Fall!

Friends!!

Fall is here!  It has been a while.. Have you been keeping up with your healthy eating and exersising?

I have been trying too... I was at a solid week of yoga! YAY!

So- in my last attempt to eat healthy before the big Turkey Day.. I am continuing on my gluten free lifestyle.  Today I tried this lovely recipe below.  It was quit flavorful.  

Cauliflower Alfredo with Kale & Sundried Tomatoes

(makes 3 1/2 cups of sauce)

1/2 head cauliflower, 

about 2 cups worth

1 cup white beans (drained and rinsed if using canned)

1 1/4 cup almond milk

3 Tbsp EVOO, divided

1 large shallot

salt & pepper to taste

1 cup kale

1/8 cup sundried tomatoes, packed in oil

dash nutmeg

Cooked brown rice pasta

Cut the

cauliflower into large florets and add them to a pot of boiling water. Cook until soft,

about 15-20 minutes, then drain. While the cauliflower is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil

in a pan and saute the shallots until softened and lightly browned.

Place the cooked cauliflower in a blender along with the white beans, almond milk, sauteed

shallots, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and a dash of nutmeg. Blend until silky smooth.

Season to taste with sea salt & pepper. Pour enough needed to coat the cooked pasta and

mix. Fold in the sundried tomatoes and kale and heat through.

Place any remaining sauce in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a few days

What has your exercising been recently?  I have had a great time getting backing in to Yoga.  Its great stretching and de-stressing!

Keep up the good work out there!! We need to keep our health a priority even during the holidays!!

Best,
La

Summer Summer Time

Well All,

It's been a min since I even posted on here.  It has been a busy beginning to my summer.  I had of course left for the all wonderful wedding celebration of Amy and Drew Seeley.  Such a wonderful celebration.  However, it was a sad day when I got to the cruise port only to be turned away do to lack of proper documents.  Needless to say I did make the wedding ceremony and then cut my trip short.  So, much for hard work at the gym, not to show it all off on the cruise.  I do have new goals now. All of which I am very excited for.  I want to continue to do my weight loss program through the summer and have a labor day photo shoot to show off all my hard work.  So very excited.  I am also planning a great little ladies trip to Hawaii for the surf season as well as my birthday.  I am very excited to be able to make the trip back to my "hometown" (America is my country, and Paris is my hometown - name that movie). Hawaii and its culture has been a staple in my life since I was 8 yrs old and learned my middle name was of Hawaii origin.  SO FUN!

So, today was to be my 3rd boot camp weigh-in.  However, I got there and the machine is broken.  YAY for not knowing the sad results.  I know that I have not lost a lb in the last 5 weeks.  I may have even gained a lb or two (its still fluctuating).  I do feel stronger, but that is not good when I went into a summer eating frenzy since going on vacation.  However, with my new goals I can get back to it!!
What keeps me back is the weekend bbq's and not having my protein shakes on hand.  I need to make sure I get an order in this week! 


Here is to getting back on the wagon!!

Some good food that I have prepared recently

Family Reunion food: Hummus and Veggie Cups, Chicken Salad in Lettuce cups

Portabello Mushroom pizza veggies, mozzarella 

Whatever I had in the Kitchen Slow Cooker stew. :)


All My Best- LaLa
 

Second boot camp comes to a close.

Well friends,

I have been doing the shortened boot camp at work. This is a 4 week boot camp. I have about a week left of this boot camp. I decided to hop on the scale for the first time in a month. I had been off sugar for 40 days for lent, which I believed was a huge factor in this recent weight loss.
I am so excited to say I lost another 7 lbs. grand totally of 14 lbs for the year. It's almost half way to my weight loss goal. I am so excited, my hard work is paying off. I am glad to encourage or give advice to anyone wanting to do this weight loss thing.

Best of luck to you all too!

Lets keep it up!

Best,
Lala

Boot Camp Over- Weigh In

Hi Friends!

So, As the Boot Camp came to a close this last week I did the final weigh in with our trainer.  Such good news!

The Final Results
5 Week Boot Camp
weight Lost: 6 LBS
Fat converted to Lean Muscle: 2.8 LBS

I am going to do the continuation Boot Camp starting next week for 3 weeks to help keep the weight loss up!

