Do Something Refreshing. Eat thy grapefruit!

Good morning, loves!

Drinking my coffee and gearing up for the day. Looove my morning coffee. Yesterday I drank at least 90 ounces of water. It was awesome. My co-worker was complaining of headaches as he sat drinking his Redbull. I understand the addiction people have for that but it dehydrates you so bad and in the end does much more harm than good. I kept saying "Get a big water and guzzle it down!" Unfortunately this is often a lesson learned with "age" and gaining some wisdom. He's 22. Not saying younger people don't know how to be healthy but this particular guy is not really too worried about it.......yet. ;) 

Now on to my newest obsession. Grapefruit! 

I love pretty much all fruit and vegetables and consume many daily and recently a friend was talking about grapefruit a lot. And it got me craving it. I have tried the organic grapefruit and...wow! So good. Organic is expensive in general but I think it's worth it to go organic with certain things. There are even lists of the best fruit and veggies to buy organic. I was looking at grapefruit at my local Stop n Shop and first picked up the non-organic type. Then I walked past the organic table and noticed they seemed smaller. When looking at them side by side, it really left me feeling disturbed at the thought of what exactly was being pumped into the non-organic ones. It really is scary. And horrible that the better ones are more expensive. I grew up in Oregon where most of my family had gardens of some sort and eating out of the garden was a way of life. You ate fresh all Summer and then in the colder months you ate the ones you had canned. So so good. 

But my favorite way to start the day lately is with instant organic oats, which I actually found the 360 brand at Whole Foods to be reasonable for this and really good. And organic grapefruit. When I was a little girl, I'd sprinkle sugar on it. It kind of defeats the purpose! haha. Now I eat it fresh with nothing on it and actually really love it and how refreshing it is. It kind of hits the spot for me. Grapefruit has been one of those foods that has always been promoted when someone is dieting and it is a good one to incorporate! 

                                                       Why wouldn't you want to eat this?? 

I hope you all have a lovely Thursday. And I apologize for making you crave grapefruit. Not really because I want you to crave healthy things!! haha!

Enjoy this! I love this song! Avicii "Wake Me Up"

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless" - Mother Theresa 


xoxoxo
Tam

Boy, You're Gonna Carry That Weight...........A Long Time!

Good morning!! How are you?? 

I have been on a bit of a hiatus aka I've been tuckered out and just getting back into the swing of things in the mornings. :) My boys are both in school and my mornings are spent getting all of us ready, lunches made, transported to school and then to work. It's amazing what I can get accomplished before 8:30 am!! haha!  I do like blogging and despite juggling everything I do want to continue with it! The routine being settled is helping. And I have been continuing with my healthy experiments and lifestyle. That never changes. 

I hope you've all had a great few weeks. I'm sure many of you are also settling into the school year routine. Next year, my little guy will be in Kindergarten and my oldest will be in 2nd Grade. How does that happen?? Seems like they were just babies. :( 

My oldest has had a hard time in First Grade so far. I've been concerned but I think he will settle into the changes. He's been seeing a therapist because of recent behavior and it's been confirmed he has a great deal of anxiety.  It's based on recent activity in the environment around him. I have been worried the constant drama would have an adverse affect on him and it breaks my heart to know he's been so anxious. So now I'm determined to do anything possible to help him. I can only control myself but hopefully that is enough. And his new teacher has been significantly different from past teachers. Not the warm and fuzzy type he was used to in preschool and Kindergarten. I have come to the realization that it's not such a bad thing. With the chaos that's been around him, having a strict teacher may be a blessing in disguise. It may help him to feel calmer overall. Also, we just have to deal with people throughout life that might not be our cup of tea. Learning to handle that early on is a good trait. He seems to be settling in a bit better this week. I pray it continues! My tender-hearted, playful, loves everyone boy being miserable going to school has had me worried a lot recently! 

Now on to my healthy nagging. If you drink soda of any kind, PLEASE stop. I know how difficult it is and how much you crave it. It's made that way on purpose. Remember in the beginning it contained Cocaine. While it no longer contains that drug, the way it affects our body is not unlike a drug. And there really are no pros. Not in the long run. Take a look at this link. It really is disturbing and makes me so thankful that I stopped consuming it completely. What Happens to Your Body if you Drink a Coke Right Now? Just to give you an idea of this article..

In the first 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor, allowing you to keep it down.

20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (And there’s plenty of that at this particular moment.)

Like we need something making our fat consumption worse!! And diet soda is not any better, trust me! So please if you do one thing today, reach for water instead of soda when you feel the need. It will be tough at first because your body is addicted. But like anything, if you keep it up it will get easier and you'll rid yourself of that craving. I did it and feel so much better. Staying hydrated, exercise, eating right is the best energy booster ever. I do enjoy my morning coffee..but after 7:30 am I am done. It's water and green tea later on. Occasionally I will treat myself with a mocha or something but that is rare. I find it way too sweet now. I was treating myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks but it just wasn't as enjoyable as it used to be. I think I might just bake a healthy pumpkin muffin instead!! I know I am probably annoying with my healthy addictions but it really does become addicting to feel awesome!! And I love having energy and my stomach feeling great and my skin being clear and my hair and nails growing. Call me crazy! ;) 

Alright, time to get up and around. I hope you all have a lovely day! This week the weather here in CT is why I love September here. It's low 70's and not humid and sunny. Ahhhhh! :) 

I pulled this up yesterday and listened to it in it's entirety. I am a fan of great music. Enjoy! 

"Peace can only be created by those that are peaceful" -  Deepak Chopra 

xoxoxox

Tam

"But My Hand Was Made Strong......"

Good morning, my friends. How are you? I hope your week is going well! :)

Today is August 15th which means...... it's my birthday and I am another year older. Up to 39 now! Yikes. Which means, 365 days until I'm 40. I'm not sure why but this turning 39 deal has been a little harder than previous birthdays. Maybe because that big 4 is looming ever closer. I know the deal that age is a number and 40 is the new 30, yada yada....but that 4 stinks! haha! I have several friends who are hitting that milestone next year. '74 babies!! Woo! Well, here's to the next decade bringing some awesome things. I am totally ready for awesome!

