side effect: when using this kitchen tool, you can't help but smile.

For all of you curly Qs, you must try the Spiralizer!

A friend texted me earlier today asking me what I knew about spiralizers. Quickly, a smile came across my face, and texted her the information that she needed. However, this prompted me to dig through those old kitchen cupboards (you know, the cupboard that hold all the tools that you rarely use) and dust off my spiralizer.

This gadget is a fun little one! It takes no time at all to zip through a half dozen zucchini's to make a wonderful noodle looking dish. It's a great tool if you are a noodle lover - every meal looks like noodle heaven but it surely is not! You can make a full spaghetti meal topped with a pesto or a marinara sauce using only zucchini noodles - a great healthy alternative! Think about how light you would feel after a full plate of zucchini pasta. Amazing!

I bought the Parderno Spiralizer from Amazon, last year. This machine is much more than a kinky zucchini transformer - you can make thick, thin, or curly noodles. You can also make some really creative, beautiful looking fruit art. Apple chips, carrot chips, shredded cabbage, curly potato fries, and so much more. It comes with 3 blades that have different functions for you to explore. And, bonus - it's easy to clean!

What's cooking in your kitchen this week? Any kitchen gadgets that you can't live without? Do you own a spiralizer?

A 5 minute salad dish

The one I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/World-Cuisine-A4982799-Tri-Blade-Vegetable/dp/B0007Y9WHQ

For you Pinners out there - - look up spiralizers - lots of fun!

Temptations...

How do you handle Social Temptations?

Okay, I have the goal written down. I have the vision board made (a new post coming up on this strategy), I have a kitchen stocked with clean food, I have the new fitness clothes, I have the time, but, do I have the strength to endure the temptations around me?

I am a sucker for temptations. I would like to think that I am a strong woman, however, the more I continue on this path of wellness, the more I realize that may not necessarily be the truth. I struggle with social temptations......and I struggle immensely.


My mother-in-law's cookies!


With the wedding being 4 months away, I am preparing myself for the temptations of a lifetime! I have two bridal showers, a bachelorette, a baptism celebration, get-to-know the bridal party Party, a 'parents finally meeting' luncheon, and many more events! In addition to my personal celebrations, I have two other weddings to attend, a trip to Atlanta, Easter celebration dinners, bridal showers, baby baptisms, a confirmation, and a couple baby showers! All exciting events that I can't wait to attend, but the temptations are endless....I need strategies!


I am a strong warrior in my home. I eat clean and have amazing willpower! However, take me out for a social event and I don't last 10 minutes. You can find me mowing down on anything and everything that tantalizes my taste buds....I'm truly an 'out of sight, out of mind' kinda girl. When it's in sight, all my goals and desires go flying and I can't seem to catch them....

So, what works for you? How do you survive social events? What makes you stick to your health goals? I need a game plan! Game's on and I have no defence!

The Last Meal...

Hello!

Happy March Break to all my teacher friends! I hope you found some time to relax and rejuvenate with your friends and family. I absolutely love this time of year, because it feels like we're going downhill....Spring colours paint the malls, the time change energizes, birds reuniting with one another, and the weather slowly gets warmer and warmer.  However, this year, I feel like I'm still climbing an enormous mountain....the famous Mt. Wedding.

Yes, in 4 months, I will be a MRS! It's crazy how quickly time flies. I remember thinking '8 months till the wedding' and now I am thinking 'holy amazeballs - only 4 months!'. I've been checking off the to-do list (cake, bomboniere, DJ, music, etc.) but there is one that I have not yet checked off - the wedding weight loss.

This past week, I was in full beach mode! Think sun, sand, sea, and many Spring Breakers flaunting their neon 2 pieces. (yes folks, the 80s neon is back in!). As I sat with my cover up, covering all my problem areas, I was mad at myself. Why haven't I done what I need to do to feel and look better? I'm not comfortable in my own skin and yet,  I've done nothing about it. Yes, I pay for Weight Watchers - and yes, I try and do the smoothie thing daily -  and yes, I have the home gym -  and yes, I know what I need to do....but I just have not taken it seriously until....tonight.

