♥ March Favorites 2013 ♥

These are my March favorites, I would love to see the things you were loving in March as well. Leave a comment below or a video response :)

Products mentioned:
1. Mario Badescu - Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion
2. Maybelline - Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
3. Vitabath - Dreamy Pink Frosting Body Wash
4. L'Oreal EveryStyle Energizing Dry Shampoo
5. Treat - Soft Candy Vanilla Buttercream Organic Aloe Souffle 
6. Treat - Banana Cream Lip Balm
7. Lush - Coconut Deoderant
8. Lush - Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask
9. Rimmel - Match Perfection Concealer
10. Revlon - Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in " 180 Pink Pop"
11. Stila - Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
12. e.l.f. - Small Stipple Brush
13. e.l.f. - Blending Eye Brush
14. L'Oreal - Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara
15. Virgil's - Zero Root Beer
16. Wholly Guacamole - 100 Calorie Packs
17. Chobani Greek Yogurt

Follow Me!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/minusthesugar

Instagram: http://instagram.com/melissamatteo

If you want to see what the L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara wand looks like, watch below

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, all products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. I own all rights to this video.

I ♥ Spring TAG!

I'm so excited about the I ♥ Spring TAG, I think it is adorable, and I thought it was really fun to shoot.  Missglamorazzi came up with the tag, and if you want to see the original video you can watch it here: youtube.com/missglamorazzi

I would love for everyone to do this TAG as well, please leave a video response if you do!

If you want to watch my video visit my youtube channel: youtube.com/melissa62010 or watch below

Here are the Questions!

1. Favorite spring nail polish?

2. What is your must-have lip color this spring?

3. Show us your favorite spring dress!

4. What's your favorite flower?

5. Favorite spring scarf/accessory?

6. What spring trend(s) are you most excited about this year? (Makeup, fashion or both!)

7. Favorite spring candle?

8. Favorite body spray/perfume for spring?

9. What is spring like where you live?

10. What's your favorite thing about spring?

11. Are you a spring cleaner?

12. Any plans for spring break or an upcoming vacation?

I'm Tagging:

Ellie Dalton

Elizabeth Bartley

theinsideoutbeauty

Beautiessestials

TheBeautystand

oxLaShawnaxo

Disclaimer: All products were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated.  I am not affiliated with these brands.

Giveaway! Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Well I hope I am about to make your day better because I am giving away an Urban Decay Naked 2 palette! This is a way of saying thank you to all of my subscribers, here are the rules in order to qualify to win:

The contest will close once I hit 150 subscribers, I will make a video announcing the winner, so stay tuned!

Rules for giveaway:

1. Must be a subscriber!

2. Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing in March so far (comment as much as you want, each comment is an entry!)

3. Must be 18 & over or have permission from a parent.

Talk about the contest on twitter and instagram using #MTSGIVEAWAY150

My Acne Cure

Hi guys,

It's Friday!! I am so excited that the weekend is finally here. I wanted to make this video for anyone who is suffering from acne.  I suffered with it, and I still get occasional break outs, but I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks to fight it.  If you are looking for a more natural approach, this is for you!  I am not an expert, so these may not work for everyone, but they are what helped me.

My Tips & Tricks:

1. Heredity- this is the biggest factor that you cannot control, and unfortunately you will have to wait this one out!

2. Don't touch or pick at your face- THIS WILL MAKE IT WORSE! I know that it is annoying to have white heads, but if you pop them, I have noticed that it will spread.  When you pick or "pop" them, you are also damaging your skin and you will leave hyper-pigmentation or scarring behind.

3. Wash your face 2x per day

4. Watch what you eat! - I know there isn't a lot of science to back this up yet, but I know from personal experience that there are trigger foods in my diet that will cause me to break out.  Here is a link that will explain it a little more.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/02/19/172429086/diet-and-acne-for-a-clearer-complexion-cut-the-empty-carbs

5. Drink water - water is the best way to detox your body!

6. Stay away from caffeine - caffeine actually dehydrates your body causing your skin to look bad.  Also, most people do not drink coffee black, there is added sugar, artificial sugar, and/or cream or milk that would be a cause of breakouts.  Take it out of your diet and see what happens.

