New Sweet Fixes

FIBER ONE- Chocolate Caramel & Pretzel...90 calories & 5 grams of fiber per serving to tame that sweet tooth..

VANS- Three new POWER breakfast foods to start your day off right....Power Grains Protein Waffles, 8 Whole Grains English Muffins, and 8 whole Grains Pancakes. 16 grams of whole grains, 180 calories, & 10 grams of protein per serving.


YASSO- Frozen Greek Yogurt SMOOTHIES - Now come in 3 new flavors ---Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, & Mango Pineapple.  All under 100 calories per serving & with at least 8grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.

NATURE VALLEY- New line of PROTEIN bars in Peanut Almond Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate...190 calories, and with only 6 grams of sugar...this will satisfy any sweet tooth's cravings.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Would you like a "chocolate"??!....

Okay so, my wonderful boyfriend knows how to keep me on my show diet even on VALENTINES DAY!!! HAHA......looove it

10 Effortless TRICKS to weight loss

I'm sure you'll know some of these if not all but here are some silly ways to stay healthy and effortlessly lose some stubborn pounds...

-CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE...Switch things up at the gym!! Change is hard for a lot of people in any scenario, but constantly confusing your body with new workouts and exercises will be the most beneficial for you.

-PORTIONS & TIMING... Eat well balanced meals.  Try to eat 6 small meals a day, or like 3 meals with 3 snacks in between.  So, pretty much every 2-3 hours to keep your metabolism and blood sugar levels at a constant state. Try to measure out your food, I know this takes extra time, but have you ever actually seen the serving sizes of a lot of foods out there..You'd be surprised that it's NOT very big.  Measuring is a sure way to know exactly how much your consuming and it'll give you "THE EYE" after you've done it enough times.

-KICK THE ALCOHOL..Sorry guys but six pack abs are NOT made with a six pack of BUD Light...even if it is light...You don't have to completely nix out alcohol, but cut back some and watch your portions..Try to drink a glass of water or Seltzer with lemon per every alcoholic beverage i double dog dare you.

-TAKE THE STAIRS & FIDGET...Seriously, skip the habit of just getting on the boring elevator, it's awkward with strangers anyways..The stairs have much more scenery to offer. Fidgeting in your seat, tapping, constant moving is burning calories...a small amount but it still adds up & maybe keeps you awake in class?..Watching tv- do something active during the commercials...

-CHALLENGE YOURSELF...Challenge yourself to something new each week...like "I will try not to eat out more than 3 times this week"...or I'll get __more hours of sleep this week...or I'll try a new ___class at the gym this week. Challenging yourself and succeeding not only gives you a sense of accomplishment but a boost of confidence too...Just don't forget to write it down or tell a friend about your CHALLENGE it should hold you to it a little bit more..

-DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST...Breakfast is so important. Your body has been in a fasting like state all night..To rev up your metabolism and kick start it off right eat breakfast!

-SLOW DOWN...Eat your food SSSsslower.............Savor every bite and concentrate on it.  Chew slower and make sure you drink in between each bite.  Try eating with CHOPSTICKS..how do you think those asians stay so thin ehhhhayyyyy

-DRINK WATER...Drinking enough water will help with weight loss. Water is over half of what our bodies are made of. Sometimes your actually really thirsty when you think that your hungry..SO Try Drinking 64- 100 oz of water a day & make it COLD.

-NIGHTTIME NOSHING...Eating at night is fine...BUT it matters WHAT your eating at night. Try not to eat heavy carbs at night.  Carbs are ENERGY! Why would you need energy to go to sleep, your body is going to store that as extra and in the form of fat.  So try eating protein at night!!

-AND DON"T CRASH DIET! Crash dieting will only SLOW your metabolism dooooooooooown and stall it.  Your body is smarter than you and if it feels like it's being starved, it's going to hold onto everything it has.  Make sure you keep your calorie intake up but still leave a deficit through exercise and portion control.

Stay healthy!

xoxox Jamie

DRINK UP..with a drink that never gets cold?