Yes - everyone hear me loud and clearly. I have 4 months to accomplish my goal. I want to rock the wedding dress but more importantly, I want to FEEL comfortable and confident on my wedding day. This is not a superficial thing. This is a wellness and confidence thing. When I was in Florida, I had a little taste of my beachy honeymoon! And, I didn't like it. I want to feel fantastic on the beach in Hawaii...I want to walk along the beach feeling confident in my own skin....I don't want to cover up my entire body.....I want to have the strength to eat well while on vacation

....I've said this before. (So much that my fiance doesn't entertain any of these conversations any more), but this was my last meal. A yummy disguised heart attack mess....and it was fantastic.

I devoured my naughty bliss, knowing that tomorrow is a brand new day....a new fitness schedule.....and a new meal plan. This is it, folks! I'm serious....I'm committed.....I've got 4 months. I could do a lot of damage in 4 months - I'm ready!

And, to add to my motivation, I need to fit into all my new Florida purchases. Yep, I bought adorable dresses, maxi skirts, tanks, etc. all in a SMALLER SIZE, PURPOSELY. Was this a crazy thing to do? Stupid of me? Or wise? Creative? Clever? I think the latter, my family thinks the first one. HA! I'll prove them wrong.....and I can't wait!

Thank you for reading! Making my mission public feels good! Keeps me in check. Keeps me honest. Any advice on how to stay strong is encouraged! I'd love to hear from you!

I've got a love-hate relationship with...

Not Bikram

Bikram Yoga!

Check this out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEzznV7LlyA

This past week, I have found myself back in the sweat cell of Bikram yoga. Months ago, a new studio opened around the corner from me. A huge sign was posted advertising a 40% off deal for the first 50 people. So, there I was, eager as a beaver signing up for 40 classes without ever trying this style of yoga. How could I resist a deal!  I'm a yoga teacher so how hard could it be, right? I was in for a shock....

My first class was the worst possible situation to be in. I found a great corner spot,  unraveled my mat, and began 'shifting mind sets' as I drifted into savasana. I was awakened to a half dressed man who turned on the bright lights, and welcomed me to the class. I looked around and realized I was the only participant. I nervously told him that he could cancel the class, however that was not an option for him. So, there I was one on one...*awkward* doesn't even begin to describe it.



Not Bikram

Bikram is a complete mind game. The class begins with a breathing exercise, followed by 26 postures, concluding with 1 breath exercise. Despite who teaches or where you take a class, the exact same postures, in the exact same order are done. The postures are not necessarily hard, however, it's a very challenging style of yoga. Withstanding the heat is your goal....it really is a meditative activity....a complete mind mess. I'm not going to paint a beautiful picture for you, it's hard. It's rough. It's terrible. It's amazing...

It is a complete mind game. It's all about focus and determination. It's all about your breath, mind, and body connection. You can't do this style of yoga without the triad working together. I've now completed my 7th class and it gets better. It's challenging and I hate it at times. However, I must ask 'WHY?'. Why do I hate it so much? Am I uncomfortable? Do I hate challenge? Do I quit when the going gets rough? It's all about persisting through a challenge....remaining focused....it's all about meditation. The days that I arrive with too much on my mind, are the worst days. I feel sick, I feel tired, I feel dizzy, I feel out of control, and I spend most of the class on my mat in the fetal position trying my best not to suffocate from the sweat or heat.



Wheel Pose - not in the
Bikram series,
but one of my favs.

But, I LOVE it.  I love the feeling I have when leaving the class. I feel alive, vibrant, energetic, and feel a sense of achievement and empowerment. I feel more positive and determined. This feeling joins me into the next day....it really is amazing! (*I also kind of love the heart pounding calorie burn!)

