Reasons to Enjoy a Sunny Day...

One of those perfect lazy days…

As I write this blog I am basking in this glorious sunlit day.  It’s a rarity mid winter to have one of these perfectly sunny days. 63 degrees, slight breeze, and not a cloud in sight.  I’ve got my bikini on and I’m ready to store up on sunlight while I still can.  It’s these kinds of days that will tide me over until summer.

My enjoyment of this sunny day prompted me to write this blog about the benefits of sunlight.  Mostly we hear and like to repeat to others the dangers of too much sunlight.  Cancer and saggy skin galore!  Fortunately for us summer-lovers there are some benefits as well.  It still holds true that we should limit our time in the sun and wear an SPF protecting against UVB/UVA rays on a daily basis, however; health professionals are now suggesting that we all need approximately 5 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure (varying depending on location and skin type) in order to produce the proper amount of Vitamin D. 

Being an advocate of the sun, here’s my list of reasons why we should indulge J

1.     Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of many ailments and diseases including that of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer (As is said, small doses do the trick), prevent muscle pain, the flu, and prevent many bone diseases.

2.     Build resistance to eczema, acne, psoriasis, and other skin irritations

3.     Improve your digestion

4.     Promote activity – The average person is far more inspired to be active in an outdoor setting than inside their house, or even at the gym.

5.     Happiness – I can speak from first hand experience as to the sun’s mood-boosting capabilities.

Inspired to have a day in the sun?  Be safe and have fun!  The sunrays are strongest within the hours of 11am until 2pm, so lather up on that sunscreen!

Time to enjoy this day…

Until Next Time,

Evy <3

Weightloss/ Heatlhy Living Diet Tips

Hi guys,

I was watching some beauty videos on youtube a few days ago when I came across a lot of healthy living videos, particularly one by CheckInTheMirror (One of my favorite gurus).  This inspired me to film my own healthy living video which I have for you right here:

Tips:
1.  Don't over restrict your caloric intake.  Resolve will crumble... body will weaken... STARVATION MODE
2.  Stay well hydrated
3.  Avoid sugary drinks
4.  Eat small snacks throughout the day
5.  Avoid carbs at night
6.  Set a time to be done eating by at night (Around 7pm)
7.  Indulge (every once in awhile)
8.  Switch it up
9.  Don't beat yourself up (Don't even think about it!)
10.  Find the My Fitness Pal app for the iphone

Blender Bottle Review

Hey Guys!

I was browsing through my old posts when I realized how infrequently I’ve been fulfilling the health segment of my blog.  I usually stick to fashion and beauty youtube videos, which is why health (which is just as important) falls on the backburner.  Although, my health posts are pretty scarce, it’s a major part of my day-to-day life.  I figure today is the day to break my hiatus by talking to you about one of my newest obsessions.

About the bottle:

You might say that it’s just a bottle, but oh… it is so much more!  The Blender Bottle is a relatively new phenomenon to catch on.  I’ve seen these sold in many health and supplement stores along with my local 24Hr Fitness club.  The bottle itself is really nice for on-the-go use because of its sturdy closure, and is ideal for keeping track of intake due to the handy measurement along the side.  So far I’ve described a really nice water bottle, but what makes this bottle really special is the golf-ball shaped whisk that comes tucked away inside.  The whisk is great for blending ingredients inside of the bottle efficiently and mess free. 

