When I went to Italy two summers ago, I was completely shocked when I sat down to eat dinner the first night. The food they served was nothing like the “Italian” food I was used to in the U.S.: huge portions of pasta and pizza loaded with creamy sauces, pounds of cheese and grease.  Rather, the food was prepared simple with Extra Virgin Olive oil, a small amount of cheese and delicious, fresh Italian spices.

“Now this is real Italian eating,” I thought to myself. I actually felt wonderful because it was easy to eat healthy, effortlessly. (I can’t say that about most pizza I’ve indulged in back home.)

 I’ve heard similar stories of people who have been to Spain, China, Mexico, and various countries around the world where they learned what healthy, authentic eating was all about. “If only we could eat this way back at home,” many say to themselves.

            But, fortunately you can. You don’t have to travel across the world to enjoy a country’s cuisine the healthy way. If you put some thought into the restaurants you choose and the food you order, you can bring that pure, ethnic flavor to you…guilt free.

            Below are some … Read More!

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When you’re at a buffet like Whole Foods or a salad bar at a restaurant, fill your plate with 75% green, leafy vegetables. Then top the rest with a lean protein like tofu, lean grilled chicken breast or nuts and seeds. This will keep you full longest and help you from piling your plate with fatty comfort foods like mashed potatoes and french fries. But if you want a bite or two of something indulgent: go for it; just take a scoop. 

            You’re aggravated beyond belief. You’re doing everything you possibly can to lose weight and get in shape but the scale isn’t budging and you still can’t zip that pair of pants you’ve been trying to squeeze into. What’s wrong? Don’t worry, there is nothing seriously wrong with you. Actually, a few small tweaks to your daily life can make all the difference. Here are 5 sneaky things making you fat, and what to do to overcome them!

1.   Stress

The Problem:

Yup, you got that right. All the hustle-bustle and stressful thoughts filling your mind may be keeping you from loosing weight. Studies have shown that stress produces a hormone called cortisol, that may lead to weight gain when too much of it is produced.

Also, when we become stressed, many of us are inclined to crave certain foods-and a lot of them. Whether that’s French fries, donuts, or a big bowl of ice cream, many of us look to food to solve our problems. We’ve all heard of what emotional eating can do to our mind, and our bodies.

What to do About it:

Don’t worry, you aren’t doomed. First of all, try to take a breather once in … Read More!

We’ve all been there. We get so busy that we tend to forget the really little things in life, the things that if we took a little time to do, we’d be much happier…or healthier. So, I put together a little list to remind you of the things you may want to remind yourself to live a more peaceful, wholesome life.

           A few weeks ago, a friend of mine came home from a long day at the mall.  Excited to hear about her new buys, I asked in anticipation what clothing items she had bought, only to find myself shocked by her answer. “I didn’t buy anything,” she replied. “WHAT?! Nothing? Not even one dress? One shirt? WHY?” I asked, confused. (Yes, I admit when I go to the mall I come home with 5 bags but that’s besides the point.)  “’Cause nothing fit me in my size,” she responded. “And there is no way I was buying clothes in the next size up!”

            After that day, I really started thinking about size and how today’s society today defines everything by size. It’s as if size defines the person, or brands them in a way. There are the tiny size “0” model-like types, the petites, the “average size 8s” and the “plus-size” crew.

It’s funny how that tiny little number on the tag holds such a great amount of meaning to some people. After all, it’s a measly strip of nylon! And, yes, I’ll admit that I myself have been a culprit of this ridiculous thinking. I once refused to buy … Read More!