Weight-loss is simple.

Or so I used to say until my husband set me straight.

Today is a post sponsored by Attune Foods.

I am an Attune Foods brand ambassador.

I adore their products (Ive been a fan since the 90's) yet almost more than that I adore the opportunity to chat over there about topics I dont address here.

Gluten-free living.

Weight-loss.

Healthy eating.

Mindful snacking.

And, today, the fact I used to say weight-loss was simple.

It is—just not in the fashion people assumed I meant.

Join me over there to chat?

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Tags: Attune Foods, weight-loss is simple

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It’s this simple and it’s this scary.

“Im sorry. You’re just not a priority right now.”

“Im sorry.  This just isnt a priority right not.”

I saw this post last night before I unplugged for Shabbat and it resonated with me.

And, since Ive rambled here about 2012 being the year I strive to live my priorities, I wanted to share.

The exercise they suggest is an uncomfortable one (the mere thought of turning down an event or experience with the words “Im sorry it isnt a priority right now” causes me to sweat a little.).

The exercise they suggest is one we all do daily when we pretend (to ourselves more than anything) turning something down is about time more than choice.**

I encourage you to read the post.

You know, unless it’s not a priority right now.

**Im sure my Freaky Follicled friend will have  a rant here about her lack of time and how she’d choose to do many things if she had the luxurious life I lead.  There.  Ive said it.   No need to comment.

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Tags: choices, inaction is a choice, priorities

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A Simple Sensational Sunday at Home

The only time I left the house today was for a run and it was glorious! (Both the run and chilling at home with my boys.)

I got lots of work done. I got lots of family time in. I couldn’t ask for a better day.

It all started when I woke up just a little bit earlier than everyone else. When that happens I take advantage and get some work done. Today it was FitBloggin’. I’ve been going though speaker applications and working on the agenda all weekend. I also created the buttons and updated the Who’s Comin’ page. When you work for yourself you work when you can and for me that was 6:30 this morning.

Soon I was joined by Little Guy and we took a Highlights break…

before making pancakes.

He still loves to help. It’s awesome!

We made our old standby, Quick Banana Pancakes and I whipped up an egg for Little Bean in the background.

Little Bean joined us and someone took over the "Find the Finger" game with a version of his own.

Then it was time for Mommy’s run.

Ms. Forgetful forgot her Nike+ sensor so I have no proof but Carrie and I ran a local paved trail that’s 3.3 miles one way. It was so fun. 6 miles go by in a flash when you are chatting the whole time. I think it took us about an hour and half with walk breaks. We’re trying to make this a Sunday tradition.

When I got home I made myself the traditional omelet.

Today’s fillings: onion, mushrooms, spinach and ham.

With the baby napping and the husband sleeping (he went back to bed lol) Little Bean and I watched Power Rangers. He’s totally obsessed right now. It’s cute.

I also got some work done for our HOA. I somehow volunteered to be my community’s web master. So I had to pull together a few google forms and update the website for the annual meeting.

Before baby woke up I hopped in the shower and grabbed a snack. The eggs weren’t holding me over after the run so I grabbed a Larabar.

When baby woke up it was laundry time. Which we made fun, of course.

LUNCH!

I made Little Guy and I pizzas on sandwich thins and Little Bean ate his new favorite…

avocado chunks with some black beans and carrots. He’s becoming quite the accomplished little eater!

The rest of the afternoon was quite a blur while cleaning up and playing.

There was the Ravens game, of course.

Puzzles.

Well, I have to show you it finished.

And any excuse to share a cute pic of Little Bean. ;)

Then we played a little Jenga…

before I cooked dinner.

I made some chicken tenders with homemade breading (I may share it on GreenLiteBites,) roasted carrots, sweet potato fries and my very first batch of Collard Greens WHICH no one ate but me, of course.

Little Bean, however, had his very first sweet potato fry…

He liked it!

After dinner the brothers played.

Once Little Bean went to bed, Little Guy help me do one last thing…

Organize the pantry. I mean look at it! Total disaster zone!

That was then. THIS is now…

That’s it. Once the kids were both in bed I settled in to watch Once Upon a Time, my Sunday obsession.