My boys are so sweet about it all. Talking about how today will be a great day for my birthday. I was telling them that they are my best presents. Sammy said in his adorable little voice "Mommy, we're not pwesents, we're boys!" hahaha! He could be a cartoon character.

So do you feel stress and anxious at times? Whether it be a new job, a new relationship, troubles in the relationship, family issues, or just overall stress from life. I'm sure we all have those moments and sometimes that can affect our relationships with other people. I have felt stress lately due to actions of other people who continue to try to create stress in my life. These people blame me for the mistakes they make and the misfortune in their life. I have become the scapegoat. All I've been doing since my divorce is working and caring for my boys and trying to create a life for us in a very expensive area. Why I have anything to do with others and their choices, I have no clue. Some people just can't see the truth of things and never take responsibility. So be it. I have accepted that these people will continue to make things difficult rather than just focus on creating a secure, happy life for themselves with hard work as I've been doing. 

The good news is that exercising regularly helps things immensely for me. AND you!! When life is weird an trying to create havoc and misery, the best medicine is often a great sweat! I can wake up in a bad mood some days and as soon as I move my body, I feel so much better and more myself. I wish I could buy my favorite machine at the gym. It is $4,000 though! haha! It's an awesome, kick-ass workout and I get off of it and feel like I could conquer the world. I've always thought of it as an elliptical but it's actually called the Precor AMT 100i Adaptive Motion Trainer. And from the reviews, it seems to be the closest thing to a runner's high without running. That is from those that run and can't anymore due to body parts not cooperating. But you can get an amazing sweat on this machine and go easy on the body too. There are 4 at my gym and only 3 of them work properly. Sometimes I have to wait to get on one.....but luckily the majority of people seem to be afraid of it and stick to the ellipticals. You practically have to jump to get this one to move. It's awesome!! 

Back to stress. Booo, hisss! Stress stinks. But it's out there anyway. And you can eat certain foods to help with stress and feelings of anxiety. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin-C which can help to repair and protect cells that are stressed out. Munch on almonds which are packed with vitamin B2 and E which can help keep your immune system strong during these stressful times. We all know that we seem to get sick easier when stressed out. You can beat that with proper nutrition.Also try to load up on Omega-3's..which can help protect you from the cortisol and adrenaline that spike when you're stressed. Salmon is an excellent source of this. Spinach is another food to eat when things are not ideal. It is full of magnesium which can also regulate cortisol. And of course we all know what eating a lot of turkey at Thanksgiving does (at least those in the United States). It is full of tryptophan which releases serotonin and creates a feeling of calm and often sleepiness. But that is the opposite of stress, so it's lovely! :) Oatmeal is another great food to help release the serotonin. Try the old-fashioned oats you have to cook rather than instant for ideal results. 

It's amazing what eating a proper diet can do for you.The ability to live a calm, peaceful and happy life really is within your grasp despite outside influences trying their best to keep it from happening. There are those that wallow in drama and misery and try to bring others down with them. Yuck! Some complain constantly, others constantly insult to bring you down so they feel better. And others are just divas that need a dose of what real worries are. I live my life thinking "It could be better, it could be worse". And just try to focus on the great things in my life rather than the things I really don't want to waste my time thinking about. 

Well, off to get around for the day. I am sure I will treat myself a bit today. If you can't do it on your birthday, when can you??? :) 

Have a lovely day!! Catch you on the flipside! Maybe eat a spinach salad with salmon or turkey!! You'll be feeling badass in no time. 

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds" - Bob Marley 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Helloooo..is it me you're looking for?? :)

Good morning! How are yous guys?? 

I know I've been a serious slacker on here. Someone emailed me on My Fitness Pal asking me where I've been. So sorry! :) Guess those Dog Days/Lazy Days of Summer have gotten to me. Though I'm not exactly lazy. Besides working full-time, taking care of my two boys and working out, I move my bod a lot! haha! 

I've been using my glasses more especially at work when I have to read a lot of small print and also using the computer. I have to say, it feels good! My eyes don't feel as tired at the end of the day as they once did. So, as much as I was moaning about it, it is a good thing in the end. 

My weekend was good. I worked through Saturday and then saw We're The Millers with my friend on Saturday night. It was a good laugh! I needed it! Sunday was about working out and getting a few errands done. And then relaxing until my boys came home at 5:30. I always make the best of my time to myself but my home is too quiet and to empty and it just doesn't feel normal. As soon as they return I say "All is right with the world!" :)

And yesterday was another court  date to deal with things with my ex-husband. I hope it's all resolved for awhile now. I always say I could write a book about my life. It's rather TV movie of the week. It's mostly about finances but some other things too. I certainly hope nothing further happens. I don't think any of us have time for this constant nonsense. 

I am reading recipes and planning my meals more. I just get tired of the lunches I have at work and want to make them and bring them more. The same applies to quick, healthy breakfasts. I want something I can easily grab on the go as my work-week can be somewhat hectic. They say breakfast cereals are one of the worst things you can eat. Most of them anyway. I eat a lot of greek yogurt, bananas, etc. but just feel rather ho-hum about it all. Sometimes I have an almond butter and banana sandwich. These look delicious! Gluten-Free too! Turkey Sausage, broccoli and egg muffins . You can really do any variation of that egg muffin. Meatless, include more veggies, herbs, etc. So easy and yummy! These look awesome too. Healthy Cherry Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cookies That website, The Skinny Fork looks awesome in general. Lots of great recipes. And of course smoothies are always a quick and easy way to get lots of good stuff in your body in the morning. If you have certain things on hand and can throw into a blender, the habit of starting the day healthy will be much easier! :) 

For lunch, hmm....besides salads and sandwiches. I need to cook dishes on Sunday that freeze well. The Fall is easier for that as sauces, soups, chilis, stews all freeze pretty well. Though other dishes can. Or just making ahead, not necessarily freezing. I am a foodie and just love food! Flavors, colors, smells, etc. I did punch in "Fast healthy lunches" on Pinterest and got a slew of ideas. We will see!! I like the idea of little bento boxes too. For both my boys and myself. Little bit of this, little bit of that to snack on. Fun too! I think we're going school shopping this weekend. That time is upon us already!! Yikes. Need to pick out lunch boxes, new backpacks school supplies, yada yada! 

