Green Tea Frap

I have been really craving a Green Tea Frappuccino from Starbucks... but since I decided to start eating clean making the trip was a no-go.  Instead I used my brain power to use what I had in my cupboard to try to make an imitation.  I had some Tazo green tea (part of my Christmas present, thanks to my future mother-in-law) which is the same brand used at Starbucks.

• 1 Tazo China Green Tips tea bag
• 8 oz. hot water
• 1 scoop Jay Robb Vanilla whey protein
• ice (add as much as you would like)

Allow the green tea to steep in the water for 5 minutes, and then allow it to cool.  Ideally, put it in the fridge over night so that it is completely cold when you add it to the blender so that the ice doesn't melt as quickly.

I use a magic bullet blender (http://www.buythebullet.com/) because it is easier to clean up and you get the perfect amount.

Add all of the ingredients in, and blend until it sounds like all of the ice has been chopped up.  If you notice that you put too much ice in, add a little bit of water and it will thin it out.

Mine was a little watery, I should have added more ice, as you can see.

I was surprised that this turned out like it did.  I was a little disappointed that it was thicker, but I am going to try this again and see if I can improve it.  

Next time I am going to brew 2 tea bags in a smaller amount of water so that the green tea flavor is more concentrated.  Since I made this spur-of-the-moment, I didn't have all of the ingredients I would have liked, so  next time I am going to try making this with soy, almond, or coconut milk hoping that it gives it a thicker consistency.  Adding the alternative milk will also enhance the flavor of the green tea.  Next time I go to the store I will pick up these items and post the new concoction.  

Give it a try and see what you think.  If you have any suggestions let me know :)

You can order Jay Robb protein here: http://www.jayrobb.com/protein/Whey-Protein-Vanilla.asp 

it is also available at the Vitamin Shoppe and GNC

If you are looking for Tazo tea it can be found at most Target and Starbucks stores

Enjoy!

Sugar sugar, ah honey honey

Maybe Winnie was onto something...

If you haven't used honey lately, now is a good time to start.  Honey offers many benefits including: improvement of skin, hair, cholesterol & diabetes, and healing of wounds. It's a cough suppressant, boosts the immune system, and the list goes on and on.

Did you know that honey can be used as an antibiotic because it kills bacteria?  

Honey is an excellent alternative to sugar, just bee (sorry I couldn't help myself) careful that you don't add too much, as honey is packed with calories.  If you want some healthy recipes using honey, check out: http://www.recipe4living.com/articles/our_top_10_healthy_honey_recipes.htm

The obvious way to use honey is to consume it, but it can also be applied topically.  I use honey on my skin, the only downside is the stickiness, I love the way it makes my skin feels and I notice the difference it makes the next day.  Did you know that honey can be used as an antibiotic because it kills bacteria? If you suffer from acne, like me, honey may be a good treatment for you because it draws the bacteria out of the acne sore!  I find it best to put the honey on at night and leave it on when I sleep.  If you want something less sticky check out this video from make-up artist Kandee Johnson

Let me know what you think.  How has honey benefited you?

Sources
Benefits of Raw Honey: http://www.livestrong.com/article/259549-benefits-of-raw-honey/
Eggs-cellent Mask: http://youtu.be/LqBUm0txdhQ
Honey as an antibiotic: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630111037.htm

Copyright (c) <a href='http://www.123rf.com'>123RF Stock Photos</a>

Diet Advice: What you really need to know about your favorite diet drink

Everyday we are bombarded with health information through TV ads, magazine articles, and even radio commercials. "Natural", "made from real sugar", "no sugar added", "moderation". Now, I know the term "natural" is thrown around a lot, so let's define it first. There are so many times you see "natural" on the front of a box or bag, turn it around only to find that you can't pronounce the names of half of the ingredients. According to mirram-webster.com natural is defined as, "existing in or produced by nature : not artificial", and artificial is defined as man made.
America is obsessed with calories. Many people buy items that say "diet" or "sugar-free" in hope that they will lose weight. Little do they know that these product may be making things worse. Most beverages, mainly sodas, are made with artificial sweeteners which allows them to have 0 calories. 0 calories will help you to lost weight if you are monitoring the rest of your calorie intake, but drinking a diet soda will not make you lose weight. You may have seen the word aspartame, saccharine, acesulfame potassium, or sucralose in your favorite diet drink. All of these are the scientific names for the artificial sweeteners found in many products on the shelves of our grocery stores. Many times these are derived from natural sources, but through chemical processes are made artificial. According to the FDA aspartame has been linked to sudden death syndrome, seizures, irregular heart beat, weight gain, and many more. It has been referred to as a neurotoxin, and many of these symptoms have arisen in young people who are healthy. For more information visit: fda.gov
I'm don't want to scare you, but as a consumer you need to be informed about the items you are ingesting. I personally try to avoid any foods that have been modified through chemical processes. Products labeled "diet" and "sugar-free" give the impression that they are better for your health. "Diet" items usually mean low or no calories, which will aid in weight loss if used correctly, but is that worth sacrificing other components of your health? The choice is up to you, be smart, do your research, if something is artificial, there are most likely side effects. Over the next few posts, we will discuss alternatives to artificial sweeteners that will not compromise your health.

