's not harm in trying.

Continuing my fitness & health goals with working out, eating clean, & getting "wrapped up" as often as possible!

Life is good.

OOO 0n!on R!nGs! OOO

Here is a recipe for Killer Krispy O Rings! Low Cal! Low Fat! Super Crispy! And GOOOOD FOR YOU! (in moderation of course!)

You will need:

Onions

Skim Milk

Whole wheat flour
Egg whites WHIPED
Panco bread crumbs whole wheat
Sray with olive oil cooking spray

Cut & seperate Onions and soak in skim milk for a few minutes

Dip onion is Whole wheat flour
Then dip in Egg whites WHIPED
Dip in Panco bread crumbs whole wheat (I like to add some garlic & onion salt to the bread crumbs)

Put onion rings on cooking rack on cookie sheet (line with tin foil for easy clean up)
Pray with olive oil cooking spray
Bake at 450* until golden brown & crispy! EnjoY!

dipping sauce

L/F mayo
liquid smoke
tabasco sauce
salt pepper

Oh Christmas Caloires! Oh Christmas Calories!. . . .

Oh!. . . Damage done. Too many goodies! Too many sweets! Ham & salad (no, not the healthy kind) and potatoes OH MY! Ok Ok, the damage is done. No need to dwell on the calories consumed any longer. Time to move on and I have some good news! I got the new GoWear Fit (body bugg) for Christmas and the Sketchers Shape Up shoes! I also got a certificate for more body wraps! So while I was naughty yesterday with all the indulgences I am excited to get back on track with my eating & workouts! Yes, I missed the gym too- don't judge. ; ) But I'm officially back on track! Bam! (and while the above image is not actually ME, I do have that popcorn bowl.)

New Year- New You, What are your resolutions?

That's a WRAP!

Ok, So I totally have a new addiction. . . 2 weeks ago my BFF called me up- she had scored us a killer deal at our local tanning salon. Unlimited tanning & an infrared body wrap every other day for a whole month for only $100. Whoo-Hoo! I didn't even KNOW what a body wrap was but I said "sign me up!". . . And it soon became my new addiction! To watch a video explaining a body wrap- CLICK HERE!

I have gone about 8 times now and I can really tell a difference! My mid section & legs look thinner & more toned. I LOVE laying in a nice quiet room, wrapped in a warm (hot) blanket, watching TV in peace & quiet. All the while sweating like I'm running a marathon! I was getting headaches after the first couple treatments but I think it was just because I was releasing so many toxins into my body- but now it's fine! Sometimes I feel like a human taco smothered in extra spicy hot sauce! But I like it! : )

Gobble Gobble Gobble!!!

Thanksgiving is just ONE WEEK AWAY! Woot-Woot! I love Thanksgiving and hate thanksgiving all at the same time. I Love getting together with my family. I love the smell of turkey in the oven. The ThanksGiving day Parade on TV. Putting up the Christmas decorations & kicking off the Holidays...


Things I hate about Turkey day... the CALORIES! OMG! Just out of curiosity I googled "Average calorie intake on Thanksgiving" and the results made me cry. . . . If you don't want to know the results then click on the dubnutrition icon on the right side of the page NOW!

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The results?



The average calorie intake during Thanksgiving dinner is... 6,000 calories!!! Do you know how long it would take you to BURN 6,000 calories at the gym? Well- let me tell you!



10 HOURS (yes, I just said HOURS!) on the treadmill at a speed of 4.5 incline 3.0! Or level 5 on the elliptical w/arm strides! Or level 9 on the stationary bike! ughhhh... that's a lot of panting & sweating!



Think about THAT when you're going for that second helping of mashed potatoes & gravy!

Cardio Craziness UPDATE!

So after more time on the Internet than I'd like to admit searching for answers to my cardio dilemma I think I have found my answer!

I read an article that really spoke to me- and LONG story short, here's my solution & plan!

Cardio 4 times a week for 30 minuets each session- 30 minutes of intense, hard, can't do more than 30 minutes of cardio, cardio. No need to do long low intense sessions of "fat burning" cardio- go big & go home!

c@rd!0 Craz!n3ss!

Are you a slave to your treadmill? Do you spend hours and hours on end chained to the elliptical or stationary bike? Ughhh... Cardio. We all need to do it. It's good for our hearts! BUT- what's the BEST kind of Cardio should we be doing? Does slow & steady win the race or should we sprint to the finish line? What is the most effective for weight loss?