If you want a quick cleanse to just give you a little pep in your step and make you feel cleansed and detoxed.....try this one. It doesn't take long and really can make a difference in how you feel. It can sort of jump start a cleaner way of eating as well. 

It's so funny, when I have a splurge day and had a great workout, I end up craving roast chicken, veggies, sweet potatoes..more than junk. And the treats just don't hit the spot as much anymore. I will have something and think "Mehhh, that was OK!" When your body is used to eating a certain way, it craves THOSE things. And you feel so much better when you eat it. 

Welp, I need to get up and around and head to work! Have a great day!! 

"Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude" - Confucius 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

I think I can.....I think I can!!! (You can!)

Hi guys!! 

How are you? I hope you've had a good week. I have been MIA! I had a busy but good weekend with my boys and then the week just got hectic before I knew it. I woke up on Tuesday with a swollen and itchy eye which has not felt great for the past couple of days. No idea where that came from but it was not a good look, haha. And yesterday morning my youngest woke up with a fever and lethargic. :( My poor little guy. His fever continued last night. It got up to 103.2. I was a concerned but monitored him and put cool cloths on his head. His fever slowly started to drop and he is much better this morning. Phew! Not sure what caused it. I just can't stand it when my babies are sick. I feel so helpless! 

On Sunday I took them to Fort Trumbull here in Connecticut (New London). It's a national park and an old Revolutionary War fort. Had some cool things to look at and canons! (my youngest kept saying canyon! hehe). But I grew up going to places like this and think it's important for kids to see them and have an understanding of things. My dad and uncles would take my brother and I to the Fort Lewis military museum in Washington state. We'd climb on tanks and planes, etc. Fun stuff for a kid! Even a girl. ;)

I was talking with a lady yesterday. she does some work with meditation using cd's. She was saying that it has to do with how listening to the cd actually changes the brain waves and can help someone achieve whatever it is they're looking to achieve. Whether it be a new job, school, relationships, weight-loss, recovering from addiction, etc. I can see how something like this could be effective as I often talk about mind over matter. I was able in succeeding in creating a healthier lifestyle from sheer will, hard work and educating myself. However, none of that could have happened if my mind wasn't ready to believe it was possible. 

I think many of us are victims of the "get rich quick" or "lose weight quick" schemes because we want success at the hands of other people's thoughts and ideas. And that is why many of them fail. When you don't get there through your own will and thoughts, then you aren't going to believe in yourself. Just look at famous quotes by famous thinkers. A lot of them talk about how our thoughts control our lives. To think it can be that simple. But belief in oneself gives you the confidence and determination to achieve the goals you have set. If you aren't confident then nobody is going to be convinced, especially yourself. 

Something else that can be tied into this is while you are working on thinking you can get things done, maybe try not to judge or complain about others so much. This is a goal I have set for myself. The fact is we aren't going to get along with everyone and we aren't going to think the same way as everyone. But really, what kind of boring world would that be anyway?? The differences of the human spirit does make things a lot more interesting. And while there is a lot of ugly out there and people that upset us and make things difficult, there are also a lot of decent people that are far more like-minded than we realize. Hard-working, caring, rational, fair, honest and who have their priorities straight. And more than likely, these people have struggles of their own in some way. So why judge? 

I find myself getting very irritable with people I feel are acting "spoiled" or entitled. There are many that act as though they are too good for things and that their needs are the only thing that matter. That kind of attitude is annoying. But really it is something within them and at the end of the day I need to just relax and let it go. I work very hard to take care of my boys and myself. When I'm not working I'm trying to keep my home up, keep healthy food on hand and enjoy fun activities with them. I am the constant hand holder, responsible and strong. And I'm pretty nice and happy go lucky usually despite this stuff. And sometimes being strong and happy go lucky is hard and I get tired of being that person and that's when my irritation for people being petty about things bubbles over. I guess it's all about perspective. And being a "survivor" of sorts...has admittedly made me a little less tolerant to certain types of "entitled attitudes". That is something I need to work on. These people are not my cup of tea, no...but so be it. Why let it make me be less of the person my mother raised me to be? :) And I'm sure they are struggling with their own issues and problems. 

No, this doesn't mean being a pushover and allowing people to just take advantage all the time. But by allowing their attitude and behavior to affect me in any way, I am not controlling my thoughts. I can choose to just laugh it off and deal. There is a time and place and a way to discuss certain things. It still might not end up well but if you at least control things on your end and approach it in a calm, rational way..then you can rest your head knowing you did your part to keep it calm and fair. We can be patient...and work on tolerant. And sometimes..all that is left is acceptance. Accept it and let it roll off and move forward. 

                                                 This is another goodie!! :) 

So if you're trying to achieve weight-loss or just trying to live a healthier life or make any positive changes in your life.....work on believing you can do it first. You HAVE to know that. You have to understand you are capable of it. Then you will be able to do it forever no matter what comes your way. And try not to let the petty crap of life get you down along the way. It really doesn't matter. Focus on the things that do matter. 

Have a great day!! 
                                 
                                        And just because I love him! O Solo Mio! :) 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Mish-Mashy post. And just call me the guinea pig! :)

Good morning! Happy Friday! :) 

I hope you've all had a great week and have some fun things planned this weekend. My week has been fine and has gone pretty fast which is always good. I have a project planned for this weekend. It's called "Plan: Boys Room Awesomeness". I have plans for new beds, etc..but first we need to purge! Get rid of stuff that is just taking up space. There are toys in the closet that aren't being used at all. Old clothes, etc etc. We can take those to give to charity. So on Sunday my boys and I are working on that part of it. Getting rid of stuff. It will be great! My living room and dining room becomes the play room a lot and I think it's time to take it back and make it a living space again! Therefore, the room will be awesome! 

