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

My not so green smoothie

Hello....

I promised some yummy recipes, so here we go.

First is my smoothie, I drink this every morning and it is so yummy and easy to make!!!

ingredients needed ....... this is the base

1/2 cup to 1 cup almond milk
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup greek plain fat free yogurt
handful of spinach
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
a banana

Now you can add any frozen fruit you would like, just about 1/2 a cup will do.
I love cherries, strawberries, blueberries.

It is filled with protein and carbs, great for breakfast on the go!

So today was my allergy appointment and good news is.... NO Allergies! Bad news is, now I have to figure out what my problem is!!!!!

I did some research on IUD's and go figure the side effects of 10% of woman on merena have what I am going thru.

Side effects are as if you are pregnant, I have all of the including side effects

Mood swings
Nausea
Bloating
Weight gain
phantom kicks
hair falling out
tiredness



So i decided to take it out. Now I have to wait for it to get out of my system, which may take up to six months. blah

On a brighter note, I have also been dealing with Acne and I was thinking of trying proactiv. It is really expensive though, so I did some research and found out the ingredients. I bought all the the things I needed, a  2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a glycolic acid and a acne medicated lotion.
It has been a week and I have seen vast improvement! I am so excited that I only spent $30 dollars, with no reoccurring billings to worry about.

I'll be checking in tomorrow to give you a couple more recipes.

Ok, so I had a Philly Cheesesteak yesterday, with the bread. I don't know why I thought one time would be ok, I was wrong! I felt horrible all the way home. 

So, today is my birthday and no birthday goes without eating cake, especially for a pastry chef! I told the kids we would make a cake and by gosh we are. So I made my first ever gluten cake, now, Saturday I  made gluten free pancakes and they were amazing. 

Here is the recipe I made.

1 1/2 cups  fine ground Brown rice flour

1/2 tsp gluten free baking soda.

1/4-1/2 tsp  salt

1/2 tsp   cinnamon(optional) 

3 large  eggs 

4-5 Tbls unsweetend almond milk

2 Tbls  honey

1 tsp  juice of half a lemon

Cook they as silver dollar pancakes, mmmmmmm You can dip them in maple syrup or eat them plain either way is good!

Here is the recipe for the cake, cinnamon cake, which came out super moist and delicious!! I might even say better than my gluten cakes! GASP!

1 1/2 cup(s)Brown rice flour
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) gluten free Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon(s) Salt
1/2 cup(s) Coconut oil melted
1 cup(s) coconut sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup(s) unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Cook at 400 degrees

Tried and True is up and running

Hi all,

My name is Melissa and I have been going through a crazy couple of months since I have moved away from Texas, until July. I am a personal trainer, fitness trainer and pastry chef. I have not been working since December so I could get my house ready to sell, which it has, as of yesterday.

So needless to say, I have gained weight. UGH! I have been back in the gym, but I have not been eating well or sleeping well or anything well. I have noticed that not only have I gained weight, but I have not been taking care of myself.

I looked in the mirror today and said to myself, who in the heck are you! I have not been plucking my brows, shaving my legs (My daughter actually told me yesterday, "You have daddy hair", while touching my legs), I have not felt good since I moved to Maryland and my skin is horrible, dry and cracking.

Not all has been lost though, while I took the time off from the gym, I did try a couple of different supplements and treatments. I also went under the knife to get rid of my twin belly sack, yes I just said that. Think what you will, but when you workout out as much as I did and still had a belly sack, something had to be done!!!!

So, I want to start this blog to 1, be held responsible and 2, to help out others. I am hoping to let you know things that I try out are A. worthy of buying or trying and B. if things are as safe as we think they are.

Like I said, I have not been feeling well for about 2 months now, mostly stomach issues. I am seeing an allergist next week to see if it is a gluten allergy. If you know me, you know this is a big deal. I would be the first to say, gluten allergy was just another gimmick, but now I am not so sure. I have tried everything, Clean eating, medicine, cutting out stuff, nothing is working. I hope to find out more, we will see.

Anyway, I will post things I have tried or studied up on, beauty, fitness, supplements, and of course kid stuff :)


My first tried and true will be Raspberry Ketones. We know Dr. Oz has been promoting this as the all new miracle fat loss drug, but no clinical research has been done.

Here is what we do know for sure http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_ketone

We have been told by Chinese medicine that Raspberry Ketones combined with green tea extract can curb appetite and aide in fat loss.  I, like most, fell into this easy pill popping supplement. What I can say after taking everyday for 90+ days is that for me it did curb my need to munch, but as far as fat loss, it was a no go. It did nothing for my skin or hair, nor did it speed up my metabolism. The munching could be a mind thing and not the ketones. My T.A.T. (Tried and True) is a BOO! For the synthetically made supplement that is supposed to be all amazing, I disagree. So, if you are taking this supplement and it is working for you, then great! I personally don't recommend it though.

P.S. These T.A.T's are not medical advice and you should always consult your doctor before trying anything new.