Keep Reading for a more "Healthy" than Beauty Review
I'm using the Tools4Wisdom 2015 Planner 
($29.95) to keep track of my fitness goals. Even with all the diet apps and digital notes writing down my workouts helps me to stay on track better. This planner is very simple and goal oriented. I'm using this one just for health but it would be useful for documenting any daily goals you might be perusing.
($29.95) to keep track of my fitness goals. Even with all the diet apps and digital notes writing down my workouts helps me to stay on track better. This planner is very simple and goal oriented. I'm using this one just for health but it would be useful for documenting any daily goals you might be perusing.
Goal: Most importantly to be healthy...and lose 25 lbs!..but I'd take 20..and 30 is like wedding weight goal. After successfully keeping off much of my initial weight loss for over 5 years, "love weight" and health issues made that bouncing 10lbs. creep to 20 to 30. Very frustrating especially when I hadn't fallen off the wagon. Weight is a constant battle I will have my whole life and I know I'm not alone in that. A "goal" weight is necessary to have but that's not where a journey ends nor what determines success :) I'm keeping my loss goal at 1.5 lbs. a week.
Exercise: 6 days a week with BeachBody + Pug walks & outdoor activities.
Exercise: 6 days a week with BeachBody + Pug walks & outdoor activities.
Diet: Low carb/Low sugar/high protein. This is just what works for me and it doesn't feel like I'm dieting while eating this way. I limit carbs to under 50 a day sticking to whole foods and avoiding refined sugars. Calories between 1200-1600.
The Myfitnesspal app and website is what I use for tracking my food and exercise throughout the day. Of the few I've tried myfitnesspal is the most accurate and easy to use. The community boards offer a lot of useful advice and the exercise challenge groups keep you accountable.
Fit Tea 28 Day Detox
*Whenever I start a new "way of life" I like to do it with a cleanse. Fit Tea was sent out to every blogger/vlogger/and their Sister. I didn't care, I like tea and a good cleanse and if it helps me lose a few well hallelujah.
- Fit Tea Lowers Hunger for Up to 4-6 Hours. Purifies the Body from Waste and Toxins
- Made From the Highest Quality 100% Herbal Ingredients. Fatburner
- Boosts Metabolism and is a Natural Appetite Suppressant.
- Helps to Get Rid of Excess Water, Helps to Reduce Stress, Supports Immune System
- Pleasant & Smooth Taste, Highly Effective, Works Great for Both Men and Women.
Fit tea is a loose leaf that you drink every morning for 28 days to cleanse the body and rev up the metabolism. It tastes great and I really enjoy it in the morning to start the day out on the right track. I've been drinking this daily for one month and have lost 6 lbs., though it is hard to attest if the tea contributes to weight loss while also eating healthy and exercising. There was no suppressed appetite or accelerated weight loss but I did feel less bloated. A tea isn't going to make one fit but I like the ingredients and the taste is enjoyable. After 28 days I still have about 1/4th bag left for another cleanse. My thoughts after this detox are mixed, fine tasting tea but way over priced at $55 for a basic cleansing/weight loss tea.
BeachBody Work Out DVD Videos
I became a Beach Body DVD junkie this past year. I started with INSANITY
last January. Yes..started with INSANITY. INSANITY
is the hardest workout I've ever done in my life. I felt like a freakin ATHLETE. Something I've never felt like in my life and so accomplished after finishing it. If you want to start out with something a little less intense try Shaun T's FOCUS T25 
. Twenty-five minutes is easy to fit in to any schedule and is a good workout for beginners to advanced. My favorite of BeachBody is Chalene Johnson, her positivity and encouragement makes you feel great after finishing your workouts. Like your BFF. I've been doing Chalene Johnson's PiYo 
for Jan/Feb and then starting Turbofire in March if any one wants to join me. Can't say enough great things about these workouts and there is no way to make excuses about not going to the Gym when the Gym is your TV :)
The Flex Belt Flex System Abdominal Toning Belt
*The Flex Belt is the first Ab Belt cleared by the FDA for toning, firming, and strengthening the stomach muscles. With The Flex Belt, you can train your abs even if you're too busy or too tired for a traditional workout. Just slip on the comfortable toning ab belt and the clinically demonstrated, patented medical-grade technology stimulates the nerves that make your muscles contract and relax. As a result, you get an effective abdominal workout that targets all the muscles in your abdomen – all in just 30 minutes a day.
during workouts and love how it sheds water weight and corrects your posture. FlexBelt takes it to the next level by working your abdominal muscles. I definitely feel my stomach muscles being activated. Now, I don't EVER predict seeing my stomach muscles but the strength you feel in your core with this is noticeable. My abs were even slightly sore at the start. I was convinced this would be a gimmick but I can feel it working and love using it daily when I'm on the computer or doing stuff around the house. It can't hurt right? If you already have a toned stomach I think you'll see visible results with it.
