8 Wellness Secrets: Tips from our Skinny friends!!

1.) Eat Until Your Satisfied- Not until you're stuffed!!

 

When you eat, honour your bodies natural signal of fullness and PUT THE FORK DOWN, because it doesn't feel good to be overly full. To tap into your bodies natural power of telling you when you are full can be done by eating slowly, chew about 20 times, savour your food and stop munching when your level of fullness is on 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. The reason: By the time your brain gets the message that you're satisfied , you would be stuffed to your core. Since it takes about 15 minutes for your stomach to relay the message to your brain that you're full.

 

2.) Be picky about what you put on yout plate!!

 

You won't just wear any clothes, settle for any job, drive any car or live just anywhere, right? You take calculated risks in life and work towards achieving your dreams and goals by choosing a great career and working towards fullfiling all your desires. SO WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU PUT JUST ANYTHING IN YOUR BODY?!

Be picky about what you put in your plate, it's a characteristic most skinny woman have as well as men that body build. They're very aware of their likes and dislikes - and are unwilling to nibble on something just because its available!! If they don't love it or find it worthwhile , they won't eat it. Even if they do love it, they sacrifice because nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!

Your body is worth the best , most delicious food possible. And that sad looking leftover danish pastry does not suffice!!!!

 

3.) Don't Deprive Yourself

 

Many men and woman , myself included, are stuck in a diet mentality , where foods are either good or bad. However it's good to give yourself a treat day once a week, or once every two weeks!

A little good chocolate? Why not!  A small chunk of flavorful cheese? yes please!

It's the all things in moderation idea in action. Decide if you REALLY want it, eat a small amount, and enjoy it.The key words here are small amount. ONE piece of pizza, not three. A modest bowl of pasta, not a piling platter. When you give yourself permission to enjoy reasonable portions of food you crave, you feel satisfied and won't binge as much! Don't do this often, or your diet won't succeed!

 

 

4.) Get some quality sleep

 

There is so much evidence which shows that inadequate sleep boosts hunger and slows down your metabolism, both of those can lead to a huge impact on your weight, causing you to gain weight very quickly. A lack of sleep alters levels of hormones in the body that causes appetites to increase, so you keep eating long after your brain should have got the message that you're full.

On average you need about 7 hours of sleep at night.

 

5.) Squeeze in exercise whenever you can

 

Regular workouts keep your weight in check, but research has also revealed that a few simple routine changes - like taking the steps instead of the escalator, or walking instead of driving - can help lose weight. A little extra movement can burn 300 extra calories a day, without breaking a sweat! DO the math! The lesson: sneak in a little activity whenever you can to win the weight war!

 

 

 6.) Don't eat your emotions

 

I, for one, must say that I am incredibily guilty of this, I either eat my emotions away on goodies and treats I love OR I lose my appetite completely!!

There is other ways to deal with stress that doesn't involve FOOD!!

It may be exercise or venting to a friend, but it's not a pint of haagen daz choc chip ice cream!!

Try to keep your stress and anxiety at bay, research has shown that stress hormones are linked to weight gain and causes your body to go into fat storage mode and this specifically targets your middle. YOU DON'T WANT A FAT PACK!!

 

 

7.) Pile your late with produce

 

Eat lots of produce, with every single meal. Start off with a salad, or eat the salaad as a side. The reason why many people choke down salaad and steamed veggies, as though it is fear factor, is simply because they have not learned how to make them delicious!!

This can be done by uses herbs and spices and a squirt of citrus or other flavour-boosting ingredients (and i don't mean butter). Bonus: You get to eat more when you load up on salaad and veggies , they have less calories than other foods and their filling fibre will keep you satisfied. It's a recipe for slimness!!

 

8.) Don't be scared of the scale

 

It's very important to keep tabs on your digits. It helps with maintenance of your weight.It allows you to catch yourself if you go a couple of grams up , rather than letting it go to the point where your favourite jeans don't fit. Because hey, it's easier to lose 2 kilos than it is to lose 10. Don't obsessively weigh yourself though, limit yourself to once a week. ideally in the morning before breakfast.

