Healthy Chicks

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When I was in college, I had a whole lotta stomach problems. I’d constantly feel bloated, and found it nearly impossible to lose weight although I was eating “healthy.” One night in particular comes to mind. All of our roommates were hanging out snacking on cheese and crackers, veggies ‘n’ dips and wine, when I felt a terrible pain in my stomach. It had felt like I’d eaten an entire Thanksgiving meal; I literally had to unbutton my jeans. Yes, it was that bad. My poor roommate and her boyfriend didn’t know what to do so they rushed me to the supermarket to get Tums and chocolate-flavored laxatives to ease the pain. And while my tummy started feeling a tad better, I knew it was time to look into what the hell was going on. 

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I’m a big fan of doing things that save me time. After all, my time (and your time) is precious so why complicate life any further by doing things that are going to take away our time? When you find yourself saying, “Now if only I had more time in the day…” ,”I just have no time to_____” or “I’m soooooo busy with my new job. I never have any time!” first of all, stop. You are being annoying, and it’s not true. You do have time; really I promise you do. And second of all, maybe it’s time to reconsider how you are are spending your time and do something about it! If you’re anything like me, you want to relish every waking hour, minute and second of your day, so here are some time-saving tricks for the busy lady who “doesn’t have any time”. 

Save Time During Your Workout: This is something a whole lot of people struggle with. “I don’t have time to go to the gym, so I just won’t go,” is something I hear every day. Do you really not have any possible time to squeeze in a workout, or do … Read More!

Confession: I just had a cappuccino paired with a chocolate gelato for lunch. Confession #2: I’m not guilty about it one bit. It was totally worth it. It’s not every day I meet with an old friend in the North End for “lunch,” so I was going to go all out and get what I really wanted. Well, neither of us were feeling lunch, so we told the waiter, “Um, dessert menus please?” Now that’s what I’m talking about. In a cozy cafe packed with people eating chicken parm and pizzas, the two of us were in our own blissful sweet heaven. 

The gelato was extra rich and oh so decadent, and the cappuccino was non-comparable to any cappuccino around. The North End is where it’s at. Needless to say, I scraped every last bit of chocolate goodness and slurped up every last drip of coffee. No, I’m not feeling guilty. When you treat yourself to a good meal, there’s no need to feel guilty about it. There’s also no need to say, “F*ck it, I’m going to eat shit the rest of the day now.” Instead, enjoy the moment and move on with it. Don’t obsess about food. Don’t … Read More!

Yesterday was one of those days I thought, “Damn it’s cool to be a blogger.” When people ask, “But how do you pay your rent?” (um I have a part time job too), “Don’t you get bored?” (nope…not one to sit on the couch all day), or “You’re so young. Give the corporate world a chance…” (no thanks), days like yesterday make it all the more clear to me of why I love to do what I’m doing so darn much. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Not a lot of people I know get to write all day long (my #1 passion), surf the internet doing social media (something I’ve grown quite fond of), and wonder the city of Boston daily. Oh and free food and fun event invites definitely doesn’t hurt!

But back to the point. Yesterday I was invited by the kind people of Healthy Habits Kitchen to come check out what exactly it is they do, and let me tell you it’s pretty darn cool! Oh, and look how adorable it is inside…

[lounge area for tastings & events]

[look at all that food!]

Well now that you’ve got a little virtual … Read More!

I just got off the phone with one of my best friends from college. It was so good to hear her voice, shoot the shit and catch up with everything  going on in our lives (let’s just say, that’s a lot). In the midst of our discussion on our latest love interests and Halloween costumes, my friend mentioned she’s  been doing P90X with a few of her roommates and friends. “Oh, and we’re also eating super healthy. Lean meats, lots of veggies and fruits. It’s great.” WHAT?! From someone who used to eat loads of bagels, processed foods and Manwiches (ha), I couldn’t have been more thrilled about her new, healthy lifestyle. 

She explained to me that with her hectic job (working 40 to 50 hour weeks) and social life, she finds it hard to eat healthy and exercise. The trick? Grab a few friends to motivate you! Now that her entire apartment is on the same “get healthy” page, it’s so much easier for her to incorporate healthiness into her lifestyle. Every night, the entire apartment does 90 minutes of exercise together, they cook delicious wholesome meals together, and motivate one another when others are slacking. It’s the … Read More!

The other day, I decided I want to dedicate one day a week to cleansing my body. No, this doesn’t mean I’m going to fast or go on one of those crazy cabbage soup/grapefruit diets. I don’t do diets (anymore). Every day I hear/see/read of young women who “have to go on a diet” and it makes me go crazy. No, you don’t have to go on a diet. Fueling with healthy foods? Yes. Devoting more time to exercising for the mind and the body? Sure. Cutting out carbs and sugary treats once a week? Fine. But saying you have to go on a diet sounds miserable.  

I’ll let you in on a little secret: diets don’t work. Seriously. Sure, you may lose a couple of quick pounds to look slightly better in your too-tight dress…for one night. But wouldn’t you rather live a healthy lifestyle where dieting isn’t a part of it, and you look and feel good all of the time? If you say no to this, then sorry I can’t help you, but if you are nodding your head yes, then stay tuned. 

I used to be one of those girls who “had to go on a … Read More!

1. Throw on a cute fall outfit:tights+boots+fall skirt+scarf=my go-to trendy fall outfit. It makes me feel fall-esque and that I love. 

2. Go buy your most favorite coffee or tea from your fave coffee shop (or have your dad buy it): My dad bought me a black pumpkin spice coffee and I added in my own chocolate soy milk to make it the perfect fall drink. Buy your perfect drink! 

3. Light a yummy fall/winter-y candle: Light up that Jack Frost candle you’ve been saving for winter, or a yummy pumpkin or apple pie scent. Your house will smell of happiness in a few minutes. 

4. Go for a long walk/run sans music: I went for a 40-minute walk this morning, and although it was a little chilly for my liking, I loved being by myself with no iPod, simply soaking up the fall scenery. Gotta love foliage!

5. Search for festivals in your area: This post is extra-short ’cause we’re about to go to the APPLE FESTIVAL! It’s an annual festival in the neighborhood I grew up in, with anything and everything fall! They’ll have apples, pumpkin butter, kettle corn, crafts and music. Sorry to cut you short but … Read More!

Today was one of the most beautiful fall days in Boston, making me oh so giddy about October! I simply love the month ’cause it utterly, 100% breathes fall. September still has some hot days, and November sometimes brings snow, so I like to hold onto October for as long as I can. So go ahead, embrace the month of October for all that it’s worth. But do so the healthy way! Here some little ideas to get you through: 

Support the Cause: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so start supportin’. Participate in local 5Ks or half marathons that support the cause, host a “Passionately Pink for the Cure” day in your office, where all donations go toward finding a cure for cancer, and get involved with local volunteer groups! Oh, and take care of your bod (and your boobs)…it’s the only one you got and you want to keep it nice, fresh ‘n’ healthy! 

Get Poppin’: There’s nothing I love more in October than some freshly popped kettle corn. It simply screams fall, and I just gotta have it! However, while the kind they serve up at the fair is oh so tempting (and oh so … Read More!