Whenever I am limiting my food choices I feel its important to get in extra vitamins and supplements. I take the One Daily Women's multi-vitamin for no reason other than it doesn't make me nauseous. IHERB is where I get most of my supplements, great prices and fast shipping. On top of the multi I add an Omega 3, Vitamin D (because it's grey errryday here), and a good pro-biotic like Hyper-Biotics Pro15
. I'm also trying out VOUS Vitamin *. This is a pretty cool concept because you take a quiz addressing what your needs are in a vitamin and they create a personalized vitamin for you. Vous also has little packs of situational supplements for when you might be feeling low on energy or sickness coming on.
I started with Organic Bursts about 6 months ago but strayed. Can we say A LOT of pills. You really have to commit yourself. Having felt so healthy while consuming Organic Burt Supplements I was ready to start up again.
Spirulina promotes a healthy immune system, cognitive function, healthy heart and weight loss. It is a source of highly absorb able protein that makes you feel fuller longer. While the iron helps you fight tiredness and fatigue.
Chlorella is detoxifies your system, especially useful after nights out when you may have indulged a little too much with food and alcohol. Makes a huge difference in preventing hangovers!
Get the "Party Bundle" ($72.68) at Organicburst.com
Navitas Naturals has an excellent selection of superfoods in varying forms that are all very high quality and tasty. I like to use the Organic Raw Chia Seeds
in yogurt, smoothies, and chia pudding. The Organic Raw Cacao Powder
makes amazing hot chocolate and protein shakes. It tastes nothing like sugar laden hot cocoa, there's such a rich depth of chocolately flavor to it. Navitas also has some really yummy healthy snack foods for on the go when you get hangry.
*
RAW Fit is a USDA Certified
Organic, RAW, plant-based vegan high-protein powder that is an easy way
to increase your protein intake. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor
that mixes great with your favorite food or beverage and contains RAW,
organic and clinically studied ingredients to help you burn fat,
maintain healthy blood sugar, boost your energy, lose weight and look
great!
- Support healthy blood sugar levels and burn fat naturally with the power of Svetol® Green Coffee Bean Extract, RAW Food Created Chromium, Organic Cinnamon, and Organic Sprouted Grains
- Help regulate your cortisol levels and manage stress related cravings with RAW Organic Ashwagandha
- Build lean muscle mass, help repair it after work-outs and sustain it on a sensible meal plan with 28g of RAW certified organic plant protein-a complete protein with 13 organic sprouts and a biological value of 98.2%!
- Naturally filling and satisfies hunger with RAW Organic Soluble and Insoluble Fiber from certified organic grains, seeds, legumes and fruits
- Promotes healthy and comfortable digestion and elimination with live probiotics and enzymes
The Raw Fit Marley Coffee flavor is now my morning Starbucks iced coffee replacement.
Blended Ice Marley Coffee :
1 cup Silk Almond Coconut Milk (optional: add 1/2 cup brewed coffee)
1-2 TBS. Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder ( For Mocha, leave out if you want coffee flavor)
A drop or two of Nu Naturals Stevia if you prefer a sweeter drink
Handful of Ice
Sprinkle of Gluten Free Xantham Gum (this is a secret to making smoothies and shakes creamy and eliminating that icey texture).
Blend it up
optional: Top with organic coconut milk whipped cream
Serve in a Beer Glass?...hey its the right size and frosty!
Raw Fit keeps me full until I have a late breakfast or lunch. I usually substitute this shake for a meal or post workout snack. I prefer the Raw Fit because it includes so many ingredients beneficial to weight loss and stabilizing blood sugar like Chromium, Cinnamon, Fiber, & live probiotics. I also like the addition of Ashwagandha to regulate stress levels which is often a contributor to my weight gain. Having a shake like this feels like such an indulgent treat I almost forget its healthy! Raw Fit also comes in Original, Vanilla, & Chocolate flavor.
