Faux Fast Food

I had my first sleepover since my college sorority days last night! My husband is in Vancouver for a TV shoot and I'm on my own with the little one (first time since he was born). My best friend is just the most amazing person and agreed to come hang with me and the little man for the evening and spend the night.

We didn't braid each others hair or have a pillow fight, but we did decide to make some sleepover type treats to eat. I remember back in the day when I was hitting the sleepover circuit (circa the 90's) we would eat some amazingly delicious and incredibly bad foods. Pizza. Candy. Popcorn. Fast Food. I remember those late night jaunts to McDonald's to grab a burger, fries and milkshake.

The difference between then and now is that that milkshake would go straight to my butt, the fries would give me heartburn, I'm married, I have a baby and I'm almost 30. And, I don't prank call people anymore. Thanks caller ID. Ok so a lot has changed, but my taste for something indulgent hasn't.

We decided to make what I call "Faux Fast Food." The all-American girl meal of burger, fries and milkshake was transformed into a healthier version that still allowed us to feel like we were carefree and 17 again. Here's the menu:

1. Black Bean burgers with avocado slices, red onion and reduced fat cheese on top of double fiber wheat bread
2. Baked sweet potato fries
3. Frozen yogurt milkshake

The first two menu items are pretty self explanatory, but the truly remarkable part of this meal was the shake. You gotta try this one. We grabbed a tub of Dreyer's frozen yogurt, organic skim milk, low-sugar hershey's syrup and a package of 100-calorie oreo cookies. The secret ingredient to make it very mocha flavored was to add a packet of diet hot chocolate (only 25 calories). It made the whole concoction taste very indulgent.

You can easily go to hell with joke with these ingredients, so be careful. I added 3 scoops of frozen yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the chocolate syrup and 4 cups of milk to the blender. Got it nice and smooth, then added the cocoa and 100-calorie pack at the last minute and pulsed the blender. This serves two.

With milkshakes in hand, we had a fun night just like back in the day. We watched chick shows (the Rachel Zoe Project), gossiped about friends (and co-workers), played with the baby (ok there weren't babies at the old school sleepovers, but whatever), talked about boys (our husbands) and stayed up late (11:00pm is later than normal).

You can make your favorite meals healthy and still satisfying. You just have to be creative.

How do you make your fast food favorites "faux?"

My sugary affair

Sugary goodness has a new name and it's called Truvia!

I know that I've told all of you about the sweet tooth that is the biggest challenge to my healthy lifestyle. Well, to help sweeten the deal I've been pretty dedicated to Splenda since it's appearance on the market a few years ago. It graces my coffee, sweetens my fruit and lightens up my homemade cakes.

But I recently had the pleasure of adding Truvia to my grocery list (behind Splenda's back). I have to admit that my loyalty is waning. Truvia is pretty darn good. It tastes more like sugar to me and is supposedly natural. Here's what the Truvia site says:

Water. Sunshine. Nutrients from the earth. That's what goes into the stevia plant. Then nature works her magic and creates a wonderfully sweet taste.

Next, we steep the leaves, much like making tea, that begins the process of capturing rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia plant. Ultimately, this little leaf gives back a recipe for sweetness that's both delicious and zero-calorie guilt free.

I don't care how they do it. I love it. I have been sprinkling the glorious, sparkly granules into my coffee all this week and feel like I am treating myself to a high calorie, sugary latte. Delish. Plus I love that the granules look more like big sugar crystals that they put on Cosmos in Sex and the City. Man I wish that show was still on...

Truvia is a little indulgence in my diet-ish day. Have you tried Truvia? What do you think?

25 Healthy Grocery Must-Haves

One of the best ways to find yourself fit and fab is to eat at home more often. It can be detrimental to the diet to eat take out on a regular basis. The key to dining in is to stock the fridge and pantry with healthful options. The last thing you want to do is stand with the fridge door wide open for 20 minutes, give up and grab the cellie to order Pizza Hut (with extra cheese while you’re at it).

Stock up on healthy, low fat and lo-cal meal options to make it work. Here’s my list of grocery musts:

1.    High Fiber Bread: Fiber. Need I say more?  Ok I will say a little more. Increasing fiber in your diet can lower risks of developing certain diseases and conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, gallstones and kidney stones and more. Ick! Who wants any of that? Fiber can also help with weight loss by getting things moving (if you know what I mean) and slows the onset of hunger.

