FunktionalWearables and Work It Out Wednesday!

Hi ya Gorgeous!

First, apologies. I always post first thing in the morning and this post was going to be no different! That is until some family in southern California got caught in a wildfire while other family is still flooded out by Harvey and  as of right now, dear friends are facing Irma, head on!

It has put a kink in the past few  days!  So now, meet Funktional Wearables - a way to add style and flare to your Fitbit.

I received some beautiful samples from them and love the leatherette bracelet, which fits my Fitbit.  The other two beautiful samples that I received don't fit mine and I think it's because I got a replacement from the Fitbit factory when mine other one burnt out on it's warranty.

The prices range from about $10 to $35 for the leatherette bracelette you see below.

I have a video demo for you - and you can get your Funktional Wearables at their website or Amazon!

This begs the question, when would now be a good time to recommit to your New Year's resolutions for health and fitness? You can do it!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

OLD WIVES’S TALES ABOUT DIET AND WEIGHT LOSS

Hi ya Gorgeous,
In this season of transition as I am moving into full time film making and part time blogging - I post on Mondays. But! This guest post of information on dieting is so good, I needed to share now. Enjoy!

An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, and Americans spend $33 billion each year on weight loss products. Yet, nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. With all of this money expended, why are so many people unable to lose weight?   

Dr. Christopher Calapai is, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He says that, “People are dealing with dieting information overload. It is hard to know what is sound weight loss advice and what is a myth.”   He sets the record straight on some of our most commonly held diet and weight loss myths.

You can eat whatever you want if you workout

Unfortunately, a half hour on the treadmill isn’t going to help you lose weight if you reward yourself by downing a few slices of cake and an order of French fries. The treadmill told you that you burned off 500 calories, but those estimated machine readouts are not always accurate.  It’s near impossible to out-exercise a bad diet unless you plan to spend half your day in the gym. You must workout and eat smart to see results.

Organic food is diet food.

The word organic is enticing, but it’s also misleading. Organic means a food is grown without pesticides or other chemicals and is not genetically modified. But it says absolutely nothing about the nutrient value of the food itself, or whether it’s a good dietary choice, or whether it has excessive fat, sugar, or starch. Organic sugar is still sugar. Organic white flour is still white flour. Organic butter is still butter and organic lard is still lard.

You Can Lose 10 Pounds in 2 Weeks.

You probably can lose 10 pounds in two weeks if you crash-diet, but that pace is rarely sustainable.  Most of the weight will return once you start eating normally. To truly lose 1 pound, you need to “eliminate” 3,500 calories—the amount stored in a pound of fat—by eating less and moving more. If you cut 500 calories (or cut 300 and burn 200 through exercise) every single day of the week, you’ll lose about a pound a week. And that’s real weight loss.

amount stored in a pound of fat—by eating less and moving more. If you cut 500 calories (or cut 300 and burn 200 through exercise) every single day of the week, you’ll lose about a pound a week. And that’s real weight loss.

Cleanses and detoxes are a good way to jump-start a diet.

Nobody needs to detox.

Unless you've been poisoned, you have a built-in, super-efficient system for filtering out most of the harmful substances you eat. It's made up of two toxin-bashing organs: the liver and the kidneys. Our kidneys filter our blood and remove any waste from our diet, and our livers process medications and detoxify any chemicals we ingest. Paired together, these organs make our bodies natural cleansing powerhouses.

You can’t eat after 8pm

It doesn't matter what time of day you eat. It is what and how much you eat and how much physical activity you do during the whole day that determines whether you gain, lose, or maintain your weight. No matter when you eat, your body will store extra calories as fat. If you want a snack before bedtime, think first about how many calories you've eaten that day.

You must keep your blood sugar topped up, and eat little and often to achieve it

 This is one of the least accurate bits of advice. Every time you eat a carbohydrate, and your blood glucose levels rise, the body needs to release a substance called insulin (from the pancreas) to return your blood glucose levels to normal. Any “topping up” simply places a demand on the body to get the blood glucose levels back down again. This might be the  reason for the explosion in type 2 diabetes – the body is asked to release insulin too much, too often and has no way of recognizing some of the foreign substances we consume in modern man-made food.

