Healthy 2014 Month 4 Day 18

Hi friends,

Welcome back!  

This week has had it's ups and downs.  I have been good while at work.  But, the holiday anticipation has me waiting for the day I can indulge again.  This a change to a new life style and I have made great changes over the last year.  I do need to stick with it.  I just need to see how the rest of the weekend goes and make sure I can get back on the horse on Monday.  I am enjoying eating clean.  It does however make me question other not so healthy things too.  I just need to find a nice balance.  

How much do you care? 

Do you care about everything in your clothes, your house materials, the medications you take etc..??

It can be a little over whelming.. So, I am going to go with my grandmother'a old saying.. Everything in moderation.  A few changes can go a long way just don't get stuck... Do a few things at a time.

Cheers

L 

Healthy 2014 Month 4 Day 14

Hi There Friends,

It's another Monday in the world of the Detox Boot Camp.  This is the day we do our measurements to see our progress.  Today is not a great day for me.  I am back up the 3 lbs I thought I lost last week.  However, I am down an inch around my hips.  So, I guess we just have to call it a Win!  The hip area is my Nemesis any way!  I found out after an assessment with my Trainer that I am at 40% body fat.. THAT is NOT good! 
I am going to work on building strength and muscle and get that number down!!!
So- there is my personal rant on how I am doing.

Today, starts our journey with the 7 day cleanse drink.  I have done this before.  However, I have 3 new clients that are experiencing the joys of this drink for the 1st time today.  It is an interesting earthy flavor.  I add lemon to cut the taste.  But, this is a great little gem that cleans out your intestines to get anything out that is just sitting there.  It's light and you are still eating while you drink this.  So, I am excited to see how my group does!  I am good to do this and should be able to cleanse out a lb or two.  However, Easter is Sunday and that will be difficult for everyone!  I am going to be taking my own healthy choice foods.  Others, are afraid because they are not doing the cooking.  Small portions and keep to the cleanest friendly foods as possible.  It's spring so salads will be a huge deal!  Eat those 1st!

Exercise:  Everyone needs to keep doing this.  Do you sit at a desk for hours at the office like me.  Then you HAVE to make time and effort for something to get you moving.

A friend of mine has been doing the Body Rock 21 Day Challenge.  It has been a great success for her.

 https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975
You can follow along from your living room. 
I personally have gone back to the boot camp at my office gym. 
In the past I did a boot camp from http://www.morningcrunch.com/

There are so many others... Swimming, Yoga, Spinning... Videos like Shaun T.  Just GET UP AND MOVE!

Cheers- L

Healthy 2014 Month 3 Day 8

Hello All,

I hope this note finds you well and wanting to know about a more healthy life style.  I am glad and grateful to report that I have lost 3 lbs this last week.  For me this is great and a total win.  I have be in flux in a two lb window for months.  I was excited to find out I was past that flux spot and down 3 more lbs this week.  It took some commitment, and I also took in a treat but still kept my eye on eating health.

biggest challenge was going to Disneyland yesterday.  I armed my self and mentally prepared before I went.  I took protein bars and my own water (with a fizz stick).  I ate a gluten free lunch that I purchased and had an ice cream sandwich as my treat.  Taking my own snacks saved me.  If I got hungry I didn't have to waste time looking for a snack stop.  I just grabbed whatever I brought with me and continued on with my friends.  I gave my self a 'cheat' and had an chocolate covered ice cream when we stopped for sweets in the late afternoon.  With all of this being said, I just want to make one point.  It is possible.. you can go to events and still be on the healthy eating plan as long as you are committed and put your self in the right mind set.  I am still eating salads and my protein shakes today.  So, I didn't fall of the wagon just for having one day of fun with a little bit of sugar.  Wednesday starts up my boot camp again.  This is going to take some more mental preparation.  I haven't don this much working out since September.  But, its the best thing and right in line with what I need to do.  So, wish me luck on that one!