 

 have a wonderful week!!!

The skinny confidential- Some diet secrets!!

Success is 10 percent determination and 90 percent perspiration.

 

Want to lose weight?? Trying to lose weight??

lets get this straight, there is no secret, there is no diet pills or shakes, its hard work , eating healthy and exercise!!

 

Don’t sit around today, like a loser slob, toying with the idea of working out *cringe* . Just.do.it. All the stagnant effort spent thinking about the gym, could be time spent on your health.

You’re only one workout away from a good mood. Sweating releases stress, toxins, & endorphins. Ahhhh endorphins, how I love you!

Sooooo…what are you waiting for? Chop, chop, get going!

 

Here's the secrets to the 'crash diet' , drink alot of water, keep bottles of water with you at all times and whenever you feel peckish between meals, constantly drink water, it will keep you full and detox your body removing ALL the toxins!!

 

An excellent trick when you feeling hungry is to chew gum, it may not be healthy, but it reduces cravings. A good sugar free gum is essential, I go through packs a day. Every time I crave a chocolate or a biscuit, I chew gum instead, the "bubble gum diet". Hunies, it won't take away your craving completely, don't be stupid now, It requires self control but it keeps your mouth busy so you forget the chocolate and has some flavour bursts to reduce cravings!!

YOU THE BOSS OF YOUR BODY!!!

 



Exercise is really important, you have to work out, but it won't matter how much you exercise if what you put in your plate isn't right. The best thing to do is to eat clean and healthy and couple that with exercise to keep you going and help you to lose weight!!

 

 

The simple truth is that you need to eat well and exercise well to see a weight loss. Starvation may appear to work but once you so much as sniff a carb, consider yourself 5 kilos up. SO don't look at a quick fix, look at the long term, change your eating habits and your lifestyle. Being fit is a fashion trend thats definitely here to stay!

Once you lose that excess weight, you can then look to toning up and looking like a lean mean fighting machine!!

 

- Eat ONLY whole, clean foods.

- No processed foods or sugar

- no sodas, cooldrinks or juices

- 4-6 meals/snacks per day

( now when i say 4 to 6 meals, I mean breakfast lunch and supper and a snack not 6 solid meals)

 

- Examples of meals: oatmeal with fruit, sliced apples with a sprinkle of salt, fresh fish with steamed veggies & brown rice, cucumber slices & almonds, &/or a spinach salad with lean meat.

 

- Examples of meals: 30 grams of all bran flakes with fat free milk, sliced apples with a sprinkle of salt, a fresh salaad with lean chicken pieces and 2 provitas, cucumber or carot slices & almonds, &/ or salt and pepper chicken with steamed veggies.

 

please remember not to lace your salaads with dressing as this can spoil a diet completely, dressings are most fattening- as I've mentioned in a previous blog post. click here for an easy healthy salad dressing recipe!

 

 

I am not a believer in any of the high protein/low carb/low fat dealios. Your body needs a balanced amount of carbs for energy, fat to make you full and protein to maintain and build muscle. It also needs to eat every few hours.

Sticking to the above eating examples for a few weeks and mixing it up a little will definitely get you a drastic weight loss (If you unsure of whats healthy or not find out before you eat it, some foods appear to be healthy but are in fact the worst thing you could put in your body!)

 

Have a goal weight, write it down and stick to it, once you reach it, you won't ever want to look back. You'll realise what you worked hard for and how much more you can get through the day. Be responsible, be healthy. This means taking care of your body and ensuring you aren't over weight , nor are you under weight.



A friend of mine and I were just discussing this, you can change how you look and alter your physical appearance, however you have to condition your mind to do it, you have to be dedicated and motivated in order to achieve your goal weight, or you will NEVER get there!! Don't feel sorry for yourself, we all are dealing with it and doing it. losing weight it hard, maintaining weight it hard, staying fat is hard. CHOOSE your hard!!

 



 

Diet is EVERYTHING. You want to be fit- train hard. You want to be lean- eat impeccable!!!