I always have high fiber bread on hand for toast, sandwiches, etc. I use this as a replacement for hamburger buns, garlic bread and croutons too. Amazing.

2.    Hummus: This staple is not just for the Zohan! Hummus is “good” fat and can be used in a variety of ways to add a little flavor (and fiber). I like to add it to a turkey sandwich in lieu of mayo or mustard. Hummus is also delish with just about any veggie.

3.    Peanut Butter: Whoa. Wait a minute; you thought this was on the no-no list because peanuts are high in fat, right? Heck no. Buy the reduced fat kind and put a little on your fiber toast in the morning. It’s “good” fat and I promise it will keep you full until lunch! Plus it can satisfy a sweet tooth when you top off an apple or banana with a dollop.

4.    Fresh Fruit: Grapes are great to keep around because you can wash a bunch and snack on these throughout the day. I am also addicted to strawberries and apples. I treat myself to fruit for dessert several times a week.

5.    Frozen Fruit: When you open up that container of raspberries to find green mold, you’ll thank me. Frozen fruit is a nice treat to get that sweet tooth under control. Fruit + Truvia = Heaven.

6.    Honey: Honey is a sweet little addition to yogurt, fruit and even peanut butter toast. Plus if you buy local honey it will help ease seasonal allergies.

7.    Plain Yogurt: This is a great base to mix with honey or fruit for a sweet treat or can be used in place of sour cream to lighten up dishes. Gotta love those live active cultures, too.

8.    Carrots: Good for eyesight and a great lo-cal snack.

9.    Fat-free Cool Whip: This has all the taste of a splurge without the guilt. I like to put it in the freezer and scoop a bit (like ice cream) or spoon it over fruit.

10.    Fat-free Pudding or Jell-O: That damn sweet tooth is relentless, so I stave off the beast with pudding and Jell-O. Add a little bit of that Cool Whip from #6 to make it just a little bit more special.

11.    Guacamole: Guac is nature’s butter – full of “good” fat, great buttery texture and taste. I use it on sandwiches, as a dip for veggies and have been known to eat a spoonful all by itself as a snack. Try the Wholly Guacamole pre-made kind.

12.    Lean Deli Turkey: Easy meal solution. Sandwich. Done. Salad. Done. Delish all the way.

13.    Frozen Chicken: I keep a bag of boneless, skinless chicken on hand to grill, bake or pan sear. So many options to make healthy meals. My husband likes to drop ‘em in the old Fry Daddy. But he doesn’t subscribe to my eating habits. Go figure.

14.    Lettuce/Bagged Salad: Always great to start a meal with a little side salad to try and take the edge of hunger before you dig in to the main course. Just make sure that you use a sensible dressing.

15.    Fresh Veggies: Some to have on hand for dishes are onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. You can make any number of dishes with these puppies in the ole crisper.

16.    Frozen Veggies: I will admit that on occasion (ok about once a week) I throw away spoiled fresh veggies. Go frozen and you won’t have that issue. Try the new steamer versions at the store and you will have an easy and tasty side dish. Oh and add some parm to just about any veggie and you’ve kicked it up a notch, Emeril.

17.    EVOO: Olive oil is better for you than any other oil and is that “good” fat again. Don’t you wish brownies counted as “good" fat? Maybe if we top it with avocado, peanut butter and olive oil? No?

18.    Balsamic Vinegar: I mix this with a little olive oil for salad dressing. We went to Uruguay about a year ago and had this dressing with almost every meal. It tastes rich, but has a lot of great benefits. I also splash balsamic on strawberries or shredded chicken for a great punch of flavor.

19.    Wheat Pasta: If you have pasta in the house, you’ve got a meal. I recently got the hub to switch to wheat. He can’t taste the difference.

20.    Canned Tomatoes: Italian and Mexican dishes alike can benefit from a good canned tomato. I buy the low-sodium versions if I can find it. Don’t want to get bloated.

21.    Spices: A little spice can go a long way to make healthy dishes flavorful. I have a cabinet completely packed with all kinds of spices. I recommend going down the spice aisle each trip to the store to grab something new. My favorite is Season All spicy. Simple, yet great.

22.    Shredded Parmesan Cheese: This is an easy way to pack some major taste into a dish. I sprinkle it on just about everything – salads, pastas, chicken and more. It lasts a while in the fridge, too.

23.    Tortillas: Give me chicken, guac and a tortilla and you have an instant Mexican delight without guilt. I find that they last well beyond their expiration date, too. I say as long as there isn’t anything green (besides the guac) eat ‘em.