I have to say along with the work outs I am eating healthier and keeping my energy up.  I still need to work on getting a bit more sleep but one thing at a time. :)

This week I even tried treating my self to a Chinese fast food and ended up feeling pretty sick.  So, lesson learned if you get healthier going back to old habits will make ya sick!

I also tried a new vegetarian item that was amazing

Chickenless/chicken strips by Trader Joes.

Chickenless Chicken Strips - Check out some other reviews of this item

Something else I came a cross just the other week was a diet supplement that Dr. Oz was promoting


Dr. Oz: International Buisness: Garcinia Cambogia

This seemed like a great weight loss component, I like so many were skeptic and cautious of any deit fad.


ARBONNE ESSENTIALS METABOLISM BOOST

HAS GARCINIA CAMBOGIA





ARBONNE: Metabolism Boost Info

Take One tablet daily 30 minutes before Meals
Here is info on this miracle fruit extract- from a third party- Dr.Oz.

According to Dr. Oz, a revolutionary new fat buster has been discovered and it is backed by scientific studies that prove its effectiveness. This fat blasting fruit is called “Garcinia Cambogia”, though it is also known as Malabar tamarind.
The active component in the fruit that is responsible for the weight loss is known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The HCA is derived from the rind of the fruit, and it has been used for centuries in India as an Ayurvedic medicine.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract resembles a small pumpkin-like fruit and ranges from shades of yellow to orange. It is native to Indonesia, but it is also found in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and India.
Many native people in these regions have recognized the fruit’s ability to suppress their appetite, and therefore have used it to make a type of soup that could make them feel satisfied and full after eating small meals.

The way the hydroxycitric acid (HCA) found in Garcinia Cambogia Extract works to help people lose weight is by chemically blocking an enzyme called citrate lyase. Once this enzyme is blocked, it can no longer be utilized to convert carbohydrates and sugar into stored fat. Blocking fat production by using this method also results in a lower level of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Garcinia Cambogia Extract is not only a great appetite suppressant that blocks fat production, but it is also a great supplement for people that are emotional eaters because of its ability to promote better sleep at night and less stress during the day.
Scientifically speaking, the appetite-suppressing ability of Garcinia Cambogia Extract is a result of an increased production of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin in the brain. When the brain has low levels of serotonin, it has been known to cause stress, anxiety, depression, emotional overeating, loss of sleep, and chronic fatigue. With enough serotonin in the brain, these symptoms will eventually disappear.

I am so excited to try this supplement next month and see where my health and weight loss is.

Have a great week friends

Mahalo,
LALA

Weigh In!

Dear Friends!

It is an exciting day for me!
I decided to do a weigh in at the gym yesterday after my boot camp.  I am happy to report I am down another 2.5 lbs totaling 4.5 lbs during the boot camp.  I am also excited to see the changes that my body is going through just by the exercise that I am doing on a regular bases. 
I have been really careful about my eating as well.  My trainer has us on a electronic food diary that he can look at... Its a little nerve racking to think about but I eat well usually.  I am feeling really good that I have not had sweets for lent.  Very exciting!! I am having a good time feeling good and seeing changes :)

I am also excited to have a new fitbit :) I was feeling a bit of a withdrawal with out my old one.  I was lucky to be able to buy a new one through work for a discount.  These little devices are a great tool to be able to help me calculate how many calories I am working off each day.  
 
FitBit

I just wanted to share this with you all.  I am enjoying finding all these little things to help in my healthy life style changes.  These other Apps have helped me in watching what I eat and how much exercises I do.  Fit bit has these features but if your life style is a bit different these might help as well!

Loose It

Fitness Pal

More to come!!

ALOHA,

LALA

President's Day Weekend

Hi All,

This Presidents Day weekend, was quite a test.  I was out shopping craving sweets two different days :)
But, I did persevered and did not give in.  I did drink a Zevia soda one night watching a movie.  Its Stevia Sweetened and is 0 cals, 0 sugar.  So, I am counting that as a okay thing. 

http://www.zevia.com/

Have you ever tried this soda?
Have you ever heard of stevia sweeteners?
Please do check them out it out and consider the benefits of using Stevia

http://www.stevia.com/


I am hoping that this removal of sugars in my diet will help in my goal to loose some weight and tone up for the summer ahead.  I am working through my nutrition and work outs in hopes to turn a corner soon.

