Hey Ms. Fit & Fab,
If you watched some of my webisodes from 2012, you will notice I was a bit “fluffier“. With the combo of stress and out-of-whack hormones that year, I packed on an extra 8-10 lbs. Some of you may not think that’s much weight, but on a smaller frame– it means I had to go up two jean sizes! OUCH! I got so sick of hearing myself complain about it and not being able to wear half my wardrobe- I had to make some changes.
As we get older, our metabolism and hormones change- who feels me– so we have to change our eating, exercise and supplement regimen along with it.
On a daily basis, I began tracking everything I was shoving in my mouth with the awesome app called “Lose It!”. Do you have any idea the true amount of calories you eat in a day? I also knew that my power walks 4 times a week weren’t cutting it if I wanted to get serious about losing that 10 lbs. The app also helps you keep track of how many calories you burn during specific workouts, too. I used the app diligently for about 60 days and amped up my hikes and got back into power yoga, which I prefer for strengthening instead of weights. I had always lived a healthy lifestyle, but with the changes in my hormones and stress levels– I had to make the necessary adjustments. I remember the day I sheepishly went into my closet and decided to try on “THOSE JEANS”… you know that pair of jeans you have that you need be at your best goal weight to fit into? Yep, those! I had not worn them in two years. They went up over my hips and then the button fastened and VOILA- I zipped them right up!
Hallelujahhhhhh!
I guess the results are showing because I’m getting lots of comments on the last 3-4 webisodes asking how I stay so fit and trim. Well, thank you! *wink* So, I decided to take you into my kitchen and give you a rundown of what I eat in a day. The morning is definitely the most important and will determine your energy levels throughout the day and how well you stay sharp and focused. WATCH THIS:
Now, there a million and one recipes for making yummy protein shakes and smoothies. Many people like adding fruit and ice along with the protein powder in a blender. I’m just too lazy for all that and prefer just shaking it all up and downing it. If it’s too cold or icey- it takes me longer to drink, but to each her own, right. I consider this my jet fuel for the day and not a tasty treat. I’ve grown to like the funky flavor, especially when I started adding the apple cider vinegar. Here’s a list of what I mention in the video:
1) TRADER JOE’S WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
If you do not have a Trader Joe’s near you, check out your local health food stores and just start doing taste tests to find the one you like. Also, if you are a vegetarian and do not want to use whey (which is derived from an animal source, milk) then try hemp protein (which is a vegetable source derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. No, it won’t make you high! Of course, I had to say that!) Here’s a great article on LIVESTRONG explaining both types.
2. ALMOND MILK
There’s much debate about Soy VS. Almond milk and when my hormones when crazy a few years ago, I learned that soy did not work for me. Supplementing with soy can be great for women of certain ages, but it can interfere with progesterone production. Both, soy and almond milk are great vegetarian alternatives to dairy milk. As I mention in my Hormonal Acne webisode- dairy products can increase hormones as well.
3. SUPER GREEN POWDER
Various brands can be purchased at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and several online vitamin stores. The brand I show in the video is by Premier Research Labs which is recommended by my Holistic Doc, but I actually prefer the Trader Joe’s Super Green Drink Mix the best!
4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
You can add ACV to your shake or if it’s just too tart, you can also hold your nose and down a quick shot of it on it’s own. It has so many health benefits from anti-aging to slowing the growth of cancer cells to weight loss. I actually make a homemade salad dressing with it using olive oil and basic spices! Yumm!
5. FIBER
Fiber is also a MUST for women (and men) because it supports our gastrointestinal tract. So many women have IBS due to stress or simply not eating enough fiber rich vegetables. I love this one by Genesis because of the additional supplements like Noni and probiotics.
6. RESVERATROL
Ok, this stuff is called the Fountain Of Youth! HOLLA! It’s great for anti-aging and found in the skin of red grapes so there’s another reason to enjoy that occasion glass of red wine!
7. VITAMIN C POWDER
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid is the most powerful form of Vitamin C and is clinically more potent in fighting infections and strengthening the immune system. Several brands can be purchased on Amazon!
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I had to share this comment from YouTube! These are also great breakfast options. My hubby loves the protein pancakes. Thanks Ally!
“I usually have egg whites with spinach in the morning with either a piece of toast with peanut butter, a piece of fruit like an apple with or without peanut butter, or oatmeal with a mashed banana, apple, or alone with some cinnamon, too. Some days when I’m not usually low on the protein powder (like this week :/) I’ll make a version of protein pancakes. I’ll mix an egg white with half a mashed banana and half a scoop of protein powder, cook it like a pancake and top it off with some peanut butter and the other half of the banana sliced on top.”
SANCTUARY OF STYLE 