 

Number one food/drink that puts weight on?
Sodas & processed foods, especially SUGAR

 

+ Quick, skinny tip?
cut out all processed sugars & added sugars for seven days to shed body fat immediately [ including all “healthy” sweeteners & artificial sweeteners ]. Your taste buds will come back =).

+ Eat Your Super Foods
What’s a super food? It’s a specific food that’s high in nutrients with tons of health benefits. They’re usually also full of nourishing vitamins for hair, skin, and nails. Hopefully, there’s a few occupying your fridge already…if not, run as fast as you can to the grocery store

SF List:

+ Veggies: asparagus, avocados, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, crimini mushrooms, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, kale, onions, peas, portobello mushrooms, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnip greens, winter squash, yams.

 

 

+ Calcium-Rich Foods:  cheese [ low-fat ], cottage cheese, skim milk, orange juice, rice milk, soy milk, yogurt [ think Greek yogurt, specifically ].

 

+ Fruits: apples, apricots, bananas, black olives, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon.

 

+ Grains:  brown rice, corn, oats, quinoa, rye, whole grain bread/pasta, whole wheat bread

 

+ Proteins: chicken [ skinless ], chickpeas, egg whites, eggs, fish, kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, salmon, seafood, sesame seeds, tuna

 

etc etc etc lol just because you're on a diet, does not mean you starving!

 

remember your options are endless, so long as you dont add butter, oil and other fats and sugars lol



 



 

I am a firm believer in keeping my taste buds happy in a healthy way. When it comes to water it can be repetitive and dull. I try & keep my daily intake interesting. Some examples are hot water and lemom , green tea.

 

Quick Skinny Tip: do not drink your calories. It’s not worth it; juices, sodas and mocktails add up. Water & teas are the best choices

 

 your body needs water, water is SO important. Sodas , even diet sodas, are the worst drink to possibly have, nothing makes you gain weight more than sodas and juices. CUT IT OUT!!!!

If you can't do without a soda completely, take it in small steps, opt for a diet coke or coke zero, but if you want a serious weight loss, avoid sodas completely!!

 

How to make your water interesting :

 

you need some raspberries

 

 

some water, valpre is fine too.



pop the berries into the water.

 





 

 

there you have it, a refreshing antioxidant infused water.

Rasberries are rich in vitamin B. Perfect for gym.

 

The first few Kilos are always the hardest to lose, but once you shed the first few, the rest will come falling off!!!

Fashion Forward OR Fashion Fail??

lets face it, celebrities can wear the most outlandish outfits ever- but sometimes crazy ensembles are the biggest fashion trends.

Are you a true fashionista or just somebody that picks their outfit off the floor? (Come on, we know that you leave your clothes on the floor!) What's stylish and hip can look totally gross to some people, but like a beautiful work of art to another. Let's see how current you are with fashion trends!

What you generally wear is up to you, it's best to keep it classy and simple.

YOU DONT HAVE TO WEAR EVERY FASHION TREND...

especially not all at once in one outfit!!!

 

Here are some basic must haves for spring 2012/2013

 

The Candy Floss coloured skinny jeans which are having a whirl wind effect on us all. Its a must have for a fresh clean look. Wear it simply, paired with a white t or a pretty shirt. Dress it up or down. My favourite colours are the baby pink and the shades of light blue.

Above are some of my favourite ways to dress up your skinny jeans , keeping it fresh and simple!

SHOES!!!

Currently, I am very into wedges, all kinds of wedges, especially the peep toe. The shoe you wear dresses your outfit down. If you have a very simple outfit, dress it up with a shoe, and if you have a busy shoe, keep your outfit simple.

always accerssorize with a bag and jewellery. After all we are woman, may as well make the most of it.

Hope you all have these goodies in your closets for spring!
happy dressing!!!

Skinny Diaries - watching what you eat!

I haven't really been putting much focus on diet lately, and if I decided to step on the scale tonight I'm sure it would show. Life of a student is stressful to say the least, and when my body experiences stress it does one of two things: I over eat on delicious fatty foods like burgers and fries, pastries, or chocolate ice cream... etc. OR my appetite is completely gone and nothing is edible.