Ok, must sleep. Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

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Finish It Monday: You Can Reach Your Goals Faster With This Simple Dietary Twist

I had to learn the long and drawn-out way, but there’s no reason why YOU should have to take the long route, too.

It took me more than two years to realize that clean eating would contribute to faster fitness progress. If you’ve been doing a great job at keeping your daily calorie chewing within a decent range, but your food choices still primarily consist of processed/packaged foods, highly refined foods and empty calories, it’s time to make some changes right away.

You want that progress faster, don’t you?

Sorry to bust your ballz, but please don’t get too comfortable patting yourself on the back for the healthy habits you’ve mastered so far. There’s more work to be done. Aim for more improvement. More progress! Especially where your eating is concerned. If you’re NOT totally brand new to fitness, but you still haven’t pushed yourself to move beyond the bare bones of healthy eating that you started with…why not?

Clean Eating is one helluva powerful twist to break out of a newbie fitness routine and take it to the next level to come closer to your goals.

Clean Eating is what our bodies are designed for. Here are some questions to ask yourself to know if you’re in the clean eating zone:

Can I pronounce the ingredients on the label and are there as few ingredients as possible?Is this food made from whole ingredients, or is it highly refined and stripped of its nutrients?Do I try to avoid meals that come out of a box or package, including eating out?Am I eating fresh fruits and vegetables everyday?Am I eating lean cuts of meat?

If most of your answers are a resounding “no”, then excuse me, but you are NOT in the clean eating zone. Packaged food is easy and convenient. Highly refined and processed food can be tasty and fun. But none of these foods will contribute to the best you that you can be.

My Own Clean Eating Story

It’s cool that I lost my first 20 pounds simply by counting calories while staying in the process/packaged/refined foods zone. But then my progress stalled and my body still looked “soft” and undefined despite a faithful weightlifting regimen.

It wasn’t until I became open to the idea of clean eating and started to put it into practice that my weight loss revived itself and I got leaner. Yes, I still enjoy my sweets, carbs and  fats, but those foods are the exception now – not the rule. I also still enjoy packaged foods, but I swapped them out for healthier packaged options, like Larabar instead of cereal bars and Fage Greek Yogurt instead of popular mainstream yogurts, like Yoplait and Dannon.

So what can you do today to start eating cleaner?

You might think muffins, cereal bars and burgers can remain standard and acceptable so long as you stay within your calorie range, but you’ve got it all wrong. You’re not doing yourself any favors. Go with clean eating instead. It’s actually pretty simple. It’s not complicated and it’s not a hassle. You just have to change the way you shop and understand that planning is key. It doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” approach either. Start out slow. Get the hang of it, build on your clean eating ways, and I bet you’ll see better, faster fitness results.

Livestrong’s 5 Simple Steps to Clean Eating.

The Gracious Pantry’s 6 Tips To Get Started With Clean Eating.

I’m calling on all of my Finish What You Started Challengers to earn their bonus star this week by ditching one processing/packaged/refined food and replacing it with a cleaner option. If you’re already a clean-eating pro, your bonus star challenge is to expand your clean eating horizons: try a new food or new clean eating recipe! (and by all means, share that recipe with me)   

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My Simple Post-FitBloggin Sensational Sunday.

I did it! It’s over!

It. Was. AWESOME!

I’m going to be honest.. I can’t even talk about it yet. That’s how overwhelming it was.

And I mean "overwhelming" in a good way. No. In GREAT way.

To see the conference from other people’s eyes click here for recap posts and here for photos.

Everyone was so amazing and the whole weekend was a whirlwind!

Today was much more low key. It needed to be. Here’s a quick play by play before I get to bed.

My day started with an AMAZING breakfast.

You are going to have to go to GreenLiteBites to see what it is. I REALLY liked this one. SO yummy!

Then it was off to the Little Guy’s T-ball game.

Little Bean and I enjoyed our time outside watching.

Then I kept the one appotment I had on the calender.

Afterwards we went out to dinner (I had sushi) and got a little shopping done.