7. Clean your pillow cases!  Make an effort to clean your pillow cases at least once a week, it may help.

8. Try a free & clear laundry detergent - many laundry detergents contain dyes and perfumes that can be irritating to the skin and may be a source of breakouts for some of you.

9. Stay away from shampoo, conditioner, & body care products with sulfites, sulfates, and parabens - there are so many places that carry these types of products, you can even get them at Wal-Mart example: Burts Bees, Alba Botanica.  I am currently using Vitabath from Ulta, and it smells like cupcakes, yummy!

10. Buy products based on your skin type - It's ok to take advice from someone who has similar skin to you, don't just buy random products, you will waste time and money, take time to research a little bit.

11. Purchase makeup that is acceptable for your skin - Make sure you read packaging! There are a lot of ingredients that can clog your pores, look for OIL FREE & NON-COMEODOGENIC


I hope this helps some of you!!

XOXO
Melissa

Tomorrow, tomorrow....

http://instagr.am/p/WcxG5_xWB8/
Hey guys, tomorrow I will be filming February favorites. I am going to make sure that I am posting a video at least once a week, so stay tuned. In the mean time watch my latest video: " Current simple foundation routine" YouTube.com/melissa62010 thank you everyone :)

Current Foundation Routine

New video uploaded, current foundation routine, see it here:

This is the foundation routine that I use for work or going out with my friends because its fast and easy.  Hope you enjoy!

Products used:

Proactive Green Tea Moisturizer

Revlon Color Stay Oily/Combo Skin 180 Sand Beige

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Palette

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer 230 Fair/Light

Revlon Color Stay Translucent Powder

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder

Thanks for Watching! Please Rate and Subscribe.

Beauty Favorites

Hey everyone! I wanted to do a beauty favorites video because I think that some of the products that I use are different from some of the ones you have already seen. I wanted to give my opinion of them in hope that they might help someone else out who might be struggling with some of the same issues. I want to know if you have tried any of these same products and if they worked for you or not!

Products mentioned:

Organix Shampoo: Awapuhi and Ginger, Macadamia Oil, and Moroccan Argan Oil (not shown) organixhair.com

Hair Oil:
-Organix extra strength moroccan argan oil for dry & coarse hair

-Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

Johnsons Baby Shampoo I found this on Pinterest, here is one of the websites that it is linked to: http://www.kristanlynn.com/2011/05/diy-clean-eyes.html

Alba Botanica ACNEdote: http://amzn.to/ZujP4B
-face and body scrub
-deep pore wash
-oil control lotion
-invisible treatment gel

Burt's Bees Miracle Salve http://amzn.to/UMz1ri

Revlon Colorstay for Oily/ Combo skin, My color: 180 sand beige

Korres Mineral Foundation My color: 03 medium beige

Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder Tartecosmetics.com

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda-07

Treat Coconut Cream lip balm and Soft Candy Vanilla Buttercream (I can't find this one, so sad!) treatbeauty.com or http://amzn.to/YdI5DD

e.l.f. Luscious Liquid Lipstick (Baby Lips)

Almay intense i-color (Onyx)

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara (black)

Z Palette zpalette.com or http://amzn.to/YIYVZJ

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-color face powder

Thanks for reading, have a great day!

Valentines Day Makeup Tutorial

Well tomorrow is Valentines Day and I hope that you have someone to share it with... I will be sharing it with my co-workers and family :(  I made this video if you are going on a date or or spending some time with that special someone, it is simple and easy, and I hope you like it!

Happy Valentines Day! xoxoxo

Love,

Melissa

Forever 21, H&M, and Ulta Haul

This weekend I went to visit my fiance in Indianapolis.  We went shopping while we were there and I wanted to share what I bought with you guys, I hope you enjoy!