So, tonight is a bible study pot luck.  I have decided on bringing a Kale Mango Salad that my friend has made from the Food Network before.

Kale Mango Salad:

Raw kale
Fresh Mango
Pumpkin seeds
EVOO
Lemon
Salt/Pepper to taste
Honey/agave nectar

You throw in the Kale diced up and cored
add EVOO and  1/2 a Lemon and scrunch the kale for a min or so
then dice the mango

Dressing
1/2 lemon
EVOO
Honey or Agave nectar
Whisk this dressing adding a little salt and pepper to taste

add in the mango and top with Pumpkin seeds.  Pour dressing on and toss.

SERVE!

So EASY and my friend and I eat it all the time!!

ENJOY!




  

Healthy 2014 Month 4 DAY 1

Hi There Friends,

Today, (yesterday) was the 1st day of our new Arbonne DBC.  I am leading a small group of friends through this journey this time.  I am excited for this to be as much of a motivator for me as it is for them.  I am determined to stay on track and get ready for the summer.  I have the wonderful opportunity to jump back in to my work out boot camp with my trainer Jonothon next week.  Schedule permitting.  I will have to see what my boss and I can work out.  I am finding that eating is getting easier as time goes on.  I have taken out caffeine (more pointed soda) for Lent, we are at 27 of 40 days.  I feel less and less like I need it.  I have been drinking water a lot more and it is almost time for me to break out the Mr. Tea Maker.  I am snacking more in the early afternoons.  I think this is mostly due to my work schedule, I now get in to the office at 8AM.  Which I actually really like.  I can get a lot more done the morning with this schedule.  I am almost out of my cold/allergy fog.  I will be HAPPY for the day when the flowers stop blooming... My one complaint about LA.  I can avoid traffic, but there is no escaping my floral allergies!

So, we started this weeks DBC with a bang!  Everyone was able to pack lunches and have some snacks on hand.  Even at my bible study (which provides a potluck dinner) had a great detox friendly kale salad.  I did try a couple of the other salads, but the kale was great!

One of our staples in this journey is organic Almond Milk or Coconut milk (unsweetened).  I had come across an article about an additive in milks that I didn't realize I was drinking or even should care about for that matter... (Carrageenan).  So, instead of telling you all the reasons you should not have this in your dairy free milk.  I am simple going to post a very easy video on how to make your own Almond Milk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vou1_7HM6Gc

Or Coconut Milk if you prefer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpxPoizVT9c

I haven't tried doing this yet.  But, I may in the near future.

Starting your morning with a vegan protein shake with one of these milk substitutes, some fresh berries and a dash of vanilla or almond extract makes for a great breakfast on the go!
I have my Green Goddess or Raspberry Almond Torte for breakfast each morning this week.

Green Goddess
Milk Substitute
Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder
spoonful of Almond Butter or Sunflower putter
Organic Granny Smith Apple
Ice
BLEND!!

Raspberry Torte
Milk Substitute
Chocolate Arbonne Protein Powder
Splash of Almond extract
Frozen Raspberries (or cherries)
ice
BLEND!


Here is to a Healthy Start Folks!!

Cheers!
LaLa

Healthy 2014 Month 3 Day 26th

Well Friends,

As this journey comes to an end, I can not say too much.  This month has been a maintaining month more then a detox month.  I went on vacation and did a good job with my eating and exercising.  But, came home a cold for over a week now.  So, as much as I have continued on my eating journey I don't really know if I did a good job as my head is in a fog and I don't each much at all.
However, The new April Month is almost here and I have some great news to re up my life and efforts.  The boot camp that starts this Monday March 31th I have 4 clients and my self joining.  I am really so excited to get them started.  It will be wonderful to have some friend along and some folks that will feel great too!
So, here is to the new group!  My coaching (I hope I can encourage with out overwhelming,

So, I am going to commit to blogging about this journey on a regular bases!
I personally need to take this seriously.  Its a good time for me to see what my leadership and salewomanship is really going to be.  I need to live what I love and make sure I am the example that I want to be.