For dinner the boys had Breakfast. I went with leftover Whole Wheat Pasta with Rainbow Chard and White Beans that I made the night before the conference.

Then we watched America’s Funniest Home Videos. Just look at my boys. :)

Once the little ones went to bed I posted the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal and I’m a Crazy Breastfeeding Momma! Part 1: The Pictures on the blogs while watching Game of Thorns and The Killing. My two new favorite shows.

It was a great day.

Time for bed.

View the original article here

Biggest Loser Nutritionist Shares Simple Swaps for Healthy Holiday Parties

Good nutrition isn’t all or nothing – especially during the busy, festive holiday feasting season. Rather than trying to follow a complicated plan to the letter – and giving up when you “blow it” by sampling one too many holiday cookies – make a smart series of small choices. Opt for healthier foods each time, and you’ll make steady progress toward your goals, regardless of the season.

Try these simple swaps to make easy, healthy food choices for holiday parties:

Swap famished for full. Eat a healthy snack before you head to the event to avoid gorging on the goodies. For staying power, snack on both carbs and protein - the combination helps slow the release of blood sugar to maintain steady energy and lengthens the sensation of satiety (a feeling of fullness).
Swap food gifts for flowers. If you bring food as a "hostess gift", it will likely be shared immediately with partygoers, so don’t sabotage yourself by bringing extra temptation in the form of a present. In addition to flowers, calorie-free gift options include gift soap sets, cute cocktail napkins, and wine charms.
Swap chips for veggies. Go ahead and try the dips on the buffet table, but only with raw vegetables. If you're making the dip, serve it not only with sliced celery and carrots, but slivers of jicama root or small bites of broccoli; bake your own chips from tortillas and pitas. Try these recipes:
Swap sides for soup. Broth-based soups are not only flavorful, filling, and comforting on cold nights - they're also potentially packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to the dinner party menu or potluck buffet. Soup is easy to make beforehand and reheat at party time - lightening your workload. Try these recipes:
Swap seconds for a conversation. Instead of heading to the buffet table for a second plateful of goodies, sip a glass of water while introducing yourself to a guest you’ve never met. The water will help you feel full, and the pause between platefuls will give your body a chance to register whether you really have room for another slice of pie.
Swap guilt for fresh air. When you mark a party on the calendar, schedule exercise at the same time. A long walk or extended gym workout the day before and after the event will help balance out the extra calories – and by making time to exercise rather than wasting time fretting over what you ate, you’ll reduce holiday stress and get an added energy boost.

View the original article here

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food

Author of a dozen bestselling cookbooks and beloved columnist for The New York Times ("The Minimalist"), Chef Mark Bittman bookends his award-winning modern classic, How to Cook Everything, with How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian the ultimate one-stop resource for meatless meals. Refreshingly straightforward and filled with illustrated recipes, this is a book that puts vegetarian cuisine within the reach of every home cook. You'll want to spend countless days in the kitchen with Bittman's latest culinary treasure.

Recipe Excerpts from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

â?¢ Spinach with Chiles
â?¢ Chickpea Fries (Panelle)
â?¢ Braised Tofu with Eggplant and Shiitakes
â?¢ Amazon-Exclusive Crunchy Corn Guacamole

---

5 Questions for Mark Bittman

Q. What motivated you to write a comprehensive cookbook of vegetarian recipes right now?

A: What motivated me--several years ago--was seeing the handwriting on the wall: That although being a principled, all-or-nothing vegetarian was not a course of action that would ever likely inspire the majority of Americans, the days of all-meat-all-the-time (or, to be slightly less extreme, of a diet heavily dependent on meat) could not go on. Averaging a consumption of two pounds a week or more of meat (as Americans do) is not sustainable, either for the earth or our planet. And, as more and more of us realize this, I thought it was important to develop a cookbook along the lines of How to Cook Everything, but without meat, fish, or poultry. Needless to say, there’s plenty of material.

Q: In the course of writing How to Cook Everything Vegetarian did your approach to food shopping, cooking or dining change significantly?

A: Completely. The more I tried new ways of cooking with vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, the more I enjoyed them. I probably eat sixty or seventy percent fewer animal products than I did three years ago.

