FRIDAY MORNING

Don't worry, I'm not gonna start off with "Happy Friday", what I will say is "Good Morning, on this cold wet morning....." Most mornings for me start with my morning cup of YOGI SKIN DETOX TEA. It's a tea I was introduced to by an older asian woman at my local health food store, claims to give your skin a glow from within. I swore she looked no more than 40... she is 67 and looks flawless.  She swears by this and I figured its change from my usual green tea. I tried it, loved it and now hooked (along with others but I can get into that another time). Lately, I've been getting from people "Wow, your skin is glowing!" Now, I don't want to give all the credit to the tea, but I'm sure it helps. Cant a girl glow because she is happy? Well in any case, it tastes good and helps me wake up on cold mornings like this in NYC, provides me withe the calm moments before the chaos of the concrete jungle. 

Oh and one more very important piece I forgot to mention... Look really closely at the quote on my tea bag..... You may have to squint.Sorry for the fuzz of the pic its my morning according to my iPhone. The bag reads:

WORK BUT DONT FORGET TO LIVE....

A fresh reminder for me to relax. & on that note Happy Friday :)

ECOFRIENDLY HOLIDAY GIFTS - UNDER $55

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for the ecofriendly ALL UNDER $55

Here are a few of my favorite holiday gift suggestions for the loved ones in your life. Just because its organic and natural doesnt mean it cant be chic! Open your mind to healthier choices and choose the best for the ones you love.  Make the healthy choice :) Happy Shopping!

1. Archipelago Frosted Cedar $24.50

      www.candledelirium.com

     for the hostess with the mostess

2. StellaMcCartney Baby Romper $54.00                                                 

 www.stellamccartney.com/us
For the precious baby girl 

      3. Rocco William Pinot Noir $23.99 (on sale)

             www.wine.com

             for the coworker

4. Kiehls Creme de Corps Body Butter $38

    www.kiehls.com

    for your girlfriend(s)

5. SoulCycle Class $37 

    (includes shoe rental & water)

  www.soul-cycle.com

   for the fitness junkie

6. Luxury Organic Plush Dog Toys $10.99

    www.sassypup.net

    for the pooch 

HEALTHY WALLET HAPPIER YOU

Nothing makes me happier than a full wallet. Breaking the bank breaks my nerves! However, like most women, I'm a sucker for luxury makeup brands. The other problem is that I go through makeup much faster than one should. So, Ive been on a quest to find products that work just like the name brands I so love for half the price.

(Insert Angels singing)  I've found the holy grail of deals vs. steals.!

MEET THE STEAL

Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pen $37.00

Not for the frugal by any means, but man oh man what a glow..... $37? eh, Ill pass

MEET THE DEAL & my new love affair

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighter  $7.99

Illuminates, conceals, brightens and doesn't break the bank!!! Same effect as Dior but for a fraction of the cost - at under $8 yes please!




Happy Bank Happy You! 

BEAT THE HOLIDAY POUNDAGE....

The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year. However, they can be torture for people that are trying to lose weight. I think most people's complaints are the extra LB’s that sneak up on them around The most hap -happiest season of all…. That aint so happy huh?

Here are a few things that have worked for me:

1.  Make a list and check it twice! Logging down your fitness and weight goals daily will keep you accountable. Its all about accountability

 

2.   Don’t go to a holiday party and eat like your headed to the electric chair! Prepare a small snack with protien and good carbs an hour before your party that way you won’t  feel bloated in your dress attire &  more importantly you wont devour the trays of goodies.

      Should you decide to eat a full meal at a party try my plate ration 60/30/10

     60% crudites/veggies

                                     30% Protein (chicken skewers/shrimp)

                         10% Grain (rice, pasta, potatoes etc.)

