Lifestyle

A Discussion on Happiness, Faith and Positive Thinking

Yesterday afternoon I met with some fellow Institute for Integrative Nutrition graduates to talk about our business goals, achievements, concerns and inspirations. On my way to the meeting, a little old man stopped me in my path. He said, “Hey! You’re going to make it.” I replied back with a confused look and a “huh?” Then he said, “Wherever you’re going, you are going to make it.”

That right there gave me the chills, as I took it as he meant that I’d make it in life, in love, in my business. I couldn’t help but think he was sent to tell me that, like an angel of sorts.

When I brought up my story at the meeting, all of the ladies agreed that an angel was sent to deliver that message, that I am going to make it, that in fact I already am making it and may not even realize that now.

After a couple hours of chatting, snacking and discussing our dreams and goals, we ended the meeting with some Law of Attraction cards and my favorite part: a meditation. Anne, the woman who guided the meditation, had us breathe out all of those doubts/fears/setbacks and … Read More!

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The Last of the Cleanse: Day 4 Recap

Yesterday on The Cleanse was definitely the best for the both of us: lots of energy, good moods and pizzazz. However, I’m not going to lie that yesterday was also the day cravings starting kicking in. Pizza! Coffee! Cheese! Bread! More cheese! Fortunately, I held tight, drank more water, ate more cleansing foods and all was good.

Some people say, “I could never do a cleanse!” “You can’t eat anything!” ” I would die!”

My recommendation? While it can be difficult because your body isn’t used to eating this way, try to think of the things you can eat. Like super creamy, decadent avocados, greens that give you energy and life, fresh juicy fruit, high quality olive oil, endless herbs, and delicious homemade soups. When you think of the things you can do, then it doesn’t seem that bad now does it?

What we ate:

Breakfast: Super Lean Green Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Snack: Handful raw cashwes

Lunch: Mixed greens, collards, spinach, tomato, avocado, cucumber, hummus, olive oil, balsamic, and lemon juice

Snack: 1/2 banana + carrots and hummus

Dinner: Vegetarian Split Pea Soup from Whole Foods + mixed sauteed veggies including yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli rabe and collards

– – … Read More!

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Week of Detox Cleansing: Day 3 Recap and a Special Surprise

Good afternoon ladies! I am pleased to say I am now on Day 4 of my cleanse and feeling spectacular: full of energy, perky and renewed. I’m not going to lie; the first two days were a battle but it seems like the hard part is now over with.

Here’s a recap of yesterday’s menu:

Breakfast: Super Lean Green Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Snack: Handful raw cashews & almonds

Lunch: Large salad packed with spinach, collard greens, apple kale, cucumber, avocado, lemon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs

Snack: raw carrots & hummus

Dinner: Vegetable soup with carrots, celery, collards, spinach, onions, mushroom, and a dash of sea salt

Dessert: 1/2 a frozen banana

And now for a fun little surprise! Last week Boston Based business Stanz & Co. was kind enough to send me a package of satin elastic hair ties for me to try out.

Seriously, how cute are these? I am totally loving the pink to add a little brightness to a simple outfit and make my hair “pop.” You can shop for your own color combos here on Etsy for just $6.00 a package which is a pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself.

I … Read More!

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Calling all Fitness Enthusiasts: Move100 Ambassador Search

Calling all Fitness Enthusiasts or those who have recently adopted a more active lifestyle, and have felt the benefits. Whether you are a walker, a marathoner, a yogi, or a busy mom, you’re in the running to be the next Move100 Ambassador.

I am happy to announce I will be taking part in this initiative, and couldn’t be more excited! (More details to come) In the meantime, check out my personal “essay” on why I should be a Move100 Ambassador:

[May 2009]                                                                                      [July 2012]

My name is Rachel Chemerynski, the 20-something author behind healthy living blog Healthy Chicks and health coach at Zesty Living, and I would absolutely love to be the next Move100 Ambassador.

I didn’t always lead a healthy lifestyle. In fact, growing up I struggled with body image issues, dieting and finding the motivation to live well. My college days were consumed of counting calories, binging on desserts, hiding in my room ashamed of my weight or living at the gym to burn off that extra piece of pizza. I was stuck in a lifestyle filled with low self-esteem and guilt.

Flash-forward a few years, and I am now 30 pounds lighter and 1,000 times happier. Read More!

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Friday Favorites: Food, Fitness & Fun

Good afternoon ladies! I haven’t done one of my Friday Favorites posts in a while, so I figured I’d get back into the groove today. Here’s what I’ve been crushing on this week…

  1. Cat Stevens albums, particularly this song. I used to listen to his music when I was younger and it somehow reminds me to be calm, strong, confident and inspired
  2. The $50 voucher to Basho Japanese Brasserie that my boyfriend bought me from LivingSocial. They definitely serve up the top three Spicy Tuna Maki rolls I’ve ever tasted.
  3. The new FitFluential #proof tanks. Once you sweat, the back reads “#proof” and well it’s an extra excuse to get extra sweaty during workouts!
  4. My super refreshing, delicious homemade summer tabouli. It was so good that I’m actually making it again for a summer BBQ this weekend.
  5. Sticks & Twigs from Mary’s Gone Crackers. These little gluten free, whole grain pretzels are to die for, and contain good-for-you whole grains like brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, and millet.
  6. Grilled turkey burgers with sauteed mushrooms & onions, topped with melted fresh mozzarella.
  7. Running! Yes, I am running again in training for the Newport Half Marathon this October. And
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Three Healthy Habits + Craving Control Workshop in Boston