Q: Because meatless cooking isn't limited to a single cuisine, your recipes introduce the flavors and techniques of many different cultures and cuisines. How did you manage to cover so much ground? Seems like a daunting task.

A: It’s what I do.

Q: Out of the more than 2,000 recipes in the cookbook do you have a favorite dish or dessert that you turn to again and again?

A: No. There are hundreds I wish I could cook all the time, but one can only cook and eat so much. But in the last week, for example, I’ve made Fava Bean and Mint Salad with Asparagus; Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes; Cornbread Salad; and Red Lentils with Chaat Masala.

Q: Why is simplicity so important in cooking? What does the novice home cook need to know to cook and eat well?

A: Simplicity is only important because it’s the way to learn to cook; it’s very difficult to start cooking with complex dishes. For people to learn to cook, they must start simply--the way everyone used to cook. And, for most of us--including me--there’s no reason to carry things much further. Even the simplest cooking is rewarding, enjoyable, and--obviously--the healthiest and best way to eat.

Price: $35.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food

Author of a dozen bestselling cookbooks and beloved columnist for The New York Times ("The Minimalist"), Chef Mark Bittman bookends his award-winning modern classic, How to Cook Everything, with How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian the ultimate one-stop resource for meatless meals. Refreshingly straightforward and filled with illustrated recipes, this is a book that puts vegetarian cuisine within the reach of every home cook. You'll want to spend countless days in the kitchen with Bittman's latest culinary treasure.

Recipe Excerpts from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

â?¢ Spinach with Chiles
â?¢ Chickpea Fries (Panelle)
â?¢ Braised Tofu with Eggplant and Shiitakes
â?¢ Amazon-Exclusive Crunchy Corn Guacamole

---

5 Questions for Mark Bittman

Q. What motivated you to write a comprehensive cookbook of vegetarian recipes right now?

A: What motivated me--several years ago--was seeing the handwriting on the wall: That although being a principled, all-or-nothing vegetarian was not a course of action that would ever likely inspire the majority of Americans, the days of all-meat-all-the-time (or, to be slightly less extreme, of a diet heavily dependent on meat) could not go on. Averaging a consumption of two pounds a week or more of meat (as Americans do) is not sustainable, either for the earth or our planet. And, as more and more of us realize this, I thought it was important to develop a cookbook along the lines of How to Cook Everything, but without meat, fish, or poultry. Needless to say, there’s plenty of material.

Q: In the course of writing How to Cook Everything Vegetarian did your approach to food shopping, cooking or dining change significantly?

A: Completely. The more I tried new ways of cooking with vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, the more I enjoyed them. I probably eat sixty or seventy percent fewer animal products than I did three years ago.

Q: Because meatless cooking isn't limited to a single cuisine, your recipes introduce the flavors and techniques of many different cultures and cuisines. How did you manage to cover so much ground? Seems like a daunting task.

A: It’s what I do.

Q: Out of the more than 2,000 recipes in the cookbook do you have a favorite dish or dessert that you turn to again and again?

A: No. There are hundreds I wish I could cook all the time, but one can only cook and eat so much. But in the last week, for example, I’ve made Fava Bean and Mint Salad with Asparagus; Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes; Cornbread Salad; and Red Lentils with Chaat Masala.

Q: Why is simplicity so important in cooking? What does the novice home cook need to know to cook and eat well?

A: Simplicity is only important because it’s the way to learn to cook; it’s very difficult to start cooking with complex dishes. For people to learn to cook, they must start simply--the way everyone used to cook. And, for most of us--including me--there’s no reason to carry things much further. Even the simplest cooking is rewarding, enjoyable, and--obviously--the healthiest and best way to eat.

Price: $35.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

Biggest Loser Nutritionist Shares Simple Swaps for Healthy Holiday Parties

Good nutrition isn’t all or nothing – especially during the busy, festive holiday feasting season. Rather than trying to follow a complicated plan to the letter – and giving up when you “blow it” by sampling one too many holiday cookies – make a smart series of small choices. Opt for healthier foods each time, and you’ll make steady progress toward your goals, regardless of the season.

