MOTIVATE: Burn Fat Instead of Adding Fluff This Holiday

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Sanctuary Of Style

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Who’s slacking off from their workouts lately? ME! The chill & drizzle has put a damper on my outdoor power walks and I’m not a big fan of the treadmill. There are chocolate chip cookies in a holiday tin calling my name from the kitchen counter and I’ll be decorating sugar cookies tonight with my bestie and her triplets. Because of all the festivities and lack of motivation to workout, it’s easy to add some holiday fluff so that means we start the new year busting out of our skinny jeans. We don’t have to give in! Being mindful of the amount of sweets we’re eating and making the effort to snack on more fat burning foods will keep us feeling healthy and fit during this time of indulgence! I’ll do more indoor workouts from my playlist on YouTube as well even though it’s easier to curl up on the couch. M O T I V A T E!

Here are 10 fat burning foods to stock up on:

1) Almonds with skins: Reduces cravings and builds muscle.

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2) Salmon & Tuna: Fires up fat burning and makes you feel full longer.

3) Peanut Butter: Burns fat and builds muscle.

4) Spinach &Dark Green Veggies: Improves workout recovery, burns fat & fights free radicals.

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5) Green tea: Fires up fat burning.

6) Eggs: Builds muscle & burns fat.

7) Grapefruit: Regulates blood sugar and metabolism. Lowers insulin. There’s nothing better than a fresh Ruby Red grapefruit, but my hubby & I also love the Del Monte Sunfresh slices with no added sugar for ease.

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8) Chili Peppers & Cayenne Powder: Revs up metabolism.

9) Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole grain cereals): Prevents the body from storing fat in small servings. These Eat Chia Bites are a perfect snack made with quinoa, brown rice & chia. (They will be in the stocking stuffer giveaway!!)

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10) Berries: Prevents cravings.

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Not only will these foods burn fat, but they will help prevent that lethargic feeling we get from high sugar & high carb holiday treats! Allow yourself to enjoy the season just add in more of these healthy foods to balance things out.

Wishing you a beautifully blessed week ahead!

What are your traditions? Please share!

We’ll announce the SOS Stocking Stuffer Winners on Christmas Eve.

Love, Tiff

WHO WANTS SOME COOL STUFF?

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Sanctuary Of Style

There’s a week left to enter the SOS Stocking Stuffer Giveaway (ends Dec 24th) and I’m always thrilled to share some of my favorite products with you…

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1) COMPENDIUM JOURNAL: I will fill the journal above with random handwritten inspiring messages. Thanks to The Portico Collection.

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2) “FREEDOM” TEE by f+M Fashionmusic: I chose this tee because freedom is an important part of the foundation of SOS. I was fortunate to meet the creators of this company last weekend in Dallas. Their vision is brilliant! Go check out the website https://fmfashionmusic.com

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3) HARD NIGHT GOOD MORNING Facial Cocktail Serum: Their award-winning aloe vera based formula does it all! It lifts, tones, tightens, smooths and firms, all while enhancing and hydrating your skin. Packed with a host of actives and other natural botanical ingredients, Facial Cocktail Serum has a bonus effect of acting as a primer, keeping your makeup in place throughout the day and into the night!

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4) GO CHIA PRODUCTS: A gift basket filled with all their products! It all started with the drink and now the company has expanded to snacks, drink boosters and seeds.

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5) TAYLOR-MOSELEY EARRINGS: 2 winners will receive gold hoops with their choice of gemstone. Must “like” the Taylor-Moseley Facebook Page and leave a comment with the gemstone you love!

Clockwise from Left:

Carnelian Gemstone
Golden Rutilated Quartz Gemstone
Creamy Scapolite Gemstone
London Blue Topaz

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Other requirements to enter:

Must be subscribed to this SOS blog & be part of the SOS Facebook Page.

Winners will be announced on Christmas Eve, Dec 24th.

Thank you all for continuing on this journey in 2014 and I look forward to us all having an amazing 2015!