Artificial sweeteners get some flack, but for me they are useful in my diet in minimal amounts. I live in Seattle, the capital of Starbucks delicious calorie bomb coffee drinks so temptation is every where. I switched to making my own coffee in the Keurig and flavoring them with Jordan's skinny syrups. Saves a bizillion calories and money too. The holiday flavors are amazing! I bought every one... salted caramel, peppermint mocha, gingerbread, and pumpkin spice. My morning coffee is my "me-time" and it keeps the sweet tooth satisfied. Jordan's also makes alcoholic drink mixers which are awesome too.
Garden Of Life Organic Plant Protein
is
a Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified plant protein
supplement that is different to any other protein in the Garden of Life
line. Organic Plant Protein is uniquely formulated to have superior
taste and texture, ideal for anyone looking for a clean protein
supplement that is free of common allergens such as gluten, grains,
dairy and soy.
is
a Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified plant protein
supplement that is different to any other protein in the Garden of Life
line. Organic Plant Protein is uniquely formulated to have superior
taste and texture, ideal for anyone looking for a clean protein
supplement that is free of common allergens such as gluten, grains,
dairy and soy.
Key Benefits:
- Unique Protein Blend - Organic Plant Protein is made with a new different innovative blend of certified organic proteins which gives it an exceptional smooth and creamy texture... with no gritty texture
- Tastes Delicious - Designed for superior taste and texture when mixed just with water. Available in 4 mouth-watering flavors...Smooth Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Smooth Coffee (with Marley Coffee) and Smooth Energy (with Guayaki® Yerba Mate and added vitamin B12). All flavors are natural and organic, no artificial ingredients are used. Also tastes incredible with 8oz unsweetened almond milk.
- Grain Free and Gluten Free - all Garden of Life proteins are labelled gluten free, however Organic Plant Protein is unique in that it does not contain any grains or brown rice, and is therefore the only GOL protein that is considered both grain free and gluten free.
- Highly Digestible - Organic Plant Protein delivers highly digestible grain free plant protein with 13 enzymes and 1 billion CFU of probiotics. This is important for those people who have difficulty digesting grains.
. This protein powder is free of many allergens, gluten, and grain free. A lot of protein powders can be chalky but the Organic Plant Protein has a much smoother consistency. It blends up creamy and delicious with out any grittiness. Vanilla is so yummy and versatile, but my favorite is the Smooth Chocolate because it actually tastes like chocolate and not cardboard. Hard to find in a protein powder!
and whirl it up. Beauty benefit..this stuff makes your skin look amazing! 
Nutri Ninja Blender Duo with Auto-iQ
*A smoothie or protein shake is not done justice without a good blender. I can not do shakes stirred, blending makes a a world of difference. My original Ninja has been going strong for YEARS even with daily use. When Ninja sent me their new Nutri Ninja with Auto-IQ Blender I couldn't wait to see what advancements they've made to an already awesome blender.
The duo includes two sizes of blending cups that you can place right on the system as well as a large blender pitcher. What is awesome about the Auto-IQ is the settings. There are five auto and three manual settings so you can set specific blending controls. It will also blend and shut off when done so you can set it and come back when its ready.
The Auto-IQ Ninja is a fantastic blender. You get creamy results even with ice or tough greens. Smoothies are so quick to make with the presets and being able to take the cups straight from the blender to the car is super convenient. Cleanup is also easy too with it being dishwasher safe.
H20..Water, water, and more Water.
Good old H20. Getting at least 8 glasses a day. I like to keep a Brita Water Filter Pitcher
filled with cold water in my fridge so I know how much I have to drink in a day. When I'm on the go I use the BPA free Brita Filter Bottle
with a filter inside. 
*This scale by Taylor goes way beyond your average bathroom scale. It syncs right with your smartphone (Iphone & Samsung) apps. The scale has a daily calorie feature, which calculates maximum calorie intake needed to maintain your current weight. This scale comes with a goal setting and tracking feature. The goal setting feature allows you to set a definitive weight goal that you want to reach. The tracking feature will track all of your statistics every time you step on the scale.
This scale estimates body fat, body water, and muscle mass. Being able to see your percentages this way instead of focusing just on a number is so helpful not to mention freeing to the mind. I found out that I have more muscle than fat and even though I've got lbs. to lose my body fat is in the normal range. It makes for a much more accurate way of looking at your body composition than just a frustrating fluctuating number.
I hope you might find some of these things beneficial if you're also trying to become a healthier you in 2015 :)
* products sent for review consideration