So, tonight I am going to go get a few things to do a tasting party for my family of detoxers.  Gonna get the kids involved and see if I can get them on board to encourage their parents.

So, please watch out for my updates and tips here.

Have a Fun Friday!

Cheers - L

Healthy 2014 Month 3 Day 17

Hi There Cheery People!

I know its been forever since I updated here.  I was in Austin visiting my uncle and seeing the sights of SXSW last week so I was out of communicado. 

I will report that I ate on the detox plan for most breakfasts (shakes and Breakfast tacos)
I took my protein bars and nuts for waiting in line snacks and was able to get on the scale for my weigh in this week.  my 2 lb flux is there.  Up, 2lbs but holding steady at my waist and even lost a 1/2inch on my hips.  This is all great news.  AND the even better news, I stayed completely away from coffee and soda while I was gone.  I gave that up for lent and expect for a sprite in there I have been great getting rid of the sugar and the caffeine.  YAY!

I am determined to do April's detox full out and not cheat at all!!!

I want to look amazing and feel great.  Also, when I got back to to town I had my good friend and her husband ready to start on this detox too!!! WONDERFUL!! I am excited to get them started and for them to experience the changes that can come with this life style change. 

Who's in for changing their eating and having more energy?

LETS DO THIS THING!!

Cheers!

Healthy 2014 Month 3 Day 2

Hi Folks,

So, my new health goal is to follow the 28 detox until I can get all the way through it with out cheating.  It has been a difficult task at times.  Which is really chronicled in my posts.  You can see pockets of updating when things have been stressful and a struggle.  So, this is my commitment.  This month should be better.  Lent starts tomorrow and I will give up caffeinated drinks as I always do, with hopes to be totally off it for good.  I have struggled today already having a grill cheese for lunch.  But, I will get back on the horse and keep moving forward. 
So, Giving up things for Lent is mostly the tradition, but you can also pick up better habits along the way.  I hope to follow my eating plan better as well as exercising a bit more.  Its been hard with the gross weather we have had this past week, and my busy schedule.  So, I hope next week I can pick things up again.

Lets keep this train moving... Spring is just around the corner!

a little tip-- pea protein is all the rage.. and we have been doing it for years!

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 18

Hi Dear Friends,

I know it has been a few days since I posted last.  I am so glad to report that Monday's weigh in shows I am down 2LBs over the last week.  I also lost 1/2inch around my waist.  All good wins!  I am excited to see my 'spare tire' that I got from my mom's family is slowly diminishing. 

I have been keeping myself in order this week.  I fixed a chicken avocado salad and had enough in the end to portion it out for 3 lunches this week.  So, my good, whole organic foods and calorie count was down and healthy!
Here is the lunch:

Avocado Chicken Salad
1/2-1 whole mashed avocado
2c shredded chicken
chopped celery(2-4 stalks)
chopped green apple (1/2)
Salt & pepper

Combine ingredients.
Serve on a bed of mixed greens.
I topped with chopped almonds & scallions 


I am excited to see what happens in the near future.  I have a good feeling things will be turning around soon!
Here is to a bright spring and an awesome summer.  I am getting excited for bikini season!

Cheers!
 

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 10

Hi Healthy Folks,

So, our day 10 for month 2 is upon us.  I was sick over the weekend so my appetite isn't 100% yet.  But, I am making an effort to clean up some eating habits.  its hard to adjust my eating now that my work schedule is moved earlier by an hour.  I need to get use to my new eating hours and not eat too late in the evening.  I don't have to now!  I get home earlier!!

So today I am going to take Dr. Oz's information to heart!