I wanna know... What works best for you?

Am I just eating because I'm bored?...

I often times ask myself that very question... Am I just eating because I'm bored?... It got me thinking- what other emotions do we confuse with hunger?...

Happy

Sad

Bored

Nervous

Excited

Depressed

Tired

What triggers your "hunger"? Are you more likely to eat when you are happy? Or do you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips when you are sad? If you're tired do you & pulling an all nighter does your calorie intake sky rocket? Are you a social eater? Hanging out with all your buddies may be ruining your diet! Or perhaps you are a sneaky eater- no one's watching so you sneak a few extra M&Ms...

Next time you find yourself snacking between meals ask yourself... "Am I really hungry? Or am I feeling something else..." Your answer may surprise you!

Household MAJOR AGERS! (part 1 of 2)

Once again- I can't believe how FAST the week went by... Here is my promised fab 5 Friday post!

Beware of these 5 aging dangers that are lingering in YOUR home! Some of them might surprise you! I know they surprised ME!

1) Cleaning products that contain Bleach... It can actually get into your body through your skin and lungs. Solution? Clean with White vinegar & baking soda. Works just as well and won't irritate skin or increase symptoms of asthma.

2) Mosquito Repellent: Instead, enjoy Citronella Candles... & Clean up the junk that may be attracting the pests. And always avoid leaving large pools of stale water in your yard.

3) Soap. Soap? Really? Soaps that contain fragrances & chemicals can be very hard on your skin- stripping away your skins natural moisturizers. Always purchase PH balanced soap

4) BBQ Sauce- It might as well be on the dessert menu. Loaded with High Fructose Sugar, your body turns it right to FAT! And watch out for other items that contain this sugar in disguise.

5) Canned Frosting.... Mmmm... Frosting... Food manufactures add Trans fats to many foods to prolong the shelf life but Trans fats + Trans fats = heart death. Always, always, always buy items that don't contain Trans Fats.

Fab 5 Friday! FOOD edition!

Can you tell that not only do I LOVE food... But I love LISTS TOO!I've traveled the globe in search of the worlds healthiest people. No, I haven't really traveled the world but I've picked a few surprising food items that may help you live longer!

1) Goat's Milk. NO, I'm not kidding and it's not even April 1st. It is REALLY GOOD for you. Don't trust me? Google it! I guess I gotta buy a goat... and then milk it... ughhh... edition

2) Whole Wheat Tortilla & Beans. Undelay' Undelay'!

3) Goya. Goya? What the H is Goya? Looks like a cucumber- Tastes like crud. This is found in many Japanese diets. Highest levels of anti-oxidant everrrrr! Fry it up in a veggie stir fry!

4) Dandelion Herbal Tea. Helps prevent dementia & also is an anti-diuretic. Helps lower blood pressure too! Mama had a baby & her head popped off!

5) Walnuts soaked in Water. I have never heard of this but I promise I am going to try this because I HEART walnuts!

So it's that simple (I guess!) Buy yourself a goat & soak those nuts! You'll live to a ripe old age of 100! Oh, And laugh a little too! Have a Fab Friday & Wonderful weekend!

T.G.I.F.!!!

Holy Friday Batman!

I can't believe it's Friday ALREADY!!! And as promised- Here are my Fantastic Friday 5 health tips in 5 minutes or less! I really like these ones! Hope you have a fabulous Friday & a wonderful weekend!

1) Total body 2 minute workout: need something different or new at the gym? Jump on a machine- any machine and push it as hard as you can (without hurting yourself) for 2 minutes! Push! Push! Push! After 2 minutes hop on the next machine! Rotate between upper & lower body. It's a great way to get a total body workout & you will even get your Heart Rate up! And there is no way you can get bored with this workout!

2) Tubby Time! Take a nice hot bath or Shower before bed. The hot water will actually raise your body's core temperature which will cause your body to release melatonin- melatonin, that sweet sweet hormone that tells your brain it's time to go nightly night! Sleep is an extremely important key to a healthy lifestyle!

3) Of Cores You Can! Training and strengthening your core is so important to keeping your whole body healthy! Keeping your back & abs strong will help alleviate backache too! And it helps increase the calorie burn

4) Time OUT! Every so often put yourself in a time out throughout the day! Even if it's only for 1-2 minuets. Get up from your desk and stretch! Stand up tall and then touch your toes. It gets your blood flowing. If you're home with your kids, take a little break when you know the kids are safe and take some deep breaths, roll out your neck and feel yourself calm down. Do this as much as necessary. Less stress will help decrease that stubborn Belly fat!