*Note - Being a pescatarian I tend to eat more veggies, so for those who eat meat I recommend more protein for example: 40% Veggie/40% Protein 20% grain

3.  Keep your drinks to a minimum! I know how hard this can be. But, the more you drink the more you will eat. Your judgment will be compromised and those cookies will be inhaled. Try drinking a water or seltzer in between each alcoholic beverage. Plus, the more water you drink the less sluggish you will feel the next morning as water does lesson the effects of a hangover.

Last but certainly not least…..     

                                                                       

4.   Don’t give into pressure! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told “its just a bite”, sure that one bite won’t kill me but me NOT having that one bite won’t kill you. Just because you are offered homemade treats, doesn't mean you have to take it. Politely say "Those look delicious, but Ill pass on them". Thank you. Most likely, their feelings will not be hurt. Do what you need to do to set yourself up for your own personal success.

Keep it Fit!
  

MY GYM BAG ESSENTIALS

Clockwise From Left

Cliff Bar Shot Bloks $1.99

Provides me with a quick shot of energy for a long cardio session

www.clifbar.com

Or try your local GNC/Vitamin Shoppe

 

Femme Fitale Weight Lifting Gloves $24.99

These cute gloves come in a variety of colors spotted with swarvoski crystals

http://www.femmefitalefitness.com

Evian Mineral Facial Spray $14.00 (for a package of two)

A quick spritz to the face will wake you up - My go to for my early morning gym sesh

www.sephora.com

Noxema Makeup Removal Cloths $4.49

These are fantastic for those on the go. These wipes quickly remove your makeup and will leave your skin moisturized 

Local food store/drugstore

Psssssst Dry Shampoo $4.99

I can't say enough about this 1970's barber looking product! After the gym spray dry shampoo onto your scalp for a quick refresh to your blowout. Leaves your hair voluminous and oil free!

Local food store/drugstore

BioIonic Brush Silver Classic Series$34.99

I carry one of these brushes in all my bags. This brush adds shine, minimizes breakage and works like a set of hot curlers if used in that fashion.

Try your local beauty salon, if not Amazon.com

Lululemon Gym Bags (Varies) $89.99 - $129.99

Why I love this bag? Besides the way it looks? Its functional! This bag a contains removable pouch to store your sweaty gym clothes in separately. Also has a hair tie holder so you never have to go digigng on the bottom of your bag.

http://shop.lululemon.com

Havianas Flip Flops $24.99

Perfect foot protection in the locker room and showers for your tootsies! Nothing grosses me out more than women barefoot in a locker room. The Germs!

http://us.havaianas.com   



NEW! TABATA TUESDAYS

One of my favorite workouts when I need to kill cardio, improve my endurance and speed up fat loss is the TABATA WORKOUT.

Tabata is spicier than most cardio workouts. Instead of running and biking for hours you get your complete cardio workout in just about 15 minutes (start complete stretch). To someone always on the go this is a great workout, escpecially for those who hate cardio machines at the gym.

To get the most out of this workout I suggest downloading an interval timer on your smart phone. I use Seconds Pro and customize each timer for all my tabata workouts (pretty sure it cost aroun $1.99) This workout can also be done at home using water jugs if you do not own free weights.

READY ...SET ....SWEAT!

30 second – Stationary lunge Right Leg(15lb dumbbells in each arm by your sides)

20 second rest

30 second– Stationary lunge Left  Leg(15lb dumbbells in each arm by your sides)

20 second rest

30 second – Front alternating lunges (15lb  dumbbells in each arm by your sides)

20 second rest

30 second– Back alternating lunges (15lb  dumbbells in each arm by your sides)

20 second rest

30 second – Squat with shoulder press( 15lb dumbbells)

20 second rest

30 second – Jump squats

20 second rest

30 second - Alternating side lunges on a 45 degree angle (no weights)

20 second rest

30 second – Alternating Curtsy Lunge

2 minute Rest in between & Repeat (total of 2 times)

Good Luck!



TRADITIONAL VS. TRENDY

Showdown of the Grains

Both brown rice and quinoa are nutritious, natural foods that are easy to prepare and provide you with a slew of health benefits. Although brown rice is the more known grain, most all major food stores now offer quinoa as well for around the same price of brown rice.