24.    Popcorn: If you are like me you gotta snack. I believe in several small meals throughout the day. Popcorn gives you a big bang for your caloric buck. You can eat almost a full bag of the 94% fat free kind. Top it with truvia or parm to make it extra special.

25.    Lemon or Lemon Juice: La La Lemon. Squeeze it over fruit to brighten the flavor or use in dressings. It’s a great enhancer.

So there is the list. When building your own list of must-haves it’s important to recognize what hijacks your diet and stock your kitchen accordingly. If you reach for salty foods to quench a craving, for example, stock the pantry with low-sodium pretzels or 100-calorie pack chips or crackers. Or one to try is a pickle. Pickles have quite a bit of sodium to satisfy the craving, but are lo-cal. One or two should do the trick.

For me I have a big appetite and get incredibly hungry. I have to find foods that keep me full until the next meal or snack. Nothing is worse than the tummy grumble 30 minutes after you eat. Fiber, healthy fats and raw foods are my saviors.

I also have a vicious sweet tooth as you could probably tell from my list. Cake, cookies, brownies. mmmm… What I have to do is allow myself a low guilt sweet each meal so that I don’t agonize over it until I cave and eat 4 Tiff’s Treats cookies at once. Integer-ites you know what I’m talking about. Those cookies are like crack!

What are your weaknesses and what healthy must-haves do you have in your pantry? Post ‘em here!



Sources: ehealthmd.com and NY Times online

But it tastes so good...

I was chatting with my mother-in-law last night (via Skype) and she asked a great question. She made a pretty healthy dinner for herself and hub (yay) but then felt like she couldn't stop eating because it tasted so darn good (boo). She asked me how she can stop from overeating like that.

We often find ourselves overeating on healthy, nutritious meals just as much as the fried, sugary treats. Why do we do that? Perhaps it's because we have been taught to eat a lot. From "all you can eat" buffets to fast food restaurants on every corner to the massive, gloppy portions you get at Mexican restaurants, temptation and the opportunity to overeat are everywhere. I'm sure we've all felt that guilt creep up on us when we accidentally ate an entire bag of baked chips or way more than the serving size of light ice cream. It's even more frustrating, because you were trying to be good.

My answer to my mother-in-law is a little complex. I would like to preach the notion of self-control. I would love to say that I can push aside that urge to keep going. Or that I can put down the fork and run outside and take a walk. I don't always do those things. I overeat, too. We all do.

The tips that I can offer are as follows:

1. Chew some tasty gum: Sounds silly, but it can work. If you change the flavor in your mouth, then your taste buds "forget" what they were just tasting. I always keep a variety of flavored gum on hand to bust the overeating cycle. One to try is Orbit Pina Colada, sugar-free gum. Yum!

2. Half-and-half: Try separating your portion (before you start eating) into two. Put one half in the fridge and chow down on the other. Make sure that all ingredients that you used to prepare your meal are put away, too. "Grazing" on leftovers or ingredients while cleaning up the kitchen is a major contributor to taking in too many calories. The last few croutons from the salad, a pinch of shredded cheese or a few more scoops of cottage cheese have calories, too!

When you are at a restaurant, separate your meal into two and ask for a to-go box immediately. Out of sight, out of mind. You've probably heard this tip before, but have you actually tried it? Hold yourself accountable and try it the next time you dine out.

3. Make a deal: I will often eat what I had intended and then tell myself that if I still want more, I have to wait 30 minutes to eat it. If I'm still hungry or want that food in 30 minutes, then I have a little more. Usually I will try to busy myself with something during those 30 minutes, like doing laundry, checking email, vacuuming, etc. Just get yourself out of the kitchen. So, not only do you avoid those calories, you might get some housework done, too.

4. Drink up: Right after eating drink an entire glass of cold water. This should fill you up that last little bit that you might have filled up with food. We should all be having 8 glasses of water a day anyway, so consider this one of your 8.

Portion control is a challenge for most everyone. You just have to acknowledge this as one of your weaknesses and work to overcome it. Try these tips and please feel free to post some of your tactics to overcome the hunger beast.

Pina Colada gum flavored kisses,
Meghan

iPhone Fit

My husband and I are iPhone nerds. We both spend too much time cruising the App store looking for cool (sometimes unnecessary) apps. Just like the Apple TV spots, I always seem to find “there’s an app for that.”