My new Nutrition Fact sheet: Get Smart: Food Labels

- Fond food that are good sources of Fiber, calcium, iron and Vitamin C
- Compare Similar foods to find out which one is lower in fat and calories
- Search for lo-sodium foods
- Loo for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fats

___________________________________________________________________________________
Steps:

Start with Serving Size:
- Look her for both serving size and the number of servings in the package
- Remember to check your portion size to the serving size listed on the label.  If the label serving size is one cup and you eat two cups, you are getting 2x the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.  In reverse you are also getting 2x's the sugar, added coloring and other bad stuff :)

Hopefully, What I am learning and passing on to you is as helpful to you as it is becoming to me.

Have a wonderful few days!

Best,
LALA

SUGAR.... Happy Lent, Followed by Valentines Day... WHAT??

Hi All,

So, as today is Valentines Day I guess most are eating large quantities of candies and chocolates.  I on the other hand had a brilliant idea to give up sugar sweets for Lent.  I did not even think about Valentines day following ash Wednesday.  Me 1, Sugar 0.. As of 5:06PM.  I can do it.  My weight loss journey is in full swing.  This past Monday I even got in an extra work out.  YAY!  I am officially down 2 lbs.  Which is slower then I thought, but I am okay with it.  I will take it!  I ordered the rest of my needed supplies from Arbonne Int'l.  So, next week shakes for more meals.  I am going to stick to no sweets tonight, no matter how tempted I am :) I will be a better person for it.  I want to try and get a work out in as well.  I am going to look at this day as if it were any other day.  Just time to relax and enjoy myself.  I want to make sure I have time, energy and money to enjoy the long weekend :)

I have been enjoying a Protein Shake recipe this week. 

Cherry Almond Torte
2 scoops Protein Powder (arbonne)
14 oz almond milk (if I use vanilla powder I substitute Chocolate almond milk).
hand full of Frozen Cherries - Organic (Trader Joe's).
1 or less scoop of Fiber boost
splash of Almond extract
add ice for thicker consistency


A very Happy Valentines Day to everyone!

More to come soon!

Huggs!
LaLa

1st week of boot camp wow!

Hey Friends,

So, a side from the eating regiment I also took on a 6 week boot amp to kick start my work out. I did 3, 1 hr sessions this last week. Dispute my attempts at working out last year did not prepare me for this crazy work out. Friday was 10 Burmese, 10 low leaning pull ups, 6 flights of stairs, 10 squats and 10 push ups at the top of the stairs for an hr straight. Geezz... And this is only the 1st week. I am quite sore and drinking lots of water. But, I know I can do it! I have gotten through boot camps before and I can do this one too!

I am truly trying to eat better, although its hard with so much sitting around. I am doing well staying away from the soda in the office which is quite a feat for me :)
Staying awY front alcohol, I don't drink much but I am keeping it to special occasions just to cut back where I can.
I need to save up to get a few other things for my healthy change. I want to throw a cleanse in and some other metabolism booster. I know arbonne is good stuff and I am excited to get this lifestyle jump started. I wish I had planned for January/February bills better. But, that's why I am boosting my life in all kinds of ways. Extra job, health ( physical and mental).

The boot camp that I attended last year!
I would highly recommend it!!

http://www.morningcrunch.com/

Check it out if you are interested in a boot camp

Have a great weekend friends!!

LaLa

Trainer Assessment...Kicked me in the gut.. Really!

Hi Friends,

So, as it happens life has been extremely stressful the last week or so.  However, I am still determined to continue my healthy lifestyle changes for 2013!!

So, I met with my personal trainer this last Friday, only to confirm what I already knew.  My current desk job has my weight up.  His new fancy scale with the current rods determined that my weight and BMI are too high.  So, I am on a serious work out program.  I am also taking on the 30 days to fit program with Arbonne.  In the past I did the organic eating and exercise and I was great!  I have now decided that I will add the fit kit to my changing lifestyle.  I will now be incorporating a program that will include protein shakes and snacks that are low cal and that I make my self.  I started today and so far so good!
I had the following:

1 Fruit Protein shake
1 fit Carmel
2 cups of salad - light dressing beans no meat
Pumpkin Protein Shake
1 Fit Carmel

Dinner is planed:
Soup with Protein
(treat: corn bread) :)

Recipes for you all:

Pumpkin Shake:
2 scoops Arbonne Vanilla Protein Shake mix
Coconut Milk
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin Spice
Ice 

Soup:
Cream of Broccoli Soup with Coconut Milk

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/4 cup diced onion
5 cups broccoli florets
3 cups of peeled diced gold potatoes
Fresh water or vegetable/chicken broth, as needed (about 6 cups)
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
fresh parsley
1 cup coconut milk, or to taste

Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot set over medium heat and stir in the garlic and onion. Add in the cut up broccoli and gold potatoes. Add just enough water/broth to cover the vegetables. You can always thin the soup later, if you need to.