ODWALLA- Launches SMOOTHIE REFRESHERS in three NEW flavors Mixed Berry Shuffle, Pear Berry Jive, & Mango Lime Twist for your taste buddies! 150 calories per bottle & 100% daily value of vitamin c. + Other vitamins and minerals..

BOSSANOVA- NEW lower calorie version of the original. Now 90 calories and certified organic SUPERFRUITS..

TALKING RAIN- They have added 2 NEW flavors to their "Sparkling ICE" flavored water. -LEMONADE & COCONUT PINEAPPLE!! All zero calories.

WEST COAST CHILL- NO one wants a hot drink on a SUPER HOT day..This new energy drink claims to "CHILL ON DEMAND"  with the flip of a tab supposedly the temperature will drop to 30 degrees in 3 minutes...hmm..sounds too good...You have to wait until April to see for yourself..CHILL

Body Image

Many people suffer from body image problems. Too fat? Too Skinny? Too muscular? Blahhh no ones perfect. Pressures come from many people throughout our lives. It takes time to become comfortable with who you are. Even I've struggled with body image issues. I cannot tell you over the years how much I have gotten bashed for what I've looked like and the lifestyle I lead.  Even today.. I got the "Ohh there's that girl that works at the gym, God she looks like a guy." Really...?! I'm not deaf... OR...."You have a nice face...BUT YOUR body?! I can't be with you I need someone who's a lot more softer..."  People can bash others for their own insecurities BUT you just have to sort of brush it off...Because this is me and this is what I do and if you don't like it then that's your problem.  People are so quick to judge based on other peoples appearances.  "Oh well she's so muscular, she must be a dyke." or "She's SUPER tan & wears heavy makeup she must be super easy or a total bitchface."

Body Image problems can stem from all different issues. If you don't like what you see staring back at you in the mirror..Your not alone. Taking iniciative and being proactive for yourself in the present will only help you succeed in your future.

Try exercising-maybe with a friend at first or even a personal trainer, or try out an exercise class -there are many benefits to exercise, from improving energy levels to self esteem..

Eating healthy and making smart choices is extremely rewarding and will pay off. Good nutrition benefits your whole body in so many ways.

Being healthy and active and most of all staying true to yourself is extremely essential.

Focus on circumference and inches rather than the weight the scale reads. I weigh 150 pounds...some days..154 pounds..some days 148..Who honestly cares about weight...Muscle and fat have entirely different weight-to-circumference ratios...Except yourself for who you are. Self acceptance comes with time, definitely. BUT remember..no matter how corny this sounds it's very true- You're beautiful inside and out!! LOL

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


xoxox Jamie

WHAT'S NEW DOWN THE AISLE..

SMART ONES- Has a NEW product containing 30% more per serving. From weight watchers- Each package promises to contain 400 calories or less & 25 grams of protein.  The portion sizes are nice, and there are handful of new varieties. I personally do not consume this product but it would be a nice meal and perfectly portioned out for you to stay on track. Remember calories in vs calories out...

EARTHBOUND FARMS- Organic has masterminded a plan to get everyone to eat nuts & dried fruit.  They are introducing three new snack mixes-
Cracked BlackPepper Cran Walnut
Mandala Spice Coconut Cashew
Roasted Tamari Cherry Almond
ALL USDA certified organic..No added sweeteners or artificial anything
These are great for snacking BUT remember in MODERATION.  Nuts are very high in fat, but have a lot of other good benefits. Sooooo watch your portions.

So, HERB PUREES- Again by-EARTHBOUND FARMS- Certified ORGANIC...These people have been busy, these Herb purees come in many different spice varieties & at the squeeze of a tube-ready for spicing up your dish.
Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Chili Pepper, Garlic, & Ginger

OKAY, so for all you coffee drinkers that need to add something spectacular into your coffee... COFFEE MATE has introduced us to a new flavor for it's NATURAL BLISS line--LOW FAT VANILLA. It's ALL Natural Ingredience & it's SLIMMER and only 20 calories per serving. All you need is a drop..

Another energy gel shot??!...Well GUNGHO has created a new energy gel shot that claims to give "Ninja like focus"...mental focus & alertness without the crash?!! With only 4 calories per shot- OHHHsoNINJA






Until Next time....