What do you have a love-hate relationship with? (Post on Facebook)

 

 

Weekly Overview

Accomplishments

* Green Smoothies - still loving the green smoothies daily! This week, I'm going to try using Kale in place of Spinach.

* 3 Bikrams in one week! Yay!

* bought a new pair of skinny jeans in a smaller size!


Struggles

* Weekend Warrior - Last weekend, I slid back into my old ways. We went to Buffalo for a shopping get-away and I found myself buying 'hotel snacks'. We're talking Kit Kat bars, Sour Cream and Onion chips, Starbursts, Chocolate, Pretzels, and more! I had it all in my hands and I knew I was misbehaving but I just couldn't stop myself....hotel rooms and candy are a fantastic pairing! Next time, perhaps just one bag of candy will suffice. :)

*So, surprise surprise,  I was up 1.0 on the scale. Guh. Total buzz killer.

Confessional
* HOTEL BINGE


Goals for next week

* LOSE that 1 pound (and hopefully more).

Wedding Updates

Lots- it's been a busy 2 weeks.

- DJ/MC- booked!
- Shower - theme, invites, and bombonieres - done!
- wedding bomboniere shopping underway!
- flower girl dress - check!
- honeymoon details under way
- tux style - check!

It's all about the straw!

It's all about the straw! Yes, readers...the magical straw....

 

I'm excited to share a little trick of the trade with you all today. Apparently, the rule of thumb is to drink half your weight in ounces. How is this possible? Well, a smart colleague of mine mentioned that she loves the straw. She is adamant that sipping water through a straw makes for more slurping throughout the day. I didn't believe her at first...but now, I'm a true believer! I found myself drinking enormous amounts of water this week, effortlessly. The straw does make a difference!

I think part of the reason is the accessibility. The water is just a suck away. No screw off lids and no water pouring down the sides of your mouth (or, is that just me who has issues?). It's brilliant! I was walking down the halls of school, sipping away at my water. So, walking and sipping go hand and hand now. Have you ever tried to unscrew a lid, drink, and walk down the hallway? It's tougher than you think.

Also, I think that you inhale more water through a straw than you do gulping from a wide mouthed rim. I catch myself swallowing twice in one sip! Double water, perhaps? So, drinking 4 - 600 ml jugs a day is effortless!

It seems silly. I get it. However, give it a try! I'm on a mission to drink 5 a day now...


So, let's talk about this week...

Accomplishments

* Water Intake -Cheers to the straw!

* Green Smoothies - Check! Had one every day for breakie.

* Weighed in 1.6 pounds lighter this week. I'm ALMOST where I was before the Christmas gitty splurge. Just another 0.8 pounds to get to where I was 6 weeks ago! Yikes, it kind of makes my Christmas melt down SO not worth it. (However, I did have fun eating anything and everything that I saw...ah, the freedom)


Struggles
* Exercise - Once again, here is an area of struggle. On Monday, I ran for 45 minutes while watching the Bachelor beauties. (Very inspiring, actually! - running to the skinny minnies on TV was super motivating!). However, on Tuesday I felt ill and it went all downhill from there. So, feeling crapola damaged me.

In addition, report card madness has begun. I internally battled with my thought processes ('work out or work out my report cards'...). The report cards won.  I just want them done!!


Confessional
* remember last week and the biscotti? Well, I found them AGAIN. So, my sister has now hid them. She has better hiding spots than my man.  HA!

* I also was famished one day after school and I found a bag of BBQ rice crisps in my cart. I ate them and loved every salty bite! (They must be the most ridiculous empty calories on the market - calories for air is so not worth it!) They were devoured in 2 sittings.

Proud Moment
* Each week, my hubs and I attend Catholic schooling. Before class begins, there is always a wide array of food including samosas, pizza, home made cookies, and other baked goods. It's always hard, but I try to hold my breath, turn the other way, and walk past the temptations. This past week, the table had spring rolls and those amazing double chocolate cookies. I knew I was in trouble. I held my breath, walked by the table, and found my seat and ignored all the chit chat, moans of satisfaction, and sweet smell of that room. Yep, a sweet moment with me and my straw.