Add the chopped parsley. Season with sea salt and fresh pepper, to taste.
Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
Return the pot to the stove and add in the coconut milk. Stir and heat through gently (don't boil the pureed soup).
Optional: add raw spinach before pureeing, season with fresh ginger added with the garlic and onion.
Adapted from glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com

If you are interested in the Arbonne Products featured in my Blog please check out our  website and contact me for ordering details.

https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=268

I also attended my first 60min boot camp.  I had been doing INSANITY before the holidays so this was not too bad to start my year.  I simply have some extra holiday weight.  I am still able to work out the way I was before the holidays.  My hope is this means that I will be able to drop the holiday weight fast :)

 I am also very optimistic that this year will be a great one for all the things I have planned.  Vacations, Career, Hobbies and visiting with people I care about. 
I am so hoping you all will want to make this a great year as well!!
Some other things I will start up again in the new year:

Moore Dance Studio:
I take the Hip Hop Class
http://mooredancing.com/YELP REVIEWS:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/moore-dancing-los-angeles

Cycling:
I Cycle once a week.  This shop got me all geared up last fall!
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10054_10551_500051_-1___

Lets get healthy people!!

~LALA

Getting my detox on

Hi Friends,
So, i am in week two of detoxing!
Only doing so so, i am doing really well when i am cooking and on my own time. I did great drinking my detox solution and keeping my daily snacking down. However, i did have a few slips. Mostly, soda and a bit alcohol this weekend.
I weighed in on sunday, still up 3 lbs from christmas. So, first goal is to deal with that.
Second goal almost ready. Work out program, signing ip for a 6 week bootcamp.. Yay!! Working on my progress!
May be a slow start but i am going to work it!!
So heres to another week!

Detox: shopping

Even though I am still a bit sick this weekend I ventured out this afternoon to do some shopping for the start of my detox program.
Menu:
Chickpea curry
Cauliflower
Chickpeas
Green beans
Carrots
Onions
Veg broth
Curry power
Coconut milk
Basil
Brown rice

Chicken curt
Chicken/ tofu
Oil
Veggies
Garlic
Onion
Curry
Ground ginger
Veggie broth
Coconut milk
Rice

Broccoli soup
Oil
Garlic
Onion
Broccoli
Veggie broth
Salt, pepper, parsley
Coconut milk

I am ready for the week of good food!
Plus a few light snack things
I have protein shakes for the week prepped and all is good. I just need to stick to it. Here is to getting life, weight and my mood back in gear for the new year!

Who is with me?

2013: Ready Set- DETOX

Friends-

So, its a new year and out with the old and in with the new!  RIGHT???
Well, among many of my goals for this year is of course is the old loose weight!!

I am approaching it a bit different then most.  I am starting the year with a great Detox program (I have done before) with my pals over at Arbonne.  I spent much of last year dealing with unexpected cancer and looking in to Celiac issues.  All of which slowed down my healthy lifestyle progress! 
This year I am getting healthier and in shape.  My biggest goal is to go completely vegetarian by Dec. 2013. This is something I have been pondering for quite some time but feel this is the year to do it.  I have been on the up side of organic and clean eating in 2012 and now I want to take it a step further. 

I will be doing the Healthy and Fit Detox From Arbonne.  I will be joining my local team of Arbonne consultants in a January Detox.  I am so excited!!  This hopefully will kick start all my health goals for the year.   I am so ready to shed my 25 lbs of COSMOS weight!  Who is ready to join me???? I will document my thoughts, feelings and progress here!

Day 1: Tea, Salad, Soup and juice (and I am fighting off the scratchy throat too!)

Arbonne Fit/ Detox Products

 

Cheers My Friends!!!