Wait Until You're Hungry to Eat.

Myth!: By waiting to eat until you're very hungry, your hunger simply builds and builds until it's all consuming, causing your appetite to spiral out of control. In fact, new research reveals that by skipping breakfast, you'll end up eating more calories in total and making less healthy food choices throughout the day than you would have otherwise. Research also shows that forgoing breakfast activates your body's insulin response, triggering fat storage and weight gain.

www.drcalapai.net

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

7 Not So Junky Junk Foods to Grab on the Go - prepare now for Thanksgiving travel!

Hi ya Gorgeous,

So, I have been tracking along with Weight Watchers since Labor Day weekend in an effort to curb my over snacking tendencies. Since the weight gain of the past year, my marathon time has slowed considerably! I admit, I am to aggressive and competitive to lose time on the track!

I have been so happy with my Weight Watchers journey and will share some recipes from them for Thanksgiving recipes to keep over eating at bay and calories in check!

I am getting ready to travel, a lot- and these tips in this article are some helpful strategies for eating healthy on the road while avoiding junk food pitfalls!

Enjoy!

Road trips, gas stops, no time for lunch; we’ve all found ourselves at the convenience store for a fast bite on the go. While a bag of chips or chocolate bar may be an option we later regret; there are fast bites that can actually offer some health benefits. Dr. Christopher Calapai a board certified expert in osteopathic medicine specializing in longevity offers some junk food options to consider the next time there’s no time for an actual meal.

1. Blue M&M’s and Blue Gatorade

Don’t get the blues about all food dyes. From candy to sports drinks, the unnatural colors of foods today can make you cringe at the thought of what’s making them colored. But, not all colored dyes are as bad as you may think. Research done by scientists at the University of Rochester found that Brilliant Blue G (BBG), found in blue M & M’s and blue Gatorade, could help reduce damage from spine injuries. When BBG was injected into lab rats with spinal cord injuries, it sped up their recovery time and ability to walk.

2. Cheeze Whiz?? No way!!

Fat isn’t always a bad word.  The FDA has stated that not only are all trans fats not bad, some are actually good for you. Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs), although high in calories can help fight cancer, weight gain, diabetes and arthritis. It’s hard to believe, but CLAs are found in Cheese Whiz.  

3. Pork Rinds

Just the words pork rinds sound like instant heart attack. However did you know they are a fantastic source of protein? A one-ounce serving of this fried snack has seventeen grams of protein, seven times the amount of found in a serving of potato chips. Plus, 43% of the fat found in pork rinds come from oleic acid, the same healthy fat found in olive oil. 

4. Beer

Some studies have found that beer can actually help increase bone mineral density because it contains silicon, making bones stronger and less likely to fracture. A Harvard University study found that beer could prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. Italian researchers found that beer can raise HDL, the good cholesterol in your body. Opt for a light beer with fewer calories to avoid that full feeling.

5. Graham Crackers

They are the next best things to cookies if you’re trying to keep your health in mind. Graham crackers contain much less sugar than regular cookies and are still sweet enough to satisfy a craving. Plus, they are made with flour that undergoes a special milling process, preserving more of the whole wheat than in usual milling.

6. Popcorn

This is a snack that gets two thumbs up. Popcorn is packed with fiber and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help to protect us from heart disease and certain cancers. Surprisingly, popcorn has more iron than eggs and spinach! It is also gluten-free, which makes it an option for those with Celiac Disease and other gluten allergies. Lastly, popcorn is mostly air. This means it fills you up, helping to stave off hunger cravings.

7. Beef Jerky

Forget about the leather-tasting jerky of years past, today’s gourmet jerky is delicious and can be healthy. Beef Jerky, just like its non-dried version of meat, is high in protein, iron and zinc. It, also, contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Be sure to look for natural beef jerky as the newer gourmet styles that are packed with flavor and free of nitrates. 

