Getting After My Intentions: Published Health & Wellness Articles Around the Web

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Good evening lovely ladies…hope you’re all warm & cozy! I’m currently at Starbucks cozied up with a cup of hot Earl Grey with a steamed soy topper. It’s my new favorite post-noon drink!

Today I wanted to dive a little deeper into the topic of intentions, also known as dream-catching or envisioning exactly what you want and then GOING AFTER IT.

One of my personal goals for 2013 is to take bigger risks business-wise (i.e. don’t let fear hold me back from asking what I want). I know that I am talented, passionate and have what it takes, however sometimes I let that little voice inside my head take over and pull me  back.

Well, they’ll be no more of that in 2013! While I think it’s normal (and necessary) to go through a certain amount of self-doubt, I also think it’s important to recognize that many of these things we tell ourselves aren’t true. They are just little lies we tell ourselves to keep us safe and protect ourselves from danger i.e. rejection, failure, etc.

I have my mentor Coach Jenn Lee (for lighting a fire under my butt) along with  Gabrielle Bernstein (and her book May Cause Read More!

The Journey to My Happy Weight Sans Dieting

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The other day when I was home spending time with the family, I decided to step on the scale for old time’s sake. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I had lost a whopping 10 pounds from what I was a year and a half ago when I graduated college…by not even trying. I looked up at my dad and said “Wow, why do you think I’m the most fit I’ve ever been in my life? What do you think it is?” He agreed that I indeed looked different, in shape…and glowing. “I know what it is,” he said smirking. “You’re happier and less stressed and in loooooooveeeee,” he said, mocking me.

While I’m most definitely not in love, I have to say he’s right: I am extremely happy lately for a number of reasons. It’s like all of the sudden things in my life are starting to make sense and fall together.

Then this morning I had another big ‘wow’ moment. I slipped on a pair of skinny jeans that haven’t fit me in quite some time, and they slid right on. I felt good, real good.

This is awesome. I don’t have to count calories, watch what I Read More!

Get Rid of That Guilt: Why Skipping a Workout is OK

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This morning, I got up early and headed out to meet my friend at Starbucks for…wait for it…PUMPKIN SPICED LATTES! Yes, they are indeed back and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Not only do I love the flavor, but it makes me ecstatic for the fall season: pumpkins, running outside, not sweating in my 100+ degree apartment, kettle corn, hayrides, apple picking… Seriously, I could go on forever. 

Anyway, as we chatted over our absolutely delicious “fall in a cup” lattes in the park, my friend admitted to something: she felt guilty for skipping her morning run. “I woke up early so I could run before work and then just laid around the house and didn’t do it. Now I’m going to feel guilty the rest of the day.” As I took another sweet slurp of my latte, I reflected on how I’ve been there a million times in the past. Whether I wasn’t “in the mood” to go for a run or skipped a cardio class at the gym due to pure laziness, it’s hard not to feel a little guilty when you skip a workout. I remember in college if I didn’t go to the … Read More!

Finding Your Healthy Passion

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A few months ago, one of my friends came to me in distress. “Rach, I’m just so jealous of you that you have a passion. I feel like I’m not passionate about anything,” she said in distress. “Sure you are. You are one of the most loving people I know, and there are tons of things you enjoy!” “I guess. But I just don’t get excited about anything. I don’t have any true passions.” 

This made me sad at the time, as I wanted her to open her eyes and see how much this world has to offer, and more importantly how much she has to offer the world. It was especially hard for me to understand, because she was right: I am passionate about lots and lots of things; some would maybe even say I’m TOO passionate. So how could my friend not find one little thing to get excited for, to make her feel good about herself? I wanted deeply for her to figure that out. 

Fast forward a few months to this email I received from that same friend: “I’m sure you all know that I’ve ALWAYS bitched about not having a ‘passion’…and Read More!

Healthy…Dudes?

