First off I want to remind you that I am not a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, etc. Everything in my blog is based of my personal research, experiences and preferences. I encourage you to speak to your health professionals before changing your Diet or exercise routine. Now, on to the topic at hand!  Here are some of my favorite health and beauty things in no specific order :-)

Favorite Thing #1: If you are anything like me, you have tried several of the 'fad' diets out there. Some of them may have worked for you and some not. The problem with those diets is that they usually leave you hungry or force you to completely cut out the really yummy things. Those types of diets do nothing but set you up for failure!  I did the diet roller-coaster for too long and had enough.  I have talked about the ABs Diet before and how much I love it.  It is easy to follow, leaves me feeling fuller for longer periods of time, and best of all....IT WORKS!

Favorite Thing (or person lol) #2: I recently read this amazing book by an amazing author.  Some of you may have heard of The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper (click link to purchase).  Great tips on how to eat healthy and maintain that lifestyle. I LOVE Bob Harper and his website has workout DVD's for only $3.99 (incredible) and lots of other beneficial information. Check him out at www.MyTrainerBob.com.



Favorite Thing #3: Cucumber water! I was introduced to this amazing drink back in 2008 when I worked for a skin care company from Paris. They always had iced cucumber water at our tables for training events because they said it was good for the skin. Not only does it taste great and refreshing, but it has benefits too! Here is an article discussing the benefits of cucumber water: http://olliejean.hubpages.com/hub/Benefits-of-Cucumber-Water.



Favorite Thing #4: Protein shakes. There are a LOT of protein powders out there but they are not to be created equal. When I first decided to start a protein shake meal replacement, I thought they were all the same. My husband, however, did not. He did a TON of research and found me a great one; Lean ProMatrix. What's great about this one is that it tastes great, blends well (no gritty texture), 34g of protein per serving, and has great nutritional values (much better than the others we researched). If you are thinking of starting a protein shake plan, please do your research. Read and compare labels. Check the cost per shake too so you get the best value for your money.

 


Favorite Thing #5: Water!!! I promise you that if you make an effort to drink more water each day, you WILL feel better. In addition, cut out all soda. Don't drink your calories. Save them for some yummy treat now and then. I shouldn't have to tell you how bad soda is for you. You already know it is. So make a promise to yourself that you are going to drink more water. Try it consistently for a week and I promise you will feel so great that you won't go back :-).  Here are some great articles about the benefits of drinking more water and tips on how to do just that: http://www.dwlz.com/WWinfo/water.html and http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1014  One more tip though. Be careful with things to flavor your water. They can contain just as much sugar and other unhealthy items as sugary drinks. If you honestly cannot drink plain water, try my Favorite Thing #3: Cucumber water!!

Favorite Thing #6: Insanity. You all already know this ;-) I just love it so much that OF COURSE it is one of my favorite things. In case you missed my blog post about this amazing workout program I am doing, you can check it out here. I am currently in my recovery week. It's a week long (6 days) of core and balance work. It isn't as intense as the regular Insanity workouts, but you will break a sweat. What's so great about it is that I am seeing improvement with my core and balance already after 3 days of the recovery workouts! After this week is over, I start Max Insanity (I am super scared to be honest lol) that will be the last 4 weeks of the 60 day program. I will re-take the Fit Test on Wednesday and will make sure to share my progress with you. I am really nervous about these last 4 weeks but really excited too! I have seen such improvement in my strength, flexibility, energy, and physical appearance. I cannot wait to start the 60 days all over again :-)



Favorite Thing #7: The Biggest Loser. Yes, it's a reality show. So?! It is an amazing and inspirational show. You cannot help but be motivated and inspired by the contestants and the personal trainers. If you have ever struggled with your weight, you will understand this show in a personal level like I do. This show makes me want to eat better and get off my butt and workout! Plus, you learn a lot about nutrition and exercise. Double win! Check it out Mondays at 7:00 pm central.



Favorite Thing #8: Zumba!!! If you have never tried a Zumba class, you are really missing out. It is so much fun! What's great is that you don't even realize you are working out. You can burn up to 700 calories in a one hour class just by dancing to some awesome music. What's better than that?!



Favorite Thing #9:  Sleep. Yes, sleep. It is important! If you are not getting enough sleep at night, it can be bad for your health. Plus, when you get a good nights sleep, you feel more energized to workout right?! Check out these articles on how sleep (or lack thereof) can effect your weight: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain, http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/lose-weight-while-sleeping, and http://www.shape.com/latest-news-trends/sleep-and-weight-loss-why-getting-your-zzzs-important.

Favorite Thing #10:  My family :-) My family is my support system and my cheering section. They build me up by noticing the positive changes I have made in my appearance and health, they encourage me to keep going, and they never make me feel guilty when I have a slip now and then. Everyone on a journey to a healthier self needs a good support group. Whether its friends, family, or co-workers, find your support and thank them for being with you through your amazing transformation. Who knows, you may inspire them to make the change too!