Good afternoon lovely ladies! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. Lately, I’ve been feeling wonderful inside and out, mostly due to these three little new habits of mine:

  1. Going to bed earlier (and waking up earlier) which makes morning workouts that much easier and more powerful!
  2. Getting back into running. I start training for the Newport Half Marathon this week! I can’t believe this will be my third half…boy does time fly by. I’m torn between using Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 or Intermediate training program, which mixes in Speedwork.
  3. Shutting down completely (no phone, no iPod, no computer, no TV) an hour before bed for some pleasure reading. Currently I’m reading Bright Side Up: 100 Ways to Be Happier Right Now by Amy Spencer.

On other notes, my business Zesty Living will be hosting a workshop on craving control next Thursday, July 26th from 5:30-7 pm. at Oficio on Newbury Street, Boston MA. You may read the details below & register here. I am running a promo from now until Friday at 5:30 p.m.! Simply enter promo code summerfun50 for 50% off your tickets.

Event Details

Are you a stress eater who craves things … Read More!

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Wining + Dining in Boston’s North End

Like any twenty-something girl, I absolutely love to be wined and dined, especially in Boston’s very own Little Italy also known as the North End. Well, this past Friday, I spent the evening wining & dining (and laughing) with my beautiful younger sister Krista and let’s just say we were not dissapointed.

{posing with our brights ready to hit the town!}

We started the evening out at Boston Bottles, our favorite little wine and beer shop which is conveniently located minutes down the street from our apartment. They have quite a generous selection of wine and craft beer, and never disappoint no matter what day of the week. Not to mention the staff is knowledgeable, extremely friendly, and always remember our faces (and our taste in booze) each time we visit.

But wait, it gets even better! Every Friday evening starting at 5:30, Bottles hosts a wine tasting free to the public. Each week, my sister and I look forward to the new selection of wine, and we’re always pleasantly surprised. Not only do we have a blast, but it’s also a great way to try a different type of wine you may never have thought to try. Who … Read More!

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Sunday Blueberry Banana Oats + Inspiration

{taken via Instagram}

In the mix:

  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. oats
  • 1/4 c. frozen organic wild blueberries
  • 1/2 of a banana
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1 TB all natural peanut butter, chunky
  • 1 tsp. agave syrup

Cook the oats on low/medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, adding in the fruit and toppings gradually. Top with big scoop of your favorite peanut butter. Serve with a bold coffee like Chocolate Hazelnut with almond milk.

Happy Sunday. Think cheery, sun-shiny thoughts today. As my mug says, “Life is Good. Do what you like. Like what you do.”

XoXo,

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21 Itty Bitty Summer Pick Me-Ups to Boost Your Mood

It’s summertime and the sunshine is beaming, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re feeling so sun-shiny inside. Even the cheeriest of us have those days where we could use a little extra boost. Here are 21 little ways to brighten up your mood this summer. Feel free to add your own in the comments section!
  1. Squeezing in a little extra time with those friends that make you extra cheery
  2. Reading booklets, magazines and articles packed with inspirational quotes like the one above which is from an IIN magazine
  3. Escaping to the beach for a sun-kissed afternoon
  4. Getting out of the house/apartment & going for a long walk
  5. Shutting down all sources of technology (yes, that includes your iPhone!)
  6. Avoiding Facebook & twitter stalking for a day, and living your life rather than comparing it to others (think: I’m so jealous all my friends are at this party except me! I can’t believe she’s engaged! Her job is my dream job! Life is so unfair!) Try to remember there’s always another side to every person’s story…
  7. Reading a steamy summer romance novel
  8. Signing up for a 5K, 10K or half marathon in your area like the UnitedHealthcare Half in the beautiful
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Q & A With Skinnygirl Rockstar Bethenny Frankel

Skinnygirl fans, you are in luck! This week, in conjunction with OpenSky , I was given the opportunity take a look inside the life of the superwoman Bethenny Frankel. Ever since I read Bethenny’s book Naturally Thin, I have been hooked as she and I have a lot in common when it comes to eating well and listening to your body. Not only is she an incredible author, TV celebrity, mother and successful businesswoman, but she is also hilarious and extremely blunt which I love.

Take a peak at how amazing this woman is for yourself in her interview with OpenSky below. Enjoy!

You’re a new TV host, Founder of Skinnygirl, 4 time NY Times best selling author and chef, but if you had to describe yourself beyond that to someone, what would you say?

Well, I’m most definitely a businessperson, but I’m most proud of being a mother. Ever since I had Bryn, I make all my decisions based on what’s best for her so that’s how I define myself first now.

It seems like everybody’s biggest challenge for living a healthy lifestyle is time. What’s one simple thing time-starved women can fit into their day to live Read More!

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