Lifestyle

To Do: Plan a Healthy Girls’ Day Out

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Who said ladies’ day out has to include martinis and chick flicks?

This past Sunday, a good friend and I were way overdue for a girls’ day. You know, a solid day of gossip, chit-chat, excitement and fun. Typically, when you think of ladies’ night (or day) out, you think martinis, comfort food, and Sex and the City on repeat. But times have changed, my friend. A solid date with your lady friend no longer has to consist of eating your feelings away with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and DVR.

In fact, ladies’ day out can, and should be, a way to catch up and have a productive, healthy day at the same time! So my friend and I planned our day accordingly, and hit the Charles River for a 4-mile walk and talk sesh. It didn’t even feel like exercise, and by the time we were done, both of us were fully caught up on each other’s crazy lives. We then skipped the nachos, and head over to Whole Foods for a hearty dinner. Um, have you seen their salad bar and hot buffet? Yum. We finished our perfect day with a little grocery shopping, … Read More!

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So So Sore & Friday Favorites

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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who knew 2 TB of these bad boys can aid with digestion, control cholesterol levels & give you a dose of heart-healthy Omega 3s?

Good afternoon ladies! Hope you’re all having a fabulous Friday, and are ready to embrace the weekend. I’m doing great, other than the fact that my body is extremely sore from the Core Fusion class I took last night. It’s a good pain however, you know the kind you get when you know you pushed yourself a little farther and really challenged your body. I did have to skip my morning long run this morning however, but I’m OK with it as I knew it was right for my body and didn’t want to force myself or risk getting injured.

Anyway, it’s Friday and you know what that means: time for Friday Favorites! Here’s what’s on my top list this week.

Flaxseed: I bought a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal the other day, and have been obsessing over it ever since. I’ve always been a fan of flax and know it works wonders for your diet, but I’ve been slacking on this miracle-worker lately. Did you know that just … Read More!

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Fall Extravaganza: Head to the Apple Orchards

1 Comment / Lifestyle /

There’s nothing like taking your first trip to the apple orchards to bring fall in with a bang.

The smell of freshly baked apple cider donuts, warm and doughy on the inside, crispy on the outside.

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The taste of crisp Macintosh apples picked straight off the tree.

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The sound of leaves crunching as you wander around with your new fall boots and leggings.

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Pumpkins, apple butter, and cornstalks on sale.

Laughter. Happiness. True bliss.

Happy fall!

XoXo,


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Health Food Spotlight: Raw Maca Powder

Leave a Comment / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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The other day, my friend from work was kind enough to make me a green smoothie with Maca Powder in it for an extra zing. Maca what, you ask. If you’re like me you may have never heard of it, but let me tell you that you most definitely want to.

This powder is made special from a root vegetable grown in the mountains of Peru. Nutrient-packed with minerals, amino acids, vitamins and enzymes, this superfood also contains 55 helpful phytochemicals.

But that’s not all! Here are just a few other benefits of this miracle powder*

*from SuperFoodLiving.com

  • Phytochemicals for increased energy levels & feeling of happiness
  • packed 20 different fatty acids, along with various beneficial vitamins and minerals like B12 and Vitamin C
  • Can improve your sex life (go libido!)
  • known to improve fertility
  • Contributes to the regulation of hormones
  • Reduces some forms of stress, making for a happier, more positive day!
  • Can help enhance the memory & improve general learning throughout the day
  • Is said to reduce signs of aging, leaving the skin healthy, glowing and beautiful

Maca powder tastes wonderful in a smoothie or milkshake, or even added into your morning … Read More!

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Help, I’m Tired: Natural Energy Boosters

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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This afternoon, I got a message from a friend.

“Dear Healthy Chick,I need some suggestions for caffeine boosts to get me through my day. As you know, coffee is a NO but I find myself in a groggy mid-afternoon slump and need SOMETHING to keep me chugging through the day. I’ve been trying to force myself to drink diet soda but I’m not a big fan and would prefer something else. Is there anything you know that will help me? Thank you, -Trouble Staying Awake”

I think many of us can relate to this scenario, especially as young working business women. So here are my top 8 suggestions for you when it comes to staying awake, the au natural way.