Check out this article from Men's Health about diet soda, it will surprise you!:
http://news.menshealth.com/the-truth-about-diet-soda/2011/07/07/





http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Diet/story?id=4271986&page=2

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Nana's Cookies

Its impossible not to be skeptical when you hear of a cookie that's made with no refined sugar, no eggs, no dairy, and gluten free.  In your mind your thinking "sounds like a cardboard tasting disaster", and what else would you expect when other cookies you've tried, that are missing the same ingredients, have all tasted the same... horrible.  Well, I can assure you that these cookies are anything but horrible or cardboard-tasting! When I'm craving something sweet, Nana's cookies come to mind. Now, I'm not allergic to gluten, but I try to stay away from processed sugar as much as possible, and I know that Nana never uses refined sugar and I'm not compromising taste for a healthier alternative.

Nana has formulated a few different flavors, and there is bound to be something for everyone.  Gluten free flavors include, chocolate, chocolate crunch, lemon, and ginger, and there are even more flavors in the original and no wheat variations. If you're looking for a treat for your kids, you can definitely spoil them with Nana's.  I guarantee you'll get addicted!

For more information on Nana's check out the website:

http://www.nanascookiecompany.com/index.html#2

Here's the Skinny on the Skinnygirl Margarita

Well, I guess I'll start out with a confession, this was my first margarita...ever! (Gasp!) Now, I'm not really a drinker, I've grown to dislike beer more and more, and every now and then I like a froo-froo drink, but I'm not a fan of all the sugar (hmmm...). So I've been searching for something to fit me... DING DING DING we have a winner!  I guess I'll make another confession, the first sip I took didn't exactly strike my fancy, but as I sipped again it grew on me and has been growing on me ever since!  This is now my favorite drink! Hats off to Bethenny Frankel, who not only made a tasty concoction but also created a drink that won't hurt your waistline.  Bethenny chose to use agave nectar to lightly sweeten the Skinnygirl Margarita, which I was ecstatic about since I'm not exactly the biggest fan of sugar. Now that summer is fast approaching, you want to look good in your bikini and wont have to compromise your weight loss with this drink.  The Skinnygirl Margarita has the perfect blend of flavors, and isn't too sweet or too bitter... and how cute is the bottle?!  If your looking for something new, or just want a healthier version of the classic margarita, you've got to try this.

 Check out the website to find out where the Skinnygirl Margarita is sold near you!
http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com/locate.php

Kombucha

Kombucha (kom-BOO-cha) has been thought to have been around over 2,000 years, where it was created in Asia during the Tsin Dynasty.  Kombucha is, "a fermented yeast enzyme tea... a probiotic, microbiologicalfood.  It helps regenerate the bowel flora and is excellent for wellbeing". (kombuchacultures.com) Originally, Kombucha was created for people to become immortal, but that's not exactly what it's used for today.  According to Synergy Drinks, the most popular brand of bottled Kombucha in the US, the fermented tea is said to support, "digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, and healthy skin & hair".  I have a fairly sensitive stomach, and when I first tried this I was skeptical, but I love it! I've been drinking GT's Kombucha for about 5 years, and every time I drink a bottle I feel cleansed.  The drink is also great for people like me who have lactose intolerance, I'm able to get probiotics without the side effects of dairy.

I've been drinking Kombucha for a while, but only recently did I come across an article from The New York Times, A Strange Brew May Be a Good Thing, about home fermenting their own Kombucha, and even selling it on Craigslist!  According to the article, many people are against the drink because of toxic substances found in the home brewed editions.  So... I would suggest sticking to a bottled brand like GT's.  Check out the Synergy website for more information: http://www.synergydrinks.com/home.aspx

I'm thinking...thin

School is out for the summer, but I'm not done thinking.  Maybe these should be named ThinkGenius because of how smart these bars are!  0 grams of sugar, 20 grams of protein, gluten free & they taste like a candy bar, no joke!   If you're not a fan of white chocolate, have no fear! There are 9 other ThinkThin flavors to choose from: chunky peanut butter, creamy peanut butter, brownie crunch, chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate espresso, tangerine cremesicle, & lemon cream pie. 

