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Protein Up Your Diet!

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The other day, a friend of mine asked me how to drop 5 pounds by following a better diet. Among many things including snacking more frequently and adding more whole grains, I suggested she add more protein to her diet. Many young women today simply don’t get enough protein, potentially derailing their overall weight loss efforts. I know so many girls who swear off meat thinking it’s evil, and others who chose to follow a vegetarian diet (which is OK) but aren’t making up for that loss of protein. Then there is a whole other group who take part in the “Special K” diet or fruit and cereal only. Don’t even get me started with them. . .

Adding more lean protein to your diet is known to satisfy your hunger much longer than carbs and other foods can, repair muscles after a long workout, as well as help you shed those last few pounds.

I’m not saying to cut out all other foods groups and go protein-crazy. I’m just saying to be aware of a more balanced diet, getting a good amount of healthy, complex carbohydrates like whole grains and fruits, good fats like Olive Oil, and lean proteins. … Read More!

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7 Little Ways to Trick Ya Into Working Out

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We all know what it’s like to wake up and talk yourself out of working out. “I don’t have time.” “I’ll work out tomorrow!” “I’m too busy!” Stop right there Healthy Chick, and use these little mind tricks next time you’re faced with this kind of problem!

1. Put your workout clothes on right when you roll out of bed or get home. If you’re at work all day, pack a bag with a change of clothes and sneakers, and store it in your car or a gym locker for the day! If you know you already have everything you need to get your workout started, you’ll be much less likely to talk yourself out of it!

2. Plan a decadent dinner that you can enjoy after your workout! Treat yourself to a trip to your favorite grocery store or market, and buy fresh ingredients for a healthy, filling meal you’ll love! Or pop your favorite dish in the oven or slow cooker before you head to the gym, like a delicious turkey chili or chicken and rice casserole. By the time the buzzer goes off, you’ll be back from a nice sweaty workout sesh and ready to indulge (healthily … Read More!

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4 Things to Do Right Now for a More Fulfilling Life

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I’ve noticed that people have been rather moody and not so happy lately. I don’t know if it’s the frigid winter weather or the fact that the holiday season is now over (and the next “holiday” to look forward to is Valentine’s Day-I know blah), but something is in the air and it’s not a good thing! So I’ve put together a little list of things you can do to make both your day (and someone else’s) just a little bit brighter, a little bit more fulfilling!
1. Cook Dinner for Someone Special: Make a fabulous dinner for your boyfriend, your mom or even your roommates! Go all out-crack open a bottle of wine, set the table all pretty and cook up one of your favorite recipes, something you haven’t made in a long, long time! Serve a healthy multi grain bread with olive oil, salt and pepper for dipping, then move on to salad and alas the main course! For dessert, have something light like fresh fruit or chocolate covered strawberries. For a super easy and semi-healthy fruit dip, mix together a container of light, fat free Cool Whip with one package of instant vanilla pudding. Stir together … Read More!

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Zesty Almond Encrusted Chicken With Spinach Salad

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I went to Haymarket this weekend, a large market in Boston that sells really cheap fresh veggies. I was able to buy tons of fruits and veggies for the week for under $15. Anyway, I put together some of my selections including the cilantro, lemon, tomatoes, spinach and red onion to make this super easy, delicious dish! Enjoy!

* Serves 2
For chicken:

-4 small to medium sized boneless chicken breasts 

-1 TB honey dijon mustard
-2 TB olive oil
-2 TB chopped cilantro, fresh
-1 TB rosemary 
-the juice of 1/2 lemon 
– 1/2 cup raw almonds, diced thinly 
-dash salt and pepper

For salad:
-2 cups baby spinach
-1/2 tomato, diced
-1/4 cup red onion, chopped 

1. Mix together the lemon, seasonings, salt, pepper and and olive oil. Coat the chicken with the mixture, then dip it into the diced almonds, making sure both sides are covered. 

2. Heat a skillet on medium high and coat the pan with cooking spray or a TB of olive oil. Sautee the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. (will vary depending on thickness of chicken)

3. In the meantime, prepare the salad, adding the chicken … Read More!

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Get With It: Know Your Body Fat Percentage!