Well, this time, my body has decided to combine the two... I now feel completely nauseated about 70% of the day, and when food actually does sound good.... it’s the salty, fried, fatty foods that my body is ok with ingesting. Luckily though.... I don't eat much of it.

How many of you experience the same things????

I'm at a loss right now... I don't know how to curb this eating issue my body has decided to create – And but right now veggies and sweets are making me gag... and that is so weird.

I'm really hoping this is all over soon. This can't be healthy.

 

So I have been thinking , One of the best things to do when trying to monitor what you eat, especially when you want to lose weight is a food diary, its one of thee most effective ways to know what you putting in your body is keeping an account of everything you eat. I like to call mine the ‘skinny diaries’. With many people they believe they are dieting and when its time to step on the scale, they can’t seem to fathom WHY they have not lost weight, or not lost enough of weight. This is because they think the little crumbs of cake and two teaspoons of full cream milk in their tea don’t play a role in their weight loss. With weight, EVERYTHING matters, down to the smallest crumb. So it’s best to keep a record of everything you have eaten, even the minute’s crumb, that way you will know what’s affecting your body and what to cut out.

 

 

While its very important to eat food, its important to eat the right food and eliminate the junk. Do it the right way and it will stay off, crash diet and as soon as you SNIFF that cinnabon in the mall, it’s going to pile right back on before you can say the word YUMMY!

In an issue of Shape they did an article on “Foods That Whittle Your Middle,” which I wanted to pass along to all of you! Summer is around the corner and while I know everyone is busy, it’s important to fuel the body properly & eat healthfully. This article broke it down in a clear, concise way with foods that I am sure most of you have in your fridge [ at least, I hope you do ; ) ]

+ Grapefruit: it’s filled with water & fiber. Eating half a grapefruit with meals promotes weight loss. (Now this doesn’t mean eating a full fatty meal with oils and butter and expecting to eat a grapefruit to break it down for you lol, keep it clean and wholesome!!)

+ Spinach: it’s seven calories a cup [ uncooked ]! Spinach has tons of folate which lowers your stress hormones [ stress hormones- that makes you gain weight in your mid section- you want as low stress hormones as possible ]. Add it to smoothies or baked potatoes, eat it in a salad!

+ Eggs: they contain B12, which is an energizing vitamin that helps boost the metabolism & burn fat. Protein also keeps you full. But too much of this can result in weight gain, it’s the egg whites that are healthy, not the egg yolks, monitor how much you eat. And when making your egg, keep the fat you put in it at a bare minimum.

+ Chili Pepper/Flakes: I die over spicy food- it’s my favorite. Add these to hummus, salt and pepper chickens, pizza’s – the day you indulging, etc. to spark the metabolism & increase calorie burning.

+ Dark Chocolate: the perfect dessert in MODERATION & a healthy fat [ other healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, & olives ].

++ Extra foods that shrink that annoying muffiny looking crap that hangs over the jeans: Greek yogurt [ it's filling ], berries [ loaded with fiber ], & pineapple [ eliminates bloat ]. The best snack during the day is fruit, especially apples, they a source of fibre and keep you full.

Why not... Eliminate the drama?!

 

 

The drama queen. There always seems to be at least one in every class of high school, at work, or in our daily lives, and she always seems to be able to garner attention whenever someone else’s was shining a bit too brightly, or when the spotlight on her was beginning to dim.

Whether from a distance or someone you knew more directly, you probably can recall this type of person and the type of behaviors that they regularly exhibit. Behaviors perhaps were arguments, or filthy, hurtful rumors or pretending to know something that everyone else would want to know – in other words, they loved having the power – the attention – of those around them.

But such behavior is draining of valuable finite energy for the people who choose to spend time with this person, and it certainly is exhausting for the drama queen herself. After all, if she’s spending time concocting falsehoods and intriguing, yet pointless bits of information, when is she able to find time for things that really matter?

I think it is safe to say, drama in our lives is not an attribute of a well-lived life. Even though the drama queens may have raised their ugly heads in our youth, such people still exist in adulthood unfortunately, and it is up to each one of us to refuse to get sucked into their web.

