Healthy Chicks

When you’re at a buffet like Whole Foods or a salad bar at a restaurant, fill your plate with 75% green, leafy vegetables. Then top the rest with a lean protein like tofu, lean grilled chicken breast or nuts and seeds. This will keep you full longest and help you from piling your plate with fatty comfort foods like mashed potatoes and french fries. But if you want a bite or two of something indulgent: go for it; just take a scoop. 

            You’re aggravated beyond belief. You’re doing everything you possibly can to lose weight and get in shape but the scale isn’t budging and you still can’t zip that pair of pants you’ve been trying to squeeze into. What’s wrong? Don’t worry, there is nothing seriously wrong with you. Actually, a few small tweaks to your daily life can make all the difference. Here are 5 sneaky things making you fat, and what to do to overcome them!

1.   Stress

The Problem:

Yup, you got that right. All the hustle-bustle and stressful thoughts filling your mind may be keeping you from loosing weight. Studies have shown that stress produces a hormone called cortisol, that may lead to weight gain when too much of it is produced.

Also, when we become stressed, many of us are inclined to crave certain foods-and a lot of them. Whether that’s French fries, donuts, or a big bowl of ice cream, many of us look to food to solve our problems. We’ve all heard of what emotional eating can do to our mind, and our bodies.

What to do About it:

Don’t worry, you aren’t doomed. First of all, try to take a breather once in … Read More!

We’ve all been there. We get so busy that we tend to forget the really little things in life, the things that if we took a little time to do, we’d be much happier…or healthier. So, I put together a little list to remind you of the things you may want to remind yourself to live a more peaceful, wholesome life.

           A few weeks ago, a friend of mine came home from a long day at the mall.  Excited to hear about her new buys, I asked in anticipation what clothing items she had bought, only to find myself shocked by her answer. “I didn’t buy anything,” she replied. “WHAT?! Nothing? Not even one dress? One shirt? WHY?” I asked, confused. (Yes, I admit when I go to the mall I come home with 5 bags but that’s besides the point.)  “’Cause nothing fit me in my size,” she responded. “And there is no way I was buying clothes in the next size up!”

            After that day, I really started thinking about size and how today’s society today defines everything by size. It’s as if size defines the person, or brands them in a way. There are the tiny size “0” model-like types, the petites, the “average size 8s” and the “plus-size” crew.

It’s funny how that tiny little number on the tag holds such a great amount of meaning to some people. After all, it’s a measly strip of nylon! And, yes, I’ll admit that I myself have been a culprit of this ridiculous thinking. I once refused to buy … Read More!

      Salads don’t always have to be a boring “diet food” with just iceberg lettuce, a tomato and a few cucumber slices thrown onto a plate. However, on the other hand, some salads (especially at popular chain restaurants) can pack on thousands of calories. But don’t fear: here are some tips to keep you salad delicious and healthy at the same time.

1.    Make Your Own Dressing:

Instead of pouring on fatty store-bought ranch dressing, try making your own dressing using an olive oil base.  

Whisk the oil with your favorite all natural 100% juice, like pear, pineapple, or raspberry to create a thick, delicious salad dressing in minutes. If you’re not a fan of the fruity flavors, simply top your salad with olive oil, lemon and a dash of salt and pepper.

2.    Pack on the Nuts

Ditch the fattening croutons for a variety of nutritious nuts. Nuts are packed with good fats and are a great source of Omega 3’s, which contribute to heart health and overall nutrition.

Be creative with your choice of nuts, changing it up from pine nuts, slivered almonds and chopped walnuts. They’ll add an extra crunch to your salad, and you won’t even miss … Read More!

             I used to be one of those people who, like many others, were obsessed with losing weight. My mind was consumed with thoughts of looking “perfect” and fitting into that dress hanging in my closet that I hadn’t worn in five years.

 I’d let my compulsive, negative thoughts take over and get to me so much that I’d weigh myself three, four, or sometimes even five times a day. My behavior was crazy. It was unhealthy.

 That’s when I recently realized that being healthy doesn’t have to be so stressful and difficult to achieve. Sustaining a healthy body shouldn’t feel like a never-ending, horrifying chore. It shouldn’t feel like work… it should feel good, shouldn’t it?

That’s when it hit me. So I made a vow to myself to try to stop all those “bad” thoughts and habits, and began treating my body a little more nicely, a little more positively. And that’s exactly when I finally started seeing some real results that I-and all of you-deserve.

Here are 4 simple steps to help you use the power of your mind to get the body (and positive body image) you’ve always dreamed of!

1.   Reward Yourself:

Holiday’s and birthdays … Read More!