I have been experimenting with intermittent fasting. I basically eat for the duration of 8 hours and fast for 16. For me, I start about 6am (usually just a little cream in my coffee to start) and then my window closes at 2pm right after lunch. I am a little hungry at the end of the day but not unbearably. I like to experiment with things to give you all a true account of how things work. I have to say I like how I feel. I had a few treats this week too, during those 8 hours each day, but by the end of the day I felt great. When I went to bed I didn't have anything in my stomach. I have suffered from gastritis before so I am protective of my stomach. I feel like my digestion is better with this too. I am less bloated and sleep well. Some say a huge perk of this kind of eating is that you can eat whatever you want during those 8 hours and lose weight. I'm not sure that's a good idea. You do need nutrients and your body needs you to treat it right through the foods you eat. However if you do want a treat here and there, I say go for it. 

I eat a little "Lord of the Rings" like with breakfast right now. There is breakfast and then 2nd breakfast. lol! It's usually banana, yogurt, nuts, a Kashi protein bar, etc. A doctor brought in donuts the other day. I indulged and dunked one into my coffee.(It is a rare indulgence as sugar packed carbs are not our friend!) Then lunch is a big honkin salad with some antipasti, chicken salad etc..and soup. I might have some chocolate. And then at 2, bam! No more food until the next day. I don't find it that hard really. I prefer having a bigger meal earlier and I don't like to eat a lot later anyway. I am doing this Tues-Fri. And then eating "normal" on Sat,Sun and Mon. I did find that it was hard to eat normal this past weekend when I started experimenting with the fasting last week. It's amazing how fast your body adjusts to something. Plus I do drink a ton of water and that helps keep you full. 

If you do this, and sleep on an empty stomach and your body is given that time to digest properly...and then in the morning begin your day with at least 2 glasses of water, I bet you find yourself feeling better and your digestive system functioning better. We humans, especially Americans just eat so much food. Far too much than what is needed to survive and have energy. In fact a lot eat so much that it decreases energy, especially if it is in the form of crappy, zero-nutrient food. 

I have also been working on my plank duration. I am up to 2 minutes, 15 seconds. I have made it a goal to hold a plank for the duration of Bohemian Rhapsody. It's a 6 minute song! We'll see!! I will get there one day! I read a blog by a woman that held a one-legged plank for 18 minutes! WHAT?!! 

Also I wanted to share some info that I recently read. It is recommended to go meatless when possibly and even vegan, cut dairy. But that means we need to find other sources of calcium. Especially women! The good news is that there are plenty of plant-based foods that provide it. Yayyy! :) 

Do you know that sesame seeds are one of the richest sources of plant-based calcium?! Interesting, eh? Either by sprinkling them on stir-fry's...or using Tahini in dishes like hummus and other things is an easy way. Also, something I eat a lot of are chick peas (garbanzo beans) which are another great source. So hummus is an excellent snack overall! And as if kale wasn't badass enough, it is also calcium rich. Other sources are almonds, coconut milk, and quinoa. 

Alrighty, that's all she wrote today! 

For this I think I'd say a plank minute feels longer! haha! 

Have a great day everyone!! 

"Before you speak, think. Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind? Will it hurt anyone? Will it improve on the silence?" - Sri Sathia Sai Baba 

xoxoxoxo

Tam

Your stomach isn't a wastebasket!

Mornin' Sunshine!

Well it's back to work for me today. I had a nice weekend. I enjoyed a girls night out on Saturday and some great workouts, did some cleaning and of course once my boys got home on Sunday evening , all was right with the world. We had a nice picnic/play date in the park yesterday. 

I have been working on increasing my plank endurance. I can do about 1 minute, 30 seconds, working up to 2 minutes. I did them yesterday evening and my boys were arguing and I had to scold them twice while trying to hold the plank. I had my eyes closed, trying to breathe. Then I felt a pillow land on me. I still managed to hold it! haha! I think that should qualify as some extra willpower kudos!! :) I am going to try to put a song on and hold a plank for the length of it next. We'll see how that goes! :p I am a fan of the plank with the awesome help it gives to the back as well as other areas. My back is not good sometimes! 

J.T. was funny yesterday. He asked to only have fruit for dinner. He just didn't have much of an appetite. Not sure what the deal was. We had been outside awhile and he was tired and just not hungry. He had eaten a good breakfast and lunch. So fruit for dinner? OK! That so rarely happens as he has a really good appetite. He may take after me a bit. By dinner and in the Summer, I sometimes just don't want to eat. I don't like eating a lot late very often. 

That being said I just saw a recipe for a cinnamon bun smoothie! Yum! 1 frozen banana, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup. Sounds delicious doesn't it?? 

Yesterday I had this quinoa/oatmeal blend from Trader Joe's, a banana and yogurt. I ate that for breakfast and then went to the gym. I burn a lot of calories so I fueled myself well. I need to learn to eat some sort of protein after as I go to a grocery store and want to buy everything there when I've just burned so many calories! I get really good burns in on Sun/Mon as those are my easy gym days. But by Tuesday I am tired!! lol! 

So many of us know we need to eat better and that it's good for us..but just what are the benefits of a healthy lifestyle? Besides the obvious of course. You maintain a healthy weight without stressing about it. And your clothes feel better. You are less bloated. 

You also go to the bathroom regularly. This is very important. Getting rid of waste daily will have you feeling so much better. And people who don't eat a healthy diet will find themselves doing this much less. That must make you feel really crappy! (Pun intended!). You will be very bloated and just not feeling good. 

You will sleep better. When you eat the foods right for your body you won't wake up in the middle of the night with a stomach ache or acid reflux. And you will wake up more refreshed and actually rested. I know that spicy pepperoni pizza is tasty but it's not going to make you feel awesome later on! Especially if you eat it later in the day. 

When you eat a good dinner (good, nourishing food), it makes you actually want to keep enjoying your night. A heavy dinner of greasy food makes you want to go home and sit down. When you're out for a date or girls night out, you want to have energy to go see a movie or maybe go dancing a bit. Something!! :) 

And lets face it. By eating well..and looking and feeling better...your sex-drive will increase. Your confidence and energy help with this a lot. 