How to Eliminate Drama

1. Change what you talk about

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

2. Keep some things to yourself

While it’s good to have mystery and maintain your privacy, it’s also important to not share everything with people you don’t know all that well.

 

3. Be observant
We gain knowledge by observing, not by talking (unless we are asking questions of course). So choose to observe others’ behaviors and tendencies because as we all know, actions speak much louder than words ever will.
4. Create healthy boundaries

Personal information should remain personal. In other words, if you don’t trust that someone will be able to keep information private, don’t share it with them.

5. Take time to assess

Before jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst, take a step back so that you can gather your emotions and let them calm down. Then with a clear head, evaluate the situation by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. By doing this, you will be better able to make a sound decision that you won’t regret in the future.
6. Learn how to let off steam in a healthy manner

We all get upset. After all, we are human, but take the time to monitor how you feel and what makes you feel that way when you become angry, jealous, defensive, etc. Then look for ways to healthily let go because bottling it up won’t help either. Maybe it is journaling, talking to a trusted friend, running or weeding your garden. Whatever activity helps you release the negative emotions, partake in it before you do something you might regret.

7. Be proactive

Often part of the reason emotions run high and in a negative direction is because we are emotionally exhausted due to either over-scheduling or constantly placing ourselves in situations that are not healthy. Whether it is taking on too many responsibilities or spending time with people who constantly make you feel bad about yourself, choose in advance how much time you really have to offer and who you spend your time with as a way to reduce negative emotions and exhaustion.

8. Learn to say no

When you know what you can do, and what will enhance your life, it becomes much easier to say no to things that will not be beneficial. While no one wants to hear “no”, using this power is a way of respecting yourself.

9. Assume the best

Eliminate the cynic that wants to raise its ugly head and assume the best until you have all of the facts. Yes, you will get your heartbroken or be disappointed at times, but, as my mom reminded me, wouldn’t you rather want to make the mistake of expecting something wonderful instead of the alternative?

10. Spend time with positive people

The simplest way to reduce drama is to spend time with people who shun it as well. In other words, seek out positive, supportive people. we are a product of our environments, and the more we accept this, the more we accept responsibility for choosing better scenarios to place ourselves in. A great book to read on this subject is Situations Matter by Sam Sommers.

The beauty of eliminating drama comes in the form of living a more fulfilling, pleasure-filled life. Below are a few minutes that immediately came to my mind:
Benefits of Eliminating Drama

1. Build respectful relationships
2. Reduce stress
3. Create stability
4. Increase positive energy
5. More productivity
6. Build self-confidence
7. Reduce cynicism
8. Cultivate loving relationships
9. Increase in creativity
10. Ability to focus on what really matters

 

In conclusion, the life we create for ourselves is determined by the attitudes we embody, the people we surround ourselves with and the way we spend our time. Choose wisely.

Listen to what lifts you up and inspires you, and pay close attention to what tears you down or belittles your confidence. Run to the former and run from the latter. Have a magnificant monday everyone.

Ombre (Dip Dye)

Jessica Biel has done it. Gwyneth Paltro, too. Rachel Bilson. Even I have given it a try.

What am I talking about?? Ombre Hair.

The French-termed hair trend features darker, more natural hues at the roots with gradually-dyed lightening at the ends. Finally, a trend that doesn’t require a busy woman of the world to run to the salon every 8-12 weeks for a touch-up!

When I mentioned the trend to my mum a few months ago, and showed her some pictures, she thought the celebrities looked as though they had missed one too many trips to the salon, while others were in love with the look. I feel somewhat ambivalent - when done right it can look natural and sunkissed, but it can also go very very very wrong if the lighter colour at the bottom goes brassy!!