Lizanne Falsetto (CEO) has created a delicious line of protein bars, crunch bars, and 100 calorie bars, while always trying to keep her products low in sugar, high in protein and gluten free. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!
Check out all their products at: http://www.thinkproducts.com/2011/

The Vitamin Code

Are you taking a multi? If not, you should be, and I'm not talking about chewing one of your kids' gummy vitamins.  Everyone should be taking a multi-vitamin everyday, but because there are so many to choose from it may be difficult.  I too was confused about what I should be taking.  There are many store brand vitamins that seem "good enough", but do I want to settle for less than best? NO! My mom (p.s. mom knows best) introduced me to Garden of Life Vitamin Code multi's and I haven't used another brand since!

(Photo property of GardenOfLife.com)

If you visit their website you can see the list of ingredients they put into their multi, and you will be in awe.  The makers at Garden of Life have done an extraordinary job of creating vitamins to fit both men and women for all age groups.  (Psst... and they have chewable vitamins for children)  Jordan Rubin has created an exceptional company that offers tremendous amounts of wholesome products.  

You can find these great products at your local Vitamin Shoppe 

Vitamin Shoppe Store Locator
 OR
Through the Garden of Life website
http://www.gardenoflife.com/Home/tabid/1974/Default.aspx

Dairy and Sugar Free Pancakes

I was craving something sweet and I love breakfast for dinner, so I decided to make pancakes! I'm not a fan of store bought mixes because of all of the unnecessary processed ingredients so here was my first attempt at home-made pancakes, and I have to say that they were pretty good!

What you will need:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 scoop Jay Robb Vanilla Whey protein
• 3/4 cup almond or coconut milk (I used vanilla flavored)
  
• 2 egg whites
• * 1 tsp Vanilla extract (if you are using unsweetened almond or coconut milk)

add 1 cup whole wheat flour to a mixing bowl.  (I used a locally made flour from a farmers market, but you can find whole wheat flour in the baking section or in bulk in stores like Whole Foods)

 

Add 1 teaspoon baking flour to the bowl and mix with flour.

 

 

Incorporate 1/2 scoop of Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein to the flour and baking powder mix.

Stir in 3/4 cup almond or coconut milk, making sure it is mixed in completely.

Add 2 egg whites and whisk together until everything is combined (add vanilla here if needed)

Cook on a skillet over medium heat, spray with natural cooking spray if needed.

Enjoy with Agave Nectar, or maple syrup. If you buy syrup, make sure that it is non-processed, and is pure maple syrup with no sugar or added ingredients.

Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, I hope you are having a great day with your friends and family celebrating the risen Christ. Make sure that you treat yourself today, but don't over indulge! I can't lie, my favorite candy is a Cadbury egg and I only get them once a year, so I think I'll have one today ;) other than that I need to make sure that I don't stray too far off the beaten path!
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Quick lunchtime snack

Well I'm a fan of peanut butter, but... I love the flavor of almond butter. My snack today was extremely simple and it was around 210 calories. 6 crackers with 1 Tablespoon of almond butter. I use MaraNatha organic raw almond butter. You can find the brand almost anywhere including some Walmart stores! Try this out next time you want a change from peanut butter.

http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ExecMacro/nspired/maranatha/home.d2w/report
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Milkshake (minus the milk)

This was so good, and I drank it way too fast!

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 small banana
• 4 large frozen strawberries
• 1 scoop Jay Robb Vanilla protein

Nutrition Calculators

If you're curious to the amount of calories in your sub or burrito, check out these two websites. They let you customize your order so you know the exact nutrition facts of what you're eating!  This is really helpful because you can plan on what you are going to get before you go in so you know exactly how much you will be consuming.

http://www.chipotlefan.com/index.php?id=nutrition_calculator

http://www.nutritionix.com/subway/nutrition-calculator

(The Nutritionix website has a lot of major fast food chains, while the chipotlefan website only has Chipotle food)

Today's Simple Smoothie

Here's my simple smoothie that I made post-run today, hope you enjoy it too!

• 8 oz. Unsweetened almond milk (I use Pacific Natural Foods Brand)
• 1 cup frozen peaches (365 Whole Foods Brand)
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein (I prefer Jay Robb Vanilla Whey)
• Blend until creamy smooth

Sugar on The Week

Sugar has made its way into the news two days in a row in a not-so-sweet way. Yesterday in The New York Time, and today in The Week. Check it out here.
http://mobile.theweek.com/article/slideshow/214352/is-sugar-a-cancerous-poison

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Sugar synonymous with Poison?

