The Bloat

For my Dear friend Tas,

She asked my about some bloating solutions and I have some great tricks that work!

If you want to keep the bloat away long term make sure you get enough water, cut down salt/sodium, no sugar alcohols, watch out for dairy (if you are sensitive), eat potassium, and fiber (take beano if sensitive). 

Also, the best way to get rid of bloating is to get off your butt and move. Woman bloat with our hormones and we want to make sure we are sweating all those toxins away! If you already are at a gym spend an extra 15 minutes and get in a sauna/steam room.

Now if you are wanting a quick fix, here are a couple that always work for me.

Need it down in about a week? Try 8oz water, 8oz of 100% cranberry juice (its not gonna taste good), add in 1 tsp of flax seed and let sit in the fridge over night. Drink it all first thing in the morning, probably before brushing your teeth (yes, its that gross). You will get used to it, promise. I would do this for at least 5 days before an event. This can be used everyday, its a great antibacterial!


Need something done today! Tomorrow? 

Try a diuretic!  It promotes the production of urine. It makes your body get rid of excess water. Please make sure you read the directions and use at your own risk. I am not a doctor nor do I pretend to be. Just giving you some TAT's.

:) Mel 

DIY Hair products

My friend Kelli Jo said I should have my guinea pigs try some of these DIY, pinterest hair products. I am my own guinea pig, even though I do have beautiful piggies (one they don't live with me and two, I think PETA my be after me if I tried anything like that) 8)

Those that know me, know that I have frizzy, kinky hair that hates the humid air. I have color damage and just plain dry locks.

So, Here are the ones I have tried and worked or flopped!

ALL HAIR TYPES — Avocado and Honey
This one tended to dry my hair out more than it already was. It was like straw!!

OILY hair — Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon
This one made my hair super shiny, but still dry. So, I guess if I had oily hair, it would have been perfect.

DRY, flaky scalp hair — Banana, Honey and Almond milk
Not only was this gross, but didn't do anything for my hair. Smelled really good though!!

DRY hair –Olive Oil and Egg
This one WORKS, if you have dry hair, if you have oily don't do it!! It was a bit much the first day, but the next it felt amazing!!!

So next time you are thinking about trying one of these, you dont have to be the guinea pig. :)

If you have any others that you have tried please feel free to comment below.

the untied shoe epidemic

It's always been a problem, when we were kids and even now when we are adults. Tying our tennis shoes was no small fleet. We had to try and try again before we got it right, but even now someone will look and you at the gym and say "your shoe is untied". You then feel a little annoyed that your untied shoes have interrupted your workout.

I was walking thru the cafe at the gym and saw these new shoe laces called 

Lock Laces Elastic Shoelace and Fastening System

they are about 8.00 on Amazon. I got some for me and Ethan for this price. I thought they were pretty cool at first, my shoes fit fine and they slipped on and off pretty easily. Ethan on the otherhand had difficulties from the start. He found them hard to pull apart and get them to slip on.  Then when he came home, he had one pulled so tight it started to cut off circulation. That was the end of those for the boy. :(

A couple days later I was going to get Ethan some new shoes and new shoe laces at the mall. As I was walking I saw out of the corner of my eyes, these no tie laces called 

HICKIES Elastic Lacing System 

also available on Amazon for 20.00. I went ahead and ordered a knock off version on amazon called

Slikkiesª Silicone Elastic Shoelace and Fastening System 

on amazon for 15.00. Ethan and I have been using these since Monday and I love them!! They are easy to place on the shoe, leaving the shoes easy to pull on and no cutting off of the blood circulation. 

So my TAT (tried and true) is that the Hickies and or Slikkies are the way to get rid of the frustrating untied shoe epidemic.

The next DR. OZ weight loss med.

So Dr. Oz is always coming up with new pills to help with weight loss. Like I have said in an earlier post, I have tried Raspberry Ketones, acai berry, green tea and Garcinia Cambogia. All of these ended up not making any difference in weight gain or loss. Now, his new medicine is Saffron Extract. You may wonder why I even try these things to begin with, the truth is that I feel if I know for sure about these miracle drugs that I will be more knowledgeable for my clients.

