Ringin' in the New Year

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So I was just chatting with my best friend about New Years, and we both suddenly got super excited regarding the fact that 2010 brings an entirely new decade. 

I usually dread New Years, as the drop of the bell usually puts me into a semi depressed state, as yet another year goes by being a single girl, sans kiss at midnight. It’s hard not to become just a little bit saddened by all the happy couples smooching, dancing and gallivanting around the room as the clock strikes midnight, as I stand awkwardly on the side in my pretty little dress.
But, NO, this year is going to be different. I’ve decided New Years isn’t anything to fear. Instead, it’s something to look forward to, as a new year entails new adventures, experiences, people and opportunities. It’s a time to continue on with the goodness in your life, as well as start fresh with all the things you’d rather leave behind in ’09. 
Enough of those stupid, cliche, generic New Year’s resolutions to lose 10 pounds, exercise more or eat less chocolate. 
Rather, why not make it the year to travel and explore more often, spend more time with friends … Read More!

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Stop Counting Calories Already: They Are Actually Good For You!

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The other day while devouring my large Chicken Schwarma dish with rice and salad from my new favorite Mediterranean restaurant, I got to thinking about calories.

The reason being is that two years ago, I wouldn’t be able to consume a large (but, healthy) dish like that without feeling immense guilt, while simultaneously counting how many calories I was consuming. “Ugh, this has 300 calories in it. Now I’ll have to work these off immediately!” I used to think to myself. 
Instead, these days I now think as food as something delicious, something I need for energy, considering I am a very active, healthy young woman. 
Too many women these days think as calories as something that will in turn make them fat. We count calories, analyze calories, and curse calories, wrongly believing that they are evil and will pack on the pounds. 
I myself used to go as far as writing down every piece of food I put in my mouth, psychotically counting up the calories, in fear I would gain weight. At one point, during my unhealthy eating phase as a freshman in college, I wouldn’t allow myself anything over 1,100 calories. . . 1,000 was pushing it.  … Read More!

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Quick Question of the Day: How Often Should I Weigh Myself?

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Q: How often should I weigh myself? 

A: 
Well, I actually have two different answers to this common question, since it depends on the type of person you are. 
I say, go ahead and weigh yourself once a day, that is if you do it in a sane manner. If you choose this method, you need to understand that weight fluctuates depending on your hydration level, how much you eat the day before, whether or not you are PMSing, and how active you were the day before. 
For example, if you ate really crappy and are about to start your period, your weight is naturally going to be a little higher than usual. 
So if your weight goes up 2 pounds one day, down 3 the next, you’re still staying in your range. However, if suddenly your weight sky-rockets up 5 to 8 pounds one week, you’ll know you need to either cut back on those extra sweet treats at night or up your workouts a bit.
So, if you can understand the causes of the ups and downs, you are a candidate to be one who hops on that scale daily. 
For those of you who will drive yourself … Read More!

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Quit the Jealousy: It's Not Pretty!

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As women, we master the word jealousy a long way back, from the first day we begin kindergarten and are introduced to BOYS. It’s just innately in our blood. Throughout life, we are jealous of other women’s boyfriends, other women’s jobs, and other women’s lives in general. 

And I don’t know if it’s just me, but lately I’ve been observing a lot of women jealous of other women’s bodies. It seems everywhere I go I overhear yet another woman complaining about her body, idolizing or wanting to look just like her girlfriend. “Ahhh. . . if only I could be your size!” “I wish I had your legs,” “God I hate that you can eat all that shit and still be a size 2!” 

These comments tend to come up left and right: at the corner coffee shop, on the T, at work, etc etc. My goodness, enough already ladies! These unnecessary negative comments are literally ringing in my ears all day long, giving me a headache.
I’m not going to lie. I myself went through a phase where all I did was compare myself to other girls, wishing I had what they had rather than accepting myself. But … Read More!

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BORED? Don't Be a Baby: Change up Your Workout Routine This Holiday Season!