             XOXO

                          Jamie

QUEST BARS!!

UHHmazing! So, I don't know how they do it! BUT they are so good! I got a sample of one when i ordered some more protein from bodybuilding.com.  So I decided to try it since I'm still WAITING for my samples from THE Quest Bar people, hopefully they are different flavors. So, i tried chocolate brownie, and it's absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS!! They're filling and also are very satisfying!! So with 20 grams of protein. only 1 gram of sugar, 19 grams of Fiber, 24 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of total fat what more could you ask for!!

XOoXo
Jamie

SWEET POTATO vs WHITE POTATO

SWEET potato vs WHITE potato

Okay, so you all know my ranting about sweet potatoes.  So, I thought that I would do a comparison for you. White VS Sweet Potatoes.  They are different, both virtually have the same amount of calories, carbs, fats ect. Except, sweet potatoes have a large percent of the daily requirement of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Sweet Potatoes also have a little bit more fiber as well as vitamin C & folic acid.  Sweet potatoes are great for muscle building, they are also a complex carb, which means that they wont spike your insulin levels and blood glucose levels-keeping your blood sugar levels at a constant.  They also leave your stomach feeling fuller longer. The white brother of the two, is the opposite, in that being that it will spike your insulin and get right directly into your system, being high on the glycemic index-so consuming this guy directly after exercise will quickly replenish your glycogen levels- (along with some protein as well.) The White potato is made up of mostly starchy carbohydrates, but is richer in folate.  Don't forget to EAT THE SKINS!! The skins of potatoes and a lot of other fruits/veggies is more concentrated with their fiber!

Tip..So if you're new to sweet taters...you can have them SWEET or SALTY!!!

SWEET
They can be paired with Low Sugar Smuckers Jam in the form of baked wedges with the jam used as dipping sauce! OR bake/microwave and mash & top with Light Maple Syrup..
SALTY
Bake them in wedges and LIGHTLY spray with olive oil & top with Cajun Seasoning..OR bake/microwave & stuff with chives & grilled chicken

*Remember portion sizes & look for a sweet potato that is about 5" long and 2-2.5" diameter

xoxo
        Jamie

I'm now a proud Mother!!!

Woot woooot...So I finally got my baby. Yay, I LOVE SPINNING...So now I'll be able to hit up more cardio more often without going to the gym since I'm training for another couple shows..

New down the aisle...

Okay so NEW NEW NEW...

LIBBY'S SKINNY FRUITS
Not sweetened with sugar.  Libby's offers this in crushed,sliced, or chunk-Pineapple, Fruit Salad, & Mandarin orange.

CHOBANI
Two pretty new flavors- Blood Orange & Apple Cinnamon!

GEVALIA KAFFE By Kraft
A Swedish style coffee..Newly now offered in the US, in 10 different varieties!!

Italian Chicken Sausage by PREMIO, with 45% less fat than regular sausage. I'm not really a big fan of the regular in general. But, this stuff is good.  Not to great to have on the daily, but a great substitute for regular sausage. Comes in Sweet, Cheese & garlic, Hot & Spicy, and Pesto.

Reflection

So,I know this is sort of a little late,but I was thinking..and as new years has come and gone, we are still in the beginning stages..and..I think that this is a great time to reflect, reflect on the past year; your accomplishments, your problem areas, goals set and reached, everything. Sometimes when life throws us curveballs it's hard to understand why at the time, But everything thrown at you in life is all in ordanance.  It's simply shifted your path in a direction unknown, but that is meant for you.  You might not get why and it may be hard, but reflecting back on the negative problems and obsticles that you've been through will help you grow as a person.  Everything that you've been through has made you who you are today.  Going through challenges and pushing yourself to that next level, can only help you succeed. Take a deep breath and step back and distance yourself. Reflecting on the years past events will help you with the future. Making a New Years resolution was a good idea to bring in the new year and a new you! If you didn't make one..then you still can! So, so many New Years resolutions are totally unkept.  Make a resolution that is realistic for you.  In order to keep one try having someone to hold you to it, or do a new years resolution with someone else. And if you did make a New Years resolution...how is it going? Are you still ringing in the beginning of 2012 with positive goals and sticking to your changes?..New Years resolutions to lose weight or diet should really be looked at as trying a lifestyle change...--Something that should be acquired slowly.  Setting a reasonable goal is the key, so challenge yourself, but make it attainable. A resolution takes perseverance, so pushing through the toughest times and getting over that final hill will make you stronger.  A Resolution is something that you have resolved in your mind to put forth the effort to change in your life, so it's not going to be easy. Be determined to succeed because you are worth it to yourself to be a better you..