Goals for next week

* 2 - long runs
* 1 Bikram Yoga class
* Drink 5 waters
* lose that 1 pound to surpass my lowest weight on WW records

Wedding Updates

* Invitations - check!

* Flower Girl dress - still in progress.

* My dress is in! Yay - trying it on this week.

* My Italian style Bridal Shower is well under way! I have a theme, date, and venue! More details soon! It's totally ME and I can't wait to see it come together. I think I'm more excited about the bridal shower than I am my wedding. Perhaps it's because the shower is in less than 3 months!

Have a great week, everyone! Go out and buy yourself a straw!

Cheers~!

It's refill time!

My new BFF.

Let it rain...let it rain...let it, RAIN? WHAT!

What's with our weather lately? Yesterday, was a double-digit day in January!?! And today, you could dance in the rain. What gives? I'm missing the snow. With these high temps, spring clothes in every store, and the sun shining, it's beginning to feel like April! Yikes! That's not good....back to reality....

So, let's talk about this week...

Accomplishments
* Water Intake - I really tried to UP my water intake. The more I read on water, the more I realize that it is absolutely vital to losing weight. Out of the 5 work days, I was fantastic with 3 of them. The other 2 days were a mess. I forgot my water bottle at home or in the car.
~The days that I drank the water, I felt the best! I was not hungry and felt more energized. Actually, one of the days I worked right through lunch and then realized that I hadn't eaten anything. I wasn't hungry at all....crazy! I'm always hungry. I've found a new BFF.

* Green Smoothies - I had a smoothie for breakfast every day. I made them before I went to bed, as the machine is a loud beast and I didn't want to wake my sister up. I was a little worried that the smoothies wouldn't keep me satisfied until lunch but they did! I wasn't hungry at all. However, that could have been because of my H20 buddy.

* Weighed in 3.6 pounds lighter this week! That loss is for 2 weeks though. I skipped weigh in last week. I'm happy but I'm not where I was before my 'OMG, eat everything in sight, Christmas binge'. The chocolates, the yummy cookies, the indulgences of the past.....ahhhh.....


Struggles
* Exercise - I only give myself half a star for this one. I find it difficult to squeeze in exercise when I have a 'to-do' list of a million things. I know I have to squeeze it in and make time. Did I tell you that last week, we bought a treadmill? Yes! So, I was able to sneak in 3 - 25+ minute runs throughout the week. It felt great! I really have no excuses to not work out. I've got a home gym downstairs.

Confessional
* My hubby loves his sweets. He purchased a box of biscotti to go along with his espresso. (Can't have 1 without the other, you see!). Well, he didn't hide the box well enough....


Proud Moment
*Some colleagues and I went out for lunch on Friday. (Insert the siren sounds now). As they ordered their Cold Stone Creamery double fudge, caramel, SKOR, decadent, amazingly, heavenly, OMG I want a bite, ice cream sundaes....I sat back and ate my boring a$$ sandwich. Yep, points for moi!



Goals for next week

* Exercise 4/7 days.
* Drink MORE water
* lose 2 lbs.

Wedding Updates

* This week, I have been focused on invitations. I'm a firm believer that your invitation should be a little glimpse into your wedding day. So, I've been busy choosing styles, colours, and ensuring that the wedding invite represents our special day. I think I've nailed it! What's interesting is that my mom really has been hands-off, this entire process. She called this week and shared her thoughts on invitations ( I never asked, she just called out of the blue). She made it quite clear that invitations sets the tone for a wedding and that I shouldn't skimp out on this important wedding detail. Who knew that invites were so important? What perfect timing! She didn't even know that I was working on them.  I think I'll make mama proud :)

* Also I've been working on my flower girl's dress. I think I found the perfect dress that mimics mine. However, my problem now is colour matching. Her dress only comes in 1 colour  (Ivory) and is a different designer than mine. Sometimes Ivory isn't always the same. My dress is ivory, however, the consultant said that it looks more like diamond white.  So, are the ivories the same? Or is one diamond white and 1 more ivory? If so, her dress will look 'dirty' next to mine. My dress hasn't arrived yet to double check the colours. So, I'm not really sure what to do with this one. This is my dilemma now.