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So, yesterday I was bumming around the apartment, contemplating what time to go to the gym, when my roommate suggested we try taking a group fitness class for a change. I immediately thought, ‘great idea,’ for I knew if I just went to the gym it would turn into yet another run-of-the-mill workout: boorrringgggg. 
I’ve always been an advocate for changing up your fitness routine, but lately since I’ve been pressed for time, I haven’t really been following my own advice. I admit it: I’m guilty. I used to be so diverse, taking a challenging step class one day, running 3 miles outside the next day followed by yoga the following day, etc. etc. But lately, I’ve just been plane old Jane, getting stuck in a rut.
Anyway, I took the hour long spinning class with my friend, and it felt great to do something different for a change, challenging my body in a different way. Granted, the instructor wasn’t that great and the music was a mush of horrendous of songs gone wrong, I still had a good time and definitely wasn’t as bored as I’d be on the elliptical.
So I challenge you to do something … Read More!

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Sweet Potato and Apple Pie

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My Aunt Cheryl brought this savory dessert to Thanksgiving this year, and I just HAD to ask her for for the recipe. It was such a big hit that night that there were barely any leftovers for the next day. This may not be the healthiest of healthy dishes, but it’s definitely better than most sugary, fat-laden desserts. And it has organic apples and sweet potatoes in it for goodness sakes!


-2 medium organic apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced
-about 2 to 2 ½ cups(three medium) sweet potatoes(baked & cooled)

-2 eggs lightly beaten (substitute egg whites/egg beaters if you’d like!) 
-1 ¼  cups light cream 
-1/3 cup light brown sugar
-1/3 cup organic cane sugar ( *my aunt used a bit less light brown sugar…and a bit more cane sugar for a total of 2/3 cup)
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

-Your Favorite pie crust (But honestly, this pie was so darn delicious, you could make it crustless if you’d like!) 


1. Arrange the thinly sliced apples on the bottom of the pie crust (or on the bottom of the dish if you choose to make it crustless!)

2. Peel and mash the sweet potatoes.

3.

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6 Ways to a Happier, Healthier YOU

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Today I got to thinking about the little things in life that simply make you a happier, healthier, more content person. You know, the little things in life we sometimes forget to make time for. The best part is, none of these things are very time demanding at all.  If you take a few extra moments a day, you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling life! 

1. Friends: Yup, surrounding yourself with lots of friends actually benefits more than your social life. Studies show that the more friends and social networks you have, the happier you are… and happiness ultimately leads to a healthier YOU. I’ve always been a firm believer in this, because my great grandmother lived to be 99, and had more friends than anyone I know. Up until the day she passed away, she had visits left and right from close friends and family. So, embrace the social butterfly in you and it can benefit your health in more ways than you may think!
2. Making lists: Not only can lists motivate you to accomplish daily tasks and goals, but they can also make you feel a lot better about yourself! Lists don’t always have
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Tips for a Thinner Turkey Day!

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Thanksgiving is coming in just 2 days, and I’m already getting all giddy about it, as it’s hands down my favorite holiday. For one day a year, all my family comes together to eat good food, drink good wine and be merry! But just ’cause Turkey Day is known to make you overindulge and feel the need to unbutton those pants, doesn’t mean it has to be a day of gluttony. Here, 7 tips to make this years Thanksgiving just a tad healthier. 

1. Go for a morning run! Sign up for a Turkey Trot in your neighborhood, take a morning spin class at your gym, or just go for a light jog with your family. Starting your day off on the right track will make you feel much better throughout the day!
2. Eat breakfast! Many people fast before the big meal because they know how much food they are going to be eating. However, that’s actually counterproductive. Instead, go for a healthy, light breakfast like fresh fruit with toast and nut butter, or an egg white omelet. This will keep you satisfied until Thanksgiving meal is served, and you’ll be much less likely to overindulge.
3. Fill up … Read More!

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