Stay Positive
xoxo
Jamie

COUNTING SHEEP

Make sure your getting your Zzzzzzz...Sleep is an extreme necessity.  An insufficient amount of sleep is very  probelmatic not only for our physical health, but mental & psychological health too. 8 hours is known to suffice for a typical amount of sleep, but now it's proven that it's based on YOU...your daily energy output, as well as genetics plays a role.  Everyone's amount of sleep is different. 

Not getting a full amount of sleep could really put a halt on your ability to lose weight.  The missed energy that your body lacks from not enough sleep, is swapped with food. Your body is looking for something to compensate with the lost sleep. Sleep deprived individuals are also proven to run the risk of many diseases and sicknesses.

During sleep your body is fully repairing itself...your muscles, memory, your brain, everything.  Without your full amount you definitely won't be hitting your full potential. So don't miss out on quality time with your pillow.
Staying physically active should help with sleeping problems and it can also improve chronic sleep problems. Still having sleeping problems you could try Melatonin. Make sure you are in a dark/relaxing setting at least 30 minutes before bed with bright electronics dimmed. & try to avoid caffeine before bed! Turn OFF your brain..sometimes it feels as if it will never stop..over and over...your to do list, reminders,etc...Keep a super fast notebook or journal, pad of paper or something & a writing utensil next to your bed, jot down your racing thoughts or sleepless TO DO's. Sleep is just as important as any other daily activity so don't miss out on it.
xoxox
Jamie

HEALTHY SWAPS

Okay so I wanted to share with you some healthy SWAPS to stay clean and still be able to enjoy eating..Some you may probably already know...
So, some healthy trade outs for cooking lighter..


SOUR CREAM or GREEK YOGURT for Mayo
OR
MUSTARD for Mayo- (depending on your recipe)

When baking SWAP-
Applesauce or canned pumpkin for butter or oil

But the best NEWLY found SWAP is.... SunSweet -Lighter Bake (Butter & oil Replacement)
This stuff is excellent for swapping, you honestly can't tell the difference, but at only 35 calories per tbsp. vs oils' 120 cal per tbsp, your body will be able to tell the difference & thank you.

What's new in the Aisle..

Cheerios are beneficial, delish, and of course are always made with whole grain!! There's two new flavors!!
 PEANUT BUTTER & CARAMEL...
 I think the Cinnamon Burst is still my favorite, But these are DULCE DE-Lish-ious

Cream of Wheat Chocolate Flavored!! Coming in stores in 2012











Baked Lentil Crackers
Made with lentil beans, 5 grams of protein & 110 calories per serving, gluten free.  Great for a substitute of Chips or starchy breads..







Redrose Black Tea..Has a new Flavor!!-- Sunset Spice..Pretty Zesty & perfect for winter

Quinoa By Roland in a New flavor of Toasted Sesame Ginger.
Quinoa is very beneficial, high in protein & essential amino acids, so swap out any day for rice or even brown rice...

Chocolate Chocoholic

Are you a choco chocoholic?!!! Well I am. It's okay though.  There are so many health benefits to dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is an antioxidant that contains flavanoids.  It improves cognitive function, lowers blood pressure, and can improve the quality of skin; as well as helping to decrease appetite for weight loss.

Here's a yummy Double Dark Chocolate shake recipe..

2 tbsp fat free sour cream
1 tbsp HERSHEY'S dutch Special Dark cocoa
1 scoop whey
1 tbsp sugar free chocolate pudding mix
2 tbsp fat free ice cream
2 ice cubes
dash of skim milk
*BLEND in blender!!