Love, Tiff

FLUFFY TO FIT AGAIN: Tiff’s Thursday Thrive Tips

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Sanctuary Of Style

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Tiff Before/ June 2014 – After/ Today, October 2, 2014

Ok, this is tough to share, but- HEY, I’ve been working hard over the past 3-4 months and people scoff at me when I say I’ve gotten “fluffy”. It’s all relative and 5-8 lbs on me definitely shows and makes it a challenge to fit into half my wardrobe. I got SICK of hearing myself whine about it and was TIRED of being tired… and did something about it! With fluctuating hormones, we need to change diet/ supplements/ workouts/ lifestyle to keep our energy levels up and our waistline down. Basically, we have to put in the work! I’m not afraid of a lil hard work and won’t just throw in the towel and give in to my hormones. Plus, I have a closet full of great clothes I would like to wear and I’m fitting back in to most of them. Yay!

WE CAN CONTROL THIS LADIES!

SOS Sista Suanne Rieker of www.riekerfit.com gave me that advise a few years ago. She said women can control their hormones instead of their hormones controlling them and their life. She is over 55, but looks and acts like she’s 35. She was overweight and exhausted at one point and did something about it! Such an inspiration! Just check out the video on her website homepage and you’ll be inspired too.

Want to know what I did to go from fluffy to fit again?

Before I do, I want to give a DISCLAIMER and reminder that everyone’s health & fitness needs are different. Please take in to consideration any blood sugar/diabetic and thyroid issues which alter your metabolism. I am simply giving the tips that worked for me. Here ya go….

AMP UP THE WORKOUTS

Working out is a part of my lifestyle, but it’s easy to plateau and get stuck in a rut with your workouts. I’ve been a powerwalker since I was about 14 years old, but as I age I’ve had to amp it up and add light weights to see results. I admit, I tried the appropriately named workout DVD’s called Insanity, but geez, those workouts are just too jarring on my neck & back.

Cardio 4-5’s a week. Combo of power walking, a light jog & sprints.
Hot yoga once or twice a week at Sunstone.
Strength training for Legs, abs & arm 2-3 x’s a week by the Tone It Up girls on YouTube.
Or various YouTube barre workouts to keep from getting bored. Check out my workout playlist on my YouTube Channel.

FAT BURNING FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS

If you watched my videos on healthy snacks & meals, you know I try to stick to a lean protein and low carb/sugar/dairy diet. So, to amp up my metabolism I added a few fat burning supplements.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA, brand name Tonalin) – Increases metabolic rate, decreases abdominal fat, enhances muscle growth, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, lowers insulin resistance (insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight), reduces food-induced allergic reactions, enhances immune system. via About Health
Rodiola Rosea– Amps up your energy, reduces belly fat (calming effect on our body and mental state because of an ability to reduce cortisol- which creates belly fat), helps with mood & depression (many women experience these symptoms with hormone fluctuation).
Cayenne– Added it to my protein shakes. Hot peppers cause the body temperature to rise. When the body temperature rises it needs to be cooled and you burn more calories when the body is forced to go through a cooling process. They also act as an appetite suppressant. By simply adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to a meal, studies show you will consume 600-100 less calories at your next meal.
Chia Seeds– Also added to my protein shakes. I introduced you to chia seeds a few years ago with my friends drink called Drink Chia. Chia seeds expand in the stomach giving you a satisfied and full feeling. They are also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium and more!

A few other small tweaks I made were trying not to eat after 6pm and limiting wine to once a week- which I admit is a challenge because I enjoy my Pinot Grigio! I kept up with pizza “cheat night” once a week with my hubby, but cut out my weekly popcorn. (sad face) I actually pop my own popcorn with olive oil or coconut oil and light sea salt, but my problem is that I can eat an entire massive big bowl by myself. A few cups is a great low fat snack, but honestly- I can’t eat just a few cups so I’ve only been eating (gorging on) it about once a month during this 3 month weight loss challenge. Corn is a carb, remember. Also, before I got started on all of this- I actually did a light detox/cleanse with no wine for 3 weeks to shift my body & shake up my metabolism a bit.