So what can be bad about eating healthy? You can make it tasty and fun too. It doesn't have to be bland and boring these days. Not with the amazing ingredients we have to choose from. Spices, herbs, fruits and veggies. Cool grains and legumes. Good stuff. I know a pizza or buffalo chicken wings are good. They are a nice treat sometimes. But when I do indulge...I do end up feeling awful after. I always say listen to your body. Treat it well and it will reward you. Pay attention to just how great you feel when you eat healthy. When you do that it makes you want to indulge less often. Having energy and no stomach issues, no reflux, no headaches.....it can be addicting! :) 

Alright, time to get up and around. I have a craving for eggs this morning! YUM!! 

Have a lovely day everyone! 

xoxoxo

Tam

Hold on....and Push it! :p

Hello, my friends! In goofball mode today! :) 

How have you been? I hope your week has been a good one and that your weekend has started off awesome. Mine starts tonight and I have some fun planned! I'm surprised we aren't all sick here in New England. The weather has gone from hell to normal to Winter for a day and back to normal. Really weird stuff! Thursday we all went outside and said "woahh, where did this come from?" I felt like November! 

I am not writing as much right now. Must be that "Lazy Summer" feeling in the mornings. Sorry!! haha! I could write other times of the day but lets be honest, I work full time Tues-Sat and I'm a single mother with two energetic boys. I get home and it's that "Buh buh buh" scene from the movie Overboard. lol! So I tend to write in the morning when I'm having my coffee. I'm always thinking about things and reading and educating myself on nutrition, exercise, etc. And the morning before work seems to be my write and think, think and write time. And I try things myself as a sort of guinea pig to see how they are. Speaking of coffee, what is it about that first glorious sip in the morning? Nothing can beat the first sip! :)

I just saw on the news that Jamba Juice has a free smoothie for kids aged 8 and under today from 11-4. Sweet! So partake in that for sure. Though smoothies for the old fogies would be nice too! hehe! This is a great way to help instill healthy habits into our young'uns though. 

One sort of trend, fad, whatever you call it..that I am curious about and feel like could be helpful in regards to weight loss is the idea of intermittent fasting. Apparently this way of eating can help burn fat and build muscle. There is a lot of information out there and you can Google it and read up as well as various testimonials. I am not a fan of fad, get it quick diets at all but this one just makes sense to me. There is a book called the 8-Hour Diet. The basic idea is that you eat during an 8 hour period and then once that window closes, it's closed. And then you fast at least 16 hours. The theory is you can eat what you want but of course they recommend certain foods based on their nutrients. There are others that don't seem to focus on 8 hours but more the fasting period after. Some say start at 12 hours, then work up. 

During the fasting period you can drink water and zero calories beverages like tea, etc. And some even say you can have fat-free broth. Obviously results will vary from person to person based on each individuals health and body type. And it can be worked into your life however you see fit whether it's daily or 2-3 times a week. You can choose to do a longer fast. Say a 24-hour fast every other day. Which would be stop eating by 6pm and then not eating until 6pm the following day. The shorter fast is that 8 hour window of eat...lets say you start at 6am and stop by 2pm. Then fast until 6am the next morning. That's 16 hours. Again it's not every single day unless you want it to be. You can have results (albeit not as fast) on doing it 2-3 days. 

The concept is that our bodies need a sort of recovery period from eating to digest properly as well as other needs. The fact is humans, especially Americans just eat way too much food. Our portions are out of control and we eat a lot. Many diet programs promote eating several meals all day but intermittent fasting can be even more beneficial. Obviously there are pros and cons to everything and you need to use good judgement upon starting anything. If you're very active and exercise a lot, you need to be sure you're fueling yourself properly. But I see how this way of eating can be beneficial. And if we're all honest, we know that going to bed without a lot in our stomach just feels better. Less acid reflux and other problems. There is that old saying that we should be eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. Of course that can't be done every single day but trying to make it a normal part of your life is a good idea. 

And to me one of the best benefits of this is less snacking. If you follow the rules and stop eating the minute your window closes, then that will eliminate a lot of hidden calories many of us tend to incorporate. We all snack. Little bites here and there. That can add up quick and may very well be why we are struggling to lose weight. Even if you're not participating in intermittent fasting, by giving yourself that window, whether it be 5pm or another time and you know you are done eating by that time will help. 

It's something to think about for sure. I don't see it so much as a fad but more as something that makes sense that has been around for centuries that the human body can benefit from on occasion. Even doing a juice fast or cleanse is great for the body. It can eliminate cravings, clear out additives and bloat. What is bad about that? :) 

Soo, that's 'bout all she wrote today. I have to say I was diagnosed with glasses the other day! :p I now have reading glasses!! I used to just have them for night driving, etc. Now I have them to read. Man! I can read without the glasses but using them does help my eyes feel less tired at the end of the day. I was constantly rubbing them and they burn. Now it seems to be better. Especially with the astigmatism which makes things look weird. Double vision a bit. Ah well! I'm not a whippersnapper anymore. lol! I am wearing them right now as I write this. I remember having 20/16 vision once upon a time. Sigh! 

What do you think?? They are way cool ProDesign glasses which are a Danish company. Funky and fun! Who wants basic when just using them for reading? :) 

Okie doke! Have a great day! I am working 7 hours and then it's my weekend baby!! Woohoooo! 

My friend and I were going back and forth with "oldies" the other night. So I will leave you with this gem! Wow, betcha feel old now if you didn't already! Gosh, this was out in 1990!!! I was a Sophmore in high school. *thud*. (That was me fainting!!) 

Posting this one too.....cause.....why can't music be this cool anymore?? hehe!

Move your bod, eat veggies, drink water, sleep......rinse and repeat! :)

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday!

First a shout out to my friend Shellie who is balancing a family, full-time work and school. She's in stress mode and running on fumes. You can do it Shells!! You've already been through so much. Kick some butt! :) 

So if you're doing everything possible to lost weight and be healthy and just don't seem to be finding success, it could be due to various reasons. Things you're doing to sabotage your efforts that you don't even realize are contributing. Of course some are  "duh" type things but there are some others that might help you to reach your goal if you understand why they are hurting you. 