Below are some of the products I purchased from Forever 21, you can find them in stores and online

Please let me know if you like haul videos or if you would like me to do a makeup tutorial, or anything else that you would like to see :)

I'm on YouTube!!

Hey everyone, I'm so excited to finally be making videos, please check it out and let me know what you think!

If you want to buy any of the products in my video you can find them at eyeslipsface.com

Watch. Love. Share.

Cake Balls (minus the sugar)

It's good to be back! I have been slacking on my blog posts, so I wanted to get rolling (no pun intended) with these cake balls.  I whipped this batch up this morning, and they weren't bad! I think I can tweak them a little bit, but I want to know what you think!  I'm also working on a vegan version, but I'm having trouble getting them to hold their shape.  Well here we go!

What you need:
1/2 stick of softened salted butter
1 1/2 Tbsp. Xylitol
1 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut flour (I used Bob's Red Mill organic)
1/4 cup spelt flour (I had Arrowhead Mills in my fridge)

• In a mixer combine butter, xylitol, and applesauce until all mixed together, DO NOT beat it!
• Add vanilla and mix with a spatula.
• Add in flour; 1/4 cup at a time, mix with spatula

One all the dough has been mixed together, you should be able to roll it into balls that will hold their shape. 

If you find that the consistency doesn't seem to be right, add in a splash of unsweetened vanilla coconut milk if too thick; or add a little more flour if too soft. 

Place balls in a plastic container and stick in the freezer for about 15-20 min.

While the cake balls are in the freezer its time to make the chocolate drizzle!

You need:
1/4 cup cacao powder
2-4 stevia packets or 1 Tbsp. xylitol ( I like my chocolate on the bitter side, so if you want it sweeter, add more of the stevia or xylitol to taste)
about 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk (I prefer So Delicious)
(optional ) 1/2 Tbsp. butter (softened)

• Add cacao powder to a small bowl and mix together with sweetener
• add butter
• SLOWLY add in milk until you reach the desired consistency

You can either drizzle the chocolate or you can roll the cake balls in it and stick them back into the freezer.

Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (minus the sugar)

I love love love oatmeal raisin cookies!  They are hearty, not too sweet, and if baked correctly, soft on the inside.  Am I making you drool yet? mmm... I can already taste them.  Back to reality, the cookies that most of us are used to are loaded with sugar and extra calories from butter, so I'm going to teach you how to make a healthy alternative (just don't eat the whole batch).  Sweetened with stevia, these are sure to be a hit at your home!

What you will need:

• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 3 Tablespoons Spelt flour (don't level them)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein (I use Sunwarrior Warrior Blend)
• 3 packets Stevia
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• dash all spice
• pinch salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raisins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine all liquid ingredients (leave the raisins for last).  Add the liquid ingredients to the dry and mix well (do not beat).  Once combined, add in the raisins.  Scoop dough onto cookie sheets and bake in oven for about 8 to 9 minutes. Once removed from the oven, let cookies stand on cookie sheet for 1 minute and then place on a cooling rack.  Enjoy!

Protein Pancakes

The first time I made these I couldn't even take a picture because I ate them before I had the chance!  I recently purchased a new brand of protein powder because I was noticing that I was having reactions to whey protein. I decided to turn to an all plant formula and I love it!  I'm sure you can make these with other brands, but I think this one takes the cake.  If you suffer from food allergies like milk or soy, I would give this a shot, it's really good. It's made by Sun Warrior and its the warrior blend in vanilla but also comes in chocolate.  Here is the link to the website, but I bought it at Vitamin Shoppe: http://www.sunwarrior.com/warriorblend/

Here is the recipe, I know that is what you are waiting for:

*The batch will make you about 3 pancakes depending on how large you pour them and how much water you add