Why Quinoa?

Well it is a complete protein. Quinoa is gluten free, sugar free, packed with fiber, calcium and has more iron than the traditional brown rice. Quinoa offers twice as much as protein as brown rice.

Oh and most importantly, Quinoa is taste bud approved!

One of my favorite salads to make for the week is my Bean Quinoa Salad. I eat this as a side and even sometimes as my main dish. (picture of my food prep)

Meems Bean Quinoa Salad

2 Cups cooked Quinoa
1 Cup Chopped Plum tomatoes

1 Can of Organic Black Beans (rinsed)

1 Can of Organic Garbanzo Beans (rinsed)

Chopped Cilantro

Chopped Jalapeno (small)

Chopped Red Onion

Chopped Green and Red Peppers

¼ of a Cup of Flax Seeds

Drizzled with the juice of 2 fresh lemons

BEATS TO GET YOU MOVING

  Cycling is one of my favorite cardio exercises since its easy on my knees and engages my core. Within moments my heart is pumping . These are the songs that keep me fired up! 

MY TOP TEN 

1. Moves like Jagger - Maroon 5

2. Crazy in love - Beyonce

3. Clique - Kanye

4. Titanium - David Guetta

5. Give it up to me - Shakira

6. Flashback - Calvin Harris

7. Wish I didn't Miss you - Angie Stone (Hex Hector remix)

8. Pretty Girls - Wale  

9. So Good - B.o.B

10. You used to hold me - Calvin Harris

*For an intense bike experience try SoulCycle or FlyWheel located in and around NYC.

FAVE FIVE

1. Nike Sports Bras are a gym necessity for any woman! Having tried many sports bras, this is the only one Ive come across where the "girls" actually stay in place. Some bras weaken with wash and wear but NIKE's has yet to stretch out. Check out the colors they come in.......yes I have them all :)

2. Nike Pro Shorts not only feel super comfortable they do not ride up when performing workout. Plus ++++they are ridiculously cute! Nike knows how to make functional clothing that looks great on just about any shape. Priced perfectly :) 

3. Reebok Realflex Sneakers work for both my running days and my weight training days. They mold to my feet, reasonably priced and once again the colors are just as fun as Nike's sports bras. & yes I own 5 pairs :)

4. Lululemon Head Bands are the only bands that stay in place even after a summer run in NYC. They come in a variety of colors and because of the adhesive rubber on the back Ive been known to loop one around my arm and use as an iPod holder when I forget mine. A bit pricier than most brands but totally worth the splurge.

5. Lululemons Vinyasa Scarf keeps me warm, dry and stylish...highly recommended for a hip fitness chic. This scarf can take you from a yoga workout to a night out, so many ways to wear it.

WEEKLY EATS

Sampling of My Daily Plate

(8am) Post Workout Breakfast - 4 Egg Whites seasoned with basil on ezekiel bread OR half a cup of oatmeal, one scoop of protein powder, flax oil and almond butter


(1030am)
Snack - Chocolate Protein Shake

(1245pm)
Lunch -  A large mixed green with shrimp, avocado, walnuts, egg whites and red onion drizzled with Olive oil and black pepper. (FYI this has been my staple lunch for the past 2 months, I'm slightly obsessed ) (12pm)

(3pm)Snack - Protein Shake (3pm)


Snack pre workout- usually half of an energy bar, apple and peanut butter or an energy drink. All depends on my needs for that day.

(8pm) Post Workout
Dinner - Grilled Tilapia with cut up green pepper strips OR an egg omlette with quinoa and black beans

WATER ALL DAY WATER ALL NIGHT..... H20 24-7

Oh and about 3 to 4 cups of hazelnut coffee thruout the 9-5 day. Cutting back from 6 cups - Calm down! Its my only vice :)

FYI - Im a Pescatarian 90% of the time....