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The other day at the gym, I took the ever-dreaded boy fat test. I mean, honestly, what is even somewhat delightful about lifting up your shirt, getting your fat clamped with calibers and exposing parts of your body not even you want to look at in the mirror?
Well, I have to say, while that does sound quite frightening, it really wasn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. I thought of it more like a scientific experiment, and found myself quite fascinated by the whole process, especially the end results. 
And I have to say, I highly recommend each and every one of you scheduling an appointment at your local gym to do the same. 
So many of us rely on the number on the scale to judge our progress, ultimately making us feel really good about ourselves (yay, I lost a pound!) or otherwise really shitty about ourselves (ugh, I’m gaining weight again after all that!) 
But really that one little number is only a part of our progress, and sometimes can be quite deceiving. How can you tell if that weight gain or loss was due to fat or muscle?
That’s where the body … Read More!

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What do You Have to Lose?

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I used to go through life with a sort of guard up. Yes, I’m adventurous and fun, but in the back of my mind, a little part of me was always holding back, not living to its fullest potential. 
I guess I was scared in a way: scared of not meeting my goals, scared of getting my heartbroken, scared of being rejected, scared of things not working out the way I had planned. 
I’d analyze the heck out of everything that by the time I was finally ready to go ahead and go for it, I’d have already talked myself out of it, forgetting what I’d even wanted to do in the first place.
It was like I was scared to let myself go, to go ahead and go for it. . . and go big.
But lately, I’ve been trying to live by a different mindset to let go of all those little thoughts in my head and inhibitions, and just live. 
After all, what do I really have to lose anyway? Sure, things could go wrong, I could end up disappointed or let down, but if that’s the worst of it, why not try? 
So from now … Read More!

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Ringin' in the New Year

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So I was just chatting with my best friend about New Years, and we both suddenly got super excited regarding the fact that 2010 brings an entirely new decade. 

I usually dread New Years, as the drop of the bell usually puts me into a semi depressed state, as yet another year goes by being a single girl, sans kiss at midnight. It’s hard not to become just a little bit saddened by all the happy couples smooching, dancing and gallivanting around the room as the clock strikes midnight, as I stand awkwardly on the side in my pretty little dress.
But, NO, this year is going to be different. I’ve decided New Years isn’t anything to fear. Instead, it’s something to look forward to, as a new year entails new adventures, experiences, people and opportunities. It’s a time to continue on with the goodness in your life, as well as start fresh with all the things you’d rather leave behind in ’09. 
Enough of those stupid, cliche, generic New Year’s resolutions to lose 10 pounds, exercise more or eat less chocolate. 
Rather, why not make it the year to travel and explore more often, spend more time with friends … Read More!

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Stop Counting Calories Already: They Are Actually Good For You!

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The other day while devouring my large Chicken Schwarma dish with rice and salad from my new favorite Mediterranean restaurant, I got to thinking about calories.

The reason being is that two years ago, I wouldn’t be able to consume a large (but, healthy) dish like that without feeling immense guilt, while simultaneously counting how many calories I was consuming. “Ugh, this has 300 calories in it. Now I’ll have to work these off immediately!” I used to think to myself. 
Instead, these days I now think as food as something delicious, something I need for energy, considering I am a very active, healthy young woman. 
Too many women these days think as calories as something that will in turn make them fat. We count calories, analyze calories, and curse calories, wrongly believing that they are evil and will pack on the pounds. 
I myself used to go as far as writing down every piece of food I put in my mouth, psychotically counting up the calories, in fear I would gain weight. At one point, during my unhealthy eating phase as a freshman in college, I wouldn’t allow myself anything over 1,100 calories. . . 1,000 was pushing it.  … Read More!

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Quick Question of the Day: How Often Should I Weigh Myself?

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Q: How often should I weigh myself? 

A: 
Well, I actually have two different answers to this common question, since it depends on the type of person you are. 
I say, go ahead and weigh yourself once a day, that is if you do it in a sane manner. If you choose this method, you need to understand that weight fluctuates depending on your hydration level, how much you eat the day before, whether or not you are PMSing, and how active you were the day before. 
For example, if you ate really crappy and are about to start your period, your weight is naturally going to be a little higher than usual. 
So if your weight goes up 2 pounds one day, down 3 the next, you’re still staying in your range. However, if suddenly your weight sky-rockets up 5 to 8 pounds one week, you’ll know you need to either cut back on those extra sweet treats at night or up your workouts a bit.
So, if you can understand the causes of the ups and downs, you are a candidate to be one who hops on that scale daily. 
For those of you who will drive yourself … Read More!

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