5) Laugh your A$$ off! Ha ha ha! Laughter really is the best medicine. We all know someone who is funny ask hell! Give them a call or look up goofy clips on YOU TUBE. It's amazing how much a little chuckle every now and then will improve your health!

So get your exercise, sleep & take a little time for yourself to laugh! It can add years to your life! Have a wonderful Weekend!

I'm totally BUGGIN'!

You guys- I have for months and months wanted to get a body bugg! But I just can't help but wonder how effective/accurate they are! And I'm also pretty sure that as soon as I DO buy one they will come out with a new & improved version- that's the way my life goes! (hello- iphone!)

What should I do? Should I get the bug! Should I bug off? . . . . Who has one? Who loves or hates them? Help me people- I can't make up my mind!

-Buggin!

Watch for my new FAB FIVE FRIDAY posts! I've been doing my research for Easy ways to improve your health & well being in 5 minutes or less. I'm giving them to you in 5 fantastic increments every Friday! Make these 5 small changes this weekend & you'll be feeling better by Monday!

Add these 5 fab food items to your shoppingg cart TODAY!

(and yes! That's me! I never go to the grocery store without my mini skirt & high heels!)

1) Wild Salmon- A great source of Omega 3 to keep your heart happy!

2) Almonds- I prefer raw almonds but you can choose dry roasted. They are the superstar of the nut family! (as am I!) he he he...

3) Tomatoes & Onions- I put 2 on this one because together with a little light Italian dressing you can mix up a disease fighting salad! Tomatoes are one of the best little antioxidants on the earth and even helps fight fat. Onions are proven to help fight colds, coughs and other respiratory conditions! mmm...

4) Avocado! The "good" fat! Spread a little on your turkey wrap or whip up a little guac for your veggies!

5) Chocolate. Yes- I said Chocolate. Dark Chocolate to be exact. And do you really need a reason why?

Here's to a happy, healthy (and delicious) Weekend!

are we failing because of our goals?

This morning while I was working out I had a thought come to my mind... Why do people (I) set goals? A goal seems so final. This promoted me to look up the word "goal" in the dictionary. And here is what I found.

GOAL: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

End? End... So, I asked myself. What happens once I reach my goal? I pictured in my mind a runner. A runner running in a marathon who's ultimate goal is to win the race. What does he do when he reaches the end?... He stops! I then began to ask myself- is this WHY so many people FAIL at weight loss? Not because they don't necessarily reach their goals but instead because once they reach their goal they stop? Do they stop trying? Did they "win" their race?. . .

I instead like the idea of making CHANGES and starting a challenge. By definition, Challenge means: a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc. By challenging ourselves we are talking our healthy lifestyles changes to the next level. To temporarily push yourself to a new ability. Challenge yourself to change the way you are living forever. You will never fail again.

Don't set goals. Make Changes. A Goal has an end. A Change is forever!

September 7th- Checkin in!

So I thought I better give a SUPER SEPTEMBER SLIM DOWN update now that we're a week into September (No, I still can't believe it!)... It's going good! Truthfully, It could probably be BETTER but "good" none-the-less! I've been getting up and doing my workouts in the morning and I even got a couple runs in this week too (word to the wise: don't take 2 weeks off from running- it's like starting over!)... My diet has been pretty good. I find myself eating the same things all of the time. I really need to try and try some new recipes or look for something new. I also have to admit that I probably eat too much fruit. (don't judge- at least I didn't say CANDY!) And lastly, I have to stop taking little bites here & there. They really do add up! Spoonful of oatmeal (again, don't judge! I love raw oatmeal) a few extra Veggie Crisps & an extra handful of grapes & we're talking 100+ calories!

Sooo... I'll be the first to admit I'm not Perfect! But I'm working on making a few lifestyle changes that will stick with me (and hopefully the kiddies) for the rest of our lives!One day at a time!Oh- And PS! I've decided that I'm going to post some "workout pix" on my blog! Hopefully by the end of the month I'll have them up! Check back often!

My 3 Keys to Weight Loss & Maintainance!