While the hub enjoys the Fart App, I prefer the Fitness and Nutrition apps. It’s amazing how you can keep yourself fit and tech savvy these days.

Here are some of my faves. Check ‘em out and get moving.

Eight Glass a Day
Like a broken record, nutritionists and diet experts alike preach the water gospel. It is tricky to drink your 8 glasses a day, but so worth it for a litany of health, weight loss and weight management reasons. This app is a FREE way to track your intake. It’s like a game for me. Just don’t drink those last 3-4 an hour before you go to bed. Your full bladder will interrupt your beauty sleep.

Couch to 5K
If you are a beginner with great intentions to get a workout program underway, then this is a fab app. It helps you get off the couch and on a 9-week journey to run 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping. Not everyone is a fitness pro, so this is a stellar way to get moving (for only $1.99).

Tap & Track – Calorie, Weight & Exercise Tracker
This is a one-stop shop for tracking your calorie intake, workouts and manage your weight. I love that I can search for workouts and determine the intensity level. You just have to be honest! At $2.99 it’s a must!

NikeWomen Training Club
So not compatible with my version of the iPhone, but so cool. You can get workouts and even create an avatar of yourself. So fun and so irritated that I can’t play with it. Hopefully the hub will let me upgrade my celly soon. Ummm…hello, it’s FREE even!

Basic Calendar feature
I encourage everyone to get this FREE feature rockin’ on their phone. You can set reminders for your favorite group fitness classes on the calendar. You can hit repeat and it will remind you each week to haul your booty to my classes (just enter your fave instructor’s name in the notes field). I’m back at it on October 3. Get it on the calendar now!

Which Apps help you on your fitness journey? Share it now!

Fab Lunch - Sammy

I love it when I can find a meal that is fit and fabulous! Just had to share:

Ingredients
Thomas Hearty Grains Bagel toasted
Fat free cream cheese
Lean deli turkey
2-3 slices of avocado
2-3 slices of green apple (save the rest for noshing later)

Preparation
Spread the cream cheese on both sides of the bagel. Layer the turkey, avocado and green apples onto the bagel. Grab a pretty plate, a bev and be prepared to make your tummy smile.

I went "green" with avocadoes and green apples on this tasty sandwich. With a low 400 calories, 8 grams of fat and packed with fiber (11.5 grams) and good fats (hello nature's butter - avocado), this is a hunger-buster. I paired it with a Vitamin Water 10 and a handful of baked lays. I was full until dinner!

If you do the Weight Watchers thing, this is only 6 points (8 with the chips)! I got this particular recipe from WW. They have some amazingly tasty ideas on their site.

The great news about this sammy is it can be easily taken on the road! Wrap it up in plastic wrap or tin foil and tada! - lunch on the go.

Happy lunching!
Meghan


Source: Weight Watchers online

Exercise at Home – Forget Jane Fonda

Take advantage of the newborn nap. My little guy sleeps for a long 3 nap in the afternoons and I take that opportunity to work on my fitness. I pop in some laundry, pop in a workout DVD and get moving.

My Mom was an aerobics instructor in the early days of fitness and was a devoted Jane Fonda fan. Mom, I love you, but the thong leotard and leggings are out and so is the "pony." I have a variety of fab home workouts, but TKB is my fave!

I am in love with Turbo Kickboxing (TKB) by Powder Blue Productions. I am an instructor for them and get updated material every 4-6 weeks. I can't wait until I see what Chalene Johnson (TKB creator and guru) has cooked up for me. I sweat, I guzzle water, I shower and feel like a million bucks! I typically burn anywhere from 400-800 calories depending on how much I jump, how deep I get into my twists and how hard I punch. Wanna ease that aggression, TKB it baby!

I know what it's like to be tired and want to just park my hiney in front of the tube and watch the Rachel Zoe Project. Set the DVR, darn it and move, move, move. The baby weight is going to fall off!

Losing Weight After Baby

I am a fitness addicted girl with high expectations for myself. Not losing all the weight packed on while pregnant is not only unsightly but bad for my health. "It's very critical that you do get the weight off, because if you don't it has been associated with overweight and obesity 15 to 20 years later in life," says Debra Krummel, PhD, RD, endowed professor in the University of Cincinnati department of nutrition. Being overweight (or carrying a few extra pounds) has been associated with a litany of ailments, risks and diseases. I have a miserable family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and diabetes. It’s up to me to do whatever I can to fight those forces.

Whether you are a new Mom like me or perhaps had a baby several years ago and want to lose just a few pounds, I want you to join me on my journey.