Stop skipping breakfast. I know there are mixed stories out there about breakfast. But studies show that people who eat breakfast do lose more weight. It starts the day off right revving up your metabolism. Just make sure to include some protein and fiber. I often eat a greek yogurt and a banana. Then mid-morning will have some nuts.  That will provide sustainable energy which we all know is a must when trying to lose weight or be healthy. We MUST be satisfied for this to work. 

We sometimes tend to overeat healthy foods. I won't keep trail mix on hand because I can't stop eating that. Nuts too! haha! I do eat them as snacks a lot and they keep me full. Seriously when I eat a bunch of almonds or mixed nuts during my work day, I tend to not want a lot of dinner later on so it's good for that however they are high in fat and calories and it can add up fast if you aren't paying attention. Same with avocado, etc. I love them but will not eat more than half a day. I sometimes buy one at lunch time and share with a co-worker. 

Try to educate yourself about proper portions. You'd be amazed if you actually measured certain portions out and saw what they look like. And just how much we are eating. It does open your eyes to why so many people are obese. We just eat way too much food. My eyes are sometimes bigger than my stomach too. I've learned that it will take much less to fill me up than I think. Especially following a great workout where I burn 1500 calories! I am famished and ready to devour anything in my path! haha! But that brings me to my next point...

Proper post-workout snacks! Immediately following a workout our bodies do need a perfect combination of protein and carbs to help repair muscles and recharge our batteries. Something only 150 calories (if it's the right thing) will do the job. It doesn't take a lot.

Please try to get a ton of fruit and veggies into your day. A lot of people just aren't eating enough and these foods can assist in weight-loss by providing a huge amount of nutrients and filling us up with fiber...but in a sweet little low-calorie package. Especially right now when so many goodies are in season. Try to eat a peach or plum or raspberries for an afternoon snack with water or green tea. Do this instead of other less helpful snacks! :) You can get enough servings in if you really pay attention to it. 

I know it's difficult and these are only a few ideas but just try to make these a daily part of your life. Also, get plenty of sleep, drink a ton of water, forego soda (I mean it! lol!), stop eating in a rush or standing up. And make sure you indulge sometimes. Like I've said, make "the norm"..the healthy, good for you stuff and the "Here and there" the fun goodies. I think that's an easy balance to follow. But the funny thing is once your body is used to the good for you stuff, you find certain indulgences just don't hit the spot as they once did. I find certain treats much less satisfying than I did before changing my lifestyle. 

Okie dokie, time for me to get up and around and head to work. Enjoy your day everyone! And if you're struggling with life, just keep on, keepin' on! You will get through this. 

xoxoxo

Tam

Git R Done!

Hi guys!

Hope you had a lovely weekend. Here in the NE, it started super hot but the heat advisory was cancelled on Friday. Yayy! So now it's normal humid and heat! :) 

I had a great workout yesterday morning and then took my boys for some fun at the Palisades Mall, in NY. It's the second largest mall in the country. We went to Dave and Busters and played some games, hit the Disney store, had lunch. Fun stuff! I have to admit last night I was enjoying the Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon on Syfy! :) I am a giant geek at heart and that was a show I enjoyed!! Still do! ;) And then I slept a solid 8 hours. Woke up feeling pretty damn good! 

I just got back from another great gym workout and grocery shopping. I immediately drank an Odwalla Mo Beta smoothie, and devoured a container of blackberries and a peach. I guess I needed it. :) Today is an "at home" day to get a few things done and relax. Tomorrow is an early day to drop my boys off with their sitter and get to work by 8! 

So you want to be healthier and just can't seem to find the time. Right? Some of you? :) There are a few habits y'all need to break to get to healthy and feeling great. First you need to stop making excuses. There is always time to do some sort of exercise. If it means getting up a little earlier in the morning to get it done, so be it. You really will reap the benefits of such determination and will just feel amazing. Being an early riser is also a great way to help turn a boring life into an extraordinary one. Allowing time in the morning to exercise, breathe, even just sit and enjoy your coffee you are easing into the day rather than starting off hurried. 

Don't skip workouts. Find a way to move. You can do something 20-30 min a day if you really wanted to. Try to get cardio a few days a week and do some sort of strength training. I've talked about the plank before. It is so great and you can do it anywhere. Squats, lunges, push-ups etc. It does't take fancy equipment to do these things. 

Self-defeating thoughts and comments are never helpful when trying to live a healthy life. I used to hate exercise. I felt like so many people nagged about it and like anybody when someone is almost forcing thoughts on you, your first instinct is to rebel. So I decided for me, on my terms, what I wanted to do and when..and make it a part of my life and learned to love it. When you decide to do it because you want more energy, to feel and look better and to hopefully live a longer and more quality life with your family then it becomes a lot easier. I am amazed that I love working out as I do. It was those baby steps I've talked about before that helped. I just eased into it. Sort of how I ease into my day by getting up earlier and having time. Ahh, that time is a good thing. 

Stop with the mindless eating. Turn away from the tv or computer screen for a few moment and savor your meal. Stop just cramming food in. And at the same time don't get into an eating rut. Sometimes we get busy and bored with food and just grab whatever. Try to make sure you have some fun yet healthy snacks around and ingredients to make flavorful, quality food. I often buy a bag of broccoli slaw and have my asian peanut viniagrette around. If nothing else, I know that's going to be delicious! And keeping smoothie ingredients on hand is good. I use frozen berries for that. They are less expensive and keep longer. And make for a yummy icy cold, refreshing smoothie. 

Alright, if you'll excuse me, I have some watermelon to eat! I ate 3 pieces of that the other day like a boss! My boys love it too. It's so cold and juicy! Perfect this time of year. It's 92% water so it is a helpful way to get enough water into your body on a hot day. And it's high in lycopene which helps the cardiovascular system as well as our bone health. It contains citrulline to helps prevent the over-accumulation of body fat and works as a diuretic and helps promote kidney health. On top of that it is a great source of potassium and high in vitamin-A and vitamin-C.

I saw this and had to share. Ahhh doesn't that look delicious? I may need to incorporate it into a smoothie later too! ;) 

"Then as it was, then again it will be. And though the course may change sometimes....rivers always reach the sea" - Led Zeppelin

xoxoxo
Tam

Anything Can Be

Morning my darlin' clementines! 