Wanted: IMMUNITY

I'm sitting here, sipping my honey-loaded peppermint tea researching a cure for my ongoing 'Welcome to 2013' cold/flu bug. Yes, I'm that unfortunate one who was sick the entire holiday break. It first started with a few sniffles, then led to a full blown 3 days in bed head/chest cold, and now I'm the lucky recipient of what I think is, the flu. Guh. I think this is where people insert those 3 letters - starts with F and ends with L? You know the one.

What makes matters even more depressing is that I missed meeting a newborn baby today and my (future) nephew's birthday party tonight. As celebratory drinks are being poured, Italian rice balls served, and cannoli melting in mouths, I remain at home with Pepto by my side. How depressing!  Not how I wanted to end off my holidays!

However, it's times like these that test your faith and positivity, right? There's a reason to this madness and I just need to discover it.  Perhaps my body is telling me take a rest....perhaps my body is telling me to slow down (but how? I've got a wedding to plan! haha).....perhaps, my body is telling me it's time for an immunity cleanse.....perhaps, my body is telling me that it's time for an immunity boosting diet!

I do feel like I need a little shock to my system! I am a huge believer that food cures. I mean, how can you argue the amazing benefits of an alkaline body? (Hello, diseases don't typically grow in alkaline bodies!) I'm in need of an immunity boosting diet, alkalizing diet.  I have been known (ask any colleagues or close friends of mine) to have chronic colds come Winter. 'You're sick again?' - 'Yep...'. Enough is enough. I firmly believe that I have the power to change this cycle. It's time...

So, as I google the subject 'Immunity boosting diets', I am overwhelmed by the various answers out there. I imagined that I would be able to find the top 10, and that's that! NOPE, like everything else, there's a ton of different suggestions. So, below, I have put together a list of foods that seemed to keep popping up, from my research. They are:

1. Chicken Noodle Soup
It's not just an old wive's tale. It really works! It thins the mucous and has some anti-inflammatory effects. Goodbye nasal congestion!
2. Onion and Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, fights infection and bacteria. Who's up for eating 2 raw cloves of garlic daily? Yikes, welcome to stinkville.
3. Mushrooms
Apparently works with white blood cells to kill infection. Cool power team! Go team Shiitake!
4. Citrus Fruits
We all love vitamin C!
5. Yogurt
Probiotics - keeping your gut clean and healthy from disease-causing germs! Be sure that your yoghurt has Lactobacillus reuteri in it. Otherwise, it's just yoghurt, not the warrior style.
6.Vitamin D & Omega 3 Fatty Acids
7. Hot Tea
L-theanine, an amino acid, you can thank! Drink up! Green tea rocks this antioxidant department.
8. Ginger
A natural pain and fever reducer.
9. Honey
Soothes sore throats with it's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Look for Buckwheat honey! Warning: Never give honey to a child under 1 years old.
10. Black Pepper
Go piperine! Apparently it has anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities.

These seem to be the popular ones! What have you heard is an immunity boosting food? I'd love to know your secrets to immunity health. And once again, just a reminder that I am not a doctor or expert in this field but rather a health nut who craves information. Always visit your doctor or naturopath for more details on strengthening your immunity.  

Raise your green tea in the air and CHEERS to a healthy immune system for 2013!

xo

References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/02/06/immune-system-foods_n_1257903.html#s668462&title=ImmuneBoosting_Supplements_

http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/9-power-foods-boost-immunity