Here is my plan:

1. Screw the diet: My immediate thought after I got home from the hospital was “bring on the fat-free, lo-cal, sugar-free foods, I gotta lose this weight.” However, after doing some research I realized this is not the way to go. Depriving myself of a few indulgences and cutting calories dramatically is not the thing to do for me or Ethan. I’m breastfeeding, so I need to ensure that I am taking in enough calories and nutrients to nourish the baby. I just have to create a balance between healthful foods along with some of my favorite pregnancy treats here and there.

Great idea in theory, right? To prove this theory works, I plan to keep a food journal and track my activity and weight loss. Stay tuned.

2. Breastfeed: Certain studies show that breastfeeding can help women lose baby weight more quickly. While that has not been proven, what we do know to be true is that breastfeeding is the ideal source of nutrition for baby. It is the best cocktail of nutrients, calories for healthy weight gain and immunities. Plus you get to eat a few more calories a day (perhaps that cookie you’ve been craving!)

3. Liquid Diet: No, I’m not talking about switching to a steady diet of cosmos, margaritas and wine. I’m talking about hydration. I plan to load up on water and juice. Water will help flush out all the toxins in my body and perhaps reduce the last bits of swelling. I am also addicted to Vitamin Water 10. It’s a nice break from regular water.

I will mix in a cup of coffee each morning and an occasional glass of wine.

4. Move More and More and More: Activity is the key to feeling good and looking good. Certainly one month postpartum is not the time for me to start training for a marathon, but easing back into a moderate workout routine is appropriate. I walk EVERY day. It’s a special time for me and Ethan to bond. I walk outside with the stroller most days but also try and get to an air conditioned place to get a walk in (it’s September in Texas for heaven’s sake!)

Last week I took Ethan to the mall to walk (and shop). He enjoys the movement and the change of scenery. I also dance around the house while holding the baby. He thinks I’m silly, but it gets me up and moving and still allows me to engage with my little one. I have even started working on some of my choreography for when I start teaching again!

This week, I dove back into the Group Fitness pool. Group fitness is an amazing way to get in shape and have a fitness support group. It’s amazing how many like-minded women you can connect with at the gym.

5. Have fun: Stress does amazing things to your body – amazingly bad things! I am just like every other new Mom; I am paranoid, sleepy and going through a whole host of hormonal shifts and emotions. But, I tell myself each day that I can handle whatever disaster diaper is thrown in my direction. You gotta laugh when you get peed on. You have to relish the small things like the accidental smile from your one month old when you tell him that his Mommy looks like a ragamuffin. You have to hold that baby as much as possible.

At the end of the day when he is finally swaddled, fed and rocked to sleep, he is the most precious angel and gift from God. It is the most fabulous responsibility that I will have. And it can be fun.

Join me. I have 11 pounds left to lose. Let’s see how this goes!

Soon to be skinny kisses,
Meg


Sources: CBS News Health

A sweet a day keeps fat melting away

When you are on a diet, the one thing you know has got to go is dessert. Sweet, wonderful, gooey concoctions like cake, cookies, ice cream and pie are no-no’s, right? Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not mean that you have to choose between a sexy black dress in a size 6 or a Sprinkles cupcake. You can have your carrot cake and eat it too.

I am a sugar queen. My mom swears that my first word was “chocolate.” I could not bear to give up sweets to achieve my health and fitness goals, so I compromised. Sort of.

The mind plays this dirty little trick on our bodies (and stomachs) when we crave something. When we want a treat, we can’t get it off our minds. So what happens? We agonize, we pace, we rationalize and then end up splurging way too much on something. Then you fall into what I call dessert depression. You feel good for about 10 minutes and then the chocolate euphoria fades away and is replaced with guilt. It’s like you had a one-night stand with brownie a la mode and did the walk of shame out the front door in the morning. Unfortunately there is no morning after pill for over-indulgence – just exercise (lots of it).

What if you found that you could have a sweet a day and could still lose or maintain weight? Hallelujah! Did you just hear the arch angels sing?

There is less anguish and guilt if you know that you CAN have that treat you’ve been craving since lunch. Then when you eat it, you feel satisfied, devoid of guilt. Now here is where the compromise comes in. Have a “low-guilt “dessert 6 days a week and a “real” dessert 1 day per week. Low guilt desserts are those that are low-fat and low-calorie, but still have real sugar and real taste to satisfy your sweet tooth. Then on that glorious seventh day, have what you please.