Try these simple swaps to make easy, healthy food choices for holiday parties:

Swap famished for full. Eat a healthy snack before you head to the event to avoid gorging on the goodies. For staying power, snack on both carbs and protein - the combination helps slow the release of blood sugar to maintain steady energy and lengthens the sensation of satiety (a feeling of fullness).
Swap food gifts for flowers. If you bring food as a "hostess gift", it will likely be shared immediately with party goers, so don’t sabotage yourself by bringing extra temptation in the form of a present. In addition to flowers, calorie-free gift options include gift soap sets, cute cocktail napkins, and wine charms.
Swap chips for veggies. Go ahead and try the dips on the buffet table, but only with raw vegetables. If you're making the dip, serve it not only with sliced celery and carrots, but slivers of jicama root or small bites of broccoli; bake your own chips from tortillas and pitas. Try these recipes:
Swap sides for soup. Broth-based soups are not only flavorful, filling, and comforting on cold nights - they're also potentially packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to the dinner party menu or potluck buffet. Soup is easy to make beforehand and reheat at party time - lightening your workload. Try these recipes:
Swap seconds for a conversation. Instead of heading to the buffet table for a second plateful of goodies, sip a glass of water while introducing yourself to a guest you’ve never met. The water will help you feel full, and the pause between platefuls will give your body a chance to register whether you really have room for another slice of pie.
Swap guilt for fresh air. When you mark a party on the calendar, schedule exercise at the same time. A long walk or extended gym workout the day before and after the event will help balance out the extra calories – and by making time to exercise rather than wasting time fretting over what you ate, you’ll reduce holiday stress and get an added energy boost.

View the original article here

Quaker Simple Harvest Oatmeal (Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans)

(Photo Credit: Plaid Ninja)

There have been rumors of Quaker Simple Harvest products being discontinued, but I refused to believe! I really like the Quaker Simple Harvest Apples and Cinnamon Oats Cereal, and with my stockpile dwindling fast, I decided to try Quaker Simple Harvest Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans Oatmeal, which I found on sale, 2 for $5, at the drugstore.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 packet (42 grams)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 3.5 grams, 5%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, 2%
Sodium: 75 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugar: 9 grams
Protein: 4 grams

I popped a packet of this stuff in a cup, added the requisite water, and stuck it in the microwave. When it finished cooking (and after stirring it down a couple of times), I took my first spoonful. I really liked the pecans - there are a lot in each packet, but they are small nubs, not whole pecans like you might be used to seeing or like they portray on the box. The sweetness isn't excessive, either, which is quite nice. One word of warning though: make sure to stir the oatmeal thoroughly to distribute the maple sugar flavor, otherwise it stays at the bottom - and it gets sickeningly sweet towards the end.

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Each packet of Quaker Simple Harvest Apples and Cinnamon Oats Cereal provides 160 calories, 3.5 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of which is saturated, 4 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugars and 4 grams of protein. The ingredients include, "multi grain blend (whole grain rolled oats, whole grain rolled barley, whole grain rolled rye), sugar, whole grain rolled wheat, pecans, whole flaxseed, oat flour, natural flavors, and salt."

I would buy this again at that great price if I saw it again, but already I see the Simple Harvest replacement popping up on supermarket shelves, Quaker Hearty Medleys Fruit & Nuts, and I'm looking forward to trying the Banana Walnut variety. Other all natural instant oatmeal options you might like, McCann's Instant Irish Oatmeal (Regular) and Nature's Path Organic Instant Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Review. What's your favorite brand of instant oatmeal or do you always do stove-top?

View the original article here

The Simple, Proven Plan For Weight Loss & Control

Scientifically proven diet plan - No fad diets, No pills - No B.s.!! This new eBook with 3 Bonuses teaches how to lose weight permanently and live a healthy life!

Check it out!

Detox 101 -Super Simple Detox -The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Discover how To cleanse Your body with the seasons helps with Acne, Colds, Low Immune System, Constipation, Candida and Yeast Infection, Stress, Fatigue, Migraines, Headache, Overeating. Great for Weight Loss Programs and Diet Plans. Affiliates earn 70

Check it out!