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Lately I’ve been getting a lot of feedback from men. There are those who read my blog religiously, others who enjoy what I have to say about women, and some who just simply like the concept of it and want to know more. While my blog is called “Healthy Chicks” and mostly geared for, well, chicks, I suppose much of the advice I give can be for both men or women, really. 

So for all of you men out there: don’t be ashamed to read my blog and give me suggestions. In fact, I’m flattered that both men and women can enjoy what I have to say. No, I’m not going to change the name of my blog to “Healthy Chicks ‘n’ Dicks,” nor will I suddenly become an expert on the male species, but I do welcome readers of all backgrounds and genders. 

When it all comes down to it, both men and women can follow a happy, healthy lifestyle…and who knows, maybe we can learn from one another? I’ve got to be honest: I’ve flipped through Men’s Health magazine, and actually find it interesting what they have to say about men, health and even relationships. Not to mention … Read More!

Friday Shenanigans: What's On My Mind

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Today was a pretty random day, hence making for a pretty random blog post. I started my day off amazingly with a nice 3-mile run in the sun with my best friend, followed by an even more amazing breakfast that consisted of an egg white omelet with veggies and feta and two pieces of Ezekiel toast (I guess it was more like brunch since we ate at 11 a.m.) Anyway, I then threw on my cute, new sundress for a meeting at Panera, only to be graced by rain later this afternoon. (Go away Earl!) Now I’m sitting here on my couch half-soaked, hair a mess but still ready to write, write, write. Random, I know. Alas, five random thoughts on my mind this lovely, rainy Friday evening…

1. People Watching : Seriously, I think this is one of my favorite hobbies of all time. This afternoon I went to a cafe, ordered a large iced coffee, then parked myself on a window-side stool facing the busy streets of Boston. I not only got to write and enjoy my deliciously perfect coffee, but I also got to observe hundreds of interesting people walking by. From construction workers who stared at … Read More!

The Power of One Little Compliment

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Today when I was ordering my food at Panera, the barista caught me by surprise. While normally it’s just the usual place your order, fake smile, take the buzzer and go, today was different. “I absolutely love your dress,” the woman said. “It looks so cute and comfy!” Not only did the lack of robotic communication take me by surprise, but I was also completely flattered. She then continued by telling me the salad I ordered was a good choice, and that I seem like one healthy girl (little did she know I’m a “Healthy Chick” after all). Anyway, back to the point: this stranger’s simple compliments completely made my afternoon. And they weren’t even over-the-top or extravagant in any way. I walked back to find a seat beaming in confidence, just because of two little nice lines from a stranger.

This got me thinking about how I wish we saw more of these kind exchanges more often in life. Too many times throughout the day, I see people frowning and looking completely pissed off, or watch as people blurt out rude comments without thinking. I see it every day in line at Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. Yelling. Shouting. Snide, … Read More!

How Pilates Can Turn Your Life Around (Feature Interview with Jennifer Blaine of Jennifer Pilates)

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I have to admit: While I consider myself a health and fitness enthusiast, I know very little about Pilates. I tried a class a few years ago at my local gym and boy was it a challenge (in a good way of course). Let’s just say every participant in the class was 100% ripped (especially the instructor), and my abs hurt for the next three days.

However, that one little class is the extent of my Pilates knowledge. But there has got to be more to it than that! After all, magazines rave about how it’s the most amazing workout for your body, and celebrities swear by it. So what is it that makes this exercise so darn great?

Since clearly I don’t know the answer to that, I interviewed Pilates instructor Jennifer Blaine of Jennifer Pilates to find out more about this mysterious, miracle exercise. With studio locations in Boston and on Cape Cod Jennifer truly does live and breathe Pilates. Alas, I’ll give the floor to her…

RC: When were you first introduced to Pilates?

JB: I was introduced to Pilates in 1997 after being in a car accident in Boulder, Colorado. I had such severe internal tissue … Read More!