I've been a little MIA the past couple of days. Sorry! Wednesday morning I was out of the house before 7 am and yesterday I just had a lazy morning with the boys since I didn't have to be at work until 10 am. Summer just calls for some lazy mornings. It's awesome. We don't have to be out at the crack of dawn for school so I try to enjoy this chill time with them. 

We've been in the midst of a heatwave this week and it's just not pleasant to be outside at all. The humidity hasn't been horrible but according to the weather dude, it's back today. So the high of 98 today will feel much hotter and a lot more suffocating. Ugh. Damn humidity! One pro to working in air condition all week. 

It's funny, somewhere along the way the last few years my cravings and taste for things changed. I will have great workout and earn a treat but I end up not enjoying the like I used to. My body craves real, good food now. I love a good piece of chocolate over other things. Or home-baked goodies. Honestly, one of my favorite indulgences is either Tiramisu or Almond Cream Cake with amaretto! Ahhhh! I can go without the candy bars, cookies(unless homemade chocolate chip), etc. Ice cream or frozen yogurt is good this time of year but I don't need a lot. I'm not really keen on french fries or that sort of thing. I find myself craving things like shrimp cocktail, guacamole, eggs (a nice omlette), fresh fruit in season, sushi, baked or grilled salmon, a nice filet from time to time, and eating meat free feels great some days. I just feel better. You really can change how your body works and what you crave. You just have to work at it. 

Here are some recipes that look awesome to me and make me drool. Skinny Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Enchiladas Yum! Peach, Basil and Brie French Bread Pizzas (I'll save my carb usage for this baby for sure! lol!), Oatmeal, Cottage Cheese and Banana Pancakes (Gluten Free), Banana, Oat, Protein Muffins. Many of these are from The Ambitious Kitchen as you will see. She has a bunch of great recipes. But this is the kind of food I crave. These are the treats I want. Interesting, eh? Fresh, creative and delicious using REAL food. Ahhh just spotted this! Smashed Avocado and Tomato Basil Bruschetta. Honestly, I could eat that every day! :p

I've been upping my plank workouts. They are just fantastic. If you want a simple, daily move to work a bunch of muscles at once, try the plank. There are variations you can do to create a fantastic 20 minute workout. This Shape article shows you exactly what to do. As it states, "Even an hour of crunches won't match the body benefits of a 10-minute plank workout" Shape Magazine Plank Workout. Do a few of these and tell me your body doesn't hurt!! :) 

Have a lovely day! Leaving with some Neil Diamond. Cause he makes me feel good! lol! :) 

And a little Shel Silverstein because....he makes me feel good too! :)
"Listen to the mustn'ts child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me. Anything can happen child....anything can be" 

xoxoxo
Tam

The road to Badass!

Hi guys! 

I hope you had a great weekend and a nice start to your work week. Mine starts today! How do two days off go so fast??? :) 

I don't know about you but I truly love to feel badass! :) Life tends to stink at times and make us worry and stress and feel anything but badass. But you can decide you want to feel awesome, badass, cool, and just have everything together despite life trying hard to make you feel like crapola!

First you can start your day feeling grateful. Compared to many places in the world, we really don't have it so bad. Feeling grateful for your life (Despite the ups and downs) can be a great start to that badass feeling we all want. And if you are trying to make a lifestyle change, be grateful you have the tools (healthy foods, a floor to exercise on, access to water) to make it happen. 

Try to work on patience. This is something I strive for every day. I have two high-energy little boys who fight like cats and dogs some days. I miss them like crazy when they're gone and then play ref the time they're here. I sit there thinking "Why does this happen??" lol! But it's just part of having children. That sibling rivalry will happen forever. That dynamic of fighting all the time but protecting each other from outsiders is also common. I had that same relationship with my big brother. So I do keep that in mind when they fight a lot. 

I also work to accept, forgive and just let go. What is the quote? "Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone; you are the one who gets burned" - Buddha. I really feel that's true. I'm not an angry, unforgiving woman at all. I try very hard to learn from everything. I don't want certain people in my life and I'm not happy with what's occurred but by being angry and stressed by it, then they are getting what they want. I refuse to allow that to happen. They just aren't worth it! And they're behavior is a reflection on them. Not us. Just let go. :) 

Be true to yourself. Figure out who you are and go with it. Self-discovery and self-awareness can be an amazing thing. Even with the "flaws". By being aware of these things and knowing who you are, you can better create the path to badassness! When you stop the judging of others, overactive mind, worries, control, and the peer pressure to be something to make someone else happy...you will help to clear the clutter that is blocking the way to being you. I know this sounds a little corny..but it's just true. Be YOU. It's a pretty amazing thing to suddenly realize who that is and embrace it. You tend to discover who your true friends are in the process as well. And those that truly care about you will show it and be there. Anyone else....didn't really have your back, did they? 

These are just a few ideas to help you  achieve the feeling of being "Badass". There are some days I feel that and some days I feel like a silly girl. But I get back up and keep on going. What are ya gonna do?? Right? 

Alright..time to get up and around. Enjoy your day and feel awesome!! 

I love this song!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! Time to Say Goodbye! 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

The importance of LIGHT ...when we see darkness.

Hi guys! Welcome to the weekend! 

I hope you have something fun planned. I don't know about you but the Summer is flying. It always seems to be the way but this year especially seems to be going by at a greater speed than previous years. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe just being super busy all the time? It is mid-July already!

I have been so tired the last few days. Maybe the weather. The heavy humidity, etc. That and taking care of my boys and working full time! Guess I have a reason to be tired. haha! Also, Wed evening my little guy fell asleep around 6 pm. He is so busy during the day, running around outside, swimming...and following dinner and bath he just conked out and I could not wake him. So that meant he woke up about midnight full of energy and tossed and turned for a long time and kept me up in the process. 

My meals have been somewhat boring lately I guess. Just the norm. Easy peasy things to eat despite the heat making me not want to eat. A lot of yogurt and bananas for breakfast, lunch is salad and dinner is often a smoothie and then some popcorn with my boys. And munching on nuts in between. The cool thing about this stuff is it leaves me feeling fantastic and full of energy. 