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I am always asked how I stay in shape so I share my experiences & weight fluctuations (that’s what is great about having your own blog) to show that I battle health/weight issues, too!

It’s all about feeling strong, energetic & WALKING TALL….not just the jean size, but it sure is nice to be able to wear the clothes I already own.

What are your thoughts?

Tweet, comment, share.

Love, Tiff

SHAKE IT BABY!

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Sanctuary Of Style

Hey Healthy Hotties,

I am over the moon to introduce you ladies to our latest and greatest blog sponsor….DRINK CHIA! You may remember they participated in our Summer Swag Bag Giveaways last year. I have had the pleasure of getting to know the company and one of it’s founders, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gideon J. Lewis (the handsome adventure seeker with the million dollar smile holding the bottle). Gideon and the company are on a mission “to inspire people to be engaged in their health, try new things, seek adventure, and be active in their communities.” LOVE THAT! I am very proud to share ‘internet real estate’ with this company and promote them.

Have you been noticing chia seeds everywhere lately? Kale took over in 2012 and this year it’s all about the chia seed! We have been incorporating flax seeds and flax seed oil into our diet for some time now, but chia seeds do not go rancid the way flax seeds do and contain a higher level of Omega 3’s. From hydration to brain function, the list of benefits from chia seeds are endless and I encourage you all to add them to your diet. They also help maintain healthy weight because of the high fiber content. One of the easiest and fastest ways to add chia seeds to your diet is by drinking them. When the chia seed is wet it forms a gelatinous substance that takes longer to digest. You stay fuller longer which prevents overeating.

In case you are wondering, yes– chia seeds are the same seed from the famed Chia Pets popularized in the 80’s! Can you hear the song in your head? Cha-Cha-Cha Chia!

Check out the health benefits via http://www.drinkchianow.com:

Hydration
Chia seeds have amazing absorptive properties. In fact, those tiny seeds can absorb 9 to 12 times their weight in water. When you consume them, your body is getting prolonged hydration and retaining important electrolytes.

Endurance
Our chia seeds pretty much come straight from the farm and into your bottle of Drink Chia! Because they are a whole, unprocessed food, our bodies break down these little chia dynamos slowly, balancing our blood sugar levels and giving us endurance for the long haul.

Healthy Heart
Chia seeds not only contain natural antioxidants, but they also hold the highest known concentration of plant-based Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which studies show are important to the health of our hearts and other vital organs.

Brain Power
As they are for the heart, Omega-3 fatty acids are important to brain health and function. Studies suggest they can improve nerve function and alleviate symptoms associated with a number of conditions, such as OCD and ADHD.

I down a Drink Chia! before every workout now and have seen a huge difference in my endurance on powerwalks, hikes and in my yoga classes. The flavors are amazing and my favorite is the Honeysuckle Pear. YUM!

{My Fridge}

To purchase Drink Chia! online or check the store locator, CLICK HERE.

This sponsorship helps me to continue bringing you blogs and videos which inspire you to grow, shine and be the best that you can be. I’m truly grateful to Gideon and Drink Chia!

Love, Tiff

YOU ARE BLESSED {Sunday Eve Affirmations}

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Sanctuary Of Style

Hey Style + Spirit Sistas!

Christmas is in just a few days and I’m sure you are all having a blast with family and friends this weekend so I am keeping it super short and sweet today! I simply want you all to remember in the coming week that YOU ARE BLESSED! Let’s define “blessed”…

bless·ed adjective: 1. Worthy of adoration. 2. Divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: (i.e. to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends. 3. Blissfully happy or contented.

Despite how difficult the past year was for you or perhaps you are in a challenging situation right now, you are still blessed! When we focus on how blessed we are, the difficulties of life seem much smaller.

THIS WEEK I WILL……

Be grateful and count my many blessings.
Ignore my problems and focus on how blessed I am.
Stop complaining about the things I don’t have.
Shower myself with adoration instead of waiting for someone to do it for me.
Remember…I AM WORTHY!
Pamper myself with a foot massage or facial.
Rock a bit of bling everyday.
Be a blessing to others.
Stop neglecting my needs.
Indulge in my fave holiday treats without beating myself up afterwards.
Stop for a moment, during the hustle + bustle and take in the beauty of the season, be totally present, take a deep breath and say to myself…YOU ARE BLESSED!