DAY 10
This information comes straight from Dr. Oz's Clean Detox program
The 411 On Weight Loss:
How and when weight-loss occurs varies for each person. Everyone comes into the detox with a different level of toxicity, a different genetic history, and different hormonal patterns. For many, the body will not begin to reduce inflammation and release extra weight until it has found balance through the cleansing process. Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture of why we might have excess weight in the first place.
It’s often a result of consuming foods that do not work for the body, resulting in poor digestion and toxic overload. Detox helps the body re-balance itself and help repair the damage done by years of poor habits. When you lose weight without doing this important foundational work, the weight-loss typically doesn’t last. It also doesn’t bring about the increased vitality, that in the end is what we really want. Even if you haven’t seen much weight-loss yet, hang in there. You’re doing the foundational work, and that’s what matters most. Daily bowel movements, sticking with the detox diet, and avoiding emotional snacking will encourage your body to find that sweet spot, totally unique to you. Don’t stress yourself out by stepping on the scale every day. Just remember, how you feel is a more accurate measure of success. Instead of numbers on the scale, focus on your energy level, sleep patterns, digestion, elimination, mood, and clarity of thought.

 So- For me I know that I need enough sleep.  Which is still a struggle week to week.  I need between 8-9hrs of sleep.  I have been operating for years on 6-7hrs.  College habits are hard to break.  So, this is a new year challenge for me.  I also see a difference when I take my vitamins on a regular bases, along with my regular medications.  I just have to keep reminding my self.  I also enjoy working out in the evenings.  Opposite of many people.  Working out tires me out and I can get a good nights rest knowing my body is recharging.   

My Challenge to you is to make note of some of these things.  It will help you keep your goals on track as well as knowing your body's needs better.

Cheers!

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 8

Hi My Healthy Bugs,

I am grateful for the continued changes in my life.  I have had success' and set backs this week as anyone will have.  I am a week in to my old medication that was giving so many issues last month.  I had some major acne, mood swings, and bloating that was just to much for me to handle.  I was able to get things back on the right track today.  I am slowly seeing my skin improve and my bloating is way down.  So, this is all good stuff.  I had some sort of stomach flu on Friday night and was in bed most of Saturday.  I only really had liquids.  So, we can see that as bad and good for the weight loss.  I really didn't loose any weight from being sick, just a 1/2 inch around my waste.  So, that's a win even if it was brought on by being sick. 
I am still needing to stay on a healthy eating.  My slip ups are not helping me with my goal.  It's great that I have changed a lot of habits.  My biggest food monster is Soda.  I love it, I go through phases when I will just drink soda water... But I always slip back into drinking it.  I have taken wheat out successfully, and 95% meat free, my soda is my one area.  I don't even eat candy or chocolate as much as I enjoy soda.  Its is down from a year or two ago.  I am down to an average of 3 a week.  But its the biggest habit to break this year!!  Slowly, I am sliding down my sugar intake.  So, this is an area to work on.  

My current goals are to continue my detox program until I can get through an entire 28 days with out cheating!
Loose my elusive LBS
Commit to 3 work outs a week. 

For my 10,000 steps I am averaging around 7,000 right now.  So, I need to get up a few more times during the day to get that healthy stepping up. 

Who's ready for this journey!

I know it was a bit negative today.  But, its to show I am not always doing as well as I hope even though I have made some good long lasting changes!

Cheers!
 

Healthy 2014 Month 2 Day 5

Hi All,

The end of January got away from me.  Even though I was trying to keep up with my eating... the blogging not so much.  So, here we are in the new month with a new detox on deck for all of Feb.  I will take some before and after pictures to share in this month.  I am continuing to eat organic whole foods.  Occasional slip for a meal. But, I am back on the horse the following meal.  This week I started eating two shakes a day to see if I can get the bloating under control.  I am excited to see what my spring time goal looks like.  I  will just have to stick to good eating while I am out on dates as that area of my life has picked up. 

I hope you all will be interested in this program as well.  It really has helped me get my life on a path of wellness that I enjoy so much!

If you are interested in finding out more about what kind of food plan I am following check out the recorded message detailed in this flier!

