Healthy Chicks

Something I really struggle with, which I’ve talked about on the blog before, is unplugging. I have a tendency to want to go-go-go all the time, and often put pressure on myself to get it all done. In a world of technology overload, I find it incredibly challenging to just pause and be (without checking my iPhone two minutes later).

So when I was given the opportunity to join one of my Boston bestie’s — Cara Gilam’s — “Revive, Refresh, Retreat” day-long yoga getaway last weekend, I knew it my heart I had to sign up. I needed to do this for myself, for my soul. And so I did…I cleared my weekend plans and make a big decision to make myself a priority for the day. After all, I so deserved it.

We met early in the morning at lululemon chestnut hill, where we immediately went into a 60-minute vinyasa flow to get our blood flowing. After breakfast + much-needed coffee (no shame!), we were given gift bags with little goodies and all the deets on our secret destination. Our gift bags were adorable + personalized with our names on them! They included:

• a japa mala bag for holding

Is it just me, or did winter absolutely kick your butt? There’s something about the cold weather that makes ya want to stay in bed a little longer, work out a little less, find comfort in comfort food, oh and those darn sniffles! While the first snow fall + holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, clearly you can see I’ve had enough.

It’s time to show winter what’s up and take care of yourself again! And while spring is still 23 days away, there are little things you can do right now to make you feel your best self again. (Trust me, the birds will be chirping in no time!)

1. Get your beauty sleep: I mean it. If you’re like me, winter has probably taken a toll on your body. In fact, I’m pretty certain I have mild adrenal fatigue due to stress, late nights and my go-go-go mentality. To combat this, I’m working on getting to bed at a decent hour (by 10 p.m. or earlier would be ideal to start!) and resting when my body is asking for it. Naps are totally underrated and can be everything. If you’re having trouble falling asleep … Read More!

One month ago, I posted this on instagram:

“I weighed myself for the first time in over a year today. (I broke up with the scale years ago as I used to be the one who weighed myself 5 times a day + obsessed over calories.) Anyway, the number on the scale showed that I gained about 8 to 10 pounds since our last encounter.

Old me would have cried, gone on a new diet + then binged on peanut butter at midnight. New me took a deep breath + felt a sense of relief. Maybe I weigh a bit more, but I’m happy in my body. I’m healthy. I’m in a loving relationship. I have my kale and my cheese…my wine and my green juice. I’m me. I’m a woman. And guess what, in a few months from now I may weigh 10 pounds less…or 5 pounds more. And that’s OK. Because really, who the hell cares? All that truly matters in the end is how you FEEL. ❤”

I left the gym that cold, wintery night feeling proud of all I have overcome, and shook off the whole weight thing.

Yet lo and behold, about a week … Read More!

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of year, and brings so many fond memories of friends + family like waking up to the smell of fresh herbs & turkey roasting in the oven (because my dad sneaks out of bed to get an early start!), helping my Grandma Carol open cans of corn in the kitchen, and sharing laughs around the table.

There’s so much joy, so much love. That’s what the holidays are really about.

We need to remember to keep that joyous feeling throughout the holiday season, not just on the day dedicated for giving thanks. That’s why I’ve been busy crafting up a fun, interactive holiday wellness program for y’all…which you can do from the comfort of your own home!

That’s right, “14 Days to a Healthy, Happy + Sane Holiday Season” will get you feeling all warm, cozy + sexy inside (without giving up Christmas cookies or grandma’s famous mashed potatoes with gravy!)

The challenge will begin on Tuesday, December 8th and includes:

1. Daily dose of positivity sent straight to your email (even better than your morning pumpkin latte!) with clear action-steps to implement right away for the two weeks

2. Access … Read More!

‘Tis the season of giving — gift giving, family commitments, giving love, putting in some extra hours at work to hit that deadline, you name it. But just as important as giving is receiving, or better known as giving to yourself.

There’s no better way to practice than some good ol’ self care. Here are 21 quick & easy ways to put yourself first this holiday season!

1. Plan a me-cation.

2. Book a massage.

3. Look in the mirror + tell yourself “I love you.”

4. Set your intention for the season.

5. Take a nap (and don’t feel guilty about it).

6. Play hooky.

7. Buy those pair of fabulous boots you’ve been eyeing all season.

8. Cook a homemade meal for one in the crockpot (and relish the way the scent fills your home).

9. Pick one room in your house to re-decorate.

10. Meditate upon waking.

11. Write in your journal before bed.

12. Sleep. For 8 hours or more.

13. Buy yourself a bouquet of wild flowers & put them in a pretty vase.

14. Be “bad.” Eat the darn chocolate chip cookie.

15. Host a wine + cheese night with your gal pals.

16. … Read More!

I was fortunate enough to spend this past weekend at The W.E.L.L. Summit in Boston, a two-day curated event featuring the best of the best in the wellness community. There were top-notch speakers (like Latham Thomas, Kristen Arnett, and Ksenia Avdulova), passion-filled breakout sessions, drool-worthy goodie bags, and a joyous farm-to-table welcome dinner.

Needless today, I was in my wellness heaven. While many folks have now gone back to their home (from New York City to Mexico!) and all that remains from the welcome dinner are the memories, a full tummy, and one candle-lit photo on instagram, I wanted to share with you the many bits of wisdom I took away from my weekend. Enjoy!

1. Build your following by building your tribe: Desperation and trying to be like everyone else will do nothing for your popularity when it comes to social media. In order to grow your following organically, Breakfast Criminals powerhouse Ksenia recommends first building a community i.e. your tribe. Two must-dos? 1.) Share the love by connecting with like-minded folks in the industry and commenting/liking their photos and 2.) Get clear with your vision. If you want to be known in your industry, you … Read More!

As you know, I’m a big fan of making small, simple changes toward living a healthier lifestyle. I don’t believe that you can look at someone and decide if they are healthy or unhealthy; rather it’s the little things you do every day which add that extra chunk of change to your “wellness bank.”

You know, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at work.

Going for a peaceful walk on your lunch break.

Adding some organic, chopped veggies to your lunch wrap.

Hitting up the farmer’s market.

Cooking…from scratch…with your family.

Setting your alarm clock for 6:00 a.m. so you can squeeze in that yoga sesh.

You see, when you incorporate simple, little acts of wellness, you feel better all around and you become healthier. Oh, and you can afford to skip the gym or have that extra margarita once in a while…you deserve it. After all, being healthy isn’t about being perfect 100% of the time. It’s about doing what works for you and makes you feel good…most of the time.

Who’s with me on this?

Great! For my fellow Boston-based Healthy Chicks (and Guys!), you may have gotten to experience this first-hand last month. … Read More!

I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of sick of people posting their diet tummies, full body selfies and before-and-afters on insta, and feel it’s sending a bit of a construed message.

Yesterday morning, I poured myself a mug of pumpkin coffee and browsed through instagram while I finished waking up. Immediately, I was bombarded by several body shots boasting extreme weight loss, 6-packs and ridiculous before-and-afters. (Trust me, your “before” picture looks just fine!)

I felt angry. For myself (I’ve been there) For other women struggling with body image. For those who are vulnerable + often compare themselves to other people’s bodies. For those who still believe that being thin is everything.

Sure, you can do the insane juice cleanse or 21 day “fix” and then maybe just maybe you’ll get a flat tummy, 6-pack & all you ever wanted. But is that really all you ever wanted? Are you happier? Do you feel good? What did it do for your soul?

And why the need to post your body shot publicly — is it for you?

Do you truly think it’s inspiring other women? (Ahem, it’s not.)

Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong … Read More!