Vanilla Protein Balls

I was looking for a little sweet treat to keep me on track without derailing my progress.  I came across these yummy Vanilla Protein Balls.

I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Six Quick Tips to Navigating the Holiday Parties

The Season is coming.... parties, parties and parties. Do you know that the average person can gain 5-10 pounds in just a couple of months?

Oatmeal Cups with Raisins and Walnuts

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 large bananas, mashed
1 Tbsp. raw honey
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
11/2 cups unsweetened cashew or almond milk
1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts
1/4 cup raisins

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Prepare twelve muffin cups by coating with spray. Set aside.
3. Combine eggs, extract, bananas, and honey in a large bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Combine oats, cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium bowl; mix well.
5. Add oat mixture to egg mixture; mix well.
6. Add cashew or almond milk; mix well.
7. Divide oat mixture evenly between prepared muffin cups.
8. Top evenly with walnuts and raisins.
9. Bake 26 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Refrigerate after cooled.

1/2 Yellow    1/2 Purple   1/2 Blue

Skin Care for All Ages

As we get older, I feel people need to know that skin care is so important.  I asked my Esthetician to give me some pointer on skin for all ages.  I would like to share with you her recommendations for proper skin care:

Skin functions best when you know less is better. Skin is the largest involuntary organ on the body, best to understand; you don't take care of it, it takes care of you at all stages in life! The skin's main functions are quite impressive and amazing. Just to name the obvious, it's main functions are to regulate the temperature of our bodies, protect all our tissue, muscles and organs by keep everything intact and wrapped and to be our armor against an ever changing environment. 

Simple steps that should be taken at different stages in life are quite simple and rather effective in keeping the skin balanced and functioning properly are as follows: 

At all ages in life, nutrition and water intake are always key components! The more greens incorporated into the diet starting from a toddler to our golden ages will always play a major role in producing antioxidants that ward off "free radicals" that break skin down. It will also aid in digestion keeping our intestines functioning properly and ridding the system of all kinds of waste.

Teens to young adults should constantly be aware of avoiding too much sugar/salt as it can lead to hormonal imbalances (the body has enough of that going on already at the age with puberty) causing acne. Also, "picking" at the face should be avoided not to spread any bacteria though out the face and during those years it is vital to drink plenty of water and to be consistent with washing especially at night time! Gel washes or daily scrub washes containing a Salicylic Acid are best at this age both AM & PM, usually moisturizing only 2-3x week AM only.

Young adults to mid 50's should maintain a healthy diet by ensuring greens are incorporated on a daily basis at least once a day. Also, a nutritional supplement (vitamins)  should be added to the diet containing all the key minerals (A,B,C, D, E, K). Last but not least, maintaining some type of physical activity to release stress that causes cortisol that stimulates the sebaceous glands that secrete unnecessary oils. And as always, wash at night; foam washes are best at this age, exfoliating 2-3x week at night only and avoiding any night time moisturizer. A day time moisturizer containing a SPF is vital during these years. 

Over 60 all of the above apply. Most likely our bodies have slowed down,  and no longer producing lipids and the skin barrier begins to begins to loosen and break down. Therefore, it may now be time to switch to a gentle wash in the form of cream washes, cleansing in the PM only and rinsing with clean cloth, hot water in the AM. Most likely a day & night time moisturizer will be needed.

I hope this helps!!

7 Easy Steps to Preserve Fresh Fruit

How many times have you bought fruit on the weekend and forget about it until mid-week?  I have and thrown out fuzzy and smelly fruit.  No more.

Oatmeal - So Many Choices?

I hear people talking about oatmeal (steel cut, instant and rolled oats), what’s the difference?  

21 Day Fix Marinara Sauce

Simple and Easy Marinara Sauce  

21 Day Fix Extreme Meatballs

Looking for a tasty turkey recipe that you can use for several meals??

Cleaning your microwave can be easy and chemical free!!

Even though I clean my microwave once a week, I never felt like it was clean. I never found the courage to look on the ceiling of said device ;).

Easy and Tasty Steak Recipe

I wanted to create a recipe that would have "heat" but was great tasting and could be adjusted for anyone looking for a healthy meal. This recipe will yield five servings.  

Team Beachbody vs Weekly Meetings (My Opinion)

During my journey to weight loss, I literally tried everything.  I joined WW four times.  Twice I went to the weekly meeting weigh-ins and twice the on-line version.  In defense of WW, I did lose weight but never learned to keep it off long term.  I now know the reason.

Team Beachbody vs Prepared Foods (My Opinion)

Is Team Beachbody better than prepared food delivered to your home?

During my journey to weight loss, I literally tried everything including both the preserve and fresh food delivery.

Storing and Freezing Vegetables for Meal Prep

Preparing and storing cut vegetables can streamline your meal prep and cut cooking time in half.  After chopping vegetables, they are easy to store for snacks or cooking.  Many cut vegetables freeze well which can help you prepare a fast and easy meal during the week.

What is nut butter? Can it help me lose weight?

The best nut butters are those that are made with only the nut.  No added sugars, little salt, no hydrogenated oils or artificial ingredients and of course organic is the best.  Nut butters need no refrigeration and will not spoil.  Store opened nut butters in a cool, dry place and use within three months.  You can also refrigerate. Types of nut butters:  almond, walnut, sunflower and cashew.   Though good for you one must eat in moderation.  Nut butters can be good for your bones, heart and overall health.

Are your friends and family allies or foe in your weight loss journey?

Supporters in weight loss are
important of your success!

In order to succeed in changing your health and well being, you need your family and friends to have your back.  When you feel you are slipping, a support system needs to be in place.  They can help you stay on track by making the right choices.  Be upfront with your goals because the more people that you have supporting you the more success you will have.

Counting Macros vs Container System

When I started to become serious about weight loss, I started to count macronutrients (macros).   I know it might seem overwhelming but believe me it’s worth the effort.  I never realized how important tracking Macros were to achieving your weight loss goals.

Free Five Day Clean Eating Group

We all know that losing weight and getting healthy is hard but it can be done!!

For people who do not know me, I tried everything from weekly meetings to fresh and packaged food delivery.  What is the difference between Team Beachbody and other groups?  We offer daily support through a closed Facebook group.

Knowing your why!! (Keeping Positive)

How many times have you tried to lose weight?  Two, three, ten times?  Even if you were motivated and on track, sometimes life gets in your way.    To avoid going off the rails, it’s important to “know your why”?  You have probably heard that before and if you were like me, ignored it…..

Beginner Tips to Becoming Healthy

Exercise

Start off slow but be consistent.....

• Invest in a Fitbit or another device for tracking steps.  This will help with self-motivation.  Believe me when you hit that 10,000 step mark you will be proud of yourself.

Guide to Healthy Choices in the Supermarket

Going to the supermarket can be your worst enemy!! 

Get to know your supermarket and make a plan of attack.  We have the power to decide which foods to buy at the grocery store.  Avoid the aisle that have the foods that will throw you off track (junk food - chips, candy or  cookies). Bring a shopping list (planning ahead is key).