About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham's, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

BELLY BLOATING BUSTERS: Avoiding Foods That Make You Look & Feel Fat for Every Life Occasion

Hi ya Gorgeous,

I've been doing Weight Watchers for 2 months now and so far so good. Except the past two weeks I have plateaued and it's a bummer. I feel a bit burnt out on constantly tracking or watching what I eat!  The points system is simple to follow and I do like it - though I think this past week with all of it's busy and stress I have gone over my points every day!

So today I am sharing a  guest blog post for helping you keep a trim shape during these busy days leading up to holiday!

Enjoy!

###

When planning for a fun get-together with friends everything goes through your mind, from your wardrobe to jewelry and make-up. What many of us don’t plan for, however, is our meals.  Eating the wrong foods before an event can sabotage your beauty plan. Certain foods can give your gut an instant bloat that looks and feels awful. However, there is a solution to this dilemma. Instead of skipping dinner to squeeze into your LBD or grabbing bagels for a quick morning bite, there are belly bloat busters. Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Here are some of his suggestions:

For a girl’s night out: Don’t be afraid to have a large meal beforehand (large meaning more than just a PB&J). If you are planning for an active night, whether dancing, bowling or party hopping, you will need the fuel. Dr. Calapai has created the perfect meal for this situation:

-      1 grilled chicken breast (approx 4 oz)

-      1/2 cup cooked brown rice and lentils

-      1 cup steamed string beans

This combo will fill you up without weighing you down, and will give you the energy you need to dance the night away!

For a dinner- date: You’re wearing a stunning new BCBG dress that already had to be zipped up by your roommate. When you’re at the restaurant with your guy refrain from ordering a salad to make it look like you’re being healthy. All the veggies in the salad will actually cause your stomach to bloat more. Dr. Calapai  advises that a fish dish with one side of grilled veggies is the way to go! “Wild Salmon is jam-packed with heart healthy vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If Salmon is not an option, mackerel, sea bass and lemon sole are all good options as well. As for the veggies, try to steer clear of cruciferous veggies (such as cauliflower, broccoli) that can cause bloating. Instead opt for grilled zucchini, asparagus, or carrots - which will keep your tummy tamed!”

For a day at the beach: It’s finally getting warm out and you can take that bathing suit out of hiding. If you’re going to the beach you need a healthy, energizing meal to get you through the morning but you don’t want it to show in your stomach.  You’re probably thinking that the easiest thing to eat before you head out is some Special K with skim milk. It’s low in calories after all, right? It doesn’t matter how low-cal it is, the dairy and multi-grains will expand in your intestines, causing your gut to stick out. Instead of cereal, Dr. Calapai has an awesome recipe for oatmeal pancakes. Take 1/2 cup raw oats, 3 egg whites, 1/2 apple, and a dash of cinnamon and throw in a blender to create the pancake mix. This high fiber non-fat breakfast choice offers whole grain fiber plus additional fiber from the apple, and protein from the egg whites. It's a great filling way to start the day, and will not create any abdominal gas or bloating, so you can go bikini-bare with ease!

For an afternoon luncheon: Eating a well-balanced lunch is essential for boosting energy and productivity; giving you power over that mid-day slump and keeping your metabolism active.  A lot of times people want to skip lunch in hopes of losing weight and grab an energy drink to keep them going. This is so bad! The carbonation from an energy drink will make you more bloated then a light lunch. Dr. Calapai says, “For a mid-day luncheon, your best bet is a salad chock-full of fresh veggies and greens, and topped with a piece of grilled fish, low-fat tuna salad, or fresh turkey breast slices. Throw a few walnuts or almonds on top and dress with a low fat/low sugar dressing, to finish off your delicious salad creation!”

