Flaming Food

Do you ever feel so full after you eat? Do you ever look in the mirror after a meal and think you look inflamed? It is a fact that certain convenient foods that do cause inflammation.

Fatty red meats, refined carbs, prepackaged processed meats are all on this list! Fatty cuts of red meat contain excess cholesterol and saturated fats! Refined carbs, (such as white rice, white pastas, chips, cookies, pastries, and soft drinks) are all very low in fiber resulting in high GI rating. They also have low levels of antioxidants, if any.  Prepackaged meats (such as deli meats; ham, roast beef, ect.) are saturated and trans fats. They are also known to have cancer-causing nitrates.

These are just to name a few. There are many others that can cause inflammation as well. If you can avoid these foods, I would opt for more nutrient filled foods. By avoiding foods such as these and opting for more nutritious foods it will keep your body more fulfilled and looking great!

-Jillian

Toe Shoes

I am obsessed with my Vibram FiveFinger shoes! I do my cardio, weight training, anything you can think of yes I even use them doing Pilates. They are so comfortable like you are not even wearing shoes, just natural! I get asked all the time how do I like them? I am not a gym shoe lover! I would rather run bare foot doing sprints on a treadmill! ( I have done this, and I would not recommend it!) I will not wear any other "gym" shoe again. They hold up great and I do beat on them!

 If you want more information visit their website Vibram FiveFingers

The best

Low - Carb Diet

I have been asked what my opinion of  low carb/fat diets is. Well any diet is good for a period of time. With the low carb/fat diet I have acouple concerns.One is your levels of leptin* will drop after time. Now when those levels drop your hunger rises and your diet will no longer fulfill you. This more then likely will lead back into bad habits in eating especially in food that are high in fats and sugars! Also many people do complain of lack of energy! Remember carbs is the primary fuel source for your body! If you are certain that you still would like to try this and be on this diet I would say try one or two days have a high carb high calorie meal. This should balance your levels out and recharge your body!



 -Jillian
* Leptin is a protein hormone with important effects in regulating body weight, metabolism and reproductive function.*

Fat Burning Breakfast

Maple Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup old-fashion oats, I used the rolled oats from Whole Foods
• 1 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp of pure maple extract
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg, I used fresh grated nutmeg
• 3 tbsp nonfat cottage cheese
• Sugar to substitute taste, I didnt use any sugar and it still tasted great!

 Combine all ingredient into a oven safe dish bake at 350 degrees for about 30 mins, or until the top oatmeal is firm.

* This is for one serving

** If you would also like to know the nutrition value of this as well just ask!

Picture It...

When setting any goals its very important to set high but realistic goals! Some people are motivated by seeing pictures either of themselves at a time when they thought they looked great or sometimes celebrities. I think this is a great idea to a point. Its always a good idea to set amazing goals for ones self but at the same time are they goals that can be reached? For an example if you have always been heavier your whole life and struggled with your body is a good idea to put a picture out of Victoria Beckham? Now I am not being mean! The truth is that you will never look like her. That is the truth! I know many people would shake their heads and say I can if I work hard but NO you cant. Your body is not built like that!! That is just how it is. I just want to make it clear to set a reasonable goal and push past it! I don't really like the idea of putting a celebrity picture and place your goal on that. There are so many false ideas with those images that you see! Photoshop, lighting, spanx, and as far as cosmetic procedures to enhance or change their bodies. I am not knocking them at all nor cosmetic procedures, I have had work done and will admit it. Its just sad to see so many people trying to be something that may or may not be realistic for them. There are other ways to reach YOUR goals!! If you dont feel like you have ever looked a way you wanted then start with taking a picture of yourself and post it either on the fridge, treadmill, or wherever it helps you. I would say every 2 weeks, take another picture and post it next to the one from before. If your a female wear a sports bra and shorts, a male wear shorts. This way you can see progress, DONT BE ASHAMED no matter what size you are. Start with aiming to drop a pants size! Then set other goals whatever they may be either to run a 5k, be a certain yet reasonable size dress or pants, or any other goals you have. Stay on track and remember to treat yourself for yourself for reaching goals! If you need help ASK!! Trainers can be expensive but they can also work around your needs! Nutritionist can get very pricey but there are options too! I can recommend trainers as well, all one has to do is ask. Its all worth it even if it means you cant buy those new shoes this week and spend it on a trainer :)

I'm not telling you it is going to be easy—I'm telling you it's going to be worth it. --Art Williams

 

-Jillian

Weighing in..

 Some people dread the word scale and some people are on theirs about 4 times a day. Do you ever wonder why your scale is different from the gyms or your friends? Dont just buy a cheap scale and rely on it!! Make sure you invest in a good one! Here are some scales that have great reviews and comments!!

• Weight Watchers Glass Memory Precision Electronic Scale WW43 
• Newline Wooden platform electronic Bathroom Scale SBB0806
• Tanita BC-558 Segmental Body Composition Monitor
• My Weigh XL-550 Talking Scale
• Bowflex Total Body Fat Analyzer and Scale 5584BOW 

 The scales range in price from about $60 to $175.

Great Morning Breakfast

French Toast

• 1 cup egg substitute
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 10 slices low calorie whole wheat bread, thinly sliced
• Butter spray

Instructions:
In shallow bowl, combine egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Dip bread into mixture until coated well. Place non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with butter spray. Place dipped bread in skillet and brown about 3 minutes on each side, spraying more butter if necessary. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with light syrup.  5 servings of 2 slices each. 

Serving size: 2 slices
Calories: 147
Protein: 11 grams
Carbohydrate: 22 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 1 milligram
Sodium: 306 milligrams 

-Gay Riley Recipe

Snacks..

Is it late at night? Are you watching tv? Sitting around?? Having people over? Instead of wasting your money on 100 calorie snack packs or digging into the bag of chips you found in the kitchen why dont you try some of these easy, fast, great tasting, and more filling 100 calorie snack!!

• Sliced tomato with a pinch of feta cheese and olive oil
• Banana
• Tall skinny latte from Starbucks
• Non fat string cheese
• 1 cup of carrots even add 2 teaspoons of your favorite hummas
• Half of a cantaloupe, YES a whole half!!
• 1 Cup of strawberries. Have a sweet tooth? Add 3 tablespoons of cool whip and still be at 100

This is to just name a few, there are so many other great tasting things that are filling and still good for you!!

Your thoughts..

One in 20 women would rather give up a limb than be obese, according to a study in the journal Obesity. What would you give up or nothing at all?!



Jillian