Uses:

My reason for purchasing this bottle was to blend my own protein shakes when I’m on the go.  Anyone who’s tried to blend their own protein drinks knows that most protein powders are not the most delicious, the worst being when mid-chug you gulp a glob of dried powder (Yuck).  Since using the Blender Bottle I have been clump free! J  In my excitement about my new find I decided to visit the Blender Bottle website (www.blenderbottle.com) to learn more about my purchase.  Along with showing me more of their products, the site was helpful in showing me how else to use my bottle.  Some of the uses were a bit self-explanatory (Use it as a water bottle?  Who woud have thought!), but then there were a million and one other great ways to use the bottle in day-to-day cooking (scrambling eggs, making salad dressing, etc).  If you decide to purchase a bottle, I would suggest visiting the website as it can teach you great (healthy) recipes to get you started. My favorite recipe is a healthier indulgence and tastes great!  Go check out the Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake.  You won’t be sorry ;)

Until Next Time,

Evy <3

Guilt-free Bread Substitutes

Moderation is the key to just about any diet.  "Too much of anything is not a good thing" is a great health tip to live by.  This is why I am loving the new low calorie bread trends.  I can now indulge on burgers on a regular basis, as well as fixing myself a healthier breakfast or a good old-fashioned sandwich.  I now keep my pantry fully stocked with these healthier options:

1.  Earthgrains 100% Natural Wheat Thin Buns (100 Calories) - I feel healthy and satisfied when I pair these buns with a Vegetarian Morningstar Chicken Patty

2.  Thomas' Whole Grain Bagel Thins (110 Calories) - I pair one of these with some low fat cream cheese and some fresh fruit to kick start my day with a hearty meal.

3.  La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Tortillas (100 Calories) - I am a sucker for bean and cheese burritos, so I can demolish a pack of tortillas like no other.  I was surprised when I realized how many calories a tortilla could pack, as thin as they are.  The great thing about these tortillas is that as large as they are, they carry less calories than most tortillas of a much smaller size.  More for less?  Sign me up!

4.  Sarah Lee 100% Multi Grain Bread (45 Calories) - Yes, these bread slices are smaller and thinner than your average slice, but your waistline and conscience will thank you later.

Although these substitutes aren't all that you should rely on to maintain a healthy diet, every little bit helps.  You can be healthier with these small changes and barely notice.  As a side note, I purchase all of these items from Raley's supermarkets and to my knowledge they are available at most grocery stores.  Happy eating!  

Evy <3

Workout Jams!

Hi Everyone,

I think most people can agree that the most difficult part about exercising (especially for me) is actually getting motivated to get off of the couch and start moving!  Once you've got that much covered, you've won half the battle.  I'm not talking to you about exercise necessarily as a weight loss measure, but I firmly believe that it's an important daily activity for anyone.  Stretching out and using your body can help you in your beauty quest by boosting your overall health, moods, confidence, and yes... toning your body along with other great benefits.  Do you have even an extra 10 minutes a day?  Put it to some goods use!  Exercise doesn't necessarily have to be going to the gym or taking a jog; it can be something fun like throwing a dance party in your room (Take a cue from Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30), playing with your pets, or dragging your friends to Zumba.  You just want to get your body moving.  If i'm being honest, I would be a complete couch potato if my job didn't require me to be on my feet dancing on average for about 5 hours 6 days per week.

My number one workout tip for all of you would be to turn up the tunes!  Blast your favorite catchy songs and you won't be able to sit still.  Just listening to music that you love can get your heart rate pumping faster and inspire you to get up and move.  I wanted to leave all of you with my top 10 go to workout playlist which will hopefully inspire you to make your own.

1.  One Week by Barenaked Ladies
2.  Hey Mama by Black Eyed Peas (The ultimate dance song)
3.  American Boy Feat. Kanye West by Estelle
4.  Bulletproof by La Roux (I don't know how to sit still while listening to this one)
5.  Americano by Lady Gaga (Queen of dance music... Dance party anyone?)
6.  PYT by Michael Jackson
7.  Black and Gold by Sam Sparro
8.  Give it Up to Me by Shakira ft Lil Wayne (Up for a challenge?  Dance like Shakira :P)
9.  Undercover Martyn by Two Door Cinema Club (For all of you hipsters out there)
10.  Starstrukk by 3OH!3

Be sure to comment with your top 10 or even top 1!

Until next time...
xoxo Evy