Before Sex: Luckily, you can eat your dinner or dessert (or both, on good dates) and enjoy sex too. Just lay off the foods that can trigger digestive issues, a real problem if you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from date-related anxieties, which can amplify digestive issues, according to Dr. Calapai. An 8-ounce piece of meat could trigger gas that's particularly foul-smelling. "Gas associated with red meat is more odorous because of chemicals it produces in the colon," Dr. Calapai explains. That's because when you overeat protein, it goes straight to the colon for fermentation where it creates some seriously offensive byproducts.  A safer bet is salad greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms. Instead of a Margarita drink: Tequila straight up, or wine (a safer bet). This way, you're only up against naturally occurring sugars.

For traveling days: These days airports are getting bigger and so are the food courts. It’s tempting to give in to the convenience of fast travel food, but the combination of a high-sodium smorgasbord and air travel equals a very bloated body from head to toe. You absolutely must resist because there are better options. Eat before you leave for the airport.  Dr. Calapai suggests packing your carry-on with fruits, veggies, and granola bars. Believe it or not these are available at kiosks. Also, avoid the beverage service on board. Stick to water, you will have a happier flight and feel revived upon arriving at your destination!

Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O.

Anti-Aging Physician and "The Stem Cell Guru

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, anti-aging medicine and chelation therapy. Proclaimed as the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham's, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can't Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website, www.drcal.net.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Does Qurb work?

Hi ya Gorgeous!

I recently received a sample of Qurb and had it on hand to help me stick to my Weight Watcher's plan while I worked a festival that was full of kettle korn, funnel cake, fried fish, wine slushies, and pizza.

Oy!
Talk about a snack food attack! I did not buy any of the snack foods but I really wanted too!
 I packed my clean meal and apple snack, and then added one of my samples of Qurb at the beginning of the day to help curb my appetite.

I see on their website, www.qurbshot.com that a month long program is advised, though it's pretty pricey and out of my budget since I am currently paying for Weight Watchers program.  One to two bottles are recommended per day to help curb craving and hunger.

I used the two bottles I received, one each day at the beginning of the day and I can say that it has a great taste, the texture is a bit thick and I feel like it did curb my hunger.

I had very very long days and felt satisfied with the foods that I had - so the Qurb worked for me. Even though I could smell kettle korn, funnel cake and pizza all day!

To get your own Qurb and give it a try to help you in your weight loss and fitness journey, please visit them here;   http://www.qurbshot.com

Here is the ingredient list:

20 Calories
400 mg Svetol^® Green Coffee Bean Extract
10 g Fibersol^®2 Dietary Fiber (soluble)
20 mg Niacin
2 mg Vitamin B6
6 mcg Vitamin B12
50 mg Caffeine
10 mcg Pantothenic Acid
10 mcg Chromium
15 mg Sodium
10 mg Potassium

Other ingredients: filtered water, maltodextrin (fiber), erythritol, natural flavors, malic acid, gum acacia, guar gum, xanthan gum, stevia extract, sodium benzoate & potassium sorbate preservatives.

 

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

WRAPPING YOUR MIND AROUND THE “NEW YOU” AFTER WEIGHT LOSS

Hi ya Gorgeous,
Today I have a guest blog post for you as I am traveling for business. I am currently following the Weight Watchers online protocol for losing a few pounds I gained last holiday season and never lost! Now when I went to put on my convention season suit for some events, it was too tight! So I'm counting my points and seeing some results!

5 Common Things That Happen When

You Lose A Noticeable Amount Of Weight

www.comprehendthemind.com 

Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey, it’s not just a physical transformation that happens, but a mental transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to transform or who already has.

1. You shed friends along with pounds.

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that, “It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”

Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size. “It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

2. Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice. Once you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin does happen.

Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address loose skin after weight-loss.”

3. You have more energy, are excited about life and can do more!

As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work, another dress size dropped. Yay!

“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr. Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically and mentally,” she adds.

4. Shopping gets interesting.

It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you can shop the way you always dreamed of.  Perhaps your new strong, shapely legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way, trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size. Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good. When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”

5. You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.

When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with. When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel, you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”

For information on Dr. Sanam Hafeez visit: http://comprehendthemin d.com/about-us/

For information on Dr. John Zannis visit: http://www.zannisplasti csurgery.com/plastic-surgeon-n ew-bern-nc/

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!