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 3 tbsp flour (Spelt tastes great, the second time I made these I used whole wheat, you can choose what you like)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 Stevia packets
• pinch cinnamon
• pinch salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup fruit (I use either apples or blueberries)
• about 1 cup of water

1. Combine all of the dry ingredients into a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl mix together the egg white and vanilla extract
3. Add the egg and vanilla mixture to the dry ingredients and stir (It will be very thick, don't try to mix it completely there wont be enough liquid)
4. SLOWLY add the water until you reach the desired consistency
5. Once you've added enough water add in your fruit
6. Place a griddle or pan on medium to low heat and pour batter (I indulged and used butter to cook my pancakes, but if you use a non-stick griddle or pan you can probably get away without it.  I like how they turn out when I use butter, next time I will try without it)
7. Once cooked serve with syrup, or any topping you like, I used agave nectar.
8. Enjoy :)

You can see how they are browned, this is from the butter, if you omit it they will look like the ones below that were made with blueberries.

This morning I decided to make them without any butter and this is how they turned out:

These were just as delicious, especially with the blueberries!

Let me know what you think!

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 batch
Calories: 290
Carbs: 41 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Protein: 26 grams

*(Remember these numbers will be higher or lower depending on your ingredients, and if you add in syrup.
These numbers did not add in the agave nectar.)

Clean Eating Tuna Salad (minus the mayo)

The thing I love about eating clean is all of the different foods you can mix together to create a delicious meal that not only looks good, but tastes as good as it looks!  Tuna is a great choice for lunch, and this will make you feel full without weighing you down.  Without further adieu this is what you will need:

• 1 (5 oz.) can tuna
• 3 or 4 baby carrots
• 1 small slice of onion (I used red, but you can use whatever you like)
• 1 small slice of tomato diced
• 1 tsp. dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• sprinkle of garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices of Ezekiel 7 Sprouted Grains bread
• 1 or 2 leaves of lettuce 

Drain the tuna and add it to a bowl large enough so that you can mix it.

Shred or cut up the carrots, and dice the onion, mix together.

Dice up the tomatoes and add it into the mix.

Add the lemon juice and mustard.

Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. (I like a lot of pepper on mine)

If you are on the eat clean diet, this is pretty much the only bread that you can eat, and it is tasty!  I am a huge fan of really grainy bread, so this is a perfect match for me.  You can find it in most major grocery stores, in the FROZEN organic section. If your store doesn't have an organic section ask them if they carry it, but it can definitely be found at Whole Foods.  There is no sugar, and you they sell a couple different varieties, check out their website for more info: http://www.foodforlife.com/

You can also add celery or hard boiled egg to the mix, be creative!

Enjoy!

Photos taken by Melissa Matteo

It's Time To Clean Up Your Act

I'm about to go on a little rant.  If you are a regular reader you will know that the name of my blog has a double meaning.  First, I like to give advice without the typical sugar coating.  I appreciate and respect when a person tells me the truth rather than skating around it, so I want to provide the same courtesy to you.  Second, my name implies that I eliminate sugar in my diet.

I have to say that last year (December that is) I had my aha! moment.  Something inside of me clicked and I decided that I was going to kick the sugar habit for good.  I knew without a doubt that I was addicted to sugar, and would even openly admit it, but what was holding me back from quitting cold turkey?  I could say that lack of planning for my new lifestyle and being scared of failure were two good reasons for not following through.  BUT, the main reason was that I LIKED eating sugar, I mean who doesn't?  I liked having dessert and eating wedding cake at work (I work at a catering facility, so if I can divorce sugar, anyone can). I made my realization even before New Year's, although New Years Day I didn't follow my new lifestyle, because I hate New Year's Resolutions (see the previous post).