 

While the Ombre trend started a while ago, it ended very quickly, many people jumped off the Ombre train with a crash landing. However now I see its back again for spring 2012, and it looks like this time, It's here to stay ;)

Usually, I would not describe myself as someone that is a slave to fashion, or someone that follows all the latest trends, I would describe myself as a simple girl who sticks to what she knows best and what suits me. I rarely ever try new things. But while watching one of my favourite series "Hart of Dixie" starring Rachel Bilson (which if you havn't been watching... please start!!) I was highly intrigued by her hair. Rachel Bilson plays the role of a Doctor Zoe Hart. To me it appeared as they were trying to make it look as though she was too busy to dye her hair, but it had a sunkissed look to it, I loved it. I did some research and found pictures of Ombre hair, one specifically caught my attention and I HAD TO HAVE IT. It was a picture of Jessica Biel with perfectly Ombred hair!!



The Ombre Hair I had to have!!!

So after 3 months of deliberation and FINALLY deciding I would NOT do Ombre hair .... I went for hair cut and all of a sudden in the salon, I decided , Impulsively to Ombre my hair. The Result??

 

I opted to do an Ombre look that was not as light as jessica biels, something that would suit my complexion and something that is quite close to my original hair colour!

 

 

I walked out of the salon a happy bunny, quite thrilled with my hair and how it looked. I am so glad I tried the ombre hair look, but I have come to the conclusion that ombre hair is not for me or my personality and not something I will do again, unless I'm feeling very risky that day and I decide to go as light in colour as Jessica Biels  ;). I think I'll stick to my usual look.

Hollywood actresses Drew Barrymore's and Rachel Bilson's tousled waves have become synonymous with two-toned locks. And pop stars like Lady Gaga and Ciara continue to flirt with extreme versions. However, there are a few styling basics us everyday girls should keep in mind when going ombre.

 

Ask your hairstylist questions before he or she breaks out the hair dye
When you visit the salon, bring in photographs of ombre you like, as there are softer versus more severe, trendy versions. Be sure to mention how you typically style your hair. For example, if you blow-dry daily, ombre will look super shiny. And if your texture is air-dried, ombre looks amazing, too. Brunettes going ombre can oxidize (chemical process in which hair color changes shades when exposed to oxygen and UV rays), so make sure to ask about the right shampoos to use and about how light the ends will be.

 

The good news: ombre works on all complexions
Women with light skin tones have more room to play with, as you can go for a more copper color. For medium skin tones, I’d recommend a more neutral to ash ombre, giving contrast to your ends and making your eyes pop. Darker skin should choose cooler ombre as well. I wouldn’t recommend gold, as it will look too monochrome. The point of ombre is to enhance your skin tone, not match it.

 

With this hair color, upkeep is simple

Bare is Best!

PALE NAILS!!!

 

 

Fashion Isn't Only About What clothes you wear....

 

Recently I read an article in vogue which challenged my thinking on nail colours.  The spate of women sporting blue, yellow and purple fingers and toes ( As vogue would say "Nails Gone Wild Enthusiam") this winter intrigued me. and when I went for a pre-Luncheon manicure, I just could not do it. I have always been a nude, barely there, nail colour person.

 

 

As I have started buying key summer pieces I am falling in love with pastal shades, lots of pastal  jeans, shirts, dare I say, even shoes. However I am loving my colourless nails even more!

 

 

In March for my birthday and ever since then, I went for a Pale Nail look. It does look quite edgy and classy! and isn't it refreshing?? It's Perfect for spring and summer!

 

Below are My Pale Nail Looks.

 

A Pale Nail Look and A back to basics clear Nail Look.

 

 

The Pale Nail/ Clear Nail look is suitable for everyone, all skin shades and all complexions!! It has been worn on the runways of Alexnder Wang and Zak Posen Spring 2012. The designer Zak Posen asked the manicurist to choose nudes for each model based specifically on her complexion.

 

A model wears Butter London’s Nail Foundation at Altuzarra (left) and Coco Rocha models backstage at Zac Posen

 

 

 

For this pale nail/clear nail look:

 

 

Keep Your nails neat and clean. One of My favourite products to use to keep my hands soft and silky is the body shop wild rose hand cream, it has an SPF 15 and hydrates and helps protect againsr the appearance of spots. It smells devine!!!

 

Dare to Bare!!!