Ensure that you balance the sweet treats with healthy, low calorie meals and snacks. For example, eat whole wheat toast with low-sugar jam for breakfast, a tuna fish sandwich and green apple for lunch and salad with the protein of your choice and lo-cal dressing for dinner. Snacks could include a handful of grapes, hummus and carrots or pretzels. Then reward yourself with dessert after dinner.

The mistake that many of us make it to try and quelch the sugar-craving with foods that have sugar-substitute. Our bodies are tricky, but this ain’t their first rodeo. Our body can tell the difference between real sugar and fake sugar. Your craving won’t really go away if you try and get sneaky with a sugar-free option. Screw that sugar-free fad. You notice that the happiest people in the world aren’t sporting a sugar-free jello cup? Jello jigglers my foot.

I’ve used this method of low-guilt indulgence for over a year, coupled with healthy eating and exercise. Before I got pregnant with my son last November, I was the healthiest and most fit that I have ever been and quite frankly the happiest I’ve ever been.

Some diet gurus would argue with eating sugar in the evenings before bed and others might get you to count calories or points. However, I believe that life is balance. You have to reward yourself and enjoy the little things in life. Smell the roses and eat some Hershey kisses too.

Low-guilt dessert ideas are as follows:
• ½ cup of Ben & Jerry’s Fro-Yo
• Yoplait Whips yogurt cup, frozen
• Strawberries with fat-free International Delight creamer
• 100-calorie pack Oreos and a dollop of fat free cool whip
• Green apple with honey and Splenda mix brown sugar
• Fat-free chocolate pudding and dollop of fat free cool whip
• Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich
• Real Fruit Popsicle
• Caramel rice cake with Tbs of peanut butter and a sprinkling of chocolate chips
• Peach with a dollop of fat free cool whip and honey

Feel free to post some of your faves!

Sticky, sugary kisses,
Meg

Grab the tennies

Having a newborn in the house can make it difficult to get anything done! I sit and stare at my little one (he is just too cute) and lose all track of time. I want to spend every second I can with him, but also want to start to whip my butt into shape. So, I decided to dress myself in workout clothes and tennies every morning. This way, if he goes down for a nap I can pop in a workout video and get moving.

I also find myself walking more quickly through the house and getting out 1+ times a day with the stroller for a walk. Being prepared for any activity time is essential - every little bit helps!

Move more, eat less!

Just one more...

“Just one more.”

You know you’ve said it about tortilla chips at Mi Cocina.

You’ve said it about that one last drink when out with the girls. “Just one more cosmo.” Oh, that one hurt the next day.

You’ve even said it about one more top or skirt or pair of shoes while shopping. “Just one more” has gotten a bad wrap as an overindulgers famous last words. But what if you could take that “just one more” mentality and make it work in your favor?

Think about yourself sweating on the elliptical machine or the treadmill, whatever your poison may be. You have that cute new Nike top on and no one can blame you for wearing lip gloss while exercising. You look fab and are on your way to being at least 300 calories lighter. You glance at the time on the machine. 25 minutes. You just gotta make it to 30. That’s it. Then you are done. Then you can go home. Then you can be done with this torture device for the day.

But what if you went 31 minutes this time? Or 32 minutes? Or heck, 35 minutes? A 150 pound woman burns an average of 13 calories per minute during moderate cardiovascular exercise. If you went an extra minute during your cardio workout each day for a week, that’s almost 100 additional calories burned. And if you did 2 extra minutes, 200 extra calories a week!

Try it. It’s the little things that help you jump off that plateau!

Source: Ezinearticles.com

Stretch Naked

Stretch naked. In your living room. When no one is watching.

Dance naked. In front of the mirror. And embrace what you see.

Run naked. Through the house. And smile.

Live your life naked. Not necessarily naked in the physical sense, but naked in the sense that you are free. You are free to improve yourself – mind and body.

Fitness should not be relegated to the meatheads in the gym with muscles so big you wonder how they wipe their bottoms. Healthy eating is not just for the people who actually enjoy tofu. Wellness does not mean you need to channel your inner goddess.

Health. Fitness. Wellness. It should be flexible and fun. It should be something that you can live with day to day. Join me on my fitness journey. I will post about all aspects of being a woman and working to achieve perfect abs after having a baby, finding a balance, eating healthy, fashion, exercise, being a new Mom and a devoted wife.

I encourage you to be the healthiest and most fit you’ve ever been.