1. Try taking B vitamins, which are great for energy especially in women. According to this article in Psychology Today, B vitamins can fight fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration. Might just be the key to afternoon slumps, after all!

2. Eat healthy protein/carb combo mini snacks throughout the day. I recommend keeping a variety of go-to snacks at your desk like raw almonds, apples, string cheese, and peanut butter for tasty pairings.

3. If … Read More!

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It’s Back: Starbucks Pumpkin Latte

4 Comments / Lifestyle /

It’s back.

Yes, the true sign that fall is officially here.

It’s not fall until you smell it in the air, Octoberfest is on tap at all the local bars, the leaves start changing colors and, alas, the Pumpkin Latte is served at Starbucks.

Just thinking about it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside…

Go ahead. Get one. You know you want to.

it’s 80 degrees in Boston today. Ask for it on ice, & indulge my friends.

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Friday Favorites: Menage a Trois, PranaVayu Yoga & More

1 Comment / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Happy Friday ladies! I’m one happy girl, as this will be the completion of one week living in the North End of Boston. So far, so good. I really don’t think living could get any better… Anyway, it’s Friday and you know what that means; time for Friday favorites. Here’s what made the cut this week:

1. menage a trois: No, not a threesome, silly! Rather, a blend of three red wine varieties. This week, I chose a California Menage a Trois blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and red Zinfandel. It was fabulous, and made for the perfect pairing with my homemade gluten free pizza.

2. The Charles: Living in Boston the past 2+ years, I’ve realized I don’t take enough advantage of what the city has to offer. Take the Charles River for example. While I’ve gone on a few runs/walks/journeys to the river in the past, I never made it part of my regular routine. Now that I live closer to everything, I’m starting weekly runs on The Charles in preparation for the Newport Half Marathon. This morning, I went for a long, slow 8 mile run along the river and it couldn’t have been more … Read More!

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A Lesson from My Yoga Teacher: Slow Down

2 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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Yesterday, my yoga instructor said something to the class that really stood out for me. He was comparing our worries and anxieties to the clouds in the sky. They aren’t always there, but when they come they can clutter the clear blueness (i.e. clarity) of what’s really there. He challenged the class to let go of all those thoughts, anxieties and concerns and simply slow down; pause between thoughts and just concentrate on one thought at a time. In doing this, you will soon find clarity and feel more like yourself, rather than your distorted “cloudy” self.

I took his words of wisdom to heart, and am trying to carry them with me throughout the rest of the week. Although it is difficult to press “pause” on your life and simply slow down and let go, it’s something that comes with great gratification.

Slowing down to me means many things, both literally and figuratively. It means walking down the street a little bit slower, finding beauty in what surrounds you. It means looking at your watch/Blackberry/pager a little less often, and looking at the smiling faces of passerby a little bit more.

Slowing down means forgetting about … Read More!

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I’mmmmm Moving Out

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So, it’s official…I’m movin’ out of my cozy, teeny tiny abode that I’ve lived in the past two years in the outskirts of Boston. Thankfully, I’ll be moving on to bigger and better things, that is to the North End. Hello wine, cheese & Italian culture.

As excited as I am for the big move, it’s no lie that moving is a pain in the butt. Period. I am so sick of bubble wrapping valuables, slapping that sticky goo over all our holes and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Heck, I’ve barely had time for blogging with all this craziness!

September 1st is just around the corner, so here are a few tips to keep you sane when going through a big move. And if you’re not moving, I envy you.

  • Stock up on cheap wine. Perhaps Two Buck Chuck from Trader Joe’s? Wine helps tremendously when things get a little tense in the apartment.
  • Toss all the crap in your fridge and freezer ahead of time. That’s the last thing you want to be doing on move out day. Keep some staples like whole grain bread, veggies and lean meats
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