I think there are times during the year we need a bit of a lift. I call changes in my life that resulted from my decisions a "Life lift". I am still in this lifting process and think life really is an ongoing lesson. I feel like everything happens for a reason. Good and bad. All these things happen to teach us. And you can choose to learn and grow stronger from these life lessons. See just what you're capable of. What good is wallowing in self-pity? :) 

So if you're feeling low and in limbo...and sluggish and yucky and just know you need a change but aren't sure where to begin or how...and are feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information and plans and really just have no clue on what to do, sometimes just focusing on your health and energy level can be the best start to change. It's OK to put your health high on your list. As I've said, if I'm not healthy and strong, what good am I going to be for my boys? 

Sometimes just a detox can be a great way to kick start some change. By committing to detoxifying your body for a period of time, you are setting the tone for what is to follow. When you do something like that and the effort involved, you are more likely to stick with it. I have talked about the food cleanse I do on occasion just to sort of kick-start my body a bit. 

Drink that amazing spiced lemon water first thing in the morning. Adding a bit of cayenne or turmeric to the warm lemon water is only going to add to the "de-yuckifying" of your body each morning. Try to do this a few times a week. 

Regarding what to eat or drink. Forget all the confusing rules or focusing on juice or eating a specific item. Just eat clean for a week. When you cut out all processed foods and the foods that seem to be a cause for many allergies (some of which are unknown to us), you can jump start your health and life lift! Avoid all dairy, soy, wheat, sugar, meat, alcohol and packaged foods(Items with more than one ingredient). Focus your liquid consumption on water, lemon water, teas, etc. I know this seems a little hard in this day and age but the Summer is the perfect time for this as many fruits and vegetables are in season and are cheaper and amazing. This can also force you to get a little creative and get out of  the monotony of eating the horrible foods that we eat out of convenience. By day 5 or 6, if you aren't feeling amazing, I would be shocked. And once you realize how food can make or break your energy...it's hard to go back to crap! 

Get up and sweat. Sweat the ick out! This one thing will do wonders for how you feel and look. Try yoga. This is a wonderful way to work your body and to detox your mind as well. Part of that "blah" feeling people get at times is the result of all those physical, mental and emotional moments that like to kick our butt some days. That causes a disconnect between the mind, body and spirit. This can manifest into fatigue, emotional stress, physical pain, chronic stress and illness. By learning to clear your mind through exercise, meditation or any other outlet, you can do amazing things for your health and mindset overall.

Take those detox baths I've talked about. I know a bath in Summer isn't refreshing but a detox bath is an amazing way to suck the yuck out of your pores, sooth aching muscles and help you sleep better. 

The days I can get a great workout in followed by a detox bath, great food...and lots of snuggles and laughs with my boys.....I rest my head at the end of the day feeling so amazing. I often can't keep my eyes open. My body is telling me to rest and rest well and is thanking me for treating it so well and is going to reward me by recharging my system as I rest. 

And if none of that works and you need a reason to open your eyes, gain a new perspective and clarity for the life you live, then watch this. Watch the entire thing. If you can without feeling a new purpose then there might be something wrong with you!! :) Malala's Birthday Wish. 

Have a great day and weekend! 

xoxoxoxo
Tam 

Life's a Peach

Hi there! 

Happy Wednesday! Many of you are half-way through your work week. Niiiiice! :) 

Well the weather the last couple of days has been tolerable at least. Hot but has felt like Summer...as opposed to hell. Sunday was so hot the a/c in my car and home was struggling to overcome it! I really hope all of you are being careful with the heat. Drinking plenty of water and using sun screen and just taking a break from it. 

Last night, dinner was salad and some sushi. Perfect in this heat! 

The weatherman on the news just showed a photo of the weather and humidity for today and it said "A bad hair morning". Ha, we have a comedian on our hands! Anyone with any bit of curl in their hair....are all appreciating the warning. I think waking up as Chaka Khan is a better barometer. :p 

I was just thinking about my trip to Italy years ago. We went around this time. It was closer to late July into the first bit of August. Very hot but so much fun.  I went with my friend Luann in 1998. Wow, cannot believe it's been so long but that trip to this day remains one of my favorite trips of all time. She says the same. We were young, silly, and just winged it. I am a huge history nerd so I was like a kid in a candy store. She said my jaw dropping upon seeing The Colosseum for the first time was priceless. We had stepped out of the subway in Rome and it was right there, looming over us. And the Sistine Chapel is amazing. Everything over there is. The food is awesome, the people are cool, the sites are breathtaking.....it's just a great trip and I highly recommend going if you've never been. And I got proposed to twice! haha! 

Soooooo, it's peach season! July into August and even September is the perfect time for these juicy little balls of awesome. If you aren't bending forward at a 30 degree angle with arm raised up to avoid being drenched in peach juice while eating it...then it's not a good peach! :) 

Peaches are from the rose family and are related to both the apricot and the almond. Wow, awesome relatives! And they are high in vitamin c and a good source of potassium and fiber. And they are just delicious. Here is a recipe for grilled peaches. Ahhhhh! Grilled Peaches with Balsamic but whether you're making jam, canning the peaches or putting them in muffins or cobblers, enjoy! And eaten by themselves they are a little bit of perfection. And here is a recipe for salmon with grilled peach salsa. Yum! Peach Salsa Salmon  And Spinach, Quinoa and Peach salad. Perfection on a plate, I'd say! Spinach,Quinoa and Peach Salad. If none of these look good to you then just do a search for peach recipes. And of course there are a ton of them on Pinterest! 

And in the same theme but off topic...(hmmm!).....I may be Princess Peach for Halloween this year. My boys are thinking of doing the Mario and Luigi thing. Oh boy! 

Have a lovely day everyone!

"We keep searching and searching when everything is within us" - Don Miguel Ruiz

And leaving with this. Back to my Italy story I guess. Some of you may associate it with The Godfather. But it's one of my favorite classical pieces. So romantic! And just beautiful! 

xoxoxoxo
Tam