Check out this article from the New York Times about sugar and its toxic effects.
http://ow.ly/4CMrN
Ads on tv explain that sugar is OK in moderation, but are we really eating it in moderation? I believe that people think they are eating it in moderation, but they don't realize how many of the products they are consuming actually contain sugar (which includes high fructose corn syrup). It is clear that our country has an epidemic of obesity, and the main cause is food.
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Weekend Victories

How was your weekend? Hopefully there were a lot of victories! I was very pleased with my eating habits this weekend.  It is very hard for me to stay on track during the weekends because I work at a catering company.  I have learned to bring my own salad dressing and take advantage of the good fruits and vegetables available to make a hearty salad.  I am surrounded by fried, buttered, oiled, and fried again foods, it is so difficult to keep away from it all.  I have to remember that while it looks appetizing now, it is going to give me extra calories and push me further away from my goals.  Keep at it, and remember that today is a new day and you get to start fresh.  Make the right choices and choose healthy treats.  Protein shakes are great because you can make them with all different kinds of ingredients.  I love having a protein shake for dessert because I know that it is helping to shape a better me.

Low in Sugar S'mores Bar

This looks so good, I have to check Whole Foods next time I'm there.  How can you pass it up? It's dairy free, vegan, and its low in sugar! As soon as I find it, I will try it and let you all know how it tastes! 

 http://theprobar.com/products/halo/smores/

P.S. This is part of a new line of bars from ProBar named HALO, check out the other three flavors on their website!

Dairy Free "Ice Cream"

My yummy snack for today! I love ice cream, unfortunately I'm lactose intolerant but Turtle Mountain has found a fantastic solution. Their coconut "ice cream" is so good you won't want to go back to traditional ice cream. Check out all of their products at http://turtlemountain.com
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Simple Low Calorie Lunch Smoothie

Today my lunch was a smoothie, and I didn't have a lot of time so I whipped this up. I hope you like it too!

• 1 cup Pacific Natural Foods Unsweetened Organic Low Fat Almond milk
• 1 cup Whole Foods frozen blueberries
• 1 scoop Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein
• Blend until smooth

pacificfoods.com
http://www.jayrobb.com/
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Fruit-Flush 3-Day Detox from Jay Robb (Day 1)

Last night I was on the Jay Robb website checking out "The Jay Robb Plan" which contains 3 steps: Shape Your Thinking, Shape Your Eating, Shape Your Body.  Under the eating portion of the program, I came across a detox developed by Jay Robb.  I've been frustrated lately because I have had intense cravings for sweets and carbs, and this detox claimed to help with these kinds of issues along with many others.  The Fruit Flush 3-Day Detox book only costs $5, and you get the book instantly with the download, I figured what do I have to lose?!  I bought the book, and was really excited to start the program.

Today I started the detox, and I have to say that it's not bad at all! I've tried other detoxes before and they were less than pleasant, but this one I might actually enjoy!  The plan has you eating often, to keep you from being hungry, which was my biggest concern because I hate feeling hungry!  So far, everything seems to be working well.

Check out the Jay Robb website for more information jayrobb.com.

Counting Your Calories

ACE has an awesome calorie calculator, use this to figure out how many calories your burned during your workout! http://bit.ly/hSwDpo
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Don't Set Yourself Up For Failure!

I once heard someone say, " I only run when I'm chased by someone or something", and for a long time I adopted that philosophy as my own.  I'm sure there are many of you out there probably have the same feeling, and most of you probably have the same reason.  Most people believe that they can't run, they look at "runners", compare themselves to them, and then set them selves up for failure because they expect to be like "them".  I've always wanted to be a "runner" because they always made running look easy.  I would lace up my shoes, stretch, and set my mind on running 3 miles.  Right there I set myself up for failure because I'm expected to just be able to do something without working at it.  Running takes practice!  I would always start running, and even before I hit 10 minutes I would stop and walk because I felt like my lungs were going to collapse (I know I know I'm a whimp right?).  The best thing to do, and I learned this from a professor, is to keep going*! Everyone has the initial pain and burn in their lungs, but that is because your body hasn't adapted to the stress placed on it, it needs time to adjust to the increase of oxygen your body needs to keep going.  I now have worked my way up to running 2 miles without feeling like I'm going to die!  Keep at it, work at a pace that's good for you, even if you are alternating between walking and running.

*Ask your doctor before starting any kind of exercise program, and if you are feeling severe pain or dizziness stop and call your doctor.  It is important that you understand your limitations.