I have been eating clean for about 2 weeks now, and I have no second thoughts.  Now, it's not "easy" but if you take the time to plan you will avoid failure.  If you are thinking about starting an eat clean diet, you can get a lot of information from Tosca Reno's website: http://www.eatcleandiet.com/  and I would recommend buying her book "Just the Rules".  It's a short read and you can get it straight to your computer, smartphone, or Kindle with the Kindle app for under $6.  Here are a few other websites that I think will help:
http://eatingcleanworks.com/what-is-eating-clean.html
http://www.cleaneatingonline.com/

I love this website, I visit it at least once daily.  It has great recipes!
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/what-is-clean-eating/

Simply put, when you eat clean you eat food that is as close to its origin as possible (aka you want to avoid processed food), and you eliminate white flour and sugar completely.  That usually even means whole wheat bread (gasp!), but there are alternatives such as Ezekiel sprouted grain bread.  All of this you can find in Tosca Reno's book.

I promise that if you are truly trying to lose weight and make yourself healthier, this is the diet for you.  It will work, you will feel better, and you will notice the change in your body.  When you eliminate sugar, your body may go through a withdrawal, mine did and I have headaches for 2 days.  DON'T GIVE UP and DONT GIVE IN TO THE CRAVINGS, you will get over it.  Check this out: http://sugaraddictionspecialist.com/sugar-withdrawal-symptoms/ . If you need to start out slow, DO IT, use clementines to curb sugar cravings, I also used dark chocolate with a high cocoa content because I felt like I was slowly easing my body off of the lethal stuff.  I personally was using Newman's Own Organics Signature Series Super Dark Chocolate  click the link for coupons on their website http://newmansown.com/ .

So this is it, it is time for you to make a decision for yourself.  Are you ready to file those divorce papers, think about what is holding you back.  Make a plan, write down your goals, and find a support system.  I'm always here to help!  It's not to late to change your life!





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

Resolution or Realization?

First off, this is my first blog post of the New Year! Second, I'm getting sick of hearing people talk about their New Year's Resolutions, as I'm sure many people are because it always seems to end in failure (I promise I'm not being pessimistic).  I am so glad that people are willing to make a change in the New Year, it's fantastic, but I think a new approach is in order.  I am no longer going to be using the term "New Year's Resolution" rather I am changing it to "New Year's Realization".

A resolution is a goal that we set for ourselves in hopes that we will continue with it throughout the year.  It is important that we use S.M.A.R.T. goals (hold on a second) along with "realization" in order for us to be successful in this new year.  S.M.A.R.T. goals are one that are: S-specific, M-measurable, A-attainable, R-realistic, T-timely, if you follow this you will have a higher chance of success.

I used the world "realization" instead of "resolution" before, I think it is important that if we make goals/resolutions for ourselves, we need to realize that we need to make a lifestyle change.  If your goal is to "loose weight", I would consider re-thinking the way you state your goal and change it to sound something like: "change my eating and exercise patterns to be more healthy so that I am able to loose and maintain a healthy weight.  I will try to eliminate processed foods whenever possible and increase my exercise". I would follow this up with a S.M.A.R.T. goal.
Side note: If you are looking to loose a significant amount of weight, I would consult a physician to guide you and make sure that you are taking the correct precautions in order to avoid injury.

You can use the S.M.A.R.T. goal system for any "realization" you have this year, it doesn't have to be exercise or health related.  Here are my health related New Year's Realizations for 2012:

1. Continue my clean eating lifestyle that I started in December.  It is a change of lifestyle, not something that I will do for a week, but will continue for the rest of the year.
2. Increase my running mileage.  By March of this year I want to be able to run a 10k, currently I have completed a few 5k's and now I want to push myself to be even better.
3. Each week I want to do cardiovascular exercise at least 3 times per week.
4. Increase the amount of blog posts so that I am able to help people with their fitness and nutrition goals, or any questions they may have.
5. Find a way, other than by blogging and using Twitter, to educate people about health and wellness.

Utilize a buddy to keep you accountable & use all the tools you can get your hands on.

If you are looking for a way to keep track of your calories and exercise, I love this website :

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ it's FREE :)

I hope that everyone has a healthy and happy New Year!

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

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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

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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