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I want to thank all the fabulous companies who participated in making the SOS Stocking Stuffer Giveaways extra special this year:

Drink Chia!

Sia Botanics

Luscious Soul

Steele Jewel

Liberty Emma Collections

Plexus Slim and Loveforpink.com

Aaron Hendra Project

Also, a big thanks to all you ladies who participated and congrats to all the winners. It was a blast!

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Woohoo! I am taping new webisodes today so stay tuned.

I wish you all a magical and beautiful Christmas! Revel in each moment. You are all a blessing to me.

Love, Tiff

PEACE & COMFORT {Sunday Affirmations}

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Sanctuary Of Style

My Sistas,

How are you? I always seek guidance for the perfect and timely inspiration to share on the Sunday blog post. But today, with the heartbreak we are all feeling from Friday’s devastation, all I am coming up with is the need to express my love for all of you and how we need to continue joining together in prayer. I know we are being bombarded and overwhelmed with the media coverage so I will keep it short and sweet. This week’s affirmations will be a bit different. In the coming week, let’s switch our focus from specific “things and goals” we want to affirm to more focus on PRAYER. I am very open about my belief in the Power of Prayer and have seen it’s remarkable effect on my life. Will you join me?

Pray for our loved ones.

Pray for the families in Connecticut.

Pray for our nation.

Pray for our Government officials.

Pray for our Spiritual leaders.

Pray for our educators.

Simply…..PRAY.

Prayer immediately connects us to our Creator and wraps us like a warm blanket with peace and comfort. Many of you are Mother’s and I can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions you are feeling from anger, confusion, disgust, sadness and fear. Again, simply pray and ask God for peace that passes ALL understanding. I had to share this eloquent prayer written by Marianne Williamson:

Dear God,
We come to You with broken hearts,
surrendering the catastrophe that has occurred today in Connecticut.

We cannot comprehend the darkness that led to this,
or the suffering of those who have loved and lost.
They are both too big.

But in You, dear God, there are Answers we cannot surmise and Light we cannot summon by ourselves.
We present to you our brokenness, and the horror and pain of those who grieve.

May those who died find joy in the immortal realms.
May those who mourn them be comforted in this hour of their agony.

And may our prayers and actions be guided by You, dear God, to create a world where this occurs no more.
Amen

Remember, this is our final week of Stocking Stuffer Giveaways (BooHoo!) so make sure to check in on the FACEBOOK PAGE for fun questions and join in on the convo’s.

Big Thanks to Drink Chia, Sia Botanics, Luscious Soul, Liberty Emma Collections, Steele Jewel, Love for Pink + Plexus Slim and the Aaron Hendra Project!

Several of you have mentioned that you have recommended SOS to your moms, daughters, sisters and girlfriends. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Every single person in this Sisterhood is so special and I want to say….

I love you.

Tiff

RANDOM ENCOURAGEMENT (and this week’s goodies)

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Sanctuary Of Style

Just a quick hello and pat on the back for rising up, digging in, standing tall, believing, moving forward and not giving up! Do you know how aaaa-mazing you are? OWN IT!

Here’s a few special goodies in this week’s stocking…

Steele Jewel

Luscious Soul

Liberty Emma Collections

Plus, the goodies from Drink Chia, Aaron Hendra Project, Sia Botanics, Plexus Slim and a surprise gift from me!

Make sure to check in on the Facebook Page for fun questions. I am loving all the comments!

Love , Tiff

SNEAK PEEK AT THE GOODIES

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Sanctuary Of Style

Hey Sistas!

Here’s a sneak peek of the goodies going in the stocking stuffer giveaways. There’s a lil something for your style, beauty, spirit + health. WooHoo! I taped a new webisode today (stay tuned) and decided to show you girls some of the stocking stuffers in a quick candid video…