Love to have you along for the ride this year!!

Cheers!

Healthy 2014 Day 14

Hi Friends-
Fair warnng that this might not be the most positive of posts.  We are half way through the 28th day journey.  This detox has been positive and helpful in the past.  Even when I have had set backs I can get back on the horse and move forward.  This time has been difficault for another reason.  I has looking forward to this reset in the new year because I had fallen off the healthy eating wagon over the holidays and for a few weeks proir to that due to being unemployed.
However, it occurred to me over the weekend that my starting weight and the bloating I have experienced recently might be a change in medication rather then just a little bit of holiday weight.  This has me a bit down and upset.  I am usually very excited to get back to my healthy lifestyle and exercise.  I feel a little more defeated this time around.  I started evaluating some of the other side effects I have experienced over the last few months.  More night sweats, bloating in new areas around my waist, need for a new bra size, dry scalp.  After realizing these are all main size effects of my medication and I did allow my doctor to put me on a new brand.  I am going to continue to move my healthy lifestyle in to the new year despite set backs of any kind.  I am glad that I realized these changes now and not let it get me more frustrated.
Are you gaining unexplained weight?
There are many factors in weight gain
Stress
Medications
Menopause
Medical Condition
Food allergy

When you have changed you eating or exercise plans to become a healthier you... Evaluating the factors on this list may be a good start. Being aware of them can help you in your healthy lifestyle journey and also help in your frame of mind during this transition to a new lifestyle.  If necessary you should consult a doctor (as I will) if you feel that something is hindering you from seeing healthier results.  There may be an under lying cause that needs additional attention from a medical professional.

** Warning... be careful when googling symptoms as not to over self diagnose.  But, do some personal check in as I have and see if there are other factors that can be addressed with someone in a health care profession.

I will let you all know how this change effects my over all health.  I will be continuing my journey in to February with a new outlook!
YAY!

Cheers!


http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/5-surprising-reasons-you-are-gaining-weight

Healthy 2014 Day 9

Hi All-

It was brought to my attention today that going out to eat on a new healthy lifestyle may be difficult for some.  So, I hope to give you some options tonight of good places to try.

** First you should always have the mantra that "it is okay to ask for what you want at a restaurant." 
I always try and find something that is easiest to mortify as not to annoy the waiter or cook.  But most importantly getting what I want.

So, Lets start with a few places that are easy to go to in the LA area that will follow your new healthy lifestyle.

Sharky's
The Counter
Chipotle
Tender Greens
Hugos
Grais Madre
Sun Cafe
Just Coffee

When you go out try and pick places that have lots of veggie options.  You can always as for olive oil and lemon juice as a salad dressing.  For people such as me (wheat issues) ask for things with out bread or buns.  You can always ask for things like cheese on the side.  Some places like to give  a slice of bread as a topping, ask for those to be left off.  Less temping :)


Good Luck and eat on foodies!!

Cheers!

   

Health 2014 Day 5

Hi All,

So, I have made it through the 1st five days of my detox with out too many slip ups.  a couple of tortilla chips yesterday (like 5 chips) and I square of chocolate today. 

Things are getting easier as the days go on.  I am having issues with a cronic charlie horse in my left leg three mornings in a row.  I also am finding that my bowel movements are becoming more regular... Do you know you should have two bowel movements a day (that's a number 2) :)

A big part of this journey is listening to your body and making healthy decisions based on what you are finding out about yourself. 
Tomorrow I will be attending a 1 year olds birthday party I can snack on things like veggies and salad.  Pile my plate with veggies and stick to water or tea. I can do it!!