I was 15 years old when I started "working out." In the gym of my uncles doctor's office I would spend hours and hours on end, sometimes into the late hours of the night, on the stair climber, health rider (are these even still around) or on the stationary bike. For my 16th birthday I asked my parents for an "exerslide" (are THESE still around?) and for Christmas that same year I asked for an ab-crunch-infomercial thingy. I don't even remember what it was called but it looked like a weapon of mass destruction. I also got a thigh master that same year, it was a banner Christmas for me! Don't get the wrong impression- this was ALL MY IDEA! My parents were not the type of people to buy me something THEY thought I needed. I wanted every "get thin fast" craze item on the market from the time I was a teen! I STILL get sucked into the late night infomercial and find myself reaching for the phone! But I refrain (it's been 5 years since I was suckered into buying... & since you asked- it was "SLIM IN 6!") because weight loss & maintenance ALL boils down to 3 "easy" things... (and I say "easy" because after 15 years it's finally comes natural for me!)

DIET: I start with diet because ultimately I think it's the MOST important ingredient (pun intended) to a recipe of weight loss/maintenance success. And when I say "diet" I don't mean: "Eat Cabbage soup for 7 days and lose 10 lbs!"diet (yes, shut up- I've done the cabbage soup diet) I mean "diet" by definition as: food and drink considered in terms of its qualities, composition, and its effects on health. Everything little thing that goes in your mouth. Whether it's fruits & veggies or caramel malts with extra whipped cream- this is your "diet"... You don't go "on or off" a diet- you change your diet. You IMPROVE (hopefully) your diet and you MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DIET! I love food and I have a personal goal to see just how much food I can eat in a day and STILL stay within my calorie allotment. And I'm not going to lie, I'm good!!! I know which veggies have the least amount of calories- which fruits are higher in calories & sugars and which foods I have to avoid all together. I try and make it through the day staying under 1500 calories but OVER 100+ grams of protein and under 100 carbs. That's a lot of math- but it gets easier and easier as you go... I am also really big into supplementing. Supplementing by definition means: something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole. Everyone should be supplementing. We can all benefit by filling in the gaps.

2nd- (and my most favorite) WEIGHT TRAINING: And when I say weight training I don't' mean doing bicep curls once a week with 3 lb weights! I mean serious, train like a man, leg pressing 200+ lbs, face turning purple WEIGHT TRAINING! Ok, so I don't really train like a man, but I can hold my own in a weight room! God blessed me with a strong body (I'm by no means claiming perfection here) but if there is one thing I will say it's that I am strong. I am much stronger when it comes to say shoulder presses than I am when it comes to cross country running or sprinting. Chicks of the world- I say to you "Don't be afraid of the weight rooms!"..... Do me one favor- next time you're at the gym, take a goooooood look around and tell me one thing: Where do you find all the people with the HOT BODIES???... In the weight room! And what type of people do you see cycling along at a snails pace? The chubby butts who think "slow & steady wins the race!" Now, that's not to say that cardio isn't important (see cardio rave below) I'm just saying it may not be as important as people are claiming! You gotta PUMP IT, GIRL!

But with that said, it's time to give CARDIO it's props! So when *I* say cardio I mean getting your heart rate up! This is where I give you MY cardio advice: Do something (anything) that you LOVE that gets your heart rate UP and KEEPs it up for an extended period of time. If you HATE ridding a stationary bike in a dark smelly gym then by all means- DON'T DO THAT! If instead, you enjoy an afternoon of tennis with a girlfriend even though you BOTH SUCK? Then PLAY TENNIS, KEEP MOVING and LAUGH YOUR A$$ OFF!!! If you are less than coordinated and were born with 2 left feet, then don't buy a "25 Step Class Punch Card"- Rather, Strap your 2 year old on your back and go for a hike! (trust me- that will be a great cardio workout!) Do what you LOVE and you'll LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING! I always say "The best kind of exercise is unintentional!" And I'm going to give you a perfect example. Yesterday I was in the toy room with the girls- I was laying on the mattress that was in there and we started throwing the balls around- we then started throwing them up at the window seal and got "2 points" if they stayed up there. We did this for well over an hour! (my daughter thought it was the funniest thing ever!) And this morning I woke up with sore abs! It took me like 10 minuets to even figure out why they were sore but it was from that silly game with my daughter! Accidental exercise ROCKS! ; )

So there you have it- my 3 ingredients for success! No, I'm not a Hollywood star trainer or a certified dietitian. I'm just a mom with some kids, a job, a needy husband, a dog that doesn't get enough attention (note to self: take the dog for a walk) and someone who's attended the school of hard knocks Diet & Exercise program!