inner engine fitness

I traveled to Anaheim, Ca. a week ago to help a Stacy with her company, Healthy Hoo-Hoo.  We had a blast and met some great people while handing out tons of samples to very interested, informed people.  They are concerned with finding the best natural products to put on and in their bodies.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Healthy Hoo-Hoo booth to say hello and try some samples.

Another fun extra to being at the expo was that I got to visit some of my favorite companies, trying new products as well as tasting beloved items I already knew.  I relished meeting people and companies that believe whole-heartedly in bringing natural products together under the same roof to support the same cause:  making the consumer healthy and informed!  Thanks to all the companies that are making headway in the natural products market!

Here are some of my favorite companies and products:

(feel free to let me know which are your favorite natural items, too!)

Zevia is a great alternative to soda of any kind.  It has no calories and deserves to be on your shelf for a special treat, in case you need a break from your lemon water  I really like the ginger ale and the citrus grapefruit.  At the expo, they were even using it as a mixer, so don’t be afraid to mix it up in your favorite cocktail, giving your evening splurge a guilt-free edge!

Keeki is a line of nail polish, polish removers, lip balm and other aesthetic items that teenagers and adults alike will appreciate when they want to add flair, but want to go without the chemicals!  I tried the Hoo-Hoo blue and green nail polish, as well as the creamsicle lip balm

Teeccino is a tasty herbal, caffeine-free coffee that is made from figs, barley, and chicory root, among other natural ingredients, to give you a health boost instead of a caffeine high.  It is a perfect addition to your morning brew or a great substitute for your afternoon java.  I also sampled their new super seed cereal which is tasty and really filling.  If you have this warm porridge in the morning, you can rest assured that you won’t get hungry mid-morning, as it is packed with seeds, oats, and nuts to help carry you through to lunch.

Those are just a few of my favorite products that were present.  I’ll share more later.  I can’t give away all my favorites in one blog, now can I?!  Feel free to check out these products and let me know what you think.  If you like them, share the knowledge.  Together we can make a difference in each other’s health!

Thanks again to all who were present at the expo and are making products worthy of the name natural!

It’s nearly Thanksgiving and you’ve been doing so well exercising and eating right.  So how do you handle the heaping portions on Thanksgiving?  Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re preparing for your big meal!

First of all, do not skip meals!  Breakfast is one of your biggest allies while trying to lose or even maintain your weight.  The first meal of the day is important for starting your metabolism and enabling you to have the energy to make it through this fun-filled day.  So, have a sensible breakfast tomorrow to get your engine started early!

Second, if you’re eating a big meal later in the day, make sure to have a light lunch or snack in the middle of the day.  By having your calories spread throughout the day, it gives your body the energy to burn in smaller amounts, instead of binging at one big meal later.  Remember that your body needs calories all day, not just a flood all at once! This is actually one of the secrets to shedding unwanted fat….shhh

Third, try to limit alcohol.  Alcohol packs quite a calorie punch, especially when paired up with high-fat foods.  There are 7 calories per gram in alcoholic beverages, so it sits in between a carb and a fat, a little closer to the fat in the calorie spectrum.  It also enables your body to hold onto more fat when it is consumed, making those calories more detrimental to your waistline.  So, if you must have an alcoholic beverage, choose wine or beer, as they tend to be more filling and consumed more slowly and with less calories than hard liquor.

Fourth, when it comes time for the big meal, remember to help yourself to veggies and fill the majority of your plate with lower calorie options, like steamed carrots, turkey and fresh green beans.  Save less room on your plate for stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole, as these options tend to harbor a lot of fat and calories.

The fifth great technique is to enjoy a little bit of everything you like and savor the flavors, taking your time to eat.  By the time you are finished the food your plate, you should feel satisfied and too content to help yourself to seconds.  It’s definitely the seconds that can sabotage your good intentions.  If you still feel hungry and dessert will be a long time coming, choose salad, vegetables or turkey as second helping options.

Last but not least, don’t forget dessert if you want it.  A small piece of pumpkin pie is not going to derail your fitness efforts and pumpkin is in fact a superfood, so make sure to satisfy your emotional longing for things you wait all year for.  It really makes the occasion special if you don’t deprive yourself!

I hope these tips help you to navigate healthfully through your big day tomorrow.  Focus on the friends and family, as well as enjoying the food, and you are sure to have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

How are you planning to welcome the fall? Is your fitness routine going to change for the better? Are you going to make healthier choices when it comes to food? Making a transition time like autumn work for you by creating a space to enhance your health is a great way to alleviate stress and make changes for the better.
We all have a tendency to take it a little easier in the summer. It is part of our normal pattern of living. Summer days are long and warm, creating a feeling of kicking back and enjoying a little down time. Sometimes that means a few less workouts and a few more ice cream cones than we had planned for.
Fall is a great time to rethink your goals and put fitness into your schedule book. With the onset of autumn come a cooler, more invigorating environment and a more structured routine. With the beginning of school, busier traffic patterns, and many other obligations, you have a need to become more efficient. Sometimes having a busy schedule works in your favor. When you prioritize your time, you realize what is really important to you. One of those important activities should be exercise!
Now, when I say exercise, it can mean anything active, not just a structured routine. Just adding a 30 minute walk in the morning or a late afternoon stretching session can change your health and overall outlook, making other obligations seem a little less arduous. Little changes quickly move into a desire to want more of what you got a small taste of. That means that by the time September ends, you could be walking five days a week, sleeping better and eating more healthfully. It may sound unlikely, but your body wants to feel good, so it will crave exercise and vitamin-rich food. Changes will happen organically, you’ll see!
So, this autumn, make a few small changes in your daily routine. Start your day with oatmeal and a smoothie followed by a short walk around your neighborhood. Or work on your mind/body connection in the evening with stretches and candlelight to decompress, followed by a meal of chicken or veggie stirfry. In less than a month, with consistency and dedication, you will have transformed your attitude to one in control of your health. You will definitely feel a lot better about your busy schedule if you make transition time work for you and your goals!