A little reminder why I needed to stop drinking such gross stuff --- 

   


Cheers- 

Healthy 2014 Day 3

Hi All,
Day 3 things are getting easier.  I am listening to my body and hearing new things.  I need better snacks I had berries with me for an afternoon snack and by 3PM all I wanted was a salty snack.  So, I have to have a number of different kinds of snacks with me during the day.
I am a trying to get some extra sleep this week as well.  I have gotten a good 8 hours of sleep for the last few days which is great!! Hoping I can keep that up.  I just have to make sure I adjust my lifestyle. 
A bit of a headache again today.  I think it has more to do with the cooler weather then my detox.  My sinus is sensitive to the weather changes and I know that I am still coming down from so much holiday sugar.
Today I had a lovely tuna salad for lunch with lemon/EVOO dressing.  Dinner was Brown rice pasta with homemade meat sauce, and steamed veggies.  Very tasty!
Tomorrow will be another work out day.  YAY for detox and feeling better!  I can tell my stomach is responding to better food.  Digestion is better, bloating is down.  All good things!





Here is to new days ahead!!

Healthy 2014 Day 2

Hi All,

I hope this Tuesday finds you healthy and happy!
I am so excited to have my friend Stephanie along for the ride.  She has found  that she has a lot of food allergies and is going to follow the same plan with me to see if it can improve her health with the Arbonne plan.  This is a organic, whole food program with detoxing and vegan elements... here's to a great 28 days!  

Today was much better then yesterday.  Virtually no headache, but used a bit of cheese on my dinner and discovered it kind of made me congested.  So, back to the non-dairy cheese it is. 

I got in a little bit of a work out in.   only had a short amount of time tonight so I did a Shaun T cardio abs work out.

For tomorrow I need to remember a good morning snack.  I am going to take some extra berries and humus with veggies for afternoon snack.  I think I need to even out my snacking and meals a little bit more so I don't get hungry and remember my vitamins every day.

Dinner of Chicken Quesadilla (I shredded and stacked)

Brown Rice tortilla

Veggie Rennet Cheese

Black beans (veggie sub for the chicken)

baby spinach and onion satay

homemade salsa (tomato and avocado, garlic)

Don't to forget to drink lots of water during your day.  add a little lemon to help detox while you drink.

Cheers!                                                                                                                                             

Healthy 2014 - Day 1

Hi All,

So, I am here at the end of a long monday, drinking my detox tea and finally getting to relax. 
Happy 3 Kings day or if you are my mom.. Happy Birthday Momma!
So, the 1st day could be a lot worse.  I had a dull headache all day, which could have been from the bad planning of snacks on my part or the lack of sugar and caffeine.   I can tell my sinus inflammation is decreasing.  I am starting to breath better.  I am having some gas and stomach movement.  Thanks to the digestive Plus. It really is a good thing.
Day 1- Breakfast Raspberry Protien Shake with Almond/Coconut milk
Lunch- Quinia Salad with lemon/EVOO dressing
Snack- Granny Smith apple with Almond Butter
Dinner- Brown Rice tortilla, chicken less chicken, fresh made salsa, light veggie rennet cheese, garlic
Water with fizz stick
Detox tea

Lunch:

A couple of cheats in there.  I had a few crasins in the salad and soy chicken in my dinner.  I gave up chicken last year.  Its been a pretty good day over all.  I didnt work our today due to the long drive I had.  Tomorrow back on the work out plan!

Cheers!

Healthy 2014

Hi There Friends-
2014 is upon us all! 
We all have goals and new visions of what we want our life to be in the new year.  I personally will be continuing my goal of getting healthy and be more in shape.  I am going to cronicale the next 28 day detox that starts January 6th (my mom's birthday) to start my new year.  I had a goal last year of being in better shape for my friend's Amy and Drew's wedding last April... I felt great!

Like many others I have fallen of the wagon a bit at the end of the year.  My plan is to write a few words about my journey over the next 28 days.  I will post encourging words, articles, and recipes that I use.

I will be following the Arbonne healthy eating and detox plan.  If you are interested in finding out more bout this program the flyer below has our recorded phone call regarding this program.  

So, Lets get started!!

Check out my blog every week for new information and my progress!