I am eager to try this new "Miracle" because of some of the clinical research that it improves PMS and depression. I am truly gonna call this a "Miracle"if it improves these symptoms as well as weight loss. For more information check out web MD

 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-844-SAFFRON.aspx?activeIngredientId=844&activeIngredientName=SAFFRON

I will give an update in 30 days ;)

Food tips for the Active Lifestyle

I was thinking today at the gym, while a lot of new people came into try classes, "What tips would help these peeps to feel healthier faster?".


These may not make an immediate appearance makeover, but would definitely make them feel better.


First - Water is a necessary complement of any active lifestyle. Remember that being thirsty is a sign of being dehydrated already, so you should not wait until then, but drink measured amounts regularly. Drinking water is recommended before, during and after exercise as well as at least one glass when you wake up.


Second -Think ahead and plan to bring along what you need before and after you hit the gym. Water, protein (after or during workouts) for energy, and a snack/lunch for those that go on errands after the gym. This will keep you from making a mistake and buying food thats not good for you or over indulging.


Third -Eat a good breakfast, even if you don´t feel hungry when you wake up. It doesn’t have to consist of big amounts, but you should have at least a bit of protein and carbohydrates. This will help you avoid great appetite urges, dizziness or weakness later during the day.


Fourth -Include protein in every main meal. Not only this will regulate your appetite greatly, but will also keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.


Lastly - Give yourself a small treat from time to time. It is said that the inclusion of this practice might help to gradually assume better feeding habits.

These are just a few tips that will make you feel healthier faster. Don't forget!!!! DON'T GET DOWN ON YOURSELF IF YOU MESS UP! Its not the end of the world and won't change you, unless you don't continue on your active path. ;)

Acne update

SO, I went to get a facial that I bought on Living social and I found out that my face was dehydrated! I drink a ton of water everyday, so I was surprised by this info. I also have been using a ton of moisturizing lotions. Apparently the wash and lotion I was using in place of proactiv has paraben and fragrances in it. These can actually harm your face instead of help, they dry your face out.

So, here I go again on the hunt for a cheaper version of proactiv, thats also organic. I am trying out Organix with tea tree oil, it contains a wash, toner and lotion.

So far so good :) I am also sticking with the acid once a week and a retinol moisturizing lotion with spf during the day.

On a different note, here is a very yummy recipe for you!! Turkey meatballs.......

• 1 (pound) ground turkey
• 14.0 (ounce) 1 (14 ounce) can of artichoke hearts, diced
• 1/4 (medium) yellow onion, finely diced
• (medium) 4-5 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 (teaspoon) dried parsley
• (to taste) salt and pepper,
• 1 (teaspoon) fat of choice (I used bacon fat)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place skillet over medium heat, add fat of choice, then add diced onions and artichoke hearts.
3. Move artichoke hearts and onions around in the pan and cook until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Once they are cooled, in a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, artichoke hearts and onions, and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
5. Make 18 same sized meatballs. I used an ice cream scoop then shaped them with my hands. Duh.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
8. Eat up. With veggies. With meat sauce. With dipping sauce. With anything really. Your hands for gosh sakes.

Talk to ya soon!

Mel ;)

Dare to look the part

FYI if you go to the gym in baggy clothes you are not only risking possible injuries, but you are not going to workout to your full potential. We as women need to embrace our potential to look and feel the part. We can eat right and workout, but unless we feel good about ourselves we will never get to our fullest potential.

ONE:

 I feel better about myself and feel more comfortable in my own skin if I spend a little time and effort on my appearance. I go out and buy hot, tight workout clothes. Don't worry if they are a bit too tight, this alone will keep you motivated to workout harder and when they do fit right you will be happier you went tighter :)

TWO:
Taking care of yourself and how you look sends a signal to yourself.  ‘Hey self. I’m worth exercising, taking care of and dressing up for to feel good about myself!”  So take that extra time in the shower to shave your legs, for you! To oil or lotion up afterwards, for you!!! Don't forget the mascara and perfume to top it off!


THREE:

Even if you are just going to get out of the shower and stay home all day to take care of the baby, take the time to get ready as if you are going out with the girls for happy hour. You will feel better if you do!

Fourth:

Not only does that little extra time and effort result in a more attractive you, but it also creates a more confident you. Go out and buy yourself a new workout outfit, be confident!!

So Ladies.... LOVE YOURSELVES

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Basic-Sexy-Lady-Womens-Solid-Tank-Top-Racer-Back-Vest-No-Sleeve-T-Shirt-9Colors-/